Kolkata Travel

Calcutta, now Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, has been a prominent center of historic, revolutionary, cultural, educational, social & political, intellectual & technological, etc. developments and events since ancient times. British established their first organization in Kolkata to spread their trade, influence, and power to throughout India. Kolkata is India's second largest city and the capital of West Bengal, located at the point where the Indian subcontinent starts to narrow into the triangular southern peninsula. Formerly the capital of British India (1772-1912), Kolkata is a city of joy and love, glory and grandeur, with a great deal of irresistible allure and charm - its imperial monuments, strong and keen cultural and religious flavor leaves an indelible impression on the tourists.

About Kolkata Travel

Kolkata TRAVEL


The largest metropolis in India, Calcutta is a vibrant city on the move, volatile and unpredictable. The Gateway to India, till 1912, and the capital of the Raj in India, it still bears the Victorian imprint on its streets and structures. A city just about ready to burst at the seams, Calcutta is home to more than 10 million people. The Ganges (called the Hooghly in Calcutta) is still the inspiration, as it was to Job Charnok, East India Company agent, who reached the shores in August 1690, to found the city. Calcutta, after London, was the British Empire’s second city.

Home to five Nobel laureates – Ronald Ross, Sir C.V. Raman, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen, Kolkata is the nerve centre of intellect and human values, where many modern movements began in art, cinema and theatre, science and industry. India’s quest for freedom began here. Presently, Kolkata is a magnificent center of trade & commerce, a large number of various industries, numerous historical buildings, temples, parks & gardens, and many prominent tourist attractions. Because of being situated near sea and the foothills of the Himalayas, Kolkata is among the biggest ports of India for import & export activities, and is therefore, known as the gateway to the east India.

Our well-connected and well-equipped Travel India Forum is experienced mellow in providing highly exciting, entertaining, enlightening, and rejuvenating tours & travels to the city of Kolkata, and other regions of the east India. The Kolkata Travel Forums offers cozy & comfortable transportation and accommodation, sight seeing tours, association of tourist guides, comprehensive information about travel to Kolkata and other parts of the east India, etc. at highly competitive charges, to make your travel to Kolkata and the east India, extremely interesting and unforgettably happy.

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Historical Monuments

Birla Academy of Art and Cultural Museum

Birla Academy of Art and Cultural Museum

Birla Academy of Art and Culture Museum was established in 1966. Paintings of the mediaeval period as well as modern art and some archaeological specimens are on display. Regular exhibitions of modern Indian sculptors and painters are also held.

The sculpture collection at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture dates from the 2nd to the 19th century AD. South Indian sculpture, especially from the Chola and Vijayanagara empires, are also represented. Another collections, a granite dancing of 12 century Chola images of Ganesha and Shiva as Jnana Dakshinamurti are also displayed. From Vijayanagara comes a seated Kali with all eight arms intact. Among the marvellous pieces from Rajasthan are a green limestone bust of Vishnu and three panels in the same medium showing Ganesha, Krishna and Saraswati among devotees.

The museum boast a collection of miniature and manuscripts. The amusing manuscripts include a 1811 Persian translation of the Mahabharata, the collection of 19th century Hafiz gazals in the Mughal style and a zerox of the Shabnama. It also houses the 13th century Jain palm leaf folios, which are related from Bundi and Kota. Two different Sikh school exhibits are a miniature of Krishna and an illustrated Urdu manuscript on farming. Among the miniature-paintings from Rajasthan, a lovely series on ragas, otherwise the Krishna theme iredominates are also held. An elegant miniature rom Kangra of a seated couple draped in shawls, captures the mood of Magh with its brilliant composition and subdued colours.

Other miscellaneous objects in the museum are like metal satuettes, book covers in papier mache and silver gilt and old textiles like jamewar shawls, Banaras brocade, Baluchar and Dacca saris and a silk pichhwai from Rajasthan.

Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge

Popularly known as the Rabindra Setu, Howrah Bridge is an engineering marvel and is counted amongst the busiest cantilever bridge in the World. Observing a daily traffic of about 60,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians, Howrah bridge have equalled its position to Sydney Harbor Bridge. But the later can never dream of such a traffic. The bridge connects Kolkata and Howrah and is the lifeline of the city. The best way to enjoy its stately beauty is to view it from the middle of the river.

