G.B. International ::- Calcutta (Kolkata)
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Calcutta (Kolkata)
A city of Joy and Love, Grandeur and Glory... Kolkata alias Calcutta is full of life and bustle, verging on the chaotic as traditional occupations rub shoulders with ultra modern industries.
Kolkata is India's second largest city and the capital of West Bengal, situated at the point where the Indian subcontinent starts to narrow into the triangular southern peninsula. Formerly the capital of British India (1772-1912), it is a city with a great deal of charm - its imperial monuments, strong cultural and religious flavour leaves an indelible impression on the visitor.
Excursions
South Park Street CemeteryThis cemetery is situated at the Park Street. It was constructed in 1767 to accommodate the large number of the British people who died for their country. There are many heavily inscribed head stones, pyramids, urns and obelisks. The tombs of Col Kyd , Sir Thomas D'Oyly, the British Member of Parliament in early 18th century and Sir Willam Jones, the founder of Botanical Garden and the great oriental scholar can be seen here.
Victoria Memorial
This is one of India's most beautiful monument built between 1906 and 1921 on the lines of white marble. It stands on the southern side of the maidan (ground) near Jawaharlal Nehru Road. All monuments of this memorial were designed in Italian Renaissance-Mughal style and build of white marble from Rajasthan.
Howrah Bridge
It is considered to be an engineering marvel, which took six years to construct in the 1940s. Over 2,590 metric tonnes of high tensile steel make up this unique cantilever bridge that joins the main Railway Station (for Calcutta) and the industrial city of Howrah with the city of Calcutta. Supported by two piers, each nearly 90 meters in height above the road level, the bridge has a span of almost 500 meters (no pillars in the middle). It was opened in 1943 and today it is one of the busiest bridges in the world. It is the third largest bridge in the world, has around 2 million people crossing over it daily. Visible from many places in Calcutta, the bridge is called 'Rabindra Setu'.
Marble Palace
Marble Palace is located on C R Avenue in north Calcutta at Muktaram Babu Street. This palace was constructed by Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur in 1835. Italian marble was lavishly used to complete its construction. This palace set behind a large lawn has the sculptures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Hindu Gods, the Buddha and Christopher Columbus. A large pool near the small granite bungalow has ducks, peacocks and ostriches. The rooms have hundreds of statues and oriental urns. The walls of these rooms are covered with enormous paintings and mirrors. Gigantic chandeliers hang on its ceilings. The lamps on the stair cases are detailed creations
Dalhousie Square
It is locates just south of Howrah Bridge. Dalhousie Square which is renamed after Three Martyrs of Bengal, Binay, Badal & Dinesh was created in the heart of the imperial capital of Calcutta. The tank in the centre, fed by natural springs, is said to have supplied Charnock with drinking water. There are many historical buildings, which surround the square. The northern side is occupied by Writers' Building. To the east are commercial houses and the West Bengal Government Tourist Bureau. On the southern side is Raj Bhavan, residence of the Governor. Beside that are the State Legislative Assembly House and the Calcutta High Court. St John's Cathedral, which close to Raj Bhavan is the oldest church in Calcutta. On the western side is the imposing white domed General Post Office, next to which is the Reserve Bank of India building. Netaji Subhash Road is the centre of the onetime English commercial houses which today flourish in Indian hands. Lyon's Range stock exchange, behind Clive Street, is worth a visit for a glimpse of the frenzied dealing in shares, periodically erupting onto the street.
Science City
Science City, which is located on Calcutta's Eastern Metropolitan By Pass, is an area of knowledge and adventure. This 21st Century marvel of science, communication and environment is the first and only institution of it's kind in India and has a Space Theatre. The main attraction of the Science City is the Space Flight, Dinosaurs Alive, Dynamotion, Life in Water, a world of Insects and Reptiles, walkthrough Aviary, Butterfly corner, Convention Centre, four seminar halls, Mini Auditorium, Musical fountain etc. This convention centre complex has a 2215 person capacity main auditorium, 40 capacity mini auditorium and 8 seminar halls. It is open to public every day from 9AM to 9PM (Even on public holidays).
How to Reach
By AirCalcutta is a good place for competitive air fares to other parts of Asia. Most airline offices are around Chowringhee. Flights are usually with Air India, Indian Airlines, Thai International, Royal Nepal Airlines or Tarum Romanian. Netaji Subhash Airport is situated at Dumdum, around 17km northeast of the city centre.
By Rail
Calcutta is served by two railway station, Haora (Howrah) and Sealdah and is connected to major cities all over the country. At Howrah Station, platforms 1 to 16 are in the old main building, platforms 17 to 22 are in the new annex next door.
By Road
Calcutta is connected by an extensive network of national highways with major cities and towns of tourist interest nearby. Buses generally depart from the Esplanades bus stand area at the northern end of the Maidan near Chowringhee Road. But there are a number of private companies which have their own stands. Buses to and from the South generally use the bus stand near Fort William at Babu Ghat.