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Tourism in Kolkata is a great idea for any vacation season. This is a city that is a perfect paradise for a vacation if you want to enjoy yourself and collect nice memories. Not long ago, an NGO called Janaagraha did research on the quality of life in different Indian cities. Kolkata is estimated to be the best city in India. This Bangalore-based NGO found in the study that Kolkata comes out on top as a good place to stay. Kolkata is a city where old and new live symbiotically. It is also the city where literature finds its due dignity well preserved. People talk about ways of life, the art of living and politics over tea at roadside tea stalls. It is just a part of their daily affairs. It is in Kolkata that all religions are celebrated with equal relish. Viewpoints on gaming and culture as unparalleled and invaluable. A tour of Kolkata fills you with such a rich experience that you will find yourself admiring the city in no time.
Kolkata still retains the vitality, dynamic quality and exuberance of an ideal city. No wonder, it’s called the City of Joy. Calcutta was the first capital of British rule in India. The imperialist vestiges of the now lost British times are quite visible in its buildings. You will see several administrative buildings that are now inside the colonial structures. There is no denying the fact that imperialism had a profound impact on the city’s heritage. However, Kolkata has its own character and set of traditions. Kolkata is a mixture of various societies and religions. Bengalis, Chinese, Anglo-Indians and Parsis have made the city their homes. Christmas, Eid and Diwali are celebrated with the same energy as the Chinese New Year. This symbolizes the harmony of the city. The multicultural bonhomie is also reflected in the cuisine. Mughlai, Chinese, Continental, Indian, Bengali – you can find a wide variety of food to savor. Performing arts make up a notable part of the rich culture of Kolkata. Artists and dancers continue to make the city proud. There is a significant number of theaters that organize direct performances every two days. Kolkata is also home to the Bengali film industry.
Kolkata may seem old-fashioned to some visitors. However, looking closer, it is not difficult to realize the warmth of this enigmatic city. It exudes a rich portrait of the typical Indian way of life. Explore all the nuances of Calcutta tourism during your visit to the city.
Attractions and popular places to see in Kolkata tourism
Kolkata and Howrah Bridge are the main association that forms when you think of Kolkata. The historic and cinematic Howrah Station is one of the largest railway terminals in the world. The Howrah Bridge acts as the indispensable connecting link with Kolkata. Vidyasagar Setu, or the Hoogly Bridge, is another wonder here that draws attention. It is the third largest cable-stayed bridge in the world. Seeing the city skyline from here is a treat in itself. This is how the City of Joy welcomes you. Another popular place to visit in Kolkata is the Victoria Memorial, which was built in honor of Queen Victoria. This historic building casts a lofty light on the city’s remarkable past. Made of white marble, this Victoria Memorial is spread over a vast area. He has a museum and a gallery to his credit. Victoria Memorial is a must see in Kolkata tour. Spread over a large region, the Museo del Indio was opened to visitors in 1878. It has more than three floors dedicated to Art, Anthropology, Topography, Archaeology, etc. It is seen as one of the best galleries. The Botanical Gardens are the next thing to explore in Kolkata. Founded in 1786, the Botanical Garden adds a different tone of beauty and splendor to the city. Explore the rich flora and fauna on offer here and be sure to visit the 200-year-old Banyan Tree. You can explore a wide variety of rare trees and plants from China, Nepal, Brazil, Penang, Java and Sumatra.
Dakshineswar Kali temple is a popular religious site. It is situated near the Vivekananda Bridge on the banks of the holy Ganges. This historical temple is the place of worship of Goddess Kali. It is seen as a place of absolute spiritual importance for Hindus. The uniqueness of this temple lies in its design. It has 12 different sections dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sections encompass the main Kali shrine. The temple is also famous because Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is said to have achieved insight from him here.
Staying in Kolkata
Kolkata has all kinds of accommodation to offer visitors. From five-star hotels to budget and mid-range hotels, you can find the type of accommodation that suits you best. You can also check the guest houses and tourist hostels for a very cheap stay.
Exploring places around the city on your Kolkata tour
Kolkata has many interesting places for excursions. You can go for day trips. The coastal resorts of Diamond Harbor and Digha are just a few hours away. These are perfect for spending a weekend in the midst of a serene environment. Other intriguing places include the Shantiniketan. For those interested in crafts and writing, a visit to Shantiniketan is an absolute must. Shantiniketan was established by Rabindranath Tagore. It houses the Vishva Bharati University and several other eminent structures. For example, the Uttarayan, where Tagore himself lived. By establishing this college, Rabindranath Tagore proved that East and West can meet. The school consolidates the best of all societies and is unique in its kind. Some more attractions around there are Deer Park, Kala Bhavan, Uttarayan Gardens and Rabindra Bhavan. Sunderbans, another famous place near Kolkata, is also a must see. It is a World Heritage Site. The Sundarbans are swamps that constitute the largest mangrove delta in the world. This marsh is a characteristic habitat for several species of birds and the Bengal tiger.
party in kolkata
In Kolkata, you should not miss a taste of real Bengali food. Taking a food tour in your Kolkata sightseeing, you can appreciate some extraordinary Bengali delicacies in famous restaurants like Oh! Calcutta and Bhojohori Manna. Both restaurants have some experience in Bengali cuisine. Try the tasty prawn curry and delicious fish curry cooked in mustard, and vegetables cooked in Bengali style. Apart from all this, you should know that no Bengali dinner is finished without conventional Bengali desserts. The must try assortments to mention are mishti doi, Sandesh and Rosogulla. Some places to devour these Bengali desserts are KC Das, Bhim Nag, Ganguram and Mochak. Ask the locals for directions and they’ll tell you instantly!
Shopping in Kolkata
Kolkata is a shopper’s paradise and shopping here can lift your spirits if you know how to haggle. From chic boutiques and cute shopping malls to roadside markets and small bazaars, Kolkata has it all to delight shoppers. New Market in Central Kolkata is one of the best shopping destinations in Kolkata. A legacy precedes the reputation of this place. This place offers just about everything under the sun. While the exterior has been spruced up to give it a normal British Gothic look, the interior is a bit unassuming. The clock tower keeps chiming to remind you of exactly how quickly time seems to go by here. This area becomes a crowded place during Durga Puja, Christmas and New Years. For these times, it changes from a shopping paradise to a carnival. Gariahat is the best bargain market in Kolkata. This is where you can find a mixed variety of things, from clothing to homeware, artwork, vintage books, and jewelry.
A visit to Chinatown in Kolkata is definitely an interesting affair. Ethnic Chinese who moved to Kolkata in the past established tanneries in Tangra, on the eastern side of the city. Given the density of Chinese population here, this area is known as Chinatown. Most families have already closed their tanneries and set up canteens serving authentic Chinese delicacies. Beijing, Kim Ling and Golden Joy are some famous restaurants here. Eat delicious Chinese dishes and fully enjoy this unique aspect of Kolkata travel.
You can reach Kolkata by air. Kolkata airport is a bustling hub for travellers. You can see many flights taking off to different places across the country and the world. For example, you can easily find a flight from Kolkata to Jammu if you need. It is a convenient airport for quick travel to all parts of India.