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Kolkata is the city of joy for some while a dirty, crowded, and noisy city of others. Kolkata is among the four major metropolis of India along with Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Like Mumbai and Chennai, it originated largely due to the expansionist ambitions of the European powers, especially the British Raj in India.
History of Kolkata
Kolkata, the first capital of the British Raj does not have an ancient history like Delhi. The city was established in 1686 as a trading centre. The city progressed well until 1756 when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove away the British. The people here are hued in their culture and can go to any length to defend it.
Tourist Places in Kolkata
Victoria Memorial is a huge white-marble structure and the cherishable remains of the British Raj in India. The structure, which is now floodlit in the night, gives a fascinating site. It has been now converted in a museum that houses the most impressive collection of memorabilia's from the days of Raj. Fort William was constructed in 1781 after the war of 1756. The entry into the fort is allowed only after getting special permits. Indian Museum, built in 1874, is the oldest museum in India and has one of the rare collections of archeological things. Eden Garden, located in the northwest corner of the city, is a small and pleasantly laid-out garden renowned for the cricket ground. Birla Planetarium, Kali Mandir, Howrah Bridge, Belur Math, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Botanical Garden, Marble Palace, Tagore House, Church of St John, Nakhoda Mosque, Raj Bhawan, Town Hall, and St. Paul's Cathedral are some other tourist places in Kolkata.
Fairs and Festivals in Kolkata
Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja , Calcutta Book Fair which is one of the largest in Asia and Poush Mela are the most celebrated festivals in Kolkata, the city of Joy.
Shopping in Kolkata
Kolkata can be described as a shopping paradise for those who want the value for their money. New Market, Kolkata's oldest and most renowned municipal market, offers one of the widest ranges of goods available in the city. Bertram Street market offers leather goods, plastic toys, fancy silverware, jewelry, garments, fabric, confectionery, clothing, dry fruits, poultry products, fish, meat, flowers, etc. The air-conditioned market at Shakespeare Sarani specializes in clothes, novelties, artificial plants, jewelry, electronic household gadgets, watches, etc. Bagri Market, Bowbazar at B. B. Ganguly Street, Chandni Market, China Bazaar, College Street, Dakshinapan Market and Lake Market are some of the popular shopping outlets within the city.
How To Reach Kolkata
Most of the domestic airlines have direct services to and from Kolkata to other important cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow, etc. Kolkata also provides direct flights to most of the countries in the Southeast Asia. The airport in Kolkata is situated at Dumdum, around 17 km northeast of the city center.
Kolkata is connected with other major cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi etc. through super-fast trains. The city has two major railway stations at Howrah and Sealdah.
Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities by roadways. Mechanized boats and ships are available on a regular basis for Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Luxury cruises are also operational between Kolkata and Haldia, a modern port city nearby.
When it comes to local transport, Kolkata Metro is India's first and the only underground railway network, to move around the city. Other options to travel within the city are taxis, trams, and buses.
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