KOLKATA

• The ‘Paris of the East’ is a medley moods style, cultures, politics, industry and commerce.
• The East India Company first set up a trading post at Sutanati and builds the Old Fort William in 1996.
• The city went on to become the showpiece capital of the British Raj.
• Greatest colonial city of the Orient.
• Remained the capital of British India till 1912.
• Continued to be major industrial and cultural center.
• The city of love, hope and joy, is ever fascinating, effervescent and teeming with life and traditions.

Victoria Memorial:

• White marble marvel is Kolkata’s most distinguished landmark of Kolkata.
• In 1905, Lord Curzon conceived the idea of its construction and the foundation stone was laid by Prince of Wales (King George V).
• Majestic 61 meters high white edifice with its formal gardens and water courses sprawls across an area of 26 hectares.
• Located at the southern end of ‘The Maidan.
• Memorial house rare memorabilia from the colonial days and over 3,500 exhibits are displayed in its galleries.

The Maidan:

• This huge expanse of green is known as the ‘lungs of the city’.
• The finest gift of the British to India.

Writers Building:

• This 14 storeyed building to the north of BBD Bagh was built in 1880.
• Clerks or ‘writers’ of British East India Company, who work and lived here.
• Today, it houses the secretariat of West Bengal Government.

Fort William:

• This irregular octagon shaped fort on the banks of river Hooghly was built in 1781, after the destruction of the old fort in 1756.
• There is a museum displaying arms and armours, photographs of the Burma campaign and the Bangladesh Liberation.
• Now it’s a military area.
• Arsenal inside it’s worth watching, but for that prior permission of the commanding officer is required.

Shahid Minar (Ochterlony Monument):

• The 52 meters tall tower, dominating the Chowringhee skyline, was built in 1828.
• Commemorate the British East India Company’s victory in the Nepal Campaign of 1814 – 1816.
• In 1968, the minaret was named Shahid Minar in memory of the Indian freedom fighters.

Birla Planetarium:

• It was established on 29^th Sep. 1962.
• One of the largest in the world.
• Stars and constellations are projected on the domed ceiling of the planetarium in different languages.

Academy of Fine Arts:

• This eminent center for arts was set up in 1933, at the initiative of Lady Ranu Mukherjee.
• Eight galleries on its ground floor.
• The largest gallery space in India
• Display exhibitions by artists and groups from all parts of India and abroad.

Rabindra Sadan:

• A theatre cum concert hall and Nandan over here.
• A film center is located nearby.

Jorashanko Thakurbari:

• This is the home of Tagores, since 18^th century was a major center for Bengali arts and 19^th century for culture.
• It has now been converted into the Rabindra Bharati University.
• A 45 minute light and sound program, based on the life and times of the Tagore family is held here in the evening.

Indian Museum:

• This museum is popularly known as Jadu Ghar (Magic House) at J. Nehru Road.
• The oldest institution of its kind not only in India but also in the entire Asia- Pacific region.
• The museum has over 60 galleries dealing in six departments Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Botany.

Marble Palace:

• This Gothic style mansion was built in 1835, by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a wealthy Bengali merchant.
• It has ornate objects d’art and paintings, studiously collected from auctions and dispossessed households across the globe.

National Library:

• It’s housed in an elegant building which was originally the summer house of prince Azim-us-Shan, the viceroy of Bengal and Bihar.
• Lord Curzon officially inaugurated the Imperial Library on 30^th January, 1903.
• The Metcalfe Hall was renamed as National Library in 1948.
• The library has over 2 million books and ½ million documents.
• The library has separate Indian language division for Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu Languages.

Sovabazaar Rajbari:

• The Rajbari construction was started after the win in the Battle of Plassey, at the heart of Gobindapur.
• Maharaja Nabakrishna Deb built his Rajbari.
• First Durga Puja was held here.

Town Hall:

• Roman-Doric style hall was built by the architect Col. John Garstin in 1813.
• Now public to use the hall under such terms and conditions as were fixed by the Government.

Netaji Bhawan:

• The museum, archives and library of Netaji Research Bureau are located, is the ancestral house of Netaji Subhas Chandra.
• Display in the museum includes large collection of photographs, personal belonging and letter of Netaji's.

The Mother House:

• Headquarters of the international religious congregation of the Missionaries of Charity.
• Mother lived, prayed, worked, and guided from hare for her religious family of sisters spread across the world.
• Mother Teresa was buried on the ground floor of the Mother House.

