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Calcutta Information:
Calcutta is the City of Joy and it is one of the oldest metropolises of India. British East India Company, who bought the three villages of Sutanati, Govindpur & Kolikata from the Nawab of Bengal to lay the foundation of what is today called Calcutta. It is the city of a poet's dream, often expressed in Tagore's writings. A city most dear to the Messiah of the poor, Mother Teresa. A city of brave soldiers and martyrs, Maulana Azad, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. A city of trade and commerce and truly a city of joy and hope. Today, at the threshold of 21st century, Calcutta is poised on the verge of another change. Trade and commerce is growing steadily with the changing lifestyles and the economic boom. Our 'Tilottama' Calcutta , the most accomodating of cities, continues to enchant, in its vibrant hues, encompassing all facets of life & livelihood.
Calcutta Attractions:
Victoria Memorial
As the name suggests, this beautiful edifice in white-marble was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. It is the most enduring one that gets one nostalgic about the British Raj in India. The memorial when lit in the night, gives a fascinating site. It has been now converted in a museum housing the most impressive collection belonging to the days of Raj.
Indian Museum
Built in 1875, it is a huge piece of Italian architecture on Jawaharlal Nehru Road. The largest museum in the country, the museum has six sections : Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Industry (economic botany). The mummy is a special attraction for visitors to the museum.
Eden Garden
Famous all around the world, this place is synonymous with Indian Cricket. It is located in the northwest corner of the city, and is counted among the best cricketing ground. It houses both cricket ground and a well laid out garden by the same name.
Birla Planetarium
This one of the largest planetarium of its kind in the world seems like Buddhist stupa at Sanchi at one instance. Regular shows in Hindi and English are held here. A good place for entertainment and information.
National Library
The erstwhile sprawling residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, at Belvedere, is a depiction of the Italian Renaissance style. The library, housed here, is the largest in India with a collection of more than one million books. It also has a collection of very rare manuscripts which is of immense historical value.
Kali Mandir
This temple is dedicated to Kali, goddess of destruction. It is also known as Kalighat. The temple was rebuilt on the site of the actual temple. This is the temple from which the old village ‘Kalikata' took its name, which, in turn, also gave the city its name.
Metro Railway
Yet another jewel in the crown of Calcutta is the Metro Railway. India's first underground tube railway connecting the southern fringe of the city, Tollygunge, to the northern end at Dumdum, covers a distance of 16 kms, divided into 17 stations on only 33 minutes. With its clean premises, efficient service, it offers a comfortable journey to the commuters.
Howrah Bridge or Rabindra Setu
This marvelous bridge is an excellent example of engineering techniques of the early 20th century. The whole bridge is 450 m long without any pylon in the river. It is a cantilever bridge, which keeps on bustling with people and vehicles throughout the day.
Nicco Park
Nicco Park is situated at Salt Lake. This amusement park is the Disneyland of West Bengal, with a variety of unusual games and rides. The River Cave ride is the latest addition and is the only of its kind in this part of the world.
Source: India Tourism Official Website
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