Kolkata was considered to be one of the cheapest Indian cities but its real estate scenario has gone for a complete makeover. It has been showing a marked improvement across all sectors of its realty industry i.e. residential, commercial and retail. It has long shed off the image of being a lazy city and is emerging as an effervescent city. Kolkata real estate is on a progressive track as large scale developments have been taking place in the city.

With a multitude of multinational companies entering the city, a sudden increase in the number of potential property developers can be seen. They aim at maintaining global standard of living even by spending extra money and by employing additional resources. Kolkata property market is buzzing with activity as it welcomes new construction and re-developments. The new suburban hot-spots for real estate include Hugli, South Dum Dum, South Suburban City, etc. It serves as a nodal point for north-east region of the country and hence is a key spot of all retail and commercial activities.

Kolkata may have become habitual of facing ups and downs in its real estate industry. First, withdrawal of Tata’s Nano project and then recession attempted to stagger the growing real estate of Kolkata.

1. With the entry of Tata Motors’ Nano project, property in Kolkata was on an all time high but after their unceremonious exit from the city, it was expected to fall. Nevertheless, it kept booming while maintaining the price and rental hikes.

2. The global downturn of the Indian economy caused ripples among the realty builders who were discouraged from further developments. Since the investors’ interest also declined, Kolkata real estate became almost stagnant.

But, in the current scenario, real estate segment of Kolkata has supposedly started recovering. In the annual property fair, Realty Expo 2009 conducted in the city, record footfalls, inquiries and residential spot bookings were made. Authorities confirmed the news by adding that the number of spot bookings had nearly doubled and an unprecedented degree of footfalls with a 20% jump against the last edition was seen. This was totally unexpected due to the negative market sentiment apparent for more than a year and has thus, encouraged property developers to accomplish significant incremental business in the coming months.

There have been considerable cost cuts during recession in real estate of Kolkata. The shrink in property prices by 5-20% across the city and the offering of promotional schemes like EMI waiver created excitement among the prospective consumers. So, some doubt if this keen interest in Kolkata investment avenues is due to the price correction or is it the recent spate of home loan rate cuts? Most in the industry believe that the combination of both the factors propelled end users to visit the fair.

Property experts feel that builders have become much more flexible and consumer-centric in the recent times. The focus is on affordable housing which has actually been the flavor of season across the country. It is, thus, concluded that signs of sluggishness from Kolkata real estate, be it residential, commercial or retail have almost disappeared. Property prices in prime locations will continue to witness an upward trend, making it the right time to explore investment options in Kolkata realty.

Tags : Kolkata Business, Kolkata Real Estate, Kolkata Travel

There are certain hotels in Calcutta reputed as family friendly. These are ideal for family gatherings and hangouts. They give special promotions specially intended for family guests. The Oberoi Grand and the Hyatt Regency hotels are 2 of the examples.

The Oberoi Grand. The Oberoi Grand is a 5-star family-friendly hotel in Calcutta. It has an accommodation of 209 guest rooms and suites, replete with contemporary amenities such satellite TV, DVD player, high-speed internet access, fax machines and large work desks. The Baan Thai, a multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel serves genuine Thai delicacies and other delectable dishes and is considered as the leading Thai restaurant in the city.

The French Brasserie-fashion La Terrasse restaurant and the Chowringhee Bar and Tea Lounge serve fine cuisines, an array of wines, spirits and beers. The hotel’s spa provides holistic treatments and therapies such as Indian, Thai, Hawaiian and Ayurvedic types of massages. The hotel “Grande Dame” of the city is so accessible to the shopping center and other important places of Calcutta. This is conveniently located at 15 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700 013 India.

The family-friendly Hyatt Regency hotel provides luxurious and sophisticated accommodations and excellently well-trained staffs to every valued guest of this second largest city of India. This is a perfect place for both leisure and business trips. The air conditioned 235 guest rooms and suites are well designed, complete with modern room facilities such as cable/satellite TV, international direct telephone, tea/coffee maker, refrigerator, high-speed internet access, and hand-held shower in nice attached bathrooms.