Nirmal Hriday:

• Nirmal Hriday (the home for dying) was established by Mother Teresa at Kalighat, for the destitutes.
• Run by the Missionaries of Charity a new order formed by the Mother in 1950.

Howrah Bridge or Rabindra Setu:

• Major landmark and gateway to the city of Kolkata.
• 97 meters high and 705 meters long bridge built over river Hooghly is the world’s busiest bridge.

Vidyasagar Setu:

• It lies to south of Howrah Bridge on the river Hooghly.
• Construction work took 22 years and casted Rs. 3.88 billion.
• 457 meter long and 115 meter wide bridge is supported by 121 wire x cables and stands on four pylons, on a foundation that is 100 meter deep.

Science City:

• Located at the intersection of the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and the Park Circus Connector.
• Only venture of its kind in entire Asia.
• Popular sections are, space theatre, space flight simulator, recreated Jurassic forest aviary etc.

SACRED SITES:

Kalighat Kali Temple:

• One of the most important shrines of goddess Kali.
• A major site of Shakti worship in the country.
• Temple was originally built in 1809 at Kalighat on the banks of river Hooghly.
• Enshrines an awe-inspiring black stone idol of goddess Kali decorated with gold and silver.

Belur Math:

• International headquarters of the Ramkrishna Mission.
• Swami Vivekananda established the shrine in 1899, by placing the ashes of Sri Ramkrishna at this spot.
• Unique architecture of the shrine reflects the message of religious fraternity, as it represent as church, a temple and a mosque, when viewed from different angle.
• Houses articles associated with Sri Ramkrishna, Ma Sarada and Swami Vivekananda.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple:

• Famous temple built in 1847, by Rani Rashmoni on the other side of Hooghly River.
• Associated with Sri Ramkrishna, who attained enlightenment over here.
• Main shrine known as the Navaratna Temple enshrines a silver lotus with thousand petals, on which is placed the idol of Goddess Kali, standing on the prostrate body of Lord Shiva.
• Complex also has twelve temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sitambara Jain Temple:

• Magnificent temple is dedicated to Sheetalnathji, the 10^th Jain tirthankar.
• Built in 1867 and is a collection of four pagodas like shrine set in geometrical gardens and ponds.

Birla Temple:

• Beautiful temple near Gariahat market.
• Built in 26 years at a cost of about 180 million rupees and inaugurated in 1996.
• Excellent architecture blends traditional artistry with modern technology.

Armenian Church:

• Built in 1724, by Cavond, an Armenian.
• One of the oldest churches in Kolkata.

St. Paul’s Cathedral:

• Built between 1839 and 1847 in Indo-Gothic style.
• One of India’s most important churches.
• It's east of the Victoria Memorial at the South end of the Maidan.

St. Andrew’s Church:

• Foundation stone for St. Andrew's Church, Calcutta (Kolkata), built on the site of the Old Court House demolished in 1792.
• Handsome Grecian building of the Church of Scotland was opened for public worship on March 8, 1818.

St. John’s Church:

• Third oldest church in Calcutta (Kolkata) only next to the Armenian.
• Old Mission Church and built in 1787 by architect James Agg.
• It’s built with a combination of brick and stone.
• Commonly known as the “Pathure Girja” (Stone Church).

Nakhoda Mosque:

• Located to the north of BBD Bagh.
• Largest mosque in Kolkata.
• Present structure was built by Abdur Osman in 1942.

GARDENS, PARKS & THEME PARKS:

Botanical Gardens:

• Famous garden at Shibpur, 10 kms from Howrah Railway Station.
• Established in 1786, by Colonel Kyd.
• Oldest botanical garden in the country.
• It sprawls across an area of 273 acres.
• 35,000 varieties of fruits and flowers, besides 15,000 other plant specimens.
• Star attraction is the 240 years old Banyan tree, which reaches up to a height of 24.5 meters and is spread over a circumference of 420 meters, making it the world’s largest banyan tree.

Eden Gardens:

• It sprawls over an area of 50 acres.
• Named after Emily and Fanny Eden, sisters of Lord Auckland.
• Beautiful garden to the North West corner of the Maidan has a tiny Burmese Pagoda set amidst a small lake.
• It has several species of local trees.
• Famous Eden Gardens Stadium also lies within the garden.

Horticulture Gardens:

• Garden in the midst of Alipore was established in 1820, by William Carey.
• Annual flower show is held here in February.

Zoological Gardens:

• Extremely popular Zoo is about 3 kms south of Park Street in Alipore.
• Founded in 1876 and has a large collection of birds and animals.

Rabindra Sarobar:

• Pleasant picnic sport is located south Chowringhee.
• An artificial lake where water sports are held.

NICCO Park:

• Located at Salt Lake 9 kms from city center.
• Provides mind boggling fun and entertainment to children’s well as adults.

Millenium Park:

• Located on the banks of River Hooghly at Strand Road.
• An amusement park for people of all ages.
• Main attraction is its nearness to the river Ganga.

Aquatica:

• A Water Theme Park (all the rides & slides are related to water) in the whole eastern India named “Aquatica”.
• Spread across in area of 17 acres of land.

Nalban:

• Beautiful lake one can enjoy an exclusive boating tour on one of the many boats available such as paddle boats, hovercraft or deluxe shikara.
• Main attraction of this place is the four hundred acre picturesque lake which one can explore.

POPULAR SITES IN KOLKATA:

BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square):

• When Kolkata was the capital of the British Raj, Dalhousie Square held a coveted position and was the center of power.
• Still is the Kolkata’s commercial hub.
• Renamed as BBD or Benoy-Badal-Dinesh Bagh after the three martyrs of Bengal.
• Momentous square has a large Lal Dighi tank in the center, surrounded by several historical buildings.

College Street:

• Holds the key of largest and world-class Universities in Kolkata.
• Book Stalls are gradually placed in front of those Schools in College Street and in front of the Universities in College Street.
• Book Stalls are there in both side of the Footpath of College Street in Kolkata to fulfill the demand of all types of Books.

Coffee House:

 

• Once a meeting place of freedom fighters, bohemians and revolutionaries.
• Today its crusty high ceilings and grimy walls ring with deafening student conversation but despite the dishwater coffee, it’s perversely fascinating.

 

Esplanade:

 

• Located in the heart of the city from Rani Rashmoni Avenue to the South Chowringee to the east.
• One of the busiest portions.

 

Princep Ghat:

 

• One of the oldest and most beautiful spots in the city of Kolkata.
• Built in 1841 as a memorial to James Princep.
• The Ghat was opened to public in the year 1843.
• Even though the place is old yet it’s still a fantastic spot to experience silent and peace.

Kumortuli:

• Kumortuli is a traditionally potters quarter in northern Kolkata.
• It is home to several talented potters who toil tirelessly to create idols out of clay.
• These clay images are very popular and much sought after during the Hindu festive season.

Burra Bazar:

• Expanded from a yarn and textile market into the commercial nucleus of Kolkata.
• One of the largest wholesale markets in India.

RIDE ACTIVITY:

Hand Pulled Rickshaw Ride:

• Hand pulled rickshaw has been a part of Calcutta (Kolkata).
• A mode of human power transport by which a runner draws a two wheeled cart, where can seats one or two persons.

Tram Ride:

• Tram is the Kolkata's old tradition at effect.
• Kolkata is the only Indian city which maintains such rich heritage.
• A horse drawn tram system opened in 1881.
• Electric trams began playing in 1902.
• Tramway provides a leisurely way of observing the historic parts of Kolkata and Sutanuti.

Metro Rail Ride:

• The pride of Kolkata is the first sub-way railway system in the country.
• Ranked among the best underground railway system in the world.

NIGHTLIFE IN KOLKATA:

Tantra:

• Luxury bar and night club in Kolkata.
• Two bars, a pulsating dance floor, a hangout area and ample of space to move and groove.
• Innovative novel theme nights, with celebrities, fashion shows and special Sunday jam sessions make it the city's busiest address at night.

Underground:

• Now underground is the island bar and the happening crowd.
• DJ and theme nights also add to the clubbing crowds.

SHOPPING:

New Market:

• Despite the appearance of new air-conditioned, American-style, shopping malls all over New Market.
• Survived two devastating fires and regular flooding, remains at the core of the shopping experience in the city.
• Over 2,000 stalls under its roof sell everything from clothing to wheeled luggage to electronics to a special cheese found nowhere else.
• It can be crowded and chaotic, but if you are after a bargain, or even just an incredible experience, this market cannot be missed.

Flower Market:

• East end of Howrah Bridge, Mullik Ghat flower market is a sensory overload of sights and smells that's very photogenic.
• Around 2,000 flower growers from the surrounding areas come to sell their flowers and garlands and during the wedding and festive season.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS:

Durga Puja:

• Most important Bengali festival is held in the month of Aswin (October / November).
• Image of the ten armed goddess are worshiped in houses and pandals, erected specially for the Puja.
• After four days ceremony, these images are immersed in the river.

Deepavali:

• Deepavali is festivals of lights.
• Worship of goddess Kali is marked by display of fireworks and crackers.

Others Festivals:

• Rathjatra of Lord Jagannath, organized by ISKCON
• Holi
• Id
• Chrismas

Milan Mela:

• Milan Mela literally becomes a fair-ground.
• After month of November Textile Fair, Art & Handicraft Fair, Leather Exhibition.
• Famous Kolkata Book Fair.

CULTURE                                                                   

AROUND KOLKATA:

Bakkhali:

• 130 kms far from Kolkata.
• Second most important beach of West Bengal after Digha.
• The walk over the beach from Bakkhali to Frasergunj is a pleasant experience.

Barakpur:

• 24 kms from Kolkata.
• It was once the cantonment of the British.
• Named after the ‘barracks’, where troops have been stationed since 1772.
• The town is associated with the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
• Mangal Pandey, the famous martyr was hanged at Barrackpur’s Latbagan.
• A memorial to him was erected at Dhubighat.
• Other attractions are Mangal Pandey Park, Gandhi Ghat and Rani Rashmoni’s Kali Mandir.

Barddhaman:

• 95 kms far from Kolkata.
• Historic site on the river Damodar is named after Mahavir Barddhaman.
• Visiting site Bishnukumari, Vihjay Toran or Curzon Gate, Rose Garden, Meghnad Saha Planetarium and the Science Centre of the University.

Bandel:

• 48 kms from Kolkata.
• Lies on the banks of river Hooghly.
• First European settlement in Bengal.
• Portuguese Church and the Monastery were built here in 1599 and destroyed by Shah Jahan 1640.
• The church rebuilt in 1660 and in the oldest in the State.

Chandannagar (Chandannagore):

• 39 kms from Kolkata.
• French colony on the banks of the river Hooghly is dotted with churches, convents and other relics of colonial past.
• A picturesque promenade here is ideal for strolls.
• Town is also known for the Jagaddhatri Puja.

Chunchura (Chinsurah):

• 45 kms from Kolkata.
• It was under Dutch occupation between 1656 and 1825.
• Fort Gustavus was built in 1628.
• The national song of India at the Bandemataram House on Joraght.

Diamond Harbour:

• 48 kms from Kolkata.
• Popular picnic sport near the confluence of Hooghly River and Bay of Bengal.
• It was once the main port of East India Company.
• Cruising over the river waters is quite interesting.

Hooghly:

• 47 kms from Kolkata.
• Historical Hooghly was a flourishing trade centre of Bengal, even before kolkata.
• British East India Company established a factory here.
• Colonial era can be seen in numerous old buildings, churches and graveyards.
• Famous Imambara was built here in 1836, by Hazi Mohammad Mohsin.

Sabujdwip:

• 75 kms from Kolkata.
• Sabujdwip or the ‘Green Island’ set on the confluence of the Behula and Hooghly Rivers.
• Ideal picnic spot.

Srirampur (Serampur):

• 24 kms from Kolkata.
• Danish Settlement from 1616 to 1845 later became a centre of English Missionaries.
• Played an important role in the Bengal Renaissance.
• Old Danish building, including the Danish Governor’s Palace, Roman Catholic Church and St. Olaf Church stand testimony to the bygone era.
• Museum at Srirampur College, houses exhibits of missionaries.

Nabadwip:

• 114 kms from Kolkata.
• Varanasi of Bengal is set on the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Jalangi Rivers.
• Birth place of Sri Chaitanya (1486-1533).
• Sri Chaitanya founder of Vaishnava sect and is the seat of Vaishnava culture in Bengal.
• Raash festival held in Bengali Month Kartik-Agrahayan (November / December) is a major attraction for the pilgrims.

Mayapur:

• 120 kms from Kolkata.
• The headquarters of ISKCON.
• Contemporary face of Vaishnavism lies across the river from Nabadwip.
• Here is a Stupa like white temple, Bengals to ISKCON.

Sagardwip (Gangasagar):

• The sacred site 128 kms from Kolkata.
• One of the holiest sites of Hindu pilgrimage.
• Three day annual Ganga Sagar Mela, held here in mid of January on Makar Sankranti.
• Attracts millions of devotees who take a holy dip at the confluence.
• Kapil Muni ashram over here about 5,000 years ago.
• Scenic Sagardwip is also an excellent site to view sunset and sunrise.