Introduction
Kolkata is 300 years old city. Kolkata is the oldest major port in the country. It remains to be the capital of India till 1911 and also the main area for the activities of British. Kolkata was been selected as the trading center by the British. After the partition of India between India and Pakistan Kolkata became the capital of West Bengal. Now after a long time Kolkata had become a busy and flourishing town, the center of the cultural as well as the political and economic life of Bengal.
| Area | 1380 sq km |
| Altitude | 9 metres above sea level |
| Temperature | Summer-32.0 C-42.0 C Winter-32 C-7.0 C |
| Language | Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, English |
| STD Code | 033 |
| Rainfall | 160 cm average yearly |
| Best Time to Visit | September to March |
Kolkata MapOther cities map
How to get there
- Air :- There are a number of domestic airlines that connect Kolkata with other major cities of India like Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Port Blair.
- Rail:-Kolkata is well linked to other parts of the country by railways. There are super fast trains like Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express that join Calcutta from Delhi and other nearby places. Calcutta consists of two major railway stations; one is located in Howrah and the other at Sealdah.
- Road:-The city of joy is well linked with almost all the cities of India by road. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminus that lies in the heart of the city.
Places to Visit
| Belur Math | Sea View Park | Dakshineshwar | Fort Williams |
| Botanical Garden | Kali Ghat | Victoria Memorial | St. Paul Cathedral |
Excursion
| Bishnupur | Diamond Harbour | Digha | Gandhi Ghat |
| Ganga Sagar | Krishnagar | Murshidabad | Nabadwip |
| Shantiniketan | Sunderban Tiger Reserves | Tarapith |
Shopping
The best place for bargain shopping is New Market (formerly known as Hogg Market). Others include Gariahat, Dakshinapan , Central Cottage Industries Emporium, brassware shops along Kalighat Road, near the Kali temple, shops and auction houses on Park Street, Russel Street, Little Russel Street and Free School Street, and the Bengal Home Industries showroom.There is plenty to shop. A variety of local handicrafts are made from shola , pith and conch-shell. Calcutta also caters to the bold and beautiful. A bewitching range of gold, silver and diamond jewellery, intricately handcrafted, is available. Also , check out the latest fashion in leather – shoes , garments and accessories.
Accommodation
| Hotel Hyatt Regency | Hotel Oberoi Grand | Hotel Park | Hotel ITC Sonar |
| Hotel Taj Bengal | Hotel Quality Inn | Hotel Kenilworth | Hotel MBD Airport |
| Hotel Peerless Inn | Hotel Hindustan International | Hotel Fairlawn | |
| Hotel Lytton |
