Kolkata or Calcutta as it was previously known had a very humble beginning. It started off with three small villages - Sutanuti, Govindapur and Kolikata and was used as a trading post for the British East India company. It went on to become the capital of India from 1772 to 1912. Today, Kolkata forms the commercial and industrial center of Eastern India.
Although Kolkata has a rich legacy, the first impression about Kolkata may not be very pleasing. The heat, dirt and the ocean of people may put visitors off. But spend a few days here and you will grow to love the city. Kolkata is striking in its own way. It is a warm and friendly city which has something for everyone. The spirit of the people of this city never ceases to amaze you. It is a city that throbs with pulsating life forces.
The local means of transport of Kolkata needs a special mention. Long-parallel bars, a colourful seat, a pair of wheels ? all this being pulled by a man! Well, I am talking about the hand-pulled rickshaw . It is a sight that you can see only in this city. The image the rickshaw pullers ? of man pulling man ? may be an uncomfortable one for many educated Indians. But, it is the only means of livelihood for the hundreds of rickshaw-wallas who have been doing this for generations.
Trams are another unique feature of Kolkata. It is a slow-moving electrical transport that runs on tracks (looks like a mini train). Trams add an old-word charm to the city. It is used as a daily conveyance by thousands of Kolkatans.
The metro rail , the pride of Kolkata, was first started here. It is the most efficient and comfortable way to travel in the city. The stations are spic and span and you are sure to reach your destination in time.
The other mans of transport here are buses, taxis, local trains, auto rickshaws and ferry.
Some of the main attractions of Kolkata are:
1.Belur Math ? The headquater of Ramkrishna mission
2.Dakhinashwar Temple - This temple is associated with one of India’s greatest religious philosophers - Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. It has a main temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and 12 other temples to lord Shiva.
3.Kalighat Temple ? One of the major hindu pilgrimage center.
4.Sahid Minar ? a monument in memory of India?s martyr freedom fighters.
5.Birla Planetarium ? The second largest planetarium in the world.
6.Victoria Memorial ? a beautiful white structure in memory of queen Victora.
7.Eden Garden - a beautiful garden to stroll and relax.
8.Alipore Zoo - houses some exotic animals including white tigers
9.Rabindra Sarobar - A large man-made lake
10.Birla Temple - a magnificent landmark in South Kolkata
11.Maidan - A huge open space ideal for a walk and a breath of fresh air.
12.Howrah Bridge - A structural workmanship that connects Howrah with Kolkata
13.Vidyasagar Sethu Another architectural marvel connecting Kolkata with Howrah
14.Indian Musuem - The oldest and the largest museum of the country.
15.Botanical Garden - A huge garden with a 250 years old Banyan Tree.
16.Nicco Park - An amusement park that offers a whole lot of fun
17.Science City -An experience not be missed.
18.Aquatica - A water based theme park
19. Millennium Park - A lovely landscaped garden along the Hoogly
I don?t think that a review of Kolkata can be complete without mentioning the Durga Puja. It is the most important festival of the Bengalis. It is a 10 days long stretch of festivities and prayers. It marks the victory of good over evil. The city puts its best face forward during this time. Artistic pandals (bamboo and cloth structures), sprout all over the city.
Innovations in pandal design, adornment and illumination charm the lakhs of people who take to the streets as they pandal hop through the night.
There are other festivals like Sankranti , Posh Mela, Saraswati Puja, Dol Purnima (Holi) , Poila Boishak, Rabindra Jayanti, Rath Jatra, Bhai Photha, Kali Puja that Kolkata celebrates with much pomp and gaiety.
Before I stop, I must also mention the food available here. Kolkata is a foodie?s paradise. Kolkata has it all - from the road side vendor’s chicken rolls, chops and chowmein to the global menu of the the five star restaurants. But among all these, Kolkata is best known for its sweets.
The rosogolla, natun gurer sandesh (a sweet made of jaggery and thickened milk), pantua (similar to a gulab jamun), misthi doi (sweet yoghurt), payesh (a creamy sweet dish made of rice/sewaiya in thickened milk), sitabhog, mihidana, malpua, radhapallavi are some of the specialities. Almost every street in Kolkata has a sweet shop with a large variety of mouthwatering sweets.
The other delicious miss-nots are singara, kachuri, puchka (pani puri) , jhalmuri , rolls (chicken, mutton, egg), mochar chop?Oh! I can?t continue anymore I am already drooling.
To wrap it up, I would like to say that Kolkata is a must visit place that will entice you to come back once again.