What is Kolkata best known for?
Being the third-largest city in India, Kolkata is known for its vibrant culture and festival celebrations. Popularly known as the ‘City of Joy,’ this 330-year-old metropolis is regarded as India's most intellectual and artistic capital. Kolkata is a colonial-era architecture that contrasts starkly with marginalized urban areas and dynamic new-town suburbs with air-conditioned shopping malls. Indeed, this is a city you ‘feel’ more than just simply visiting.
Here are some of the best known places to visit
- Victoria Memorial: A festival of White Marble, The Victoria Memorial flanks in the southern end of the Maidan and was commissioned by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India,. It was designed to salute Queen Victoria's demise in 1901. The highlights include a Calcutta Gallery and the soaring central chamber. Even if you don't want to head indoors, it's definitely worth admiring from the outdoors and a must "put on the list" destination.
- New Market: When in Kolkata, you can't miss out on this spot marked by a distinctive red-brick clock tower. One of the main shops to purchase silver and semi-precious jewellery, Chamba Lama, is the shop to be at, located within the main market. Nahoum bakery is yet another spot to visit for plum cakes and lemon tarts displayed and to be eaten in its showcases.
- KC Das: When in Kolkata, nobody can ever get over the most iconic rasgulla of all times; we're talking way back in 1968. Mishti Doi is another sweet that's a must-try in this bustling Bengali sweet shop. Sit back at their wrought-iron chairs and tables and get a chance to rankle on some mishti doi and rasgulla? Absolutely!
There are a couple of spots with interesting historic destinations that will help you enjoy and plan your trip to Kolkata.
Airport in Kolkata
Kolkata international airport is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. IndiGo operates several international flights from this airport. This airport is connected to the major airports in the country and abroad
- Airport address: Jessore Rd, Dum Dum, Kolkata, West Bengal 700052
- Airport IATA code: CCU