KOLKATA |
In the fall of 1687, Job Charnock, an agent of the east India Company secured permission from the Mughals to find a base at Sutanati. In 1696, Old Fort William was established and this was the origin of the city Calcutta which is now named as Kolkata. The city was derived from Kalikata, one of the three villages whose lands became a part of the new settlement. In the three centuries of its history, Kolkata has grown from a mere fishing village into the largest city in India with a population of 10.8 million, and indeed, one of the largest cities in the world. It served as the capital of India until 1912 and it is not surprising that one sees predominantly Western architectural styles in its many buildings and monuments.
A visit to Kolkata can be the most memorable holiday you have. Perfect strangers strike up a conversation with the tourist in Calcutta about the previous day's match. Cab drivers ply the traveler on his first visit to Kolkata with innumerable tales. Shopkeepers dole out a rupee's worth of goods, and ten of advice. On buses, in trams, in the tea shop around the corner, complete strangers turn into comrades as they pore over the day's papers.
As the day grows old, tourists pour in to admire the vestiges of the first love of the British Raj. They hold hands outside the Victoria Memorial speak in hushed tones under the roof of the St Paul's Cathedral, stare wide-eyed at the wonders in the Indian Museum.
Kolkata has beautiful colonial buildings and heritage structures. Established in 1814, the Indian Museum is the oldest museum in Asia and houses vast collection of Indian natural history and Indian art. The Victoria Memorial, one of the major tourist attractions in Kolkata, has a museum documenting the city's history.
|
Places of Tourist Interest : |
EDEN GARDEN - Eden Garden, located in the northwest corner of the city, is a small and pleasantly laid-out garden. Once the gathering place of the social elite of Kolkata, today it houses the renowned cricket ground by the same name.
BIRLA PLANETARIUM - Built by the Birla Education Trust, this single-storeyed circular structure is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The central dome of the planetarium, with a diameter of 27 m, is an imitation of the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi. Regular shows are held here both in English and Hindi.
Fort William is a must visit tourist attraction place of Calcutta. Situated at the banks of river Hooghly, it was named after King William III of England. It was the guardroom of this two-storied building, where the black hole tragedy took place. During the Plassey war in 1757, Siraj Ud Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal attacked on the fort and defeated the Britishers. This paved way for the construction of a new fort by British.
Marble palace: It is a must visit tourist attraction spot. Built in the year 1835 by Rajendra Mallick, it is an exquisite art gallery. Marble palace houses the marvelous objects of art, sculptures, pictures & oil paintings. Its major highlight includes the Reuben's masterpieces. You can also find the original paintings of Rembrandt, Reynolds and Van Goyen etc.
Howrah Bridge: it is located over the Hoogli River in West Bengal, India, is said to be the busiest bridge of the world. It got its name owing to the fact that it connects the city of Howrah to Calcutta. Hawrah Bridge in Kolkata, India, also known by the name 'Rabindra Setu', was set up in 1874. It stands on two 270 feet high pillars. Calcutta Howrah Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that was constructed without using any nuts and bolts.
Nicco Park: it is situated at Salt Lake, is an amazing amusement park. It can be said about the Nicco Park of Kolkata, India that, it is like the Disneyland of West Bengal with lots of wonderful games and rides. Its most recent addition is the Cave ride that is very interesting and adventurous. It is a spacious park covering about 40-acre land. It is one of the biggest amusement parks in the country and it was opened in the year 1991. Nicco Park is more popularly known as Jheel Meel. It is the ultimate fun and entertainment destination for kids as well as adults. best replica watches
Saheed Minar: it is situated near Esplanade on the Kolkata Maidan, was initially known as Octerloney Monument. It was named after its founder, Sir David Ochterlony. This magnificent monument was established in the year 1848 so as to mark the founder's victory in the Nepal War (1814-1816). The construction of Calcutta Saheed Minar follows an architectural variety. Its foundation is based on the Egyptian style, whereas the main Shahid Minar in Calcutta and its dome follow Syrian and Turkish designs respectively.
Victoria memorial hall: it is a fabulous museum that was established in the year 1921. The credit for designing and drawing the plan for this monument goes to Sir William Emerson, President of the British Institute of Architects. Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, India is a fantastic place that will take you into the world of past history, where you can view the photos and effigies of prominent personalities, who made an incredible contribution in the glory of India. Today, Victoria memorial is one of the finest art museums in Kolkata. It is a 184 ft tall edifice that was constructed on 64 acres of land. The museum houses a group of mind-blowing figures above the north porch that epitomize prudence, learning and motherhood.
KALI MANDIR - Also known as Kalighat, the Kali Mandir is dedicated to Kali, the Goddess of destruction. This is the temple from which the old village Kalikata took its name, which, in turn, also gave the city its name.
DALHOUSIE SQUARE - Renamed Binoy Badal Dinesh Bagh (also BBD Bagh), Dalhousie Square is the heart of West Bengal’s administration and commerce. This is the site of all the important government institutions of the state. This is the place that houses the now famous Writer’s Building and the old Fort William.
The Indian Museum: it was built in 1875 and has an Italian architecture. It is one of the initial and the oldest museums of the world and is also considered one of the largest museums of the country. It has over 60 galleries of beautiful artifacts. It has a stunning collection of archaeological, geographical, botanical and textile objects including the skeletal remains from Harappa and Mahenjodaro which are preserved here. The exceptional displays include an Egyptian mummy, fossils of a prehistoric animal which resembles a dinosaur, a Buddhist stupa, rare antiques, a collection of meteorites and many more exquisite exhibits are there.
Parashnath Jain Temple: it is located in the northeast of Kolkata, West Bengal and was constructed in 1867. It was built by an art connoisseur named Ray Badridas Bahadur. The beauty of the temple is enhanced by beautiful mirrors and colored stones. There are gorgeous flowers aligned by a small stream which is in the premises of the temple.
The Science City: it was built in the 21st century and is an exceptional center of science, communication and environment. The Science City has one big auditorium; 1 small and 8 seminar halls which are fully air conditioned and has a capacity of about 2215 people. These 8 halls have the latest technological audiovisual equipments. This is an amusement park as well as an educational center for all and has proved that Kolkata is equally advanced and tech savvy like the other metropolitans cites. There are science activates which would interest all the age groups.
St Pauls Cathedral: it was built in 1847 and is situated near the Birla Planetorium and east of Vitoria Memorial. It is designed according to Indo-Gothic prototype and has a beautiful architecture. The Church has been renovated many times since then. Around 5 lakhs were spent for the construction of the Church. The Church is 201ft in height and 247ft long and measures 81ft in width. The Cathedral is very beautifully done with intricate art work on the walls and there is stained glass painting done on the west window which looks very magnificent. The ambiance of the Church is very calming and peaceful.
|
|
|