Kolkata Travel Guide | Calcutta

Kolkata - Calcutta
Kolkata formerly known as Calcutta is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, located in eastern India. Nowadays when referred to as "Kolkata", it usually includes the suburbs, whereas Calcutta is usually regarded as the central area of the city. The old Calcutta served as the capital of India during the British Raj up until 1911 when the British moved the capital to New Delhi. It was once the centre of modern education, industry, science, culture and politics but then witnessed intense political violence, clashes and economic stagnation.

The city's economy started to recover after reforms in India introduced by the central government in the mid-1990s began to take effect. Since the year 2000, Information Technology services have helped to bring about some level of economic rejuvenation. The city is also experiencing a growth in the manufacturing sector. As a tourist however, you may be shocked by the level of poverty to be seen here. Calcutta's rich colonial legacy is evident in many of the tourist attractions you will see here. The Victoria Memorial, BBD Bagh, Fort William, Writers Building, Shahid Minar, Marble Palace, Botanical Gardens, Nicco Park and Science City are some of the tourist attractions you will find in Kolkata. Some of India's most fascinating museums, such as the Indian Museum and Marble Palace, are in Calcutta.

Kolkata today boasts of international standard shopping malls, multiplexes, pubs and various fine restaurants. The youth of Kolkata is far more exposed to western culture and has a completely different outlook towards life as compared to their predecessors. Park Street, which is the most happening place in the whole of Kolkata is where you can dance in the discos till 2.00 in the morning. If you are not so adventurous then why not feast yourself with the gastronomic delights to be found in the many fashionable eateries here.

The Bengalis are very fond of Kolkata, their capital city. For them and for many visitors from other countries, it is looked upon as the cultural center of India. College Street has hundreds of bookshops, and there are more publishers in Calcutta than in all the rest of India. Many poets and artists live there, and religious and cultural festivals enliven the city throughout the year. Location
Kolkata is the state capital of West Bengal and is situated in east India close to the Bay of Bengal. It is difficult to believe that this immense city started out as a simple trading post founded by an English merchant towards the end of the seventeenth century. Over the following two hundred years it grew to become the capital of Great Britain's empire.

To the north of Kolkata is Darjeeling, the world renowned centre of tea growing. Darjeeling straddles a mountain slope as it drops down steeply to the valley below. From here can be seen Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. It is home to the headquarters of the Indian Mountaineering Institute and is the birthplace of Sherpa Tenzing.

Climate and when to travel
The best time to visit Kolkata (Calcutta) is during the months of November to February. Kolkata has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and a short winter that tends to last for only about two and a half months. Summer temperatures are mostly in the low 30's, but dry spells especially during May and June will push the temperatures above 40 °C. Winter temperatures range between 12 °C and 27 °C. and fall no lower that 9°C. Often during early summer, dusty squalls followed by spells of thunderstorm and heavy rains lash the city. June sees the monsoon rains start to fall and they last until September.

Kolkata - Calcutta
All international flights into Kolkata (Calcutta) will arrive at The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata or Calcutta. Located at Dum Dum, the airport is 18km (11 miles) from the city and considered to be the gateway to the North Eastern States. You can read more about the International airport including transfers to the city using the link below:
Kolkata (Calcutta) Airport | The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport