KOLKATA

Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, an Indian state. The name Kolkata has been derived from Kalikata, the name of one of the three villages in the area. Kalikata is the anglicized version of Kalikshetra, which means 'Land of Goddess Kali'. Job Charnock, an administrator is said to be the founder of the city. It was the capital of India during the British Raj till 1911. Kolkata was a witness to the revolutionary history right from the Indian struggle to the leftist and trade union movement. Richard Wellesly who was the Governor General was responsible for the growth of the city, which is now regarded with several titles as the "Cultural Capital of India", "The City of Processions", " City of Palaces" and the "City of Joy". It was later declared as a Presidency City and in 1699, it was made the headquarters of the Bengal Presidency. It was also the capital of British India in 1772. Kolkata was the center of Indian Independence movement. The city is now the main business, commercial and financial hub of eastern India and the northeastern states. The city, which has been a strong base of Indian communism, has changed its official name from Calcutta to Kolkata in 2001.

Places of Attraction:Known as the 'City of Palaces', Kolkata has numerous palaces adorned with Gothic, Roman, Mughal decorations. The heritage structures in the city are well maintained. The various museums in the city display the cultural and historical artifacts of ancient Kolkata. The Indian Museum, which is the oldest museum in the country, is often visited by tourists. The Victoria Memorial is one of the major tourist attractions in Kolkata that features the city's history. The Eden Gardens is a must to visit garden that has plenty of gorgeous flowers. Birla Planetarium, Howrah Bridge, Botanical Garden, Marble Palace and Tagore House are the other fabulous scenes that make the city famous.

Tourist Attractions: With many monuments and architectures that recall the ancient days of British rule, Kolkata invites thousands of visitors to its soil.

Transportation: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at Dum Dum is the main airport in the Kolkata that is the main entry to the city. Kolkata Port Trust that handles the Kolkata docks and Haldia docks manages all commercial trade of the city. Kolkata sub urban railway, Kolkata Metro, the oldest underground system in India, trams and buses include the public transport system of the city. The ferry system connects the city with its twin city of Howrah. Rikshaws, taxis and cycles, which are abundant in the city helps carry passengers from one place to another inside the city.

Hotels:The hotels in Kolkata serve rice, fish curry, sweet yogurt etc that are the traditional cuisines. Most of the college students hang out in the evenings at the Indian Coffee House to warm themselves with the hot coffee and snacks served there. The international hotels meant for tourists serve all western dishes that favor the taste buds of the foreigners who reach the city. Taj Bengal Kolkata, Oberoi Grand Kolkata, Hyatt Regency, ITC Hotel Sonar Bangla Sheraton & Towers, Fairlawn Hotel, The Park, Hotel Victerrace and The Kenilworth are some of the star hotels that pay host to the tourists as well as the VIPs visiting the city.