Calcutta Travel Guide, India

Calcutta, now called Kolkata, is the third largest city in India and it is one of the metropolitan cities in the country. Calcutta is densely populated and the native language is Bengali. As it is one of the busiest cities in India, you cannot avoid crowded streets, people and vehicles trying to reach their destination. The streets of the city are generally narrow and are always busy with people working like a bee.

This city is the birth place of many scholars in India and the most renowned poet and writer Rabindranath Tagore of Calcutta won the Nobel Prize for his work Gitanjali.

The city has a moderate climate. There are no winters in Calcutta but the city is flooded by monsoon rains. Hooghly River in Calcutta is filled with water from July to September. It is advisable to avoid coming to Calcutta during Monsoons, as you will have to face heavy showers all the time preventing you from moving around the city freely.

Calcutta is famous for its food. The mouth watering delicacies made of milk are the most popular dishes of the place. You cannot miss the sweets and the Bengali fish when in Calcutta. If you get a chance to visit Calcutta during the months of October and November, you can enjoy the famous festivals of Durga Puja and Diwali. A pleasurable experience is awaiting you in Calcutta during the festival seasons.

Statistics

Area: 1380 sq.km

Population: 12 million

Languages Spoken: Bengali Hindi

Currency: Indian Rupees

 

Architecture

Howrah Bridge is Calcutta’s pride. It was built in the early 20th century which reflects the architectural efficiency of those days. Howrah Bridge is 450 m in length and has the distinction of being the busiest bridge in the world, catering to around 100000 vehicles daily.

Victoria Memorial is Calcutta’s identity. It is a white marble structure and is considered as one the most enduring architectures of the British era. The structure, after being floodlit, gives a fascinating view in the night. However now it has been converted into a museum demonstrating the memorabilia of the British era.

Infrastructure

Calcutta is one of the oldest cities in India. The city has a fairly sound infrastructure. A Sharp contrast can be seen across the streets of the city. Older trams will be moving on the road sides carrying the passengers while metro trains will be moving swiftly along the tracks. Traffic Jams are very common in Calcutta. The transport facilities are cheap and easily available. The communication system of the city is appreciable.

People and Culture

The people of Calcutta follow the Bengali culture and thus known as Bengalis. Bengali people are very hospitable and hard working. Calcutta is entrusted with the deep rooted Bengali culture which encompasses all the facets of music, drama, art and poetry. It is the place of greatest poets of all times, Shri Rabindranath Tagore lived here.

Every household in Calcutta reverberates with Rabindra music and Rabindra Nitya Natya (dance dramas). Calcutta’s major festival is Durga Puja which celebrates the feats of Goddess Durga. During this festival, the city can be seen in its utmost glory as every nook and corner bears the mild fragrance of flowers Abir (color) and Bengali music.

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