Kolkata offers a unique experience to visitors. As the third largest metropolis in India and the former capital under British colonialism, Kolkata was more commonly known as Calcutta. While the city is expanding and modernizing, there are still many examples of the dramatically beautiful colonial architecture to catch the imagination. With over fifteen million residents, the streets are crowded but the people are the friendliest of India’s mega-cities and proud of their city’s contribution to the arts and sciences.
During colonial times, Kolkata provided major contributions to india’s scientific, and industrial sectors. It also became a leader in education and culture, fostering philosphers, poets, writers, and artists, including Nobel Prize winners. It is believed to be the birthplace of modern Indian literary thought and artistic movements. As the capital of the state of West Bengali, it is also the proud center of Bengali art forms, including poetry, music, dance, theater, and film.
While Kolkata offers some of the best India food in the world, showcasing Bengali dishes, it is also home to numerous restaurants oferring world cuisines. In fact, much about the city is Western, modern shopping malls and office buildings, five star Kolkata hotels, and many English street names.
Visitors will find a variety of attractions to explore while in Kolkata. The Victoria Memorial, the Indian Musuem, and the Marble Palace are popular tourist destinations. Other sites to visit include St Paul’s Cathedral, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and the National Library. Sports enthusiasts may want to check out the Edn Gardens cricket stadium, the Calcutta Racetrack, or the many fine golf courses in the city.
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