About Kolkata
Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal as well as 2nd biggest city in the country. Kolkata has a rich cultural heritage to satisfy the everlasting longing that consumes the soul of an aesthete.
It is hard to decide whether food or arts is the first love of the people here. But one thing is sure that both foods, as well as arts and crafts, are not sufficient to satisfy the intellectual people of Kolkata. And perhaps that’s the reason that people of Kolkata have an undiminishing inclination in every aspect of life varying from arts, theater, poetry, education, noble work, science, and so on.
Kolkata has given India revolutionary minds on one hand, and spiritual beings on the other, and both of these personalities have added a little more charm to the already existing allure of the city.
The touch of the colonial architecture in the genius indigenous architecture makes the city look like a painting on the canvass of a passionate painter.
It’s proximity to the UNESCO world heritage site- Sundarbans makes it a flattering destination for people who are die-hard fans of the wildlife. The serene and picturesque Ghats dotted across the city are exciting gateways for the photographers as well as solo women travellers who are bound by their wanderlust.
Dakshineswar Kalighat Temple
Goddess Kali is a female deity revered and adorned in almost every part of the country.
But in Kolkata, the essence of spirituality, starts and ends on Goddess Kali. Dakshineshwar and Kalighat temples are the testimony of the devotion of people of Kolkata towards Goddess Kali.
Dakshineswar adorns the eastern banks of Hooghly River, and Kalighat graces the suburbs of Anami Sangha. These two temples are hard to miss, and people with a spiritual quest come from all around India to pay their respect here.
State Archaeological Gallery
Kolkata has a long list of Galleries and museums that showcase the historical artifacts, coins, paintings, textiles, and other remarkable findings and possessions of various influential personalities of the past.
One such gallery is State Archaeological Gallery, established in 1962. This gallery is the perfect place for the people who have an interest in the rare and exquisite artifacts used throughout history.
Wildlife and Sundarban National Park (West Bengal)
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, amateur or professional photographer, or a nature lover, then you are going to swoon over the unmatched flora and fauna of the Sundarbans forest. It is not only a wildlife sanctuary but also a national park and a tiger reserve.
Moreover, its ecosystem, flora, and inhabitants are so exotic and exquisite that UNESCO has including it in the list of World Heritage Sites. Oodles of tourists flock around the year to spot Sundarbans two prominent wildlife species in their natural habitat that is Royal Bengal Tiger and Salt Water Crocodile.
Birla Temple – Pay Homage To Lord Krishna
A magnificent structure and a fantastic specimen of craftsmanship is the Birla Temple in the Ballygunge, Kolkata. This temple is a result of the amalgamation of traditional and modern architecture, along with the devotion of the people for Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Thousands of people visit this temple to seek the blessing of Lord Krishna.
Culture, Crafts, and Festivals
Culture Crafts and festivals of Kolkata are mostly the same as for that West Bengal.
Aptly referred to as ‘Cultural Capital of India, ‘ Kolkata boasts of a rich and intangible cultural heritage.
Many unparalleled writers, poets, musicians, artists, dancers, film-makers trace their origin back to Kolkata. Teaching dance and music are as important as educating a child in Kolkata. There are five prominent folk dances of Kolkata which are famous for their beauty and perfection.
One of these is the Gambhira dance performed by the devotees of Goddess Durga. Dancers wear different types of masks made up of clay, wood, metal, and much more during their performance.
Crafts of the West Bengal have outside as well as modern and ancient influence. Nevertheless, they are enticing and artistic to the core. Paintings, Embroidery, weaving, engraving and inlaying ornaments with pearls, gems, diamonds, and stones are the famous crafts of the West Bengal.
Festivals and fairs of West Bengal are vibrant and celebrated with zeal and religious sentiment. The saying ‘Baro Mase Tero Parban,’ which means thirteen festivals in twelve months, clearly states the love of Bengalis for festivity and celebration. A few of the festivals on the neverending list are Dushera, Kali Pooja, Durga Pooja, Holi, Basant Panchami, and Bhai Dooj.
Food
Famous for “Roshogulla” and ‘Mishti Doi’ Kolkata has a long list of mouth-watering cuisines. Fish curry, vegetable curries, Sandesh, Langcha, many other flavourful dishes tickle the taste buds of the food lovers. Don’t miss out on indulging in these sumptuous local cuisines on your trip to Kolkata.
Howrah Bridge – Capture The Beautiful Landscape
Howrah Bridge probably would be on the list of everyone who wishes to explore Kolkata. It connects the western banks of Kolkata to the eastern bank of Howrah and is the sixth-longest bridge. Also known as Rabindra Setu, it is the iconic architectural marvel built on the Hooghly River.
The bridge comes alive with lights in the night, and therefore, the best time to visit the bridge is after the sunset. A ride in the ferry is a must while you visit the bridge. It will give you a glimpse of the city, which just transitioned into the night’s calmness from the hustle and bustle of the day.
Victoria Memorial
All white and marble, Victoria Memorial is another one of the famous tourist locations in Kolkata. Located in the heart of the city, it receives thousands of tourists all around the year. Once commemoration place of Queen Victoria is now a stunning museum with 25 galleries.
This building draws a vast number of admirers because of architectural brilliance. It is the blend of British architecture styles along with Mughal, Islamic, Venetian, Egyptian, and Deccani styles.
Languages
Natives of Kolkata converse in the Bengali dialect, but residents, both natives, as well as immigrants, also use English.
Major Airports of Kolkata
Kolkata has one functional airport which flies both national as well as international passengers.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Dumdum.
You will witness a new Kolkata at every turn and nook of the city. This city is so vibrant and full of life that it keeps the tourists on their toes during their whole visit. Kolkata is waiting for women solo travelers to bestow upon them the best travelling experience of their life. You can plan your itinerary, or you can join our women special tours to explore Kolkata.