A genuine dining encounter will be experienced here as it features the Waterside Cafe that offers a wide array of international dishes; the Italian La Cucina kitchen and bar; the hotel’s trademark Guchhi Indian restaurant; the Poolbar and the Bakery. The hotel also offers worthwhile recreational activities such as swimming, racquetball/squash and tennis. The Hyatt Regency Hotel is conveniently located at JA 1 Sector 3 of Calcutta.

Wonderful Stay, Great Food! The hotels’ multi-cuisine restaurants serve mouth-watering dishes of different kinds such as Indian, South and North Indian, Thai, Mexican and Continental delicacies. Some of these restaurants organize live musical performances to entertain every valued guest. These are ideal places to hang out with friends and relatives while enjoying lip smacking dishes.

Young singles, romantic lovers, newly-wed couples, families with teens and small children, all are welcome here! These hotels may serve as ideal places to relieve stresses brought by the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You will find tranquil environments as you take a tour to the different tourist spots of the city. Some of these nearby tourist attractions may include: Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, The Maiden Park or the “Lungs” of Calcutta and Kalighat Temple.

The Peerless Inn is a 3-star hotel that provides excellent services and modern amenities to its valued guests. It has an accommodation of 122 well appointed guest rooms and suites, fully equipped with modern facilities like remote controlled TV, tea/coffee maker, individualized air conditioning control, and mini-fridge. The hotel amenities may include: restaurant, high-speed internet access, ATM/Banking, gym, health club and pool. Its small meeting rooms and spacious banquet and conference halls are well equipped with audio-visual equipments and multimedia computers to suit business needs.

It also provides free parking, airport transfer, complimentary breakfast, coffee in lobby, laundry and 24-hour room service. You will experience warmth of Bengali as you step into this hotel. It is around 2.3 kilometers to the city center, with easy access to do business and shopping stuff. The hotel is about 15-minute leisurely walk to the Victoria Memorial and 10-minute walk to the New Market and the Eden Gardens. The Peerless Inn hotel is conveniently located at 12 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata (Calcutta).

The Astor Hotel is one of the well-renowned accommodations in Calcutta. This heritage hotel has been reputed for its hospitality and warmth. The guestrooms and suites are fully air conditioned, complete with contemporary amenities such as satellite TV, mini-fridge, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, international direct telephone and high-speed internet access.

Every suite has DVD player, access to DVD library, hair dryer and a separate seating area. The spacious, well-equipped Coronation Hall is appropriate for anniversaries, get together, weddings and conferences. The Rendezvous is a small meeting room, appropriate for small business meetings and conferences. The Astor hotel is conveniently located at 15, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata 700071.

Tags : Calcutta Business, Calcutta Hotels, Calcutta Travel

Calcutta is known for its warmth, royal families, houses centuries old, huge joint families, and an assortment of sweet dishes. Calcutta is omnipresent in the history of India and also in world history considering that the British reign had its roots in Calcutta. Calcutta is a city of joy, oneness, love and definitely sweets.

Among the major visits in Calcutta the most prominent would be the Victoria Memorial, the name is pretty insightful of its origin, makers and architectural history. This white stature surrounded by lush greeneries is a peaceful place and you’ll find more foreigners (USA, UK) here than any other place in Calcutta. National Library is a place which reflects culture, history, heritage and intellect of the city and this is a place that is visited by every tourist. The Howrah Bridge that connects the city with the suburban districts is a treat to watch. This suspension wonder is also a magnum opus of the British. Underneath this viaduct flows the sacred Ganges, the biggest river of the country.

The Ganges is believed to be capable of sanitizing any person of his/her ill doings. The Ganges is also the river where the Durga Idols are immersed. It is a 10-day long national festival which has its biggest impact in this city. Museums form an integral and educational part of any city’s tourism brochure. It goes without saying that Calcutta has its museum too and that is named Birla Planetorium. It is a place for those who want to gain knowledge and believe there is no end to knowledge and learning. Amusement parks like Science City, Nicco Park and Fun City are to be found. These are places where the populace anywhere between 5 to 20 would like visiting.

