The city is very close to my heart as I have lived there for about 23 years. I spend my childhood days there. I've grown up with Kolkata and the feeling is nostalgic, when I think about this city. The divine and traditional charm of Kolkata always leaves an indelible impression on every visitor.Top Ten things in Kolkatta/ Calcutta
1)Metro Rail: First of its kind in India which was started 20 years ago. An underground contructed rail network with a/c platforms , fully automated security pathways for the passengers , esclators and is an eco-friendly , fast and comfortable means.
2)Trams : Kolkata is the only city in India to have a tram network. Trams are under the administration of the Calcutta Tramways Company, popularly called CTC. It’s a slow train on land totally controlled and run like a local bus.
3)Howrah Bridge: An engineering marvel which is among the busiest bridges in the world and third largest in the world. Around 2 million people cross over it daily. Its called 'Rabindra Setu'.
4)Marble Palace: This palace was constructed completely in Italian marble. A large lawn behind the palace has the sculptures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Hindu Gods, the Buddha and Christopher Columbus. A large pool near the bungalow has ducks, peacocks and ostriches.
5)Nirmal Hirday (Pure Heart): It’s the head quarters of the Missionaries of Charity at A. J.C.Bose Road. It was Mother Teresa’s first home for serving destitute and dying people. Now this organization has spread world wide.
6)Science City : It’s the 21st Century marvel of science and adventure. The main attraction of the Science City is the Space Theatre ,Space Flight, Dinosaurs, Dynamotion, Life in Water, a world of Insects and Reptiles, walkthrough Aviary, Butterfly corner, Convention Centre, four seminar halls, Mini Auditorium, Musical fountain etc.
7)Shantiniketan : Shantiniketan, founded by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, the father of Rabindranath Tagore., is the 'Vishva Bharati University which attracts pupil from all over the world and aspires to be a spiritual meeting ground in a serene environment.
8)Dhakuria Lake : It is an artificial lake in Ballygunge . It includes a rowing club, safari garden children's park and play center (lily pool) an open air theatre swimming pool training Centres, etc.
9)Eden Gardens Stadium : The world famous Cricket Stadium supposed to be the largest in Asia with a seating capacity of more than 1 lakh spectators. It was one of the first cricket stadiums in India where floodlights were installed and Day & Night cricket was played. The gigantic electronic scoreboard is also a unique one.
10)Vidyasagar Setu : Modern day engineering marvel and is the largest cable stayed bridge in Asia. The bridge also called Second Hoogly Bridge connects the twin cities of Calcutta and Howrah.
Other than these there are many other places to explore in the City of Joy like Victoria Memorial, Netaji Bhavan, Indian Museum, Botanical Gardens, Birla Planetarium, Belur Math, NICCO Park etc.
Bengali cuisines are mouth watering with lot of varities available for foodies. ROSSOGOLLAS are the most famous and delicious sweet associated with Kolkata and Bengalis. Really a treat for all to try all the dishes there.
Kolkata is never complete without the essence of Durga Puja celebrations. Every year Kolkata stayes awake for five days with colourful lightings and myriad mandaps based on varied themes all across the city. People are dressed in their best and most of them are out on day and night long pandal-hopping. It's an eye treat for all and also an opportunity to enjoy to the core.
Indian COFEE HOUSE , a place my friends and I used to chill out ,bunking college classes. It was opened a century back. Famous personalities including Netaji Subhas Bose,Rabindranath Tagore and many more were regularly dropped in here for having intellectual meets and chats.
Country : India
State : West Bengal
Total Population : 4.85 Million (As per 2004 Census)
Metropolitan Area : 1380 sq.Km(1991)
Language : Bengali
Best Time To Visit : November to March.
AIR Port : Netaji Subhash Airport is situated at Dumdum, around 17km Northeast of the city centre.
Rail : Howrah and Sealdah.
Other Local Transport Calcutta is connected by an extensive network of national highways with major cities and Towns of tourist interest nearby which depart from Esplanades Bus Stand near Chowringhee Road. Calcutta is the only city to have hand-pulled rickshaws. Auto, taxi, cycle rickshaws, boat service, , trams and Metro Rail are the other means of transportation available.
Tips: If you are in Calcutta make sure that you have tried the variety of sweets and chats available there. Thursday is a dry day in Kolkata
Compiled by: Ms. Bindiya Sadasivan
