Kolkata is the largest city of India and by now, may well be ahead of London as the largest city in the British Commonwealth. While it's often described as an ugly and desperate placeto many, it’s also one of the most fascinating centres of India and has some scenes of rare beauty.
In the days of yore, Kolkata was the capital of British India, but, unlike Delhi, Kolkata is not an ancient city with a long history and many impressive relics. In fact, Kolkata is really a British invention dating back to some 300 plus years.
Whoever said that Kolkata is a dying city with its pot holed roads, closed down industries, trade unionism, poverty and squalor should have a second look at the resurgent Kolkata of 2012 and one great way to know the pulse of this incredible city is by actually paying a visit to this landmark city of India that reveals its captivating charm like a veil slipping out from the face of a beautiful woman.
Ideally, Kolkata with its varied charms, is an ideal base from where to embark on a journey of discovery in India.
What to see
Kolkata is renowned for landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, the Maidan and Fort William, Octorlony Monument, the Indian Museum, the Eden Gardens, the elegant Cathedrals and Churches, the Howrah Bridge, pilgrim spots like Kalighat, Dakshineswar and Belur Math as well as Nobel Laureate Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity etc…has been exerting its mesmerizing charm to the discerning international tourists.
Click on the next page to check out where you can stay and eat while you visit Kolkata.
