Kolkata

Introduction:

Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and one of the largest cities in India. It is also the largest city in the historic region of Bengal (today's West Bengal and Bangladesh). Kolkata is an 'in your face' city that shocks and charms the unsuspecting visitor. It is known as the cultural capital of India and home to the Bengal Renaissance, Kolkata continues to spawn generations of poets, writers and film directors. If your trip only allows for a visit of one or two of India's metropolitan cities, than definitely consider placing Kolkata on your itinerary. The Hooghly river bank is one of the tourist attractions in Kolkata. As a growing metropolitan city in a developing country, Kolkata confronts substantial urban pollution, traffic congestion, poverty, overpopulation, and other logistic and socioeconomic problems. Kolkata is the first city to start with the metro trains in India.

Howrah Bridge Kolkata

Howrah Bridge-Kolkata

Destination Facts:

Location: West Bengal, District Kolkata.
Altitude : 6.4meter(20ft).
Area: 187.33 sq km.
Temperature: (Summer 26 to 38°C) & (Winter 16 to 28°C)
Languages spoken: Bengali, English, Hindi and Urdu.

Getting there:

Nearest Airports: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. This airport is 14 km from the center of Kolkata,
Main Railway Station: Kolkata railway station is the main station for the city.
Main Bus Station or Road Direct: Salt lake is the main bus stop..

Distance of a few Major Towns from Kolkata:

Howrah-8km, Shalimar-13km, Madapur-28km, Chandannagar-44km.

Eating Around:

Multi – Cuisine and Special varieties in Fish.

Places of Tourist interest:

Howarh Bridge:
It is not often that a certain landmark becomes the very identity of the entire city. The Howrah Bridge or the Rabindra Setu, also termed as the gateway of Kolkata, is one such structure which due to its grandeur and majestic appeal has been the face of Kolkata for over a century. Constructed on the river Hoogly, the bridge connects the city to the Howrah district and effectively the Eastern part of the country. Reportedly over one lakh different vehicles and 2 million commuters traverse the bridge to either direction every day. The ships and boats often enter the Kolkata harbor after traveling under the bridge. Recently it has been illuminated and is a sight to behold during evenings. Devotees walk over hot embers placed on a trench.

Birla Planetarium:
A visit to a planetarium is sure to set the heart racing of any science enthusiast and even a believer of God. The vastness of our Universe and the captivating creations of nature are to be seen to be believed.
This planetarium presents a series of shows wherein numerous scientific theories and discoveries are displayed on the gigantic dome while the commentary in various Indian languages and English explains the intricate world of planets, galaxies, solar system, and life cycles of stars.

Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium

Science City:
This amazing place has been so well conceptualized and created that it takes at least 6-8 hours to be completely satiated by what it offers. On offer are 3-D movies, Fish eye projected I-MAX movies, train rides, Space station tour, Creepy crawler section, excellent garden for kids as well as a Naval Ship structured museum.Open on all weekdays except Mondays the Science city is one place to get lost in the cycle of evolution with roaring dinosaurs, mammoths, sabre tooths and many other Jurassic life size creatures. Hold your breath all these activities can be undertaken within a budget of Rs 100/- per head, just make sure that you reach early so that you don't regret the lack of time for not being able to do justice to each section.

Science City