Constructed in 1939 and the bridge was opened to traffic in 1943 which cost as estimated Rs.333 crores, built from 26,500 tons of steel. It is a sort of 'Cantilever bridge'. In it cantilevers project from piers and are connected by girders. Erected during World War II to give Allied troops access to the Burmese front, replacing an earlier pontoon bridge that opened to let river traffic through.

Essentially, it had two portions. For the convenient plying of man and traffic, the pool was connected as a whole. However, the bridge was unfastened everyday, particularly during night for steamers, boats and other aquatic vehicles to ply. From 19th August, 1879, the bridge was illuminated by fixing electric poles at the centre. This was done by using the electricity rendered from the dynamo at the Mallick Ghat Pumping Station. The Bridge was then 1528 ft. long and 62 ft. wide. On both sides were pavements 7 ft. wide for the sake of pedestrians. The 48 ft. road in between, was for plying of traffic.

The eight-lane bridge carries a steady flow of more than lakh vehicles and 2 million commuters every day. The best way to enjoy its stately beauty is to view it from the middle of the river where photography is strictly prohibited. The ferries running from below Howrah Station are a more convenient way to cross the river and give a good view of the bridge.

Rabindra Sadan

Rabindra Sadan

Rabindra Sadan is the seat of Bengali culture, where every evening drama, cultural programmes & exhibitions are held. Rabindra Sadan is Kolkata's place of culture.

Foundation stone was laid on 8.5.61 by the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. And started its functions from Oct., 1967. It has been erected a mark of homage to Gurudev Rabindranath through the relative branches of performing arts.

Nandan is one of the best movie theaters in India, situated near the Victoria Memorial which is a cultural centre for film enthusiasts and professionals. Nandan run by the West Bengal Government shows that when the government wants it can do things right. The Rabindra Sadan and Sisir Mancha (both auditoriums) are situated next to Nandan. The Academy of Fine Arts and Pashchim Banga Academy are also in this complex. The Calcutta Information Center is nearby making this the cultural zone of Calcutta.

Home to filmmakers Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak, Kolkata breathes films. Kolkata's cineastes are a breed apart. Hours spent debating the merits and demerits of Eisentein's montage or La Dolce Vita is considered time well spent. People camp overnight outside ticket counters during film festivals to get hold of tickets.

Keeping in mind this large number of quality audience, the state government has constructed Nandan, the West Bengal Film Centre. Flanked by Rabindra Sadan, Bangla Academy, Sisir Mancha and Kolkata Information Centre, Nandan is a unique cultural centre without a parallel in the country. It was inaugurated by Satyajit Ray in 1985. Nandan I is the main auditorium with a capacity of over 1100. There are two mini auditoria, Nandan II and III. There is a seminar and conference hall (Nandan IV). The film complex also houses the Satyajit ray Film Archive, Ritwik Memorial Library and a film vault. Recently, a permanent exhibition of antique film and audio equipment has been installed at Nandan.

Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial

A splendid architectural structure in white marble, modelled on the Taj Mahal, was built in the early 20th Century in memory of Queen Victoria between 1906 and 1921 and was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII of England. Set in beautiful garden grounds, the Victoria Memorial houses a large bronze statue of the Queen Empress Topped with a moving angel this memorial faces the Calcutta Maidan.

The statues of Motherhood, Prudence, Learning, Art, Justice, Architecture and Charity are brought from Italy. The magical lighting effect in the evening and a fairy tale 'Fountain of Joy' facing the memorial building create an atmosphere of unforgettable charm. It also has a 5 meter tall bronze winged figure of Victory, weighing 3 tons.

It was designed by Sir William Emerson. It also act as a museum, where people could see before them pictures and statues of men who played a prominent part in the history of India. Presently it is the finest and most prominent building and art museum of Calcutta, India, under the Department of Culture, Govt. of India.

In the evening, the light and sound programs is a major attraction for the tourists. Every day, crowds of people visit the premises from early morning to sunset. Being one of the most popular tourist spot in the city, it is one of the few well-maintained heritage buildings that exist in the city today.

