Kolkata
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Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal in India, is a port city that served as the capital of India from 1833 to 1912. While not as popular as New Delhi and Mumbai, Kolkata offers a multitude of attractions that make it a great destination for your next vacation.
As the largest city in India, Kolkata was once the center of British colonial power in the country and held significant importance for the British Empire, second only to London. As a result, the city is filled with British relics that can be explored. Kolkata boasts several popular landmarks, including the Eden Garden Cricket Ground, the third largest cricket stadium in the world, and Salt Lake Stadium, the second largest soccer stadium globally.
Kolkata is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and is often referred to as the cultural capital of India. The city is home to Hindu temples and other religious sites, some of which also have historical ties to the British era.
Tourists from around the world flock to Kolkata to witness the grand Durga Puja Festival, a celebration dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Additionally, there are other fascinating tourist destinations in Kolkata, such as the Tagore Museum, The National Library of India, and the Kolkata Book Fair, which is the largest book fair in Asia.
When visiting Kolkata, be sure to indulge in the local cuisine. Don't miss out on trying Rosogolla, a popular sweet dessert. The city is also known for its vibrant street food culture, with delicacies like puchka, singara, kachori, and more available throughout.
Make Kolkata your next vacation destination and experience the charm and diversity this city has to offer!
Travel Tips for Kolkata
What you need to know before traveling here
Getting Around Kolkata
A guide to Kolkata's local transportation
Yellow taxis are iconic in Kolkata and can be used to reach various places in the city. Taxis are scattered on the streets and available at any time of the day. Using a yellow taxi can be an interesting experience as drivers often have many stories to share with passengers. Most drivers use metered taxis, so there are no issues with overcharging.
Practical Tips for Kolkata
Things to prepare and best way to visit
Kolkata, known as the City of Joy, is famous for its many delights. It offers a complete vacation experience with its rich literature, history, food, and more. Kolkata is an ideal blend of contemporary India and old-world elegance. Popular landmarks to visit in Kolkata include Eden Garden Cricket Ground, Salt Lake Stadium, and Tagore Museum. Additionally, Kolkata hosts a major Indian festival called Durga Puja Festival.
The best place to visit in Kolkata is the Victoria Memorial, a stunning white marble museum dedicated to Britain's Queen Victoria. Tourists can also explore the Botanical Garden located in Shibpur, which boasts over 12,000 perennial plants. Other world-class landmarks in Kolkata, such as Eden Cricket Ground and Salt Lake Stadium, are also worth a visit.
Known as the Cultural Capital of India, Kolkata is a foodie's paradise, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Some of the must-try foods in Kolkata include Puckas, Kathi Rolls, Luchi and Alu Dom, Ghugni Chaat, Mughlai Parathas, Desi Chinese, Dragon Chicken, Samosas, Tela Bhaja, and many more.
After sunset, Kolkata transforms into a vibrant city, offering a completely different experience. Kolkata nightlife is not limited to nightclubs, fancy restaurants, or bars. There are plenty of activities you can enjoy during the night in the city. Take a midnight heritage tour to explore Kolkata and visit landmarks such as Victoria Memorial, Kolkata Town Hall, Lascar War Memorial, and other palaces in the serene ambiance of the night. You can also admire the beauty of Howrah Bridge.
As a bustling metropolis, Kolkata is not only rich in history and culture but also a paradise for shopaholics. If you enjoy shopping, you can explore various shopping destinations in the city. Some popular options include New Market or Hogg Market, Gariahat Market known for its traditional textiles and sarees, Dakshinapan Shopping Centre, College Street or Boi Para, South City Mall, and Quest Mall.
Travel Tips for Kolkata
More Destination Near Kolkata
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