Calcutta is the grandest and most squalid city in India. Despite its centuries-old history, it has managed to preserve its own identity and a large number of interesting sights that attract travelers from all over the world.
General information
Calcutta (since 2001 – Kolkata) is the capital of West Bengal, a large Indian state located in the eastern part of the country. It is one of the 10 largest cities on the planet and is the second largest metropolis in India. Most of the population, which totals up to 5 million people, is made up of Bengalis. It is their language that is considered the most common here.
For a tourist who finds himself in this city for the first time, Calcutta causes very mixed impressions. Poverty and wealth go hand in hand here, with the opulent colonial architecture in stark contrast to the unsightly slums, and the smartly dressed Bengali aristocrats with the merchants and barbers who live right on the street.
Anyway, Calcutta is the cultural heart of modern India. It has the best golf course in the country, more than 10 universities, countless colleges, schools and institutes, many old gentlemen’s clubs, a huge racetrack, several museums and galleries, as well as the offices of major international companies and much more. The main areas of the city are characterized by well-organized infrastructure and excellent transport links, operating both inside and outside the city limits.
Calcutta is also the only place in India where rickshaws are still allowed. Not a motorcycle or bike, but the most common ones – those that run on the ground and pull a cart with people behind them. Despite the hellish work and scanty payment, they continue to carry numerous tourists who come to this unusual and diverse city.
Historical background
The history of Calcutta began in 1686, when Job Charnock, an English entrepreneur, came to the quiet village of Kalikatu, which has existed in the Ganges Delta since time immemorial. Deciding that this place would be perfect for a new British colony, he laid out a miniature replica of London with wide boulevards, Catholic churches and picturesque gardens squeezed into strict geometric shapes. However, the beautiful tale quickly ended on the outskirts of the new city, where the Indians who served the British lived in crowded slums.
The first blow to Calcutta came in 1756, when it was conquered by the nawab of neighboring Murshidabad. However, after a long and bitter struggle, the city was not only returned to the British, but also turned into the official capital of British India. In the following years, the fate of Calcutta was formed in different ways – it was going through a new round of its development, then it was in complete discord and desolation. The civil war for independence and unification of West and East Bengal did not pass this city by. However, after these events, the British quickly moved the colonial capital to Delhi, depriving Calcutta of political power and seriously affecting its economy. However, even then the city managed to get out of the financial crisis and regain its former position.
In the early 2000s, Calcutta received not only a different name – Kolkata, but also a new administration, characterized by a more friendly attitude to business. In this regard, numerous hotels, shopping, business and entertainment centers, catering establishments, residential high-rises and other infrastructure elements began to appear on its streets.
In our time, Calcutta, populated by representatives of various nationalities, continues to develop actively, trying to eradicate the prevailing opinion among Europeans about total poverty and desolation.
Attractions
Calcutta is famous not only for its centuries-old history, but also for its many diverse attractions, among which each of you will find something interesting for yourself.
Victoria Memorial
One of the main attractions of Calcutta in India is a huge marble palace built in the first half of the 20th century in memory of the British Queen Victoria. Historians claim that the first stone of the building, made in the style of the Italian Renaissance, was laid by the Prince of Wales himself. The roof of the building is decorated with decorative turrets, and the dome is crowned with the Angel of Victory, made of pure bronze. The memorial itself is surrounded by a picturesque garden with many walking paths.
Today, Victoria Memorial Hall is home to a museum dedicated to the country’s history during the British conquest, an art gallery and several temporary exhibitions. Among other things, here you can find a hall where rare books of famous world writers are collected. No less interesting are the monuments installed on the territory of the palace. One of them is dedicated to Victoria herself, the second to Lord Curzon, the former Viceroy of India.
- Opening hours: Tue. – Sun. from 10: 00 to 17: 00.
- Ticket price: $ 2.
- Location: 1 Queen’s Way, Kolkata.
Mother Teresa’s House
Mother House, part of the Sisters Missionaries of Love Foundation, founded by Teresa of Calcutta in 1948, is a modest two-story structure that can only be recognized by a blue plaque with the corresponding inscription. On the ground floor of the house there is a tiny chapel, in the center of which there is a tombstone made of snow-white stone. It is under it that the relics of the saint who made a huge contribution to the life of the poor population of India are kept. If you take a good look, you can see the name, years of life and the most vivid statements of the world-famous nun inscribed on the stone behind the fresh flowers that grateful inhabitants regularly bring here.
The second floor of the building is occupied by a small museum, among the exhibits of which there are also personal belongings of Mother Teresa – an enamel plate, worn-out sandals and several other very interesting items.
- Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 10: 00 to 21: 00.
