Explore Kolkata

Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is also the commercial capital of East India, located on the east bank of the Hooghly River. The city of Kolkata has 4.5 million residents, and the metropolitan area, including suburbs, has a population of approximately 15.7 million, making it the third most populous metropolitan area in India and the 13th most populous urban area in the world. The city is also classified as the eighth largest urban agglomeration in the world.

Kolkata was the capital of India during British emperor. The city’s documented history, however, begins with the arrival of the English East India Company in 1690, when the Company was consolidating its trade business in Bengal. Job Charnock, an administrator with the company was traditionally credited as the founder of the city. In 2003 high court order states that the city should not have a specific founder. While the city’s name was always pronounced “Kolkata” in the local Bengali language, its official English name was changed from “Calcutta” to “Kolkata” in 2001, reflecting the Bengali pronunciation.

Local Attractions

Sunderbans

Sunderbans, the world’s largest estuarine forest and delta covered by mangrove forests and vast saline mud flats is situated on the lower end of Gangetic West Bengal. A land of 54 tiny islands, criss-crossed by innumerable tributaries of the Ganges that was once infested by Arakanese and Portuguese pirates is now the abode of varied flora & fauna population.

Academy of Fine Arts

The Academy of Fine Arts is one of the oldest and finest art societies in the country. The eight galleries on its ground floor together forming the largest gallery space in India, display exhibitions by artists and groups from all parts of India and abroad. It is truly a delight for the eyes, walking through the galleries, viewing new worlds of creation by artists of all ages.

Victoria Memorial

Built in Italian Renaissance cum Saracenic style, Victoria Memorial was planned by Lord Curzon and opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921. This British attempt at building a second Taj Mahal, is dedicated to Queen Victoria and houses a fantastic collection of rare memorabilia from Colonial days. A light and sound show recreates history every evening.

National Library

The National Library is designated to collect, disseminate and preserve the printed material produced in India. The Library is the largest in India, with a collection in excess of 2.2 million books. Before independence, it was the official residence of Lt. Governor of Bengal. The rare books section comprises of books, manuscripts that date back to the pre 1860 era.