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Long
after Kolkatta had ceded its political supremacy, it retained its
title of the cultural capital of the nation. The partition of the
country had ensnared the city in multiple problems of snail pace
traffic, an absence of work culture and generally a 24x7 stupor. The
city is in the process of unshackling itself and you can see the
signs of the rejuvenation everywhere. Information technology
complexes, Bio technology complexes, glittering malls and heady
infrastructure projects meant to reduce the city’s travails are
ubiquitous.
Yet, Kolkatta has remained the place where cultural renaissance
began - a city that still breathes culture in its famed addas, tea
shops , bus-stops and even the new fangled malls that still have
people talking about the latest cultural phenomenon. You can journey
into the heart of the city of joy – traveling through countless
shops, jostling through crowds, experiencing the tram, and marveling
at the x -factor that makes it the city of joy.
Kolkata can be reached by : By Air - Most of the domestic
airlines have direct services to and from Kolkata to other important
cities of India .
By Rail - Super-fast trains such as Rajdhani Express,
Shatabdi Express provide easy and convenient access and stop at
Howrah and Sealdah -its major junctions.
By Road - Kolkata is connected to all the nearby places by
road.
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Places to visit |
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British
Legacy: The Victoria Memorial
Standing
adjacent to the Maidan, it is the neo classical Western
attempt at building the Taj Mahal. The failed attempt was
opened on 1921. There are enormous oil paintings in the
Royal Gallery, illustrating episodes from Queen Victoria's
long, eventful life and reign – an impressive collection of
the British colonial period. |
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Writer's
Building
On the north
side of the square, dates from 1880 represents Gothic-style
architecture and is now the administrative office of the
ruling Marxist Government. |
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General Post
Office
With its
majestic dome and Corinthian columns is another masterpiece
of colonial legacy. |
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Fort
William
Situated on the bank of river Hooghly and named after King
William III. the fort occupies five square kilometers and
has six gates. The Arsenal inside is worth visiting. |
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Cultural
Attractions :Academy of fine Arts
Established in
1933 the latest and arguably the greatest works of
contemporary artists are exhibited here throughout the year.
Other vibrant and cutting edge Group theatres and dance
programs take place everyday at the hall inside.
Rabindra gallery Solely dedicated to the greatest cultural
son of Bengal, the Rabindra gallery exhibits manuscripts,
paintings and personal belongings of Tagore. |
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Birla
Planetarium
One of the
largest Planetarium in Asia, it gives a ringside view of the
astral play of celestial bodies. The internal diameter of
the tomb measures 82 feet and you can recline to get the
finest views. |
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Religious
Dakshineswar Temple
On
the bank of the Ganges near Bally bridge, it comprises a
temple of goddess Kali & 12 temples of God Shiva. Full of
memories of saint Ramakrishna and Sarada Debi. |
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Belur Math
Head quarter of
Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, founded by Swami Vivekananda,
it's an architectural amalgam of the church-mosque-temple,
signifying the message of universal brotherhood. |
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Kalighat Kali
Temple
Famous Hindu
pilgrimage situated at Kalighat beside Tolly's Nullah, it
contains some high quality sculpture. |
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Botanical
Garden, Shibpur
The,
botanical garden was founded in 1786 on the bank of river
Hooghly. Located on 270 acre, it has around 50,000 different
kinds of plants, trees, herbs. The oldest banyan tree is 250
years old. |
Unique Shopping
Well known markets are
New Market, Gariahat market and Bara Bazaar to the north. Modern
malls have sprung up everywhere.
Do’s and Don’t’s
- Beware of pickpockets,
touts.
- Always travel in taxis and autos by the meter. Never accept lifts.
- Don’t get friendly with locals.
- The majority of Indians remove their footwear when entering their
houses. Because of strict religious and social customs, visitors
must show particular respect when visiting someone’s home.
- Many Hindus are vegetarian.
- Many especially women, do not drink alcohol.
- Sikhs and Parsis do not smoke.
- Small gifts are acceptable as tokens of gratitude for hospitality.
- Women are expected to dress modestly. |
