Simultaneously noble and squalid, cultured and desperate, Kolkata is a daily festival of human existence. And it’s all played out before your very eyes on teeming streets where not an inch of space is wasted. Kolkata is locally regarded as the intellectual and cultural capital of the nation.
As the former capital of British India, Kolkata retains a feast of dramatic colonial architecture, with more than a few fine buildings in photogenic states of semi-collapse. The city still has many slums but is also developing dynamic new-town suburbs, a rash of air-conditioned shopping malls and some of the best restaurants in India. This is a fabulous place to sample the mild, fruity tang of Bengali cuisine and share the city’s passion for sweets.
Friendlier than India’s other mega-cities, Kolkata is really a city you ‘feel’ more than just visit.
Morning pick up from hotel/airport & enjoy guided city tour including:
The Famous Flower Market
Kolkata's Malik Ghat flower market is an ultimate start-up of your journey to Kolkata that can fascinate any of you with its pulsating decorations and beautiful fountains, witnessed around the market. One will also surely be overwhelmed with its loads of petals and garlands of flowers. Immersed in marigolds and soaked with roses, this market is a gem to see.
Victoria Memorial
Built in the Italian Renaissance cum Saracenic style, Victoria Memorial was planned by Lord Curzon and opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921. This British attempt at building a second Taj Mahal, is dedicated to Queen Victoria and houses a fantastic collection of rare memorabilia from Colonial days. A light and sound show recreates history every evening.
Howrah Bridge
A lintel bridge that is used as a connectivity of Howrah city to its twin city, Kolkata. In West Bengal, it covers the Hooghly River. Erected in 1943, it is also renowned as the Howrah Bridge. It was originally known as the New Howrah Bridge. It was again declared as Rabindra Setu on 14 June 1965 after Rabindranath Tagore.
St Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral is a unique destination of Kolkata built in the dedication of Anglican Communion. It is the first 'Episcopal Cathedral Church' on the continent in India. Commissioned in 1839, this building was ornamentally adorned with Indo-Gothic pattern by William Nairn Forbes, a brilliant military engineer. The architecture beauty of this church lies with persistent glass windows and two murals.
Stately Indian Museum
It is an affectionately remarkable museum of Kolkata, sporting a great collection of antiques, associated to the second-century BC Buddhist stupa.
Note: Closed on Mondays
Kalighat Temple
According to the legend, when Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati’s body was cut up, one of her fingers fell here. Rebuilt in 1809, this is an important shrine of Hindu Shakti worship. The temple is in the southern part of the city.
Mother Teresa’s Home
A visit to this place will give your Kolkata visit a new dimension. Located near the Kali Temple, the place is a home for hundreds of destitute and "the poorest of the poor".
Evening dropping back to hotel/airport or your desired destination.
Subject to minimum Two person travelling together: US $ 80 per person
Subject to Single person travelling alone: US $ 120
Included Features: -
Airport / Railway station transfers with assistance.
All sightseeing’s & drives by exclusive air conditioned private car.
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide for sightseeing.
01 time monument entrance fee.
All Taxes & Parkings.
Unlimited mineral water.
Our personal care & attention.
Excluded Features: -
Meals not included.
Camera fees at monuments.
Tipping for guide & driver.
Items of personal nature like phone calls, table drinks etc.
Anything not mention in included features list.
Average temperature (Celsius):
Summer
Mar-May: 21°c - 35°c
Monsoon
Jun-Sept: 26°c - 34°c
Winter
Dec-Jan: 14°c - 24°c
Area: 1886 sq km
Population: 15.7 million
Altitude: 30 ft above sea level
Languages: Bengali, English, Hindi, Urdu
Unique Buys
Kolkata is famous for its range of cotton and silk saris. You can also buy handicrafts like Bankura horses. If you have a sweet tooth don’t miss taking home Roshogollas (cottage cheese balls dipped in a sugary syrup) and Mishti Doi (sweet yoghurt).
Festivals
Fairs and festivals are held in the different parts of the city throughout the year.
Poila Baisakh:
The Bengali New Year falls in mid-April. The first month of Bengali calendar (Baisakh) is when many marriages are held.
Durga Pooja:
This is the most popular festival in the city, Durga Pooja is celebrated across five days with great pomp across the city. The festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasur. Durga Pooja is celebrated in other parts of India as Navratri. Dussehra marks the culmination of Durga Pooja.
Kali Pooja:
Kali Pooja is celebrated to honour Goddess Kali. A grand pooja is conducted at midnight to celebrate the destruction of evil. It coincides with Diwali, which is celebrated in other parts of the country.
Bhai Phota:
On this day, sisters fast for their brother wishing them good luck, prosperity and health. In return, the brother promises to protect her all her life. Bhai Phota happens on the same day when other parts of the country celebrate Bhai Dhooj.
Kolkata Book Fair:
Initiated in 1976 by Kolkata Publishers and Booksellers’ Guild, Kolkata Book Fair is the most famous book Fair in the city. Held across 12 days starting from the last Wednesday of January, the Fair is held at Kolkata Maidan. The collection mainly comprises of English and Bengali books.
Dol Purnima is a form of Holi celebrated in Kolkata.
Some important festivals celebrated in Kolkata are: Saraswati Puja, Vishnupur Festival, Rash Mela, Rabindra Jayanti, Jagaddhatri Puja, Doliatra, Eid-ul-Fitr, Shivratri, Muharram, Christmas and ISKON Rathayatra.
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