About Kolkata
Formerly the British capital of India, Kolkata is a city that is an apt testament to India’s glorious history. The architectural scene of the city reflects its colonial past while its rich history of literature and intriguing art and culture are amongst the richest and most revolutionary in nature. Some popular architectural buildings that are a major tourist attraction in the city include the Raj Bhavan, the Writers’ Building, and the Victoria Memorial Hall. Home to the finest educational institutions, Kolkata is also extremely popular for its ethnic cuisine and sweet dishes.
Places to visit in Kolkata
- Victoria Memorial : Constructed as a large marble building in the Maidan, Victoria Memorial is one of the most popular tourist hotspots of the city of Kolkata. Built by the British government in the memory of Queen Victoria, who was the empress of India, the memorial boasts of being the largest monument dedicated to a monarch in the world. Built in the Indo-Saracenic revivalist style of architecture, the building employs a mix of Mughal and British elements and houses 25 galleries that showcase armoury, sculptures, rare books, and more.
- Howrah Bridge :Linking the cities of Howrah and Kolkata, officially known as the Rabindra Setu bridge, the bridge is named after the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. One of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world, it carries a daily traffic of lakhs of vehicles. A popular sight in movies when it comes to depicting the city of Kolkata, the bridge has featured in numerous feature films including some critically acclaimed ones like Lion, Love Aaj Kal, Barfi, Kahaani, etc. The Howrah Bridge is without a doubt the most popular tourist attraction of Kolkata.
- Indian Museum : One of the oldest museums to have been built in the Asia-Pacific region, the Indian Museum of Kolkata started the trends of museums in India. Considered to be a witness of the end of the mediaeval era and ushering in the modernity of contemporary culture, the museum was carefully curated to include artefacts of prime interest to the public donated by a number of European donors. An epitome of art and culture in India, the museum is surely an insightful visit for people visiting Kolkata.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral : Known for its exquisite construction in Gothic architecture, the St. Paul’s Cathedral is known to be the first Anglican cathedral in Asia in addition to being the largest church in Kolkata to date. Housing a library, the cathedral also has on display plastic art forms and some memorabilia. Social functions held inside the church take place in the parish hall and Christmas Mass is a big occasion here with large crowds attending the festive occasion.
- Science City : The Science City is a major site for visitors both residents and tourists who are interested in knowing more about science and technology. One of the largest and finest science museums in the world, it offers an educating and enjoyable experience clubbed into one. Activities and events like Digital Panorama - showcasing human evolution, a space theatre, and a robotic depiction of evolution of life, this place is a must visit for anyone visiting Kolkata.
Kolkata Airport
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is Kolkata's primary air hub. It is modern, spacious, and offers a variety of amenities to cater to all kinds of passenger needs. Located at a distance of about 17 kilometres from the city centre, it serves as an important nexus for various international and domestic routes. The airport has several lounges, shopping areas, dining options, currency exchange counters, express check-in outlets and more. Passengers can easily avail of public and private transport like taxis, cabs and buses from outside the airport to take you to the city.
