Kolkata

• History
• Places to visit
• How to reach

The city of Kolkata is situated on the banks of the glistening Hooghly river in the state of West Bengal. Kolkata is formerly known as Calcutta is a delightful place to explore the exquisiteness of Indian culture.

We can figure out the popularity of this quaint city by knowing that it is also known as the city of joy, where you get to experience the old colonial-era charm with the emerging hipster culture. Also, Kolkata is regarded as India’s intellectual, artistic, and culturally spirited place to visit. The city has a lively nightlife, park street houses, a number of pubs and bars where you can party the night away. 

It is also home to many great world leaders like Sri Paramhansa Yogananda and Rabindranath Tagore. His home has now been transformed into a museum where tourists visit to know more about this great soul.

Best Time to Visit Kolkata

The best time to visit in Kolkata is between the months of October and February. The weather is quite pleasant and there are various events and festivals celebrated during that time that are treated to the eyes of the tourists.

History of Kolkata

Kolkata which went by the name of Calcutta in the past was also the capital of British India. From the beginning, it was developed by the East India Company, following which the British Empire took the reins of Kolkata in their hands.

It was the capital of India until 1911, after which, the capital of the country was shifted to Delhi. However, in spite of that Kolkata grew at a very rapid pace and became one of the most prominent metro cities of India.

Major Attractions in and Around Kolkata

Kolkata is one of the most popular tourist places in West Bengal. Here's the list of the best places to visit in Kolkata.

1. Belur Math

Belur Math is a pilgrimage site in Kolkata which is known for its serenity and positivity that is felt by people in the ambiance of the place. People irrespective of their religion and beliefs visit here to seek blessings. 

2. Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial is a symbol of the British Raj in the country and was made in memory of Queen Victoria. It is a monument made with white marble and doesn’t fail to mesmerize people with its charm and beauty. 

3. Indian Museum

Indian Museum is known to be the ninth oldest museum in the world and is apparently the largest museum in India. This makes it worth seeing and exploring. Here the tourists would be finding a lot of historical artifacts which is sure to make you curious. 

4. Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge is one of the most popular places to visit in Kolkata and one of the biggest steel structures in India. It is also one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world.

How to Reach Kolkata

Kolkata which is known by many names such as the city of joy, city of palaces, and the city of processions is definitely a great place to witness the exotic Indian culture in its full bloom. It is situated at an approximate distance of 1,532, 2,177, and 1,428 km from Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai respectively. Here is how you can travel to Kolkata via the below-mentioned transport facilities.

By Air

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport permits connectivity to the city along with some other countries of Europe. This domestic terminal is well-connected to the city and major towns. Prepaid taxis can be hired from the airport to Kolkata city.

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Kolkata

• Mumbai to Kolkata Flight
• Delhi to Kolkata Flight
• Bangalore to Kolkata Flight
• Hyderabad to Kolkata Flight
• Chennai to Kolkata Flight
• Pune to Kolkata Flight
• Ahmedabad to Kolkata Flight
• Jaipur to Kolkata Flight
• Kochi to Kolkata Flight
• Goa to Kolkata Flight

By Train

Howrah and Sealdah are the two railway stations that connect well with other big stations and are a gateway to Northeastern India. Once you deboard, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation. 

By Road

Kolkata has fairly well-connected roadways. You can plan on booking an interstate or private bus, hire a cab or you can ride here via your own car or bike as well if it suits you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kolkata 

Q: In which state is Kolkata located?
A: Kolkata is located in the state of West Bengal, India.

Q: What are some popular places to visit in Kolkata?
A: Some popular places to visit in Kolkata include Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Indian Museum.

You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here