Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal
Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is also the commercial capital of East India, located on the east bank of the Hooghly River. The city of Kolkata has 4.5 million residents, and the metropolitan area, including suburbs, has a population of approximately 15.7 million, making it the third most populous metropolitan area in India and the 13th most populous urban area in the world. The city is also classified as the eighth largest urban agglomeration in the world.
Kolkata was the capital of India during British emperor. The city's documented history, however, begins with the arrival of the English East India Company in 1690, when the Company was consolidating its trade business in Bengal. Job Charnock, an administrator with the company was traditionally credited as the founder of the city. In 2003 high court order states that the city should not have a specific founder. While the city's name was always pronounced "Kolkata" in the local Bengali language, its official English name was changed from "Calcutta" to "Kolkata" in 2001, reflecting the Bengali pronunciation. Some view this as a move to erase the legacy of British rule.
Kolkata has long been known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage. As the former capital of India, Kolkata was the birthplace of modern Indian literary, artistic and scholastic thought. The people of Kolkata tend to have a special appreciation for art and literature; its tradition of welcoming new talent has made it a "city of furious creative energy.
For these reasons, Kolkata has often been dubbed as the Cultural Capital of India or the Literary Capital of India. Cultural extravaganza in Kolkata includes:
Top 10 Places to Visit In Kolkata
Kolkata is a capital of West Bengal. It is a 3rd most populous metropolitan city of India. Kolkata has very rich culture; It is a very old city of India. It is located on east bank of the Hooghly River. Kolkata is a city of joy of West Bengal. If you are planning to visit Kolkata so just have a look, here are top 10 places to visit in Kolkata.
1. Belur Math Shrine
It is one among the best place to visit in Kolkata. It is a quite location in busy city. It is situated by holy river Ganges. Founder of this Math is Swami Vivekananda. The serene campus of Belur Math on the Ganga includes temples dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, in which their relics are enshrined, and the main monastery of the Ramakrishna Order.
2. Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
This is a very famous temple located in Dakshineswar, near Kolkata. The deity of the temple is Bhavatarini. The ambience is very divine and peaceful. One can get the peace of mind here. It is a must see place in Kolkata. It is well constructed with good architect. Here you can also enjoy the boat riding.
3. Howrah Bridge
It is a famous landmark of Kolkata. It is also known as Rabindra setu. It is a structural marvel. It is considered as one of the wonders of the world. This is the busiest cantilever bridge in the world. The famous Howrah Bridge is the gateway to Kolkata. The ferries that run from below Howrah Station are a more convenient way to cross the river and give a good view of the bridge. It is one of three bridges on the river Hooghly and is the most famous symbol of Calcutta as well as West Bengal.
4. Park Street
It is a favorite place of local people to hangout. Here you can have good food plus shopping experience. It has still maintained the old charm of Kolkata. It has the most popular pubs, discs, book stores, cafes, restaurants, etc.
5. Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial is worth a look. It is situated at the heart of Kolkata. It’s a must see place. It will give your eyes a royal experience. It has a royal gallery where it is showcasing the oil painting of Queen Victoria. The garden of memorial is designed over 64 acres. Here you can also find some rare books of 1870’s.
6. Marble Palace
This is a private property built by Raja Rajendra Mullick, but to public. The descendants of Raja still lives in the same property. It also has a mini Zoo in the palace. You must visit this place with a tour guide than it will be a worth seeing.
7. Birla Industrial and Technological Museum
It is a first science museum set up in India by Ghanshyam Das Birla. It became operational for public in 1954. Presently it is a unit under National Council of Science Museums. It is a nice for family outing.
8. Nicco Park
It is a perfect getaway for fun lovers. It is full of entertainment. It is a best amusement park in Kolkata. It also has Water Park. It has many rides famous are roller coasters, merry- go- round, choo choo and water splashes’.
9. New Market
Although it’s known as New Market, but it is oldest market of Kolkata. It is situated at Lindsay Street. It is a perfect place for shopaholics. Here you get everything you desire for. It is a very busy and crowded market of Kolkata. It is a very huge market, it has different markets in a single market such as spice market, non-veg stuff market, cloth market, Jewelers market and many more.
10. Kalighat Temple
Kalighat is a Ghat of Maa Kali. Kolkata has been said to derived its name from Kalighat. This is out of 52 sati pith according to Puranas. If you are a religious person, this is a must visit place for you. Just be aware of guides here who tries to extort you.
