Kolkata: The joyous capital of Bengal
Kolkata is the capital and a lively city in West Bengal, a state with a mix of cultures in India. It has a long history, many different traditions, and many activities entertaining locals and tourists. Some of these include festival celebrations, educational tours, and artistic online workshops. The key attractions here are the beautiful blend of history and modern practices found in the infrastructure and lifestyle of the people. Some of the most visited places are Victoria Memorial, Dakshineswar Temple, and Howrah Bridge. It is also a significant centre for culture, arts and literature. Many famous writers, artists, and philosophers are from this Bengali capital. They've added much to Bengal's chronicles filled with liberal arts. They include Rabindranath Tagore, Shuvaprasanna Bhattacharjee, Amartya Sen, Sourav Ganguly, and Mother Teresa. Festivals like Durga Puja bring everyone together in a big celebration with many colours and lights.
To capture its natural beauty, visit the Hooghly River during the sunset. The calm and serene aura of the place is a nice escape from the city's bustling life. You can see the New Market and Chowringhee Road to bring back souvenirs for the trip and do local shopping. Being the "Bengal Metropolis," Kolkata shows the perfect transition from the old and traditional past to the modern and updated lifestyle of the people. However, this city is still holding on to its roots and is a beautiful place to explore the spirit of West Bengal.
Places to visit in Kolkata
With many historical landmarks like the iconic Howrah Bridge, the elegant Victoria Memorial, and the artistic haven of Marble Palace, Kolkata proudly showcases its rich past. The city is equally famous for its festive spirit, with grand celebrations attracting global attention. Here are the best places to visit in Kolkata:
- Marble Palace: The Marble Palace symbolises the royal lifestyle of the people of Kolkata. The most stunning visuals of this palace are the carvings and paintings on the walls, surrounding the rooms and elegant furniture adding to the castle's beauty. It also boasts a beautiful garden with a tranquil lake, creating a serene oasis in the city. The park is home to various birds and animals, including peacocks and swans, making it a peaceful retreat. It is a private residence and a museum open to the public. Visitors can explore its opulent rooms, admire its art collection, and experience the grandeur of a bygone era. It offers a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle of colonial India.
- Indian Museum: The Indian Museum depicts the history and art of the city with ancient sculptures, rare coins and mummies from Egypt. It is pivotal in preserving India's cultural heritage and promoting education and research. It is a valuable platform for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts to study and appreciate the country's artistic, historical, and scientific achievements. It provides insights into the nation's artistic and scientific contributions to the world.
- Victoria Memorial: The Victoria Memorial is a gorgeous building made to honour Queen Victoria. The architectural beauty of this infrastructure gives it the look of a palace surrounded by pretty gardens. Here, you can see old paintings and sculptures from the past. The construction of this magnificent structure lasted from 1906 to 1921. George Curzon, the Viceroy of India, conceptualised the building. The memorial welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week. This magnificent and intricate memorial is a tribute to the presence of the British Crown in India and is a remarkable example of Indo-Saracenic revivalist architecture.
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Dakshineswar Kali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is a special place situated on the banks of a river. Devotees and visitors come to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple to offer their prayers, seek blessings, and immerse themselves in a spiritual environment. The temple bustles during the Hindu festivals like Kali Puja and Durga Puja. It also has beautiful gardens and courtyards, providing spaces for meditation and contemplation.
- Howrah Bridge: Howrah Bridge is a vast structure built over the Hooghly River with all its steel girders. It was commissioned in 1943 and is also renowned as Rabindra Sethu. It's a prominent landmark representing the city's historical and cultural significance. The lights displayed at the bridge every night make it a stunning sight, and its reflection can be seen in the river. People often use the Howrah Bridge to commute between Kolkata and Howrah, and it's a popular spot for tourists to take in the scenic views of the river and the city. It is an example of excellent engineering and a piece of Kolkata's history that continues to stand strong.
- Belur Math: Belur Math is the base of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekanand. Located in Belur, the buildings have a calming vibe, where you can see beautiful gardens. People visit to find peace, meditate, and learn about the teachings of great thinkers. The Ramakrishna Mission carries out various humanitarian and charitable initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, and community development.
Kolkata Airport (CCU)
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), commonly known as Kolkata Airport, is a vital entry point to the city. The distance between the city centre and Kolkata airport is approximately 17 km. With well-structured terminals, this aviation hub seamlessly caters to travellers’ needs. The airport possesses three terminals, with Terminal 1 responsible for domestic flights. Terminal 2 is specifically designated for international flights. Terminal 3 caters to low-cost airlines. It offers several services for passengers' convenience. You can find ATMs, currency exchange kiosks, and secure luggage storage lockers to ensure a hassle-free and comfortable journey. Choose from different ways to reach the city centre, like trains, taxis, and buses. The airport provides beautiful city views that make your flight to Kolkata worth it.