The traditional dresses you are likely to spot in the city would comprise of ladies aged more than 30 in saris. Young people are obviously not inclined to wearing anything of that sort. Here the youth is almost the same as yours.The men who are above thirty would be in formals, though most would be sloppy, this apart the senior citizens are most likely to be spotted in Kurta Pajama.

Any Calcuttan would advice you to eat homemade food if you want to really taste what food in this part of the world is like. However since that is not feasible under some circumstances. You would not like to miss the street food; it has a unique mouth-watering taste that suits all and sundry. Those apart, make it a point to stop by at some sweet shop. The hits of Calcutta are ‘mishti doi’ (sweetened curd), ‘rasogolla’ (ball shaped sweet dairy product) and ‘jalebi’ (an unexplainable delight). Cuisines from every corner of the world can be found at 5 and 7 star inns/restaurants like Peerless Inn, Taj Bengal, ITC Sonar Bangla, Oberoi Grand Hotel. Bengali platters are extensively available here too.

There are several great value places to stay in Calcutta. The hotels in this great city showcase their world-class amenities along with their exceedingly hospitable services. Their locations are quite advantageous since they’re just at the very heart of the city.South City residences are very contemporary and luxurious, that could be opted. Besides, all the major guest houses can accommodate you. Calcutta is worth a visit and truly the city of joy, Patrick Swayze had a great time here!

Tags : Calcutta Travel, Travel Guide

Calcutta is the home of the popular Science City located at the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. It was built during the 21st century, accommodating up to 2,215 people. Science City is one remarkable science museum in India that promotes learning about sciences, the environment, communications, and about modern technology. Science City is a series of centers, museums, halls, theatres and parks. These attractions made the complex the largest center in the sub-continent.

Objectives
Science City aims to expose the growth of Science and Technology along with its applications for the environment and human welfare. People behind this center want to promote public understanding and awareness, especially with regard to the importance of scientific studies and culture. The center also wants to popularize science and technology by providing seminars, exhibitions, lectures, camps and other programs.

Attractions
Science City has a sylvan surrounding of beautiful landscape and gardens. It consists of two facilities namely, the Science and Convention Center. The Science Center also includes an Evolution Theme Park, Space Odyssey, Maritime Center, Dynamotion Hall and a Science Park.

The Evolution Theme Park stands in a 1,300 square meter area that takes visitors back to early age of evolution. It provides knowledge on gigantic animals of the past like dinosaurs and birds. It is divided into seven period settings ending with the advent of man.

The Space Odyssey is a circular dome shaped auditorium that looks like an inverted bowl. It is the main attraction of the complex building, housing the first theater for large format films, a time Machine, planetarium, Van de Graff generator and mirror magic. 3D Vision theaters showcase virtual reality on space sciences, electricity and motion. The spherical multi media projection system provides information on planets in the solar system.

The Maritime Center is a pavilion that describes maritime history, activity and subjects. The center is a two story building that was built on a 700 meters area similar to a ship. It exhibits scaled models, replicas, artifacts and sea going vessels. A quiz corner also supplements the exhibit.

The Dynamotion Hall has an exhibition of giant robotic insects, interactive exhibits, butterfly corner and aquaria. This is a large spiral shaped hall that offers a deep understanding on certain scientific phenomenon. Visitors can create music on the piano floor and virtual harp as well as make large dishes float on air. Exciting exhibits like a working tornado, aqua mobile and energy ball would keep people immersed on the discovery processes.

The Science Park provides free choices of learning outdoor exhibits. It includes a Children’s Play Corner, Gravity Coaster, Road Train and a Maze. This is along with the Caterpillar Ride, Monorail Cycle, Butterfly Nursery and Musical Fountain. This fountain dances to the music with colored water jets.

Convention Center
The Convention Center has a Grand Theater that can occupy 2,232 seats. It also has a seminar building having 11 halls with a 15 to 100 seating capacity. This place also includes one Mini Auditorium for 450 people and a 20,000 square meter open air exhibition ground. It is the perfect place for conventions, company AGMs, meetings and cultