Kolkata is not only the capital of West Bengal but the heritage and cultural hub of India. This city is a beautiful blend of the vintage and the modern. A flourishing metropolis, it has preserved its essence in the form of music, dance and literature. The presence of beautiful buildings, museums, eateries, markets, temples, churches, fort, and theatres makes Kolkata a place where a visitor would always feel that they are short of time. Travellers come to Kolkata from all parts of the world to soak in this city’s heritage into their soul. Kolkata, West Bengal located on the East Bank of Hooghly river has many wonderful attractions that are just situated in the middle of the city.

The history of Calcutta goes back to two millennia when Kalkata was only a small fishing village. The remains of the old villages and settlements are still found all around the banks of Hooghly River. The city’s recorded history started in the year 1690 when East India Company arrived and started operating from here. Before them, Calcutta State was a subsidiary of the Mughals. The presence of Hooghly river provided an easy commute for inland water transport and during this time, Kolkata was nothing but a collection of three villages that used the river as a source of their livelihood.

Kolkata served as Capital of India before the Independence. Formally known as Calcutta, the city began the era of cultural renaissance in India. Many great laureates like Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananad, Subhas Chandra Bose, Nabakrishna Deb, Kaji Najrul Islam, among the few were from Kolkata and are still credited for literal revolution in India.

Best Places To Visit In Kolkata-Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge is the sixth largest bridge in the world and an important landmark in tourist monuments of India. This bridge is an engineering marvel that hides an entire world inside its massive plates. Close to Howrah Station, this legendary bridge provides commute option to millions of people on a daily basis. A visit to Howrah Bridge is a journey into the vintage side of Kolkata. Many markets located here are paradise for explorers and photographers

Victoria Memorial

Spread across 57 acres of land, Victoria Memorial is one of the stunning iconic landmarks of the city that offers a glimpse into its splendid past. For a travelling soul, Victoria Memorial presents one with a number of delightful sections including over 24000 artefacts to gaze upon, 21 lush green gardens to wander and click photos, and more than 3500 paintings that are 200 years old. Among all the tourist places in Kolkata, Victoria Memorial is considered to be the most beautiful.

Travel tip: Hire a Kolkata tourist guide to learn interesting stories about the building and the artefacts.

Park Street

Park Street is a paradise for shoppers and food lovers. Located in South Kolkata area, Park Street is one of those places where visitors can find the most legendary eateries, street side shops and small cafes that are as old as the time when Kolkata came into existence. Some of the must try food items around Park Street iare Jhalmuri, Egg Rolls, Chinese, and various varieties of fish.

Fort William

Fort William is the part of the heritage that makes Calcutta tourism so important in the entire country. This building from the colonial era is a journey back in the past when the city started coming to life. Fort William also housed a ghastly jail that was filled with many prisoners kept under inhumane circumstances. A visit to Fort William is a must for history enthusiasts and the admirers of colonial architecture.

Jorasanko Thakurbari

The birthplace of Nobel Laureate Rabindranth Tagore is highly revered among Kolkata’s Bengali population. His work took Indian literature to new heights and brought the various communities of the city together to celebrate and appreciate their art and culture. Visitors can witness here artefacts from the life of Ranbindrahath Tagore’s childhood and observe the lifestyle of his family. Many letters, clothes and paintings are displayed here that evoke a desire to have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Tagore.

Marble Palace

Among the many highlights of Kolkata tourist map, Marble Palace is one of the most fascinating. The nineteenth century palatial mansion is one of the most beautiful royal family palaces that exudes splendour. Many brilliant artistic statues, elegant glassware, and wonderful pieces of artworks are showcased at the palace. Adore the beauty of this place and keep some extra time to explore the tiniest of item in great detail.

Indian Museum

The grandeur and magnificence that Indian Museum carries in its premises and inside the galleries is impossible to find anywhere else. Indian museum is the oldest and the largest in the country. It was established in the early 19th century and today boasts of many rare items that are kept on display. The museum has one of the original Egyptian Mummy along with many rare paintings and artefacts from the bygone era. Visitors of all age find something to do here as there is something interesting for the young and the old.

Festivals Of Kolkata

Kolkata and Durga Puja are synonymous to each other. The city celebrates this festival with great fervour and enthusiasm. Durga Puja is dedicated to the goddess of power and wisdom, Durga who is known as the annihilator of all forces of evil. Calcutta’s Bengali folks wait for Maa’s arrival for months and start preparing to welcome the mother goddess in different ways. On 9 nights of the festival the city is bedecked with beautiful pandals hosting the statue of the Goddess showcasing her war with demon king Mahishasura. Durga Puja is one of the most unique aspects about Kolkata and tourist flock to the city in large numbers to witness the grand celebration. Kolkata has a huge community of Anglo Indians who stayed here after the Independence and celebrate Christmas in Kolkata The city is decorated with lights and many bakeries prepare Christmas special delicacies. Kolkata tourism also encourages visitors to come to the city during this time as they organize many festivals and fairs in different areas where travellers can join in and be a part of the celebration.   Source: Thomascook