Known and Famous as Calcutta, Kolkata was the first capital
of the British in India. A mere village in the early 17th
century, today Kolkata is one of the four metropolitan
cities of India. The city is famous for some beautiful
edifices of British India. Victoria Memorial and the Howrah
Bridge are the two very popular structures of the city.
Kali Mandir, dedicated to Kali, goddess of destruction,
is the temple from which the old village Kalikata and
the present city took its name.
In 1690, Job Charnok, an agent of the East India Company
chose this place for a British trade settlement. The selection
was strategic and well thought as the site was protected
by the Hooghly River on the west, a creek to the north,
and by salt lakes about two and a half miles to the east.
In 1756, Siraj-ud-daullah, nawab of Bengal, attacked the
city and captured the fort. Robert Clive recaptured Calcutta
in 1757 when the British defeated Siraj-ud-daullah on
the battlefield of Plassy. In 1772, Calcutta became the
capital of British India. Till 1912, Calcutta was the
capital of India, when the British moved the capital city
to Delhi.
Victoria Memorial is a huge white-marble structure, which
has been now converted in a museum. The Memorial is one
of the finest structures of British in India. The Memorial,
which is now well lighted, looks very beautiful on a full
moon day.
Howrah Bridge, this early 20th century bridge is an
excellent example of engineering techniques. The whole
bridge is 450 m long without any pylon in the river.
The bridge also has the distinction of being the busiest
bridge in the world catering to around 100,000 vehicles
and innumerable pedestrians.
The Indian Museum, built in 1874, is one of the oldest
museums in India. It has one of the rare collections
of archeological. The Museum has an original Lion Capitol,
the national symbol of India at the entrance gate. You
can see this through the tour packages for Kolkata.
Fort William, another important structure in the city
was constructed in 1781. The fort was built after the
attack of Siraj-Ud-Daula in 1756, which killed many
British soldiers with their families
Other important sites that can be visited are Dakshineshwar
Kali Temple, Botanical Garden, Shanti Niketan, Marble
Palace, Bishnupur, Tagore House, Church of St John,
Nakhoda Mosque, Raj Bhawan, Town Hall, and St. Paul's
Cathedral.
To feel the culture and hospitality of the city, one
must visit the city during the Durga Puja Festival.
Recommended Itineraries
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Classical Wildlife Tour with Goa
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itineraries and tours for Kolkata, India.
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