Maidan and Fort William

Maidan and Fort William

The Maidan, located in the middle of Calcutta, is one of the largest city parks in the world. It is 1km wide and 3km from north to south. It is bound by Strand Rd along the river to the west and by Chowringhee Rd, lined with shops, offices, hotels and eating places, to the east. The stream known as Tolly's Nullah forms its southern boundary, and here you will find a racecourse and the Victoria Memorial. In the north-west corner of the Maidan is Eden Gardens, while Raj Bhavan overlooks it from the north. Running along the west side of the park is the Hooghly River, and on the east side is Jawaharlal Nehru Rd (Chowringhee Rd).

Fort William is situated on the east bank of the river Hooghly and was named after King William III of England. It was constructed in 1781 after the unfortunate happenings of 1756 in which many British soldiers with their families were killed by Siraj-Ud-Daula. Large area around the village of Govindpur was cleared off the forests and this fort was constructed, which for some time also lent its name to the city. The fort is still in use and it can only be visited with special permission, which is hard to get. Even the trenches and deep fortifications surrounding the fort's massive walls seem to be out of bounds. It was built with a cost of 2 million.

Saheed Minar

Saheed Minar

The enchanting Saheed Minar of Kolkata is made on similar lines of famous Qutub Minar of Delhi and forms an important landmark of Kolkata. Popularly known as the Octerloney Monument, the minar was built in 1848 by Sir David Ochterlony to commemorate his victory in the Nepal War (1814-1816).

The construction of the monument encompasses an architectural variety. The foundation followed an Egyptian style whereas the body of the Minar and the dome resembled Syrian and Turkish designs respectively. The Minar is 158 ft. High with two balconies at the top. One can reach the balcony by using the serpentile staircase. 198 stairs lead from the bottom to the first balcony. From here 25 more stairs lead to the second balcony.

It was named Sahid Minar in 1969 in the memory of the brave patriots who sacrified their lives for the freedom of India. Different political parties convene meetings, rallies and seminars behind the Shahid Minar at present.

The custom of convening political seminars started in 1931 when a historical convocation took place here which was presided by Rabindranath Tagore. The humanitarian poet had severely condemned the vandalism of the imperialist British Government which had shot a youth dead in the Calabooze in Hizli. Few years ago, the dome of the 'Minar' was coloured which kicked off a storm of protest.

From the top of the Minar a good view of the city can be obtained but permission to ascend the tower has to be taken from the police headquarters in Lal Bazaar.

Vidyasagar Setu

Vidyasagar Setu

Vidyasagar Setu, also known as second Hooghly Bridge, a Golden Gate Bridge which connects the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah. The morning scenes of slipping Kolkata from this bridge is simply mind blowing. With 9 lanes of traffic routes the bridge is capable of handling more than 85,000 vehicles every day.

It was built to reduce vehicular pressure from the latter. The construction work took 22 years and cost Rs. 3.88 billion and finally it was opened to traffic officially on 10th October 1992. It is a most sophisticated engineering marvel and the world's third largest cable-stayed bridge. Supported by 121 wire cables, it is 457 m. long and 115 m. wide.

This graceful structure stands on four pylons, on a foundation that is 100 m. deep. It affords a panoramic view of the Calcutta skyline. The Vidyasagar Setu or the second Hooghly Bridge spans over the Hooghly River linking Calcutta to its twin city of Howrah and on to Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi. This is a toll bridge and gives a fast connection from downtown Kolkata to the Botanical Gardens (which has the world's biggest banyan tree) and the Bengal Engineering College.

Shopping in Kolkata

Shopping in Kolkata


Calcutta has a lot to offer the hard-core bargain hunter. From hole-in-the-wall shops that sell T-shirts and jewelery at a steal, to classy arcades in deluxe hotels, there's something to suit every budget in Kolkata. Over the years, a lot of malls have sprung up all over the city, but if you want a true-blue feel of a good bargain in Calcutta, here's where you should spend your shopping money.

If you stand outside this sprawling market complex and crane your head in the right direction, you might still spy a faded sign or two that still refer to this place as Hogg Market. However, if you'd rather plunge into the heart of the shopping game, here's the best place to start bargain hunting in Kolkata. Shiny plastic clips, faux crystal ware, flowers, fabric, toys, luggage, ready-to-wear clothes, shoes, crockery, candles, swimwear, uniforms… name it and it's likely to be there in one of the shops here. The thumb rule at New Market? Bargain with all your might!

