KOLKATA

Capital of British India till 1911, Kolkata or Calcuta is a city that is known for its cultural scene and heritage. Kolkata is the gateway to Eastern India. Home to four Nobel laureates – Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen, Kolkata is the nerve centre of intellect and human values. Kolkata dons its best colors for the tourist between September and March. Food is Calcutta's greatest indulgence. Bengalis love to eat, and they are great hosts.

For four days in September-October, Calcutta comes to a standstill as almost everyone in the city throngs its streets, visiting the pandals dressed in their festive best Incense, drumbeats, chants, laughter, the sizzle and smell of food characterize this festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, is about 20 km from the city centre and connects Kolkata to major cities in India and abroad.

BY RAIL
Howrah and Sealdah are the two major railway terminals in the city. Kolkata is the headquarter of Eastern Railway and South Eastern railway. Howrah is one of the busiest railway stations in India.

BY ROAD
Kolkata is well connected with other parts of West Bengal and other neighbouring states through a good network of roads including NH-2 or GT road.

WHAT TO SEE

DAKSHINESWAR TEMPLE
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is situated alongside the Vivekananda Bridge north of Kolkata, about 20 km. from BBD Bagh. Dakshineshwar Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, is situated to the north of Kolkata, a place where Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the spiritual guru of Swami Vivekananda, lived most of his life. The temple, in conventional Nava-ratna style, measures 46 feet square and rises over 100 feet high. It is one of the largest temples of Kolkata. The roof is curved and the second story is capped by nine chhatris. The Panchavati, a congregation of five ancient trees, is a spot for peaceful meditation.

BELUR MATH
Belur Math is the most enchanting temple in Belur. Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission, is situated to the north of the city across the Vivekananda Bridge from Dakshineshwar. The world-famous temple was built by Shri Ramakrishna’s beloved disciple Swami Vivekananda in 1938. Belur Math is located on the western bank of Hooghly in Howrah district.

HOWRAH BRIDGE
The busy Rabindra Setu or Howrah Bridge connects the city to Kolkata's Burrabazar. Constructed in 1939 and the bridge was opened to traffic in 1943 which cost as estimated Rs.333 crores, built from 26,500 tons of steel.

The eight-lane bridge carries a steady flow of more than lakh vehicles and 2 million commuters every day. The best way to enjoy its stately beauty is to view it from the middle of the river where photography is strictly prohibited. The ferries running from below Howrah Station are a more convenient way to cross the river and give a good view of the bridge.

EDEN GARDEN
Eden Garden is the oldest cricket ground in India and is also considered one of the finest in the world. Considered to be the largest cricket stadium in the world the Eden Gardens boast of a capacity of 1,20,000.

DIAMOND HARBOUR
Diamond harbour is a small city situated at the point where river Ganges turns south, just before reaching the sea. It is located at a distance of about 48 kms from Kolkata. River cruises are available here. The cruises are very popular with the tourists. Equally important are the pilgrim centre Sharisha Ramakrishna Mission Ashram and the remains of a Portuguese Fort. It takes less than two hours to reach the place from the city center.

SUNDERBANS
Sunderbans lies towards the South East of Kolkata. Buses take tourists to Sonakhali, from Sonakhali boats are available to reach Basanti. From Basanti it takes about an hour to reach Sunderbans. Sunderbans constitutes a part of the largest delta in the world. The three major rivers of the Eastern India, Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna slow down towards the lower Gangetic Plains, producing the swamps of Sunderbans. It consists of the largest mangrove forests in the world.

Sunderbans has been given the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Royal Bengal Tiger can be easily spotted in the Sunderbans. Sunderbans is also famous for rare bird species found in the region include Swamp Patridge, Brown-winged Kingfisher, Grey Headed Lapwing, Palass Fish Eagle and Mangrove Whistler.

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