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Destination Guide
to India's States and Territories |
| Cities in West Bengal |
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Home [India Destination Guide] |
Calcutta
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 State Capital of West Bengal. At the beginning of
this century, Calcutta was the capital of British India. The city is famous for
its culture; films, poetry, art and dance. The Victoria Memorial is a splendid
architectural monument in, white marble, modeled after the Taj Mahal, was built
in the memory of Queen Victoria. Victoria Memorial houses a fantastic
collection of rare memorabilia from colonial days. Brass cannons, wrought iron
street lamps and imposing statues recreate history.
With an overwhelming 10 million people, Calcutta is busy and
bustling. Something is always happening - whether it is soccer, religious
celebrations, concerts, theatre or a political demonstration, Calcutta is always
on the move.
HOW TO GET THERE :
By Air : The city is serviced by 11 international airlines
from both the east and the west, apart from Air India and the country's domestic
airlines.
By Rail : Calcutta is a major railhead and is linked to all
parts of the country by an extensive network of trains. The two important
stations are Howrah and Sealdah. Local trains are best for connecting to nearby
places
By Road : Calcutta is well connected by road.
EXCURSIONS :
Shantiniketan : The Nobel Laureate,
Rabindranath Tagore's vision of an academic institution, both universal and in
harmony with nature, began here in 1901. Open-air classes, sculptures, frescoes
and murals - Shantiniketan has emerged as a unique university town. There's a
museum and an art gallery within the Uttarayan Complex where Tagore lived. Four
km from Shantiniketan is Sriniketan, started as a project to revitalize
traditional crafts, embroidery, weaving, batik and pottery.
HOW TO GET THERE :
210 km from Calcutta. Connected by
rail and road to Calcutta. |
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Vishnupur :
Capital of the Malla kings, from the 8th to the
18thcentury, Vishnupur is an important cultural center. It has a distinct style
of temple architecture, with ornate facades covered with terracotta tiles
depicting lively scenes from Hindu mythology.
HOW TO GET THERE :
152 km from Calcutta. Connected by
rail and road to Calcutta.
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One of the important peaks, Susunia hills (a
little away from Vishnupur), rising to a height of 440 meters, is a challenge to
trekkers and rock-climbers. The rock inscriptions of Chandra Varma dating to the
4th century A.D. is an interesting feature of Susunia.
Easily accessible from Vishnupur is Purulia. The
land of Santhal tribes, unique for its Tusur song festival and masked Chhau
dance. In August, the Jhapan Festival, held in these parts, draws snake
charmers to honor the goddess Manasa who is central to the cult of snake
worship.
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Hotels in CALCUTTA
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