If you want to get away from the heat on the streets, walk into AC Market on Shakespeare Sarani. No prizes for guessing what the AC stands for - an icy blast is bound to hit you as soon as you open the doors to this building. AC Market is much smaller than New Market, and doesn't offer the mind-boggling variety of goods that the former does. It used to be the haunt of the upwardly mobile, but with swanky new shopping complexes opening up over town, AC Market is now a toned down version of its former snooty self. Don't let the "Fixed Price" signs scare you off - this is as good a place as any for great bargains.

Hotels in Kolkata

Camac Plaza

Location :: Central on New Park Street.

Rooms :: 80 rooms

Room Facilities :: All rooms are air-conditioned with attached bath, hot and cold running water, well equipped with direct dialing facility, colur television with satellite transmission.

Other Facilities :: Restaurant& Bar One multi-cuisine restaurant One well stocked bar

Other Facilities
Secretarial services, car parking, same day laundry, internet and e.mail facilities, Doctor on Call, Travel Assistance, Foreign exchange.

Details :: Hotel Camac Plaza is about 14 km from the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport. It is a three star hotel where you can enjoy a comfortable stay. It provides you a very warm service and mouthwatering cuisine. Located on the New Park Street, this hotel is stone's throw away from the Park Circus bus station.

Hyatt Regency Hotel

Location :: 15 km from international airport, 8 km from city centre.

Rooms :: 518 well-appointed rooms and suites

Room Facilities :: Rooms are centrally air-conditioned with individual temperature cntrol, ISD telephones, Colour TV with Satellite Transmission, 5 Channel Music, Mini Bar, Room Service. Presidential Suites, Executive Suites, Regency Deluxe Suites and Terrace Suites, as well as the Regency Club® rooms, the Pool-facing rooms and the Hyatt guest rooms.

Other Facilities :: Swimming Pool, Health Club with latest fitness equipment, beauty Salon, Pastry Shop, Flower Shop, Travel Desk, Currency Exchange, Concierge, Conference and Banquet Hall, Business Centre, Meeting rooms, Audio/video equipments, Secretarial Services, Inter-net and e,mail.

Restaurants
Delhi-ki-Aangan - Indian speciality restaurant
La Piazza - Authentic Italian cuisines, Pastas
TK's Oriental Grill - Sea food cooked in grill in front of the guests with delicate sause
Cafe - 24 hours coffee shop, open for lunch and dinner as well
Djinns - Pub ,Bar and discount; also popular for Mediterranean and Lebanese food and grilled food
Polo Lounge - For tea/coffee in the lobby level

Details :: The Hyatt Regency Hotel is the most reputated and luxurious hotels of Kolkata. The hotel is located close to a number of important tourist attractions of Kolkata.

The Oberoi Grand

Location :: 24 km from Airport, 2.5 km from Railway Station.

Rooms :: Total: 213, Double: 207, Suite: 6.

Room Facilities :: Centrally air-conditioned, direct dial telephone in ech room, mini bar, colour television with satellite transmission, laser disc or digital video disc players, in room safe, tea & coffee makers and facsimile machines in selected rooms.

Other Facilities :: Dining
Coffee Shop - 24 hours restaurant with choice of Continental Dishes, Thai - The talk of the town, serves Thai food - services European and Continental.

Other Facilites
Swimming Pool, Secretarial Services, Health Club, Beauty Salon, Barber Shop, Same day Dry Cleaning, Shops, 24 hours Business Centre equipped with modern facilities includes a meeting room, Secretarial and Courier Services, Facsimile, Internet, E-mail, Travel Assistance, Currency Exchange, Doctor on Call, Valet Services, Baby Sitting.

Details :: Oberoi Grand is one of the largest and oldest 5 star hotels in India. It is located on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Kolkata. As it was made in the period of British rule, the exterior of this grand mansion is very english. Presently this hotel is owned and run by the international chain of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.

Taj Bengal Hotel

Location :: 25 km from the airport, walking distance to Victoria Memorial.

Rooms :: 229 rooms including suites in superior, deluxe, luxury and Taj Club category.

