Introduction to city Kolkata - In West Bengal
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is a city that means many
things to many people. For some, it is the city of joy,
while for others it is dirty, crowded, and noisy. Once
the greatest colonial city in the Orient, Kolkata was
later reviled as a cauldron of poverty, dirt, and disease.
Today, it ranks among the four major metropolis of India
along with Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. A mere village
in the 17th century, Kolkata is not an ancient city like
Delhi. Like Mumbai and Chennai, it originated largely
due to the expansionist ambitions of the European powers,
especially the British Raj. Little wonder, Kolkata has
some of the finest Raj edifices built in a variety of
styles.
Kolkata was the first capital of the British in India.
The city was established in 1686 when the British moved
to the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and Kalikata
from their trading port of Hooghly. It progressed well
until 1756 when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked
the town and drove away the British. Lord Clive retook
Kolkata and until 1911, it remained the capital of the
British government in India. Being the centre of power
for so long created a unique culture and heritage, totally
unlike any other city in India.
SightSeeing : Places to visit in
destination - Kolkata
Kolkata is the proud intellectual capital of the country.
The city has made outstanding contribution to the country
in the field of arts, sciences, medicine, social reform
and literature. The city retains some of the most striking
colonial buildings of the country. It used to be the capital
of the British East India Company and the evidence of
the British colonization persists there in the city. The
Victoria Memorial is a grand edifice constructed
in the memory of Queen Victoria. This building houses
a number of rare specimens of the historical preserves
of the land. Howrah Bridge is another landmark
that denotes the city of joy. This hanging bridge is an
architectural marvel of the country. The second largest
planetarium in Asia, the Birla Planetarium is another
site that attracts attention of all regardless of their
age. The recently built Vidyasagar Setu, another
architectural marvel, connects both the banks of the Hooghly
River. The Metro Railway, Indian Museum, Dalhousie
Square, St. Paul/’s Cathedral, National Library, Shaheed
Minar, Eden Garden, Fort William, Rat Park and Marble
Palace are some of the other sites of the city that
are worth visiting.
Excursions : Places nearby city -
Kolkata
Beyond Kolkata/’s immediate claustrophobia a few suburban
towns of yore still exist, a little senile and lost in
a myriad memories, chasing the past down the chiaroscuro
of history, and then, breathless, watching the eternal
dance of life reflected at dusk on the waters of the Hooghly.
Their lanes and bylanes, now crowded with cycle-rickshaws
and men and meanness, once witnessed the best of times
and the worst of times. And they passed through the age
of foolishness and the age of wisdom.
Today, in spite of the crowds, you/’ll hear little-known
stories about the glorious Fort Gustavus in Chinsura
or the miracle of Nossa Senhora di Rozario in Bandel.
Head for these sleepy towns and villages in the outskirts
of Kolkata, and you are sure to have a wonderful time
amidst nature, far away from the din and bustle of the
city. Also take some time off to visit Tagore/’s university
township of Shanti Niketan and the temples at Belur
and Dakshineshwar.
Kolkata City Travel Guide |
Sight Seeing of Kolkata |
Excursion in Kolkata
Kolkata Travel Tours |
Kolkata Hotels |
Picture Gallery of Kolkata
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