KOLKATA, THE CITY OF JOY

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Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of West Bengal and the second largest city in India (after Mumbai) It is an 'in your face' city that shocks and charms the unsuspecting visitor. Abject poverty and filth mix inexplicably with crumbling British Raj-era gems, sprawling gardens and historical colleges. Long known as the cultural capital of India, Kolkata continues to spawn generations of poets, writers, film producers and Nobel Peace Prize winners. If your visit only allows for a visit of one or two of India's metropolitan cities, then definitely consider placing Kolkata on your itinerary. Love it or hate it, you definitely won't forget the city on the Hooghly.

KOLKATA’S PLACES OF INTERESTS
  • Eden Gardens: one of the most famous cricket venues in the world
  • Victoria Memorial: Kolkata's iconic landmark of the Victorian era
  • Calcutta Racecourse: an important landmark since the British raj
  • Fort William: an impregnable British fort built in 1773, still in use and visitors allowed
  • Nakhoda Mosque: the largest mosque in Kolkata
  • Jorasanko Thakur Bari: the Tagore family residence
  • Howrah Bridge: Kolkata's iconic landmark and world famous bridge
  • Royal Kolkata Golf Club, Tollygunge: the oldest golf club in the world after St. Andrews in Scotland
  • Mother Teresa Hospital, Kalighat: hospital for the destitute
  • Botanical Garden, Shibpur: popular tourist spot
  • Belur Math: headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission
  • Tollywood, Tollygunge: the home of Bengali Films
  • Tollygunge Club: established by the British with golf course, horse riding and accommodation
  • Rabindra Sarovar, Ballygunge: open park and lake area with boating, amphitheatre and eateries
  • Kali Temple, Dakshineswar: important religious site & popular tourist spot
  • Ramakrishna Mission Institute, Ballygunge: popular tourist spot
  • Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Ballygunge: popular tourist spot
  • Vidyasagar Setu: popular bridge over the Hoogly River; cab rides available
  • Khidirpore Dockyard Market: popular market place for foreign made goods
  • Park Street, Dharmatala, Chowringhee: popular places for shopping, restaurants, leisure activities