Room Facilities :: All rooms are elegantly appointed with 2 line speaker phones, IDD, date ports and high speed internet connectivity, channel music, personal safe, interactive television, tea/coffee maker, private bar.

Other Facilities :: Dining
The Hub 24 hour food theatre serves international cuisines By the Way Atrium Cafe with a selection of world cuisine The Junction the perfect rendezvous for an anytime cocktail Chinoiserie authentic Cantonese and Schezuan cuisine from China Sonargaon a stunning theme restaurant serving Indian cuisine The Barbecue at the pool side from November to March Incognito the night club Chambers restaurant an exclusive French restaurant.

Other Facilities
Swimming pool, fitness centre with Jacuzzi, sauna, steam, massage room, beauty parlour, barber shop, travel desk, car rental, shopping arcade, currency exchange, safe deposit lockers, doctor on call, 6 banquet rooms with capacity from 15-500 persons , Business Centre with 2 office rooms and 1 meeting room, work stations and secretarial service.

Details :: Taj Bengal is just 2 kms from the city's commercial centre. Located in the heart of Kolkata, it is within walking distance of the Victoria Memorial, Royal Calcutta Race Course, Horticulture Gardens, National Library and the Zoological Gardens.

The Park Hotel

Location :: 24 kms. from Airport, 5 kms. from Railway Station.

Rooms :: Total: 213, Double: 207, Suite: 6

Room Facilities :: Room Service, Hot & Cold Running Water, Telephone, TV, Tea/ Coffee Maker, Laser Disc Player.

Other Facilities :: Business Centre, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Beauty Parlour, Shopping Arcade, Health Club, Swimming Pool.

Details :: The Park is one of the most luxurious hotels in Kolkata. It is located on the Park Street which is the famous business hub and major spot for entertainment and shopping.

Hindustan International Hotel

Location :: 15 km from Airport, 5 km from Railway Station, 1 km from Downtown Area.

Rooms :: Total: 213, Double: 207, Suite: 6.

Room Facilities :: Attached Bathroom, Air conditioning, Hairdryer, Cable and Satellite Television, Radio, Telephone, Mini bar.

Other Facilities :: Centrally Air-conditioned with attached bath, Banquet Hall, Direct dialing facilities Coffee Shop, Executive Floor, Swimming Pool, Health Club, Beauty Parlour, Shopping Arcade, Money Changing, Business Centre, Travel desk, Chinese, Indian & Continental cuisine.

Details :: Hotel Hindustan International offers a very fine hospitality and warm service to tourists and business travellers touring Kolkata. The hotel is located in the heart of the city and is an ideal destination to get a feel of the city of Kolkata, India.

Peerless Inn

Location :: 15 kms from Airport, 4 kms. from Railway Station.

Rooms :: Total: 122, Double: 95, Suite: 27.

Room Facilities :: Room Service, Hot & Cold Running Water, Telephone, Fax, TV, Channel Music, Safe Deposit.

Other Facilities :: Business Centre, 24- hour Coffee Shop, Banquet & Conference Facilities.

Details :: Peerless Inn is situated at a very minimum distance from the consecrated Eden Garden. The hotel leaves the traveler in Calcutta with a truly memorable taste of Bengali culture. It is a government approved; centrally air conditioned 4 star hotel.

The Kenilworth

Location :: Heart of the city's business centre.

Rooms :: 105 centrally air-conditioned rooms.

Room Facilities :: Air-conditioned rooms including Premier Club rooms with old world ambience with jacuzzi in the bath. All Rooms provide Attached Bath, Mini Bar, Cable TV, Electronic Safe Deposit Lockers and Direct Dial Telephones.

Other Facilities :: Restaurants and Bar

Marble room - Speciality Indian Restaurant.
Crystals - an elegant indoor and open air coffee shop, also serves bar-be-cue food with live music.
The Alcove - a sophisticated Bar.
The Big Ben - an exclusive English Style Public with pool table and dart board.

Other Facilities
Well equipped Health Club, 3 well equipped Banquet Halls, well spread lawn, Business Centre, Secretariat Services, Currency Exchange, same day laundry, Currency Exchange, Travel Assistance.

Details :: The Kenilworth Hotel Kolkata is one of the oldest and grand five star hotels in Kolkata. It is located in the heart of this fabulous city.