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 Kolkata, earlier known as Calcutta, is regarded as the cultural and intellectual capital of India. The 300 years old historical city of Kolkata has a distinct and diverse culture of its own. Kolkata has been the capital city of Indian under the British Raj till 1911 and as a result boasts of a unique culture and heritage. Also famous as 'the city of joy', Kolkata is home to numerous poets, thinkers and film directors of international renown. The city hosts various cultural programs, art exhibitions and sports practically every day of the year.
The fascinating city of Kolkata houses some of the best architectural masterpieces of the British Raj. There are number of landmarks in the city worth visiting. The Victoria Memorial is the most important tourist attraction at Kolkata. Other major attractions here include Botanical Gardens, Raj Bhawan, Armenian Church, Marble Palace, and the Birla Planetarium among many others.
Places to Visit
Victoria Memorial: The Victoria Memorial Hall presents one of the finest architectural masterpieces of the British period. The milky white marble structure was built to as a memorial for Queen Victoria on her death in 1901. The memorial has good collections from the past worth looking at. Sound and light shows are held every day of the week at the Victoria Memorial.
Birla Planetarium: One of the largest of its kind in India, the Birla Planetarium is situated in the heart of Kolkata city. The dome shaped structure is an important landmark on the city skyline. The planetarium takes you to the real world of cosmic mysteries. The show is organized daily in Hindi and English.
Howrah Bridge: Also known as the Rabindra Setu, the 450 m long Howrah Bridge is the first sight for rail passengers visiting Kolkata. This beautiful and amazing bridge is rated among the busiest bridges in the world. Over 10,000 vehicles ply across it everyday.
Other major attractions of the city include Dakshineshwar Temple, Kali Temple, Marble Palace, Nakhoda Mosque, National Library, Rabindra Sarobar, Belur Math, Eden Gardens, the Zoo, Raj Bhavan, Indian Museum, Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Sahid Minar, St. Paul's Cathedral Church, Zoological Gardens among many more.
How to Reach
By Air: Kolkata has a very busy international airport at Dum Dum at 20 km from the city centre. All the major domestic and International airlines operate between Kolkata and other major cities of India and the world.
By Rail: Kolkata has two big railway stations at Howrah and Sealdah and well connected by trains to almost all the major cities and towns in India.
By Road: Kolkata has a very good network of roads and well connected by national highways from rest of India. All the premier towns and cities of India are well linked by bus services to the city.
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