Kolkata is a beautiful city and the capital of West Bengal located on the bank of river Hooghly. It is the gateway to Eastern India. It has the pride of bringing out four Noble laureates — Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teressa and Amartya Sen. Kolkata may be called the nerve centre of intellect and human values. Many modern movements in Arts, Science, culture, cinema , theatre and industry started from Kolkata, known earlier as Calcutta. It is said that what Kolkata thinks today India thinks tomorrow. West Bengal is the land of festivals and especially from October to March, Kolkata as also the other places of this province wear a Festive and radiant look. Kolkata celebrates almost every month some festival or the other with great ferver. It has, thus, been aptly called the City of Joy
Kolkata has also played a dominant role in the struggle for Independence of India, In the political arena the contribution of Kolkata is worth -mentioning and exemplary. Ruling the State for over three decades by a single political party manifests the political consciousness of the people of the Bengal .
Kolkata as on today is a very big city and it has several places of interests , amongst other things, having historical cultural and religious importance.
Victoria Memorial is one of the most beautiful monuments of India. It was built between 1906 and 1921 with white marble transported from Rajasthan at the cost of roughly one crore ruppes The Memorial was an imagination and inspiration of Lord Curzon and its construction took about 20 years. The memorial has been nicely designed and was built in dedication to the memory of lately departed Empress Queen Victoria The monument has a large compound with a well maintained garden. The statues of Motherhood, Prudence, Art, Learning, Architecture, Justice and Charity have been brought from Italy. A 5 meter tall bronze winged figure of Victory weighing about 3 tons is also adoring the monument. Its museum and Art Gallery has paintings and manuscripts and other objects of historical importance. Usually two shows of Sound and Light are held here. The weekly closure is Monday
Botanical Gardens of Kolkata is the biggest in Asia. The world’s largest Banyan Tree having the circumference of 330m is the main attraction of the 273 acre gardens. The vareity of plants have been developed by the Gardens which may interest the students of Botany in particular.
Howrah Bridge is an unique cantilever Bridge joining the main Railway station for Kolkata( Howrah ) and the industrial city of Howrah with the city of Kolkata. Howrah Bridge is really a marvellous feat of engineering acumen. It took six years to constuct the bridge in 1940s The bridge has a span of almost 500 meteres without any supporting pillar in the middle. The bridge rests on two supporting piers, each nearly 90 meters in height from the road level. It was opened in 1943 and today it is one of the busiest bridges in the world. and it is considered the third largest brige of the world. About 30 lac people use this bridge daily. The bridge has become a symbol of Kolkata and is visible from far off places. It is called Rabindra Setu.
Zoological Garden of Kolkata is the oldest in India. The 16 hectare grounds has wide species of animals and birds and the rare white Bengal Tiger. Besides it has a Children Zoo and a separate reptile house. The migratory birds find sanctuary around the small lake in the zoo during winter. The zoo becomes a favourite picnic spot during winter. A variety of aquatic life from around the world is also found in the Aquarium of the zoo. The zoo is worth visiting.
Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium is the largest in Asia having a seating capacity of more than a lac spectators. The gigantic electronic scoreboard is also one of its kind in the country. The Stadium has floodlight arrangements so as to facilitate day and night game of Cricket. It has hosted many famous Cricket matches of world level.
There are many more intersting and worth visiting places in Kolkata like Marble Palace, Eden Gardens,Nehru Children Museum, Science City, New Market, Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House), Kali Temple of Kalighat, Belur Math, Shaheed Minar to mention a few.
Kolkata is well connected by rail, road and air from all important cities of India. The transport system of the city is very good and the people are very cooperating and accommodating. A visit of the City of Joy will definitely fill you with ever lasting joy and happiness and you will carry with you a sweet memory which will last for ever.
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