Cultural facts associated with Kolkata

Kolkata is known as the Cultural Capital of India and is famous for its rich heritage, literature, tradition, and culture. It is also called the "City of Furious, Creative Energy". Theatres and Jatras (traditional folk dramas) are popular in the city and half of the Indians are super fans of Bengali cinemas and songs. Bengali literature is rich in content and powerful thoughts.

Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Swami Vivekananda are some of the prominent characters of never-before-seen literature work. Kolkata plays a very important role in Indian Classical Music and Dance. The women of Kolkata are seen wearing Saris and the men are seen in Dhoti Kurta.

Durga Puja in Kolkata 

Durga Puja is the most celebrated annual festival of Kolkata, which generally falls in September - October. The arrival of the festive season brings enormous joy in the lives of the Bengalis and they observe it with great pomp and vigour. The clay idol of Hindu Goddess Durga is made by excellent artisans and a great deal of the 10-day long occasions begins.

As per legend, this embodies the victory of good over evil as Durga destroys Mahisashura. The festivity is celebrated by doing Puja and Mantra of the deity, offering food, pandal hopping, shopping, and gobbling on delicacies. On the last day known as Vijaya Dashami, weapons are worshipped and the idol of Maa Durga is immersed in water. 

Eating places in Kolkata

The cuisine of Kolkata is very plain and healthy. Being on the coastal areas, the locals devour seafood like Machher Jhol (fish curry), Ilish (a significant favourite fish of the Bengalis). Rice is the staple food. Bengalis are known for their amazing desserts like Roshogolla, Sandesh, Kheer, Misti Dohi (sweet yoghurt). Bengalis are considered to be sweet speaking people as their cuisine. Puchka, Beguni, Kati Roll are famous as fast foods and never to miss when in Kolkata! Some popular places in Kolkata to satisfy hunger in the city of delicious flavors are:

• Aminia
• Bhojohori Manna
• Biswa Bangla Gate
• WOK’ies

Shopping places in Kolkata

The vibrant city of Kolkata is eventful in the daytime and people in large numbers gather in the luminous market areas at night for Street Shopping and outing. Starting from embroidery Saris, colourful bangles, conch shell jewellery to toys, crafts, home decors, paintings, and books are easily available in the markets of Kolkata. Sarees, accessories and crockeries can be found in the New Market which is ironically the oldest market and among the most crowded places to visit in Kolkata. Chandni Chowk Market is here to give you everything at an affordable cost. Burrabazar is famous for scrumptious foods like Jhalmuri, Dahi kachori, Chilla, etc. Floating Market Patuli is India's first floating market where the vendors are visible selling vegetables, flowers, fish, groceries on boats. This place is a must to go on the trip to Kolkata along with popular market places like - Gariahat Market, Acropolis Mall, Hatibagan, College Street, Bagri (Bagree)Market, Quest Mall, and more. 

Places to visit 

• Howrah Bridge: The major landmark of the city, Howrah Bridge connects Kolkata and Howrah, and is also known as the "Rabindra Setu". Daily 1 lakh people use the bridge hence denoting it as the busiest cantilever bridge. 
• Victoria Memorial: The replica of the Victoria Memorial in London was made here in memory of Queen Victoria during the British Era. The magnificent sophisticated marble works of the palace are pretty impressive and the museum has everything to spend your winter afternoons on.  
• Fort William: Built-in an irregular octagon structure, the fort is named after King William III. The largest park of the country, the Maidan faces the fort which is now the headquarters of Eastern Command of the Indian Army. 
• Belur Math: Founded by Swami Vivekananda, Belur Math is the heart of the Ramakrishna Movement. The place is located at Belur, on the bank of river Hooghly and symbolises the unity of all regions including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity. It is one of the most serene places to visit in Kolkata among city lights.
• Indian Museum: The largest Museum of India, the Indian Museum comprises 6 sections and 35 galleries and is situated at the heart of Kolkata. It keeps the antique collection of Buddhist artifacts, relics, paintings, and a huge skeleton of a Dinosaur. The entry fee is just 10 rs. 
• Birla Planetarium: Birla Planetarium is the largest planetarium in Asia and the second-largest in the world, located near the Victoria Memorial. People interested in Astrophysics, Astronomy, Space Science, and Planetary motion gather here in large numbers. The entry fee is 40 rs. 
• Science City: Visiting Science City can be full of fun and an exemplary holiday destination. Children and adults enjoy watching the Tornado, the energy ball, the ocean waves, the time machine, the aquarium, and illusions. The artificial Jurassic Park is a must. This place is often referred to as the kid's favorite place in the city.
• St. Paul's Cathedral: One of the major tourist places, St. Paul's Cathedral is famous for its ancient architecture. It is situated at the center of the city and welcomes visitors to spectate the significant carvings and paintings, at zero cost. 
• Eden Gardens: The third-largest cricket stadium in the world, Eden Gardens is located at B B D Bagh area, near the Calcutta High Court. The stadium is well-maintained and often serves as a picnic spot. It is known as "The home of Indian Cricket", "Batsman's Paradise", and "Mecca of Indian Cricket" -- and obviously the most popular places to visit in Kolkata and in the whole country. 
• Kalighat Temple: Kalighat Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India where the right toes of goddess Sati were believed to have fallen during the Tandava. The locals have deep faith in the deity and Tuesdays, and Saturdays are considered auspicious days. 
• Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Garden situated at Shibpur, Howrah was founded in 1787. The garden comprises various species of flora and fauna spread over 109 hectares. The entry fee here is 10 rs per person. 
• Nicco Park: Nicco Park is the perfect escape for people looking to do something crazy and adventurous. One of the best things about it is, the park wholly operates on Solar Energy and hence causes zero pollution. Due to the entertainment and amusement, this is also known as the "Disneyland of West Bengal". 
• Park Street: Park Street is one of the most happening places in Kolkata where one can find fancy restaurants, top-notch hotels, nightclubs, malls, etc. The street starts from Jawaharlal Nehru Road and Mother Teresa Sarani is its other name. 

How to reach Kolkata?

As Kolkata is a major city of India, it is well-linked with the other cities via Air, Road, and Railway. 

• Airways: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport or the Dumdum Airport is one of the busiest airports of the country and joins every important national and international city. The airport is 15 km from the city centre and taxis can be accessed any minute.
• Roadways: The National highway to Kolkata is wider and well-maintained. Buses can be taken from the neighboring cities to here. 
• Railways: Howrah Junction is the largest railway station in India and one of the busiest in the world. It connects several trains to major cities of the country. Super Fast and special trains like Rajdhani and Jan Shatabdi are available directly from Delhi.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Kolkata falls under a tropical wet and dry climate which is comfortable for travelling. It has a high probability of cyclones. 

• Summer: March to June- 23°C to 35°C (hot and humid)
• Monsoon: June to September- 25°C to 32°C (annual moderate rainfall)
• Winter: December to February- 11°C to 27°C (comfortable weather)