Located in eastern part of India, Calcutta was known as the ‘Jewel of the East’ during the British colonial rule over the subcontinent. The capital of British India until 1911, Calcutta is strongly influenced by Victorian art and architecture. One of the largest and most important cities in the world, Calcutta is the capital as well as the business and commercial hub of the state of West Bengal.
Nowadays known as Kolkata, Calcutta is situated 150 km upstream from the Bay of Bengal, where India and Bangladesh meet near the mouth of the River Ganges. Covering an area of roughly 425 square kilometers, this city is home to over 13 million people. Overcrowded and polluted, Calcutta is also one of India’s most fascinating cities producing some of the finest literary, theatrical, artistic and cinematic figures that this country has to offer.
Lying on the eastern banks of the River Hoogly, Calcutta can be quite an intimidating sight for a first time visitor. This is because this teeming metropolis is a confusing maze of roads and streets. While the most important tourist destinations of the city lie south of Howrah Bridge, Calcutta has many interesting sights and sounds that should be experienced in order to enjoy this city’s unique perspective.
On the southern end of Howrah Bridge are the areas of BBD Bagh and Chowringhee, which lie in the center of the city. BBD Bagh was formerly known as Dalhousie Square and is in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD).
Currently home to the offices of the government of West Bengal, this area was also a central location during the British Raj. Here you can find a mix of multi-storied office blocks and beautiful old colonial buildings. Just south of BBD Bagh lies Fort William and Maidan Park; this area is an open expanse, which provides both locals and tourists respite from the humdrum of the city. Near by is New Market, one of the city’s more famous bazaars, while south of Maidan Park are the Victoria Memorial and the Calcutta Race Course. East of BBD Bagh lies the Chowringhee, which is perhaps most famous for its bargain hotels that lie on Sudder Street, as well as many of the city’s popular restaurants, banks and other commercial offices. South of Chowringhee Road is Park Street, which is home to the more expensive shops and restaurants of the city.
In the north of Calcutta lie Calcutta University, Chitpur, the Jain Temple and Bara Bazaar; Bara Bazaar is a colorful and vibrant wholesale market, while Calcutta University is one of the best educational institutions in the state. To the south of city lie the famous Kali Temple and located right next door is Mother Theresa’s Home for the Dying Destitute. One of the poorest areas in the city, many people from all across the country come here to visit either Kalighat or to Mother Theresa’s home. Also located in the southern half of the city is the National Library and the zoo at Alipore, which is the oldest zoo in India. In the west of the city across the Howrah Bridge lies Howrah, which is a rapidly expanding suburb and is home to Calcutta’s huge train station.