- Location: Mother House A J C Bose Road, Kolkata, 700016.
Temple of the Goddess Kali
The majestic temple complex, located on the banks of the Hooghly River in the suburbs of Calcutta, was founded in 1855 with funds from the famous Indian philanthropist Rani Rashmoni. The place for its construction was not chosen by chance – it was here, according to ancient legends, that the finger of the goddess Kali fell after Shiva cut her into 52 pieces during his frantic dance.
The bright yellow-red temple and the gate leading to it are made in the best traditions of Hindu architecture. Most of the attention of tourists is attracted by the nahabat towers, from which various melodies are heard during each service, a large music hall with a terrace supported by marble columns, a covered gallery with 12 Shiva temples and the room of Ramakrishna, a famous Indian guru, mystic and preacher. Dakshineswar Kali Temple itself is surrounded by lush gardens and small lakes, creating a truly fabulous picture.
- Opening hours: daily from 05: 00 to 13: 00 and from 16: 00 to 20: 00
- Admission is free.
- Location: Near Bali Bridge / P. O.: Alambazar, Kolkata, 700035.
Park Street
Looking at the photo of Calcutta (India), it is impossible not to notice one of the central streets of the city, laid out at the end of the XIX century on the site of a former deer park. Most of the luxurious mansions belonging to the city’s wealthiest residents have been preserved to this day. In addition to them, Park Street has many cafes, several fashionable hotels and a couple of important architectural attractions – St. John’s College. Xavier and the old Asiatic Society building, built in 1784.
At one time, Park Street was the center of music life in Calcutta – it gave rise to many famous artists who at that time were only promising young people. And there is also an old British cemetery, whose tombstones are real architectural masterpieces. Be sure to check it out during your walk – there really is a lot to see here.
Location: Mother Teresa Sarani, Kolkata, 700016.
Eco-park
The eco-park, considered one of the main natural attractions of Calcutta, is located in the northern part of the city. Its territory, which covers about 200 hectares, is divided into several thematic zones. In the center of the complex stretches a huge lake with an island, where there are several decent restaurants and comfortable guest houses. You can plan a whole day to visit Eco Tourism Park, because numerous entertainment options designed not only for children, but also for adults, will definitely not let you get bored. In addition to traditional walks and cycling, visitors can enjoy activities such as paintball, archery, boating, etc.
Opening hours:
- Tue. – Sat. : from 14: 00 to 20: 00;
- Sun: from 12: 00 to 20: 00.
Location: Major Arterial Road, Action Area II, Kolkata, 700156.
Howrah Bridge
Howra Bridge, also called Rabindra Setu, is located near Mahatma Gandhi Metro Station in Bara Bazar district. Due to its impressive size (length-705 m, height-97 m, width-25 m), it is one of the 6 largest cantilever structures in the world. Built at the height of World War II to aid allied British forces, the Howrah Bridge was the first such structure to use strong metal rivets instead of bolts and nuts.
Currently, the Howrah Bridge, which is crossed by hundreds of thousands of cars every day, is the main symbol not only of Calcutta itself, but also of the whole of West Bengal. It is particularly interesting at sunset, when huge steel cantilevers sparkle in the rays of the setting sun and are reflected in the calm waters of the Hooghly River. For a better view of the city’s most impressive landmark, head to the end of the Mullick Ghat Flower Market. By the way, it is forbidden to take photos of the bridge, but recently compliance with this rule is rather poorly controlled, so you can take a risk.
Location: Jagganath Ghat / 1, Strand Road, Kolkata, 700001.
Birla Temple
The Lakshmi Narayana Hindu Temple, located in the southern part of the city, completes the sightseeing tour of Calcutta. Built in the middle of the 20th century with money from the Birla family, it has become one of the most beautiful creations of our time. Indeed, the multi-tiered structure, made of snow-white marble, decorated with artful floral patterns, carved panels, small balconies and elegant columns, can conquer even a seasoned traveler. Another feature of Birla Temple is the absence of bells – the architect considered that their chime could disrupt the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the shrine.
The doors of the temple are open to all comers. But at the entrance you will have to leave not only shoes, but also a mobile phone, camera, video camera and any other equipment.
- Opening hours: daily from 05: 30 to 11: 00 and from 04: 30 to 21: 00.
Admission is free. - Location: Ashutosh Chowdhury Road | 29 Ashutosh Choudhury Avenue, Kolkata, 700019.
Accommodation
As one of the largest tourist cities in India, Calcutta offers a large number of places to stay. Here you can find luxury 5* hotels, comfortable apartments, and budget, but quite decent hostels.
