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What is Kolkata Known For?

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What is Kolkata Known For?

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and is the country’s third-most populous urban area. It is also India’s cultural, educational, and commercial hub.

Kolkata is known for its long and varied history, rich culture, and numerous monuments of interest. It is known as the home of one of the most famous historical figures in India, Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Roy was a great pioneering figure for religious, social and educational reform in India that are still felt today. Kolkata is also home to a number of iconic cultural events such as Bengal’s Durga Puja and Belur Math Mela, making it one of the most important cities in India.

Kolkata is also celebrated for its contributions to the field of literature and art, with authors Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee among the most notable in Bengali literature. Furthermore, Kolkata has a long tradition of producing some of India’s finest films, including Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali, which won several awards including Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.

The culinary scene in Kolkata is vibrant and diverse, with food that draws influence from India’s diverse geographical regions. The city is famed for its street food, including kati rolls, jhalmuri, luchi-aloo-kabli, and kochuri-aloo-dum. Food lovers from around the country come to Kolkata to sample its delicacies. Some of its iconic dishes include biryani, fish curry, mughlai paratha, roshogolla, sondesh, and sandesh.

Kolkata is also home to some of India’s most acclaimed educational institutes. These include the University of Calcutta, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) and Indian Statistical Institute (ISI). Notably, all three of these institutes are rated amongst the top universities in India.

The city has also been passionate about sports for many years. Throughout the twentieth century and into the early 21st century Kolkata has been home to Indian soccer giants East Bengal F.C., Mohammedan Sporting Club and Mohun Bagan A.C.. Moreover, Kolkata had a major impact on the history of cricket when it hosted the first ever cricket Test in India in 1934 against England, kickstarting the game’s popularity in the country.

In sum, Kolkata is an important hub for culture and art in India, as well as being celebrated for its educational institutions, iconic films, sports teams and cuisine. To learn more about Kolkata and its impressive attractions, Lonely Planet’s website on Kolkata provides travelers with information on the city’s fascinating history, attractions and more.

The city this blog post is referring to is Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, India. It is a vibrant city boasting a rich history, cultural diversity, and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you are visiting Kolkata for the first time or are a frequent traveler, this insider’s guide will help you discover all that the city has to offer.

##Exploring Kolkata’s Local Attractions

Kolkata is renowned for its iconic monuments and historical landmarks. A visit to the Victoria Memorial, built-in 1921, is a must-see for any tourist visiting Kolkata. This grand white marble structure surrounded by beautiful gardens showcases a fantastic collection of British and Indian art and historical artifacts.

If you’re interested in colonial architecture, the St. Paul’s Cathedral, built-in 1847 with Gothic architecture that is unique to everything else in the city.

The Howrah Bridge, one of the most massive cantilever bridges in the world, is a Kolkata staple. Taking stroll or boat ride on the Hooghly River during sunset and watching the colors of the sky reflected in the water from the bridge is a surreal experience.

##Dining in Kolkata

Kolkata is famous for its gastronomical delights that are a mix of traditional Bengali cuisine and international flavors. Famous street food includes Kolkata’s favorite snack, the ‘Phuchka’, commonly known as ‘panipuri’ in other parts of India or the Kolkata Kathi Roll, stuffed with meat or vegetables.

If you are looking for something more refined, you can try ‘Oh! Calcutta’, where you can indulge in a modern Bengali cuisine experience. And it wouldn’t be wise to skip the iconic Kolkata sweet treats, the Rasgolla and Mishti Doi.

##Cultural Experiences

Cultural events are a vibrant part of Kolkata’s community. Take a morning trip to Dakshineswar Kali temple by the Ganges or the Kalighat Kali temple, two of Kolkata’s famous religious shrines. Afterward, a visit to Kumartuli, an artisan’s village in North Kolkata, will expose you to traditional Idols and clay pottery-making.

The Indian Museum, the oldest museum in India, is a great place to explore paintings, sculptures, textiles, and scientific instruments. Son-et-lumiere, a light and sound show on the Fort William walls, is a great way to experience the history of Kolkata, particularly during the colonial era.

##Local History

Kolkata’s history is colorful and full of character. It’s a city that has seen cultural and political turmoil while at the same time being a center of learning and trade.

You can walk through India’s first coffee house, adjacent to the College Street on Bankim Chatterjee Street, a former hotbed of intellectual debate for students and professors. Visit the famous Writers’ Building, the seat of government power in Kolkata during the British era, and the inspiration behind The Raj Quartet novels.

##Off the Beaten Path Suggestions

While the above-mentioned sites may be popular tourist attractions, visiting Kolkata can be experiential if you know where to go. Take a stroll through the quaint alleys of North Kolkata to discover authentic Bengali cuisine and artifacts. Kumortuli is another under-explored gem in Kolkata that’s home to the city’s idol-makers. On your visit during Durga Puja festival, make sure to catch the idols of the goddesses in their final stages before heaved into the river with music and fanfare.

A day trip to the Sunderbans delta, the world’s largest delta and home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger is a once in a lifetime experience. Also, the city’s film industry is growing, so a visit to a local cinema to watch a Bengali gem is an authentic Kolkata experience.

##Conclusion

Kolkata is a destination imbued with character and charm, and this well-curated insider’s guide should be your companion while planning your trip. With its vibrant culture, unique culinary experiences, and historical monuments, there are plenty of things to see and do in Kolkata. Even though this guide barely scratches the surface, it is in prime condition to get you started on your discovery of this fantastic city.

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What is Kolkata Known For?

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!