Calcutta, the capital city of the state of West Bengal, is the largest city in the subcontinent. It is also the largest metro in india. A creation of the British Raj, this city was once the capital of British India. The city's characteristic teeming life and ambience will certainly leave an indelible impression on the tourists. Calcutta has numerous places of historical importance. Although the city has many important religious places of other faiths, it is mainly dominated by the devotees of Shakti or Goddess Kali.
For the tourist, the city offers monuments, buildings and temples, its ancient and unparalleled tradition of restaurants and vast bazaars that give a clue to the Bengali culture. Calcutta is well connected to all the major metros in India.
Places of Interest
Fort William and Maidan
The fort, named after King William III, was re-built in 1781 and became the symbol of British power in India. Also present here is the Shaheed Minar, a memorial column. Visitors are rarely allowed into the fort.
Victoria Memorial
Visit this impressive museum to look at the memorabilia of the bygone era.
Eden Gardens
Best known for the cricket stadium contained within, Eden Gardens was named after the sister of the former Governor General Lord Auckland.
Kali Temple
The current temple was re-built in 1809. It is the centre of all Bengali religious activities.
Howrah Bridge
The old bridge across the Hooghly was constructed in a single span across the river. Opened in 1943, replacing a former pontoon bridge, it is today one of the busiest bridges in the world. There are eight vehicular ways and two footpaths on this bridge on the river Hooghly. In 1994, a new bridge, a towering and impressive structure reminiscent of the Golden Gate, was constructed.
BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square)
Dalhousie Square (renamed Benoy-Badal-Dinesh Bagh after the three martyrs of Bengal) was created in the heart of the imperial capital of Calcutta. Buildings of historical significance surround this square.
St John's Cathedral
Located close to the Raj Bhavan, this is the oldest church in Calcutta. It can be accessed from BBD Bagh.
Belur Math
This shrine represents a church, mosque, and temple when viewed from different angles. It was built by Swami Vivekananda. Timing: 6.30 am - 12 noon, 3.30-6.30 pm daily. Ph: 6602391/3292. Admission free.
Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1787 by the East India Company, the main attraction of the 273-acre gardens is the banyan tree, the largest in the world. Timings: 9 am - 5 pm. Ph: 6605096
St. Paul's Cathedral
This cathedral is a strong reminder of Victorian England.
Museums
India Museum: Open 10.15 am - 4.30 pm. Mondays closed. Tel: 2498931, 2495699.
Industrial and Technological Museum: Open 9 am to 5 pm. Tel: 2477241.
Gurusaday Museum: Open 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Thursdays. Tel: 4676048.
Nehru Children's Museum: Tel: 2486878
Academy of Indian Coins and History: 361/B, Rabindra Sarani. Open: 11 am to 1 pm.
Asiatic Society: Tel - 290779/0335
Science City
Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Phone: 3439895/4343, Fax: 033-3439895, 3576008.
Portuguese Cathedral
Built in 1797 by two Portuguese noblemen, the entrance leading to the portico is paved with gravestones. Below lie the remains of the first archbishop of Calcutta.
Shopping
Due to its proximity to North Eastern regions of India, Calcutta is the entry spot for goods from this region. It is famous for its tea and sweets. Visit the well-lit and busy thoroughfares in this city, and you'll run into at least a dozen sweet shops.