Housing prices in Calcutta are about the same as in other resorts in India. At the same time, the gap between different placement options is almost invisible. If the minimum cost of a double room in a 3* hotel is$ 13 per day, then in a 4* hotel it is only$ 1 more. The guesthouse will be cheaper-its rent starts from$8.
The city itself can be divided into 3 districts – northern, central, and southern. Accommodation in each of them has its own characteristics.
| District | Positive | Minuses |
|---|---|---|
| North | Close to the airport;There are many green areas. | Far from the main city attractions;Poor transport accessibility – there is no metro, and travel by bus and taxi will cost a lot of money (by local standards). |
| Centre | An abundance of historical and architectural attractions;Availability of large shopping centers;Developed transport system;A lot of different housing for every taste and budget. | Very noisy;Low-cost accommodation options are sorted out quickly, and the rest are not available to everyone. |
| South | Availability of shopping and entertainment centers;There are lakes, parks, and modern art galleries;Excellent transport accessibility;Housing prices are significantly lower than in the other two districts. | This part of the city is considered the newest, so here you will not find any historical memorials or architecture of the 19th century. |
Food
Arriving in Calcutta (India), you will definitely not stay hungry. There are more than enough restaurants, cafes, eateries and other “representatives” of public catering here, and the streets of the city are literally dotted with small kiosks where you can taste traditional Indian dishes. Among them, khichuri, luchi, gugni, pulao, biriyani, charchari, papadams and, of course, the famous Bengali sweets – sandesh, mishti doi, kheer, jalebi and pantua deserve special attention. All this is washed down with sweet tea with milk, which is poured not in the usual plastic cups, but in small ceramic cups.
The main difference between local cuisine is the combination of sweet and spicy tastes. Food is prepared in butter (mustard-for fish and shrimp, ghee-for rice and vegetables) with the addition of curry and a special mixture that includes 5 different spices. Many restaurants offer a variety of dal (legume) dishes. It is used to make soups, make fillings for tortillas, prepare stews with meat, fish or vegetables.
Most decent establishments are located in the area of Chowringi Road and Park Street. The latter is home to a huge number of private and public institutions, so at lunchtime it turns into a huge kitchen that can satisfy the appetites of numerous office workers. As for prices:
- lunch or dinner for 2 at an inexpensive diner will cost$6,
- in a mid-level cafe – at 10-13$,
- a snack at McDonalds is$4-5.
If you are going to cook on your own, look at the local bazaars and large chain supermarkets (such as Spencer’s) – the range is large, and the prices are quite affordable.
Weather and climate, when it’s best to arrive
Calcutta in India has a mild tropical climate. Summers here are hot and humid – the air temperature at this time is from +35 to +40°C, and the greatest amount of precipitation falls in August. At the same time, the rains are so heavy that sometimes the road disappears from under your feet. There are very few vacationers during this period, and those who are not afraid of adverse weather conditions are advised to take an umbrella, a raincoat, several sets of quick-drying clothes and rubber flip-flops (you will be hot in boots).
In late autumn, precipitation stops abruptly, and the air temperature drops to +27°C. It is at this time that the high tourist season begins in Calcutta, which lasts from mid-October to early March. However, at night in winter it is quite cool – with the sun setting, the thermometer drops to +15°C, and in some cases it can reach zero. With the arrival of spring, the tropical heat is gradually returning to Calcutta, but the number of tourists does not become less. The reason for this is the Bengali New Year, celebrated in mid-April.
Useful tips
If you are planning to visit Calcutta in India, take note of some useful tips:
- When going on vacation in the spring or summer, stock up on enough repellents. There are a lot of mosquitoes here, and most of them are carriers of malaria and Dengue fever.
- Catching a yellow taxi during rush hour is extremely difficult. When faced with a similar problem, do not be afraid to ask for help from a police officer.
- When you get in the car, immediately say that you want to go on the meter. The last one should be set to the number 10.
- Despite the fact that the city of Calcutta is one of the safest places in India, both money and documents should be kept closer to the body.
- Do not forget to wash your hands before eating and drink only bottled water – this will protect you from intestinal infections.
- Outdoor toilets in Calcutta are not suitable for women at all, so don’t waste your time – it’s better to go straight to a cafe, cinema or any other public institution.
- Silk saris, ethnic jewelry, clay figurines and other souvenirs are best bought in the markets – they are much cheaper there.
- To avoid messing with warm clothes, leave them in the airport’s luggage storage.
- If you decide to move around the city on your own or rented transport, remember that traffic here is left-hand, and on some roads it is also one-way. At the same time, it is first directed in one direction, and then in the opposite direction.
- Even comfortable 4* hotels in Calcutta may not have a change of bed linen and towels – when booking a room in advance, do not forget to check this information with the reception.
