Known as the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata holds an important place in the economy, politics and culture of India. The capital of West Bengal, Kolkata is one of the four metropolitan cities in India and has retained its quintessential charm despite modernization.
Kolkata city roads
‘What Bengal thought today, India thought tomorrow’, is a famous line associated with the city for having produced some of the greatest thinkers, artists, film makers and writers like Rabindranth Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and Satyajit Ray. Indeed, ideas in Kolkata in the fields of art, literature, cinema and theater have provided inspiration to rest of the country. DO SEE 10 photos that capture everyday life in Kolkata
Earlier known as Calcutta, the city was founded in 1698 and served as the capital of British India till 1911 and then was shifted to Delhi. The city was renamed, Kolkata in 2001. Located along the banks of river Hoogly, Kolkata is connected to Howrah by the iconic Howrah bridge.
The city’s colonial past is reflected in its architecture. Raj Bhavan, Writers’ Building and the Victoria Memorial Hall are just some of the many buildings that hark back to a bygone era. Kolkata is also home to some of the best educational institutes in the country.
Ideas of the famous social reformists Swami Vivekananda and Raja Ram Mohun Roy and Indian freedom fighter Shubhas Chandra Bose were formed during their years of education in Kolkata. Mother Teresa spent a major part of her life and also lies in eternal rest in the city at The Mother House.
It is among the 52 Shakti Peethas in the world. Goddess Kali is deeply revered and Durga Pooja is celebrated in the grandest manner in Kolkata, especially at Kalighat’s Kali temple.
Kolkata has produced some finest sportsmen who have represented India like Sourav Ganguly and Leander Paes. It is also home to some of the most popular international sports stadium like Eden Gardens and Salt Lake stadium.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KOLKATA
Kolkata offers innumerable accommodation options to suit everyone’s budget and needs. Budget accommodation is available on Chowringhe Road and Sudder Street. There are quite a few mid-range accommodation options near Dalhousie Square.
Apart from these, Kolkata also has innumerable luxury hotels in different parts of the city. There are several luxury hotels near the International Airport as well.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN KOLKATA
One can find eateries serving delicious authentic Bengali cuisine, Indian and other international cuisines. Most of the famous eateries are over hundred-years-old. Park Street is the most famous place to eat at, in Kolkata.
Kathi kebab is the most famous fast-food in Kolkata served best at the New Market area, Hogg Market and Elgin Street. Almost every restaurant in the city serves sea food and Mughalai delicacies. Kolkata thrives on street food like chops, rolls and puchka (paani puri or gol gappa) that are also extremely delicious and are found throughout city.
Flurry’s on Park Street is considered one of the best Swiss bakeries here. Cafes in Kolkata are extremely popular. Indian Coffee House is the most famous coffee shop where the intellectuals of the city meet. Bengali milk sweets like rasagulla, misthi doi, sandesh, and ras-malai, are served at its best in Kolkata. They are found almost everywhere in the city.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KOLKATA
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Kolkata is as given below. The best time to visit Kolkata is also specified.