Kolkata (Calcutta)
Posted on February 13, 2009 - Filed Under Travel
The capital of West Bengal is the Indian megacity of Kolkata. Formerly known as Calcutta, the city was the colonial capital of British India until 1911. The city has a colorful, if sometimes violent history, and its people have been shaped by this heritage. The city remains one of the more popular tourist destinations and is one of the more populous metropolitan areas in the world.
The city has long been a center for intellectual thought and cultural expression. Bengali music, dance, theater, and film are centered here. Kolkata also boasts the best Bangali food in the world. Modern science in India was born in Kolkata which has also been a wellspring for philosophy and literary traditions for the entire nation.
Visitors to this exciting metropolis will want to check out some of the historic landmarks of early Indian dynasties as well as colonial sites. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Fort William, the Marble Palace, and the Victoria Memorial are some of the more popular tourist spots. There are other temples, churches, mansions, and sites throughout the city that preserve the architectural beauty and traditional air of the city’s long history.
Kolkata is, however, a modern city. The city’s financial and business districts sport steel and glass office buildings that tower over the city. The five star Kolkata hotels offer technological and urban comfort and the finer restaurants are experimenting with molecular gastronomy and fusion of various cuisines as well as offering more traditional Indian food. Shoppers will also be pleased to learn that although the city has countless bazaars and markets offering local crafts and merchandise, the city also has a number of air-conditioned shopping malls with designer boutiques and all the usual mall amenenties.
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