Kolkata West Bengal, India Travel Guide
Discover how this city, steeped in history and throbbing with modern life, promises an exciting experience unlike any other.
Kolkata's position in the delta means the surrounding landscape is largely flat, marked by numerous smaller canals and tributaries. This terrain influences the city's climate, specifically its vulnerability to monsoons and occasional flooding. The closeness to the Bay of Bengal also brings a maritime influence, aiding the region's humidity levels.
The city's elevation is relatively low, generally between 1.5 to 9 meters (5 to 30 feet) above sea level. This low elevation, combined with the monsoon season, means how water is managed and drainage considerations for urban planning.
Kolkata, previously known as Calcutta, is a profound place within India’s history. From 1772 to 1911, it served as the capital of British India, making it the epicenter of the colonial period power and influence. The design of the legacy of this time, characterized by grand buildings from the colonial era, still defines much of central Kolkata's landscape.
The city's role extended more than just administration. It became an important port and trading hub, attracting diverse communities from across India and beyond. Armenians, Jews, Chinese, and Anglo-Indians all contributed to Kolkata's cosmopolitan fabric, leaving behind their distinct cultural and culinary imprints.
Center for education, industry, science, culture, and politics.
Hotbed of intellectual and related to politics activity against British rule.
Strong tradition in literature, art, music, and theater.
Home to Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa.
Capital moved in 1911, but Kolkata retained cultural significance.
The city's historical significance extends to its institutions. The Indian Museum, established in 1814, is the oldest and largest museum in India. Educational establishments like Presidency University and the University of Calcutta fostered intellectual discourse and produced many of India's leaders.
A visit to Kolkata is a journey through these historical narratives, offering insights into India's past and present. The commitment to culture means the city’s calendar is filled with literary festivals, art exhibitions, music concerts, and plays and shows.
Visit B.B.D. Bag (formerly Dalhousie Square) on a weekday morning to witness impressive colonial architecture. The Writers' Building, General Post Office, and St. John'the Cathedral of connect you to Kolkata's past as the capital of British India.
Image: The Victoria Memorial, a grand architectural reminder of Kolkata's colonial past.
Kolkata serves as West Bengal's main economic, financial, and cultural hub. The city truly distinguishes itself through its unique blend of old-world charm and modern developments, creating an atmosphere that is both captivating and sometimes overwhelming.
You will find a city that cherishes its heritage, evident in the preservation of its old buildings and the continuation of age-old traditions, especially during festivals like Durga Puja. Simultaneously, Kolkata embraces modernity with new infrastructure, sprawling malls, and a growing tech sector in areas like Salt Lake and New Town. This duality has visitors a wide array of experiences, from exploring old temples and from the colonial era mansions to enjoying contemporary art galleries and upscale dining.
The culinary landscape reflects rich history: traditional Bengali fish curries, sweets, unique "Indian Chinese" cuisine, and abundant street food.
Markets teem, street food vendors offer delicacies, and iconic yellow taxis weave through thoroughfares. Public transport includes India's first metro system and tram network.
Kolkata’s people, known for their warmth, hospitality, and intellectual curiosity, form the heart of the city, making it a living, breathing entity.
As a cultural hub, Kolkata typically hosts festivals, literary events, art exhibitions, and musical performances. This continuous stream of societal activity underscores its reputation as a center for the arts.
