Facts
and Figures
» Location from Major Metros : Delhi (1462 kms ),
Mumbai (1987 kms ), Chennai (1676 kms).
» Known for : Kolkata is known for its history and
the grand Victoria memorial.
» Climate & the best time to visit : Kolkata has
a hot and humid climate. Summers are hot, the temperature fluctuates between
30 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius and the minimum temperature is
recorded between 14 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius. The rainy season
begins in the month of June and lasts up to October bringing in moderately
severe rains. The temperature also remains moderate during these days. The
best time to visit Kolkata is between October to March and April to June.
The City
Kolkata, the 'City of Joy' is located near the eastern coast of India, in
the state of West Bengal. It sprawls north-south along the eastern bank of
the Hooghly River, which divides it from Howrah on the western bank. It is a
densely populated and polluted city. It is one of the country's most
fascinating centers, which has some scenes of rare beauty. During the
British Raj Kolkata was known as the Jewel of the East and was the capital
of the country till 1911. Today, it is the most important city in the east
of India, the hub of trade and industry of the State and has Victorian
imprints on its streets and structures.
Kolkata has a spirit that never dies. There are flower sellers beside the
misty, ethereal Hooghly River; the majestic sweep of the Maidan, the
arrogant bulk of the Victoria Memorial, the superb collection of
archaeological treasures exhibited in the Indian Museum, all part of this
amazing city.
Attractions in the City
» Victoria Memorial : Victoria Memorial is a
splendid architectural structure in white marble, modeled on the Taj Mahal.
It was built in the early 20th century, in memory of Queen Victoria and was
formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales in 1921. The noble bronze statue
of the queen near the entrance, the brass canons, wrought iron street lamps,
manicured lawns, gardens and pathways, the magical lighting effect in the
evening and a fairy tale 'Fountain of Joy' facing the memorial building
create an atmosphere of unforgettable charm.
» Eden Gardens : In the North-West corner of the
Maidan are small & pleasantly laid out Eden Gardens. The gardens were
created in 1840 and named after the sister of Lord Auckland, the former
governor general. This lovely garden is dotted with beautiful trees and
shrubs, intersected by winding paths, and there is a large artificial lake
also. Alongside the gardens, is the world famous Eden Gardens cricket
stadium. Near the gardens you can take a pleasant walk along the bank of
Hoogly river.
» Birla Planetarium : Birla planetarium, near the
government of India tourist office, is one of the largest in the world and
is located on Kolkata's Eastern metropolitan bypass. It is one of its kind
in India. There are shows in English everyday. Set amidst trees and lawns,
here one explore the mysteries of science.
» Kali Temple : The Kali temple was rebuilt in 1809
on the site of a much older temple, Kalighat, the actual temple from which
Kolkata takes its name. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who
represents the destructive side of Siva's consort and demands daily
sacrifices. This is an extremely busy temple. Mother Teresa's Hospital for
the dying destitute is situated right next door to the temple.
» Howrah Bridge : Howrah bridge is one of three
bridges on the river Hooghly. It is regarded as the most famous symbol of
not only Kolkata but also West Bengal. Until 1943, the Hooghly River was
crossed by a pontoon bridge which had to be opened to let river traffic
through. There was considerable opposition to construction of a bridge due
to fears that it would affect the river currents and cause silting problems.
But this problem was eventually avoided by building a bridge that crosses
the river in a single 450m span, the bridge has no pylons at all within the
river.
Other places of interest
» Sunderbans Tiger Reserve : Located around 166 km
from Kolkata is Sunderbans, a large unbroken swamp criss-crossed by a
network of rivers, channels and creeks at the mouth of rivers, the Ganga and
the Brahmputra. Sunderbans spreads over an area of 1,629 sq. km and was
declared a reserve between 1928 and 1943. This marshy land is famous for
Royal Bengal tigers and other variety of marine life which include the salt
water crocodile, Olive Ridley turtle, Leopards and the fishing cats.
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