|
Home >>
Destination Guide India > Kolkata
DESTINATION GUIDE INDIA - KOLKATA
ABOUT KOLKATA CITY
Kolkata
represents one of the four metropolitan cities of India. The
city makes up the capital of the eastern state of India, West
Bengal. The city, formerly designated as Calcutta, sway's rich
cultural and demographic resources. The popularity of Kolkata,
as one of the premier cities in India, reached its heights in
the pre independence era. The city in a short span, about 400
years, has evolved into one of the major commercial areas and
a great learning centre in the sub continent. Kolkata city is
situated on the west banks of Hooghly River, in the state of
West Bengal. The city forms the eastern fringes of the state
and lies close to the neighboring country, Bangladesh. The
sea, Bay of Bengal, is not far from the place and is about 60
miles away. The approximate distance from other important
cities of India are: Delhi - 1461 kms, Mumbai - 1987 kms,
Chennai - 1676 kms, Hyderabad - 1576 kms, Jaipur 1472 kms,
Agra - 1258 kms.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS - KOLKATA CITY
BBD Bagh -
The BBD Bagh-Dalhousie stretch is two square Kms and is
located in Central Kolkata. This historical stretch is replete
with Raj-era buildings and the square has been listed by the
World Monument Fund (WMF) as an endangered world heritage
site. The best way to discover the colonial legacy of
Dalhousie square is by walking through its crowded streets.
Every edifice in Dalhousie square has history written all
over.
Preferred
timing : 10 A.M.- 12 P.M. & 6P.M.-9 P.M.
Victoria
Memorial - Victoria Memorial is one of the most
fascinating landmarks of Kolkata. A visit to Victoria Memorial
rekindles the opulent Raj era nostalgia. It is made of White
Barble and there is a harmonious blend of European and Mughal
architecture. Scholars and historians refer to Victoria
Memorial as an unhappy attempt by the Britisher's to build a
better Taj Mahal.
Victoria
Memorial has been built in a sprawling 26 hectares of land and
a visit to Victoria Memorial is the best education one can
possibly have of the British East India Company's rule in
India. Here you will come face to face with miniature
paintings and images of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen
Victoria. What is more, you will be mesmerized by the three
thousand five hundred articles associated with the everlasting
memory of Queen Victoria. Through these articles one can get
an idea of the life and times of Queen Victoria. Of special
importance are the Queen's dresses, the famous Rosewood piano
the Whispering Gallery in the dome and numerous artillery
weapons used in the Battle of Plassey.
Marble
Palace - The sheer grandeur of Marble Palace located at
the busy Chorbagan area of Kolkata will mesmerize you. The
palace was built by one of Bengal's richest landlord - Raja
Rajendra Mullick Bahadur in 1830. A lot of thought and
planning was involved as far as the architectural features of
this strange but palatial edifice is concerned. Although, the
Gothic style of architecture is predomin ant,
on careful observation, you will find that there is a
harmonious blend of Roman, Greek and Oriental style of
architecture, which are also prevalent in this palace of
outstanding beauty and grandeur.
Since the palace was built at a time when Kolkata was the
capital of British India, it is but natural that the
aristocratic Mullick family who built this wonderful palace
had the tacit support of the local British administration. In
fact, the name "Marble Palace" was given by Lord Minto,
perhaps because of the fact that the entire palace was built
using an astounding 126 varieties of marble procured from
various parts of India. Many renowned architects, both Indian
as well as Europeans were involved in designing this
masterpiece.
On the frontal façade of the palace is a beautifully
landscaped lawn where you will find exquisite sculptures and
statues of Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, Christopher Columbus and
Lord Buddha. The sculptures of lions are amazing and speak
volumes about the quality of craftsmanship.
Raj Bhawan -
The majestic Raj Bhawan or Governor's House is the
official residence of the Governor of West Bengal. This
magnificent edifice, which was built by the Marquis of
Wellesley and resembles to a great extent the famous
Kendleston Hall in Britain. This palatial edifice is spread
over a sprawling 27 acres of land. This eighteenth century
edifice is one of the finest specimen of Victorian
architectural grandeur.
Raj Bhawan is not just another colonial left-over mansion of
the erstwhile British East India Company. It is a significant
estate of stupendous dimension, one which has housed the
Governor Generals of the British East India Company. During
the eighteenth century till the year 1911, when Kolkata was
the capital of British East India Company, Raj Bhawan was the
most exclusive address in the whole of India. It has housed
twenty-three Governor Generals and Viceroys of the erstwhile
British rulers.
HOW TO REACH KOLKATA
»
Air : Most of the domestic airlines have direct services
to and from Calcutta to other important cities of India such
as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow, etc.
» Rail : Trains from the other parts of the
country connect Kolkata. City is also connected with the super
fast trains. The city has two major railway stations, one at
Howrah and the other at Sealdah.
»
Road : Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities
by road. The Esplanade Terminus in the heart of the city is
the main bus terminus.
|
