About Kolkata
One of India’s four major cities, Kolkata has had and continues to have a strong influence on politics, economy and the culture of India. Besides being the capital of West Bengal, the city is home to some noteworthy places including sports stadiums like Eden Gardens and Salt Lake Stadium, the Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, National Library among others. The birthplace of numerous eminent personalities, Kolkata has been at the helm of the art and culture in India during the pre-colonial and colonial periods.
Places to visit in Kolkata
- Dakshineswar Temple : The temple lies on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River and was built in reverence of Goddess Bhavatarini, a manifestation of Goddess Kali. Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist is the force behind laying the foundation of the temple in Dakshineswar, which has become a favourite pilgrim spot. The temple features the Nava-Ratna style of Bengali construction and was home to the popular Hindu saint Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
- Princep Ghat : Constructed by the British on the banks of the Hooghly River, the Princep Ghat is a relaxing and serene place to visit while on a tour of Kolkata. The still waters looking over the Vidyasagar Setu offer a calming and relaxing time amidst all the sightseeing activities. The Ghat also offers fun water sports activities like boating.
- Fort William : Fort William, which is a prime landmark of the city of Kolkata was built under two rulers. The construction of the fort was started by the British East India Company and was completed by the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj al-Dawlah. Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the fort currently serves as the Eastern Command wing of the Indian Army.
- Birla Planetarium : Boasting of being one of its kind all over the country, the Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is a large building that offers a variety of experiences that involve stargazing and other astronomical activities. Catering to all age groups and people from all cultures, the shows here are offered in multiple languages keeping in mind the diversity amongst people visiting it.
- Victoria Memorial : Constructed as a large marble building in the Maidan, the Victoria Memorial serves both as a museum and a tribute to Queen Victoria. Built-in the Indo-Saracenic revivalist style of architecture, it is surrounded by lush gardens and is an apt symbol of Kolkata's colonial past. The memorial employs a mix of Mughal and British elements and houses 25 galleries that showcase armoury, sculptures, rare books, and artefacts.
Kolkata Airport
The Kolkata Airport, officially known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), serves as the primary international airport in Kolkata. Located approximately 17 km from the city centre, the airport is modern, spacious, and well-equipped, with numerous amenities like currency exchange, shopping stores, cafes, and airport lounges among others to ensure a comfortable travel experience. Passengers can easily avail of public and private transport like taxis and buses to travel to and from the airport.