Kolkata is the capital city of the state of West Bengal. The city is also the largest city in eastern India. The city lies on the banks of the Hooghly river. The nearest Bangladesh border is about 80 km from the city. The city also used to house the administrative headquarters of the West Bengal government until recently.
The Kolkata Port is India’s oldest operating port. Kolkata is widely considered as the cultural capital of India. The city also has India’s only tram railway network. India’s first metro line is also in Kolkata.
Kolkata came into being in the 17th century when Nawab of Bengal gave away three villages to the East India Company. Until 1911, Kolkata, then called Calcutta, was the capital of British ruled India. Kolkata houses prominent cultural institutions in the country such as the National Library of India, Academy of Fine Arts, Indian Museum and the Asiatic Society.
Things to do in Kolkata
In Kolkata, you will never experience an idle moment as the city offers plenty of attractions. Enrich yourself with India’s and the world’s history at the National Museum. Sample the famous street foods of Kolkata at the local eateries at Esplanade. Explore the grandeur of the Victoria Memorial and marvel at the faraway galaxies at the Birla Planetarium.
Tourist attractions in Kolkata
The most popular tourist attractions in Kolkata include Birla Mandir, New Market, Victoria Memorial, Princep Ghat, Alipore Zoological Garden, The Botanical Garden, Howrah Bridge, Millenium Park, Kalighat Temple, Marble Palace, Eco Park, Belur Math and Rabindra Sarobar.
Places to shop in Kolkata
Kolkata is a shopper’s paradise. If you want to purchase cosmetic, clothes and accessories, visit the New Market at Esplanade. The famous flower market under Howrah Bridge is a popular place. For books, there is no better place than College Street. For cheap electronics, visit Chandi Chowk.
Best time to visit Kolkata
Winter is the ideal time to explore what Kolkata has to offer as, during this time, the city’s climate is very pleasant.
Modes of transport
Kolkata has excellent road and rail connectivity. Kolkata has a metro rail network that connects the northern part and southern part of the city. The local bus network is cheap and connects almost all parts of the city. Auto-rickshaws are cheap and your best option for last-mile connectivity. You can also hire app-based cabs for getting around.
Weather in Kolkata
Kolkata has extremely hot and humid summers. While the temperatures are not extreme, the high humidity makes it very uncomfortable in summer. During monsoon, Kolkata experiences heavy to moderate rainfall. During winters, the days are pleasant while the nights are cool.
Airport in Kolkata
IndiGo operates several flights from Kolkata Airport (IATA: CCU) to major Indian cities on a daily basis. To know more about IndiGo’s flight routes from Kolkata, visit IndiGo’s website.