State :
West Bengal


Climates :
Calcutta (Kolkata) has a mild and moderate climate with temperature in the summer between 32° C and 38° C and between 10°C and 20° C in winter. However the summer humidity level is very high. The best time therefore to visit this city is between October and March when the temperature is at its best and the festivals are being held. And the average rainfall is 158 cm between June and September.


Significance :
This capital city of West Bengal was the Capital of India during the British rule. Known for its palatial buildings and Bengali sweets.


Kolkata – the city of joy :
The capital of West Bengal, Kolkata, is the land of Mother Teresa and Rabindra Nath Tagore. It is also considered as the land of intellectuals. Known for its rich and vibrant culture, Kolkata is also famous as the land of Communist ideology and a very politically aware city.

Kolkata became one of the largest cities in the world from a fishermen's' village. This modern city maintains its originality, through its age old culture. Kolkata is a perfect blend of modern lifestyle and traditional values.

Kolkata owns country's first Metro railway and some very old buildings of more than a hundred years. The city evokes extreme emotions along with enduring charm. Kolkata has deep-rooted culture, wide range of literature and exciting religious ceremonies.


History :
Kolkata was the capital of British India, before Delhi took over as the capital.


Famous for - the Palatial Buildings :
Once the city of Zamindars, Kolkata has numerous palatial buildings, which dot the street sides of the city. The palatial buildings of the city gave it the name - "the city of palaces". Kolkata is the most modern metropolis of the eastern part of India. It is also one of the largest cities of the world.


Connectivity :
» By Air – Kolkata is connected to most of the cities in India, by air. Kolkata is also the also the international and a number of international airlines like British Airways, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines and Air India operate direct flights to and fro Kolkata.

» By Rail - Kolkata is the most important city in Eastern India on the Indian Railways map and is connected by Super fast trains to almost all parts of North, East and Southern India. The city has two major railway stations-one at Howrah and the other at Sealdah.

» By Road - Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The Esplanade Terminus in the heart of the city, is the main bus terminus. A new development is the starting of Dhaka-Kolkata bus service. The buses are colorful, air-conditioned, and comfortable.


Highlights in the City :
» Howrah Bridge - Howrah Bridge is the highlight of Kolkata and an excellent example of early 20th century engineering techniques. The 450 m long bridge is without any tower in the river. This bridge caters to around 100,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians, thus making it the busiest bridge in the world.

» Belur Math - Belur Math is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission and was established in 1899. This math was designed to be a church, temple, and mosque all in one.

» Eden Gardens - The Eden gardens is a famous Cricket ground in India and can accommodate a large number of spectators. The Eden Gardens Cricket ground is constructed in a major part of the garden and is named after the sister of Alexander. It used to be covered by many trees and gardens.

» Indian Museum - The Indian museum is the oldest museum in India. It is one of the most extensive museums in Asia. The archeology and numismatic sections of this museum owns the most valuable collections.

» Victoria Memorial - The huge white marble structure reminding of the British Raj in India, Victoria Memorial is a magnificent piece of art. The huge monument has now being converted into a museum, containing a wide collection of items from the days of British Raj. Watching Victoria memorial in the night in floodlight, is an absolute delight.

There many places of interest around Kolkata. These nearby places are excellent weekend trip and excursion options. Shanti Niketan, situated 136 km northwest of the city, is the place where Rabindranath Tagore lived and founded a university.

» Durga Puja - Durga Puja is celebrated all over West Bengal with excitement and gaiety. Kolkata is incomplete without Durga Puja. Every year, just before the full moon in late September or October, Kolkata celebrates this festival, worshiping Goddess Durga. This four day festival, makes Kolkata forget its worries and enjoy the festivities. During this festival Kolkata comes to a standstill and almost everyone in the city throngs its streets. Visiting the pandals dressed in their festive best and treating their taste buds with food from the stalls are a must to do things for the people of Kolkata.