indiajourney

Kolkata Tour

Calcutta, or Kolkata as it is now called, is seen as the land of the intellectuals. Communist in ideology and very politically aware, Kolkata was the capital of British India before Delhi assumed this position. Kolkata developed from a fishermen village to become one of the largest cities in the world. The city symbolizes creativity and vibrance with all the modern amenities available. Kolkata has adapted to the modern trends and techniques of the world but has not shed the leisurely life style and the calm of its hey days. Kolkata has the country's first Metro railway and some of its buildings are more than a hundred years old. While Kolkata is a city of enduring charm, it is also a city that evokes extreme emotions. So be ready to give in to it or hate it completely. . A city with strong cultural, literary and religious flavours, Kolkata acts as the gateway to the North-East.
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Climate: Kolkata is located at a point where the river Hooghly merges into the sea. In fact, the whole region is part the great Gangetic delta. The climate of Kolkata is largely influenced by the sea. The daily tidal waves and frequent rains accompanied by high velocity winds, has now become a part of life in the city. Kolkata has a very tropical climate with the summers being hot and humid. The temperature seldom crosses the 43-degree barrier and in winter, rarely goes below 8 degrees. Monsoons are timely and heavy. Winters are the best time to visit.
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Best times to visit: Between September and March.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- Special Festivals Durga Puja One of the most important festivals here is the Durga Puja, a celebration of the victory of good over evil. During the puja lasting ten days with different rituals, the whole city is decorated like a bride. Kolkata looks like one big fair with shops lined up with everything imaginable and streets dotted with people. This is followed by the Kali puja and Diwali, the festival of lights. Vasant Panchami In spring, the city celebrates Vasant Panchami, a festival where Saraswati, the Goddess of wisdom and learning is worshipped. Apart from these, the city celebrates the festival of colour Holi or Dol Yatra as it is called in Bengal with traditional pomp and gaiety. Poila Baishak This is the Bengali New Year that starts with the worship of Lord Ganesha. Christmas and New Year celebrations are also observed with spirit as is Id-ul-Fitr. How to get there By Road: Kolkata is well connected by major National Highways to almost all parts of the country. By Air: Kolkata is one of India's busiest International Airports and is served by a few International Airlines, namely British Airways, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, KLM and a few others. On the domestic network, Kolkata is connected by Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines, to most major cities in India by frequent daily flights. By Rail: Regular train services connect Howrah and Sealdah stations to different parts of India. Kolkata also serves as a train gateway to most parts of North Eastern India.

EXCURSIONS:

Digha
It is the nearest sea-beach from Kolkata and is a six-hour bus journey. Very close to the Orissa border, Digha has been attracting a lot of tourists. The 7 kilometer long beach has every thing that a sea loving traveller could possibly need good surf and sand. Just 8 kms from Digha is the Chandaneshwar Siva Temple across the border in Orissa. Digha is 185 kms from Kolkata.

Diamond Harbour
51 kms from the city is the old port of Kolkata. From here Hooghly turns south to merge into the sea and from here, one can take launches to Sagar island for the famous Ganga Sagar Fair.

Places to Visit in Kolkata

Howrah Bridge
It one of three bridges on the river Hooghly and is the most famous landmark in all of West Bengal. This bridge is a marvel of British engineering. Howrah Bridge is suspended on pillars and never mind how old, it still stands as strong as ever.

Victoria Memorial
One of the oldest museums in Kolkata, this is a must see for anyone who visits the city.

Indian Museum
The oldest museum in India and one of the most comprehensive museums in Asia, the archaeology and numismatic sections contain the most valuable collections.

Nakhoda Mosque
The largest mosque in Kolkata, which can accommodate 10,000 worshippers at a time, this wonder is built in the Indo-Saracenic style.

St. Paul's Cathedral Church.
One of the most prominent churches in the city, it is located between Birla planetarium and Rabindra Sadan. Constructed by Bishop Willson in 1847, it is the first Episcopal Church of the East. The Indo-Gothic style of this church is really impressive.

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