KOLKATA Kolkata is the City of Joy in the true sense of the term.

The city stays busy throughout the year with a lot of festivals, events, cultural programs and political strikes as well. Surprised? Well, this is the basic nature of the capital of West Bengal state of India. The city, formerly known as Calcutta, is perfect colas of political and cultural movements, festivity and football. Ranked as the third most densely populated city of the country, Kolkata takes pride in being the Cultural capital of India. The city is a gateway of business and tourism to the whole eastern and north-eastern India.

GENERAL INFORMATION Located on the western banks of the famous Hooghly River, Kolkata forms the capital city of the state of West Bengal. Forming the eastern fringes of West Bengal, the city of Kolkata is surrounded by Bangladesh, the neighboring country and is close to the Bay of Bengal. Kolkata represents one of the four metropolitan cities of India. Kolkata, the metropolis enjoys a rich cultural heritage and is often referred as the cultural and educational hub of India. Previously known as Calcutta, the city of Joy that is Kolkata has rich demographic resources. General information on Kolkata brings to light the fact that, as one of the leading cities in India, the popularity of Calcutta reached its zenith during the pre-independence period. Within a period of 400 years, the city has developed as a commercial and most importantly as a premier learning centre. People from all across the world come down to Kolkata for their education. General information on Kolkata shows that the civic administration of Kolkata is vested in the hands of different administrative bodies of the state government. The city has five administrative divisions, each of which is bestowed with some responsibilities and duties. CLIMATE Kolkata is a tropical city. In summer (May and June), the temperature varies between 27 degree Celsius and 40 degree Celsius and in winter, it goes down to 9 degree Celsius and 20 degree Celsius. The city enjoys seasonal rainfall in the month of July and August. The city is rocked by thunderstorms in early summer which is known popularly as Kal baisakhi. FACTFILE OF KOLKATA Area Altitude Geographical Location 1480 sq. km 9m from sea level Latitude- 22 33' N Longitude- 88 30'E 45, 80,544 (2001 Census) 24,760/ sq. km Bengali 81.31% 1605mm 24-42 C in summer 8-26C in Winters Sub tropical climate with summer monsoons

Population Population Density Official Language Literacy Rate Average annual Rainfall Temperature

Climate

Religion Important Festivals

Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh Poila Baisakh, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Eid-ul-Fitr, Saraswati Puja, Shivratri, Muharram, Christmas, Rathayatra, Dol Bengali- 55%, Hindi- 20%, English- 10%, others 15% Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Eden Gardens, Birla Planetarium, Howrah Bridg, Kali Mandir, Belur Math, Fort William, BBD Bagh, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Maidan, Botanical Garden, Tagore House, Church of St John, Marble Palace, Raj Bhawan, Town Hall, Nakhoda Mosque, and St. Paul's Cathedral

Languages

Major Tourist Attractions

ADMINISTRATION Kolkata city mainly falls under Kolkata Municipal Corporation area. The extended parts of the city are leaded by local municipalities. The mayor of the city chairs the elected council of 141 councilors representing 141 wards. Kolkata Police, headed by Superintendent of Police is the law enforcement agency of the city while on the other hand; Kolkata High Court is the oldest high court in India. HOW TO REACH By Airway Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, popularly known as Dumdum Airport, links well the city to the other parts of the globe. There are quite a lot of airlines offering domestic and international flights. The list includes Air India, Kingfisher Airlines, Lufthansa Airlines, British Airways and many more. By Roadway The city is connected via roadway not only to the other parts of the country but also to the neighboring country, Bangladesh and its capital, Dhaka. Various national highways and broadways have either crisscrossed or kissed the city fringes and if you plan to drive on your own, its easy and convenient. By railway Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata terminuses serve as the doorways to the city. You can travel your way by train from any part of the country as these three stations play a major role in the transportation organism of Indian railways.

WHAT TO SEE Kolkata is a city where tradition and modernity walk hand in hand. Exploring the city to the fullest is no t possible in one life as there are endless numbers of shades in the socio-cultural mosaic of the metropolis. What you can do as a sightseer is take a tour through numerous destinations like Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Race Course where the colonial history of the city will whisper to you. Do not miss Tagores Hose, Northern part of the city, Indian Coffee hose, Kalighat as here you can find the old and real Kolkata. Take pleasure in many of the snobbish malls and multiplexes of the city like South City Mall and City Centre. WHERE TO STAY A good number of five star and four star hotels are in Kolkata that can make your stay a memorable one. Hotel Taj Bengal, Hotel Hyatt Regency, Hotel The Park, Hotel HHI, Hotel Kennilworth are to name a few. WHAT TO EAT Dont miss Kolkata rassogolla and phoochka, mistis and various dishes of fish. Chinese, continental and other dishes are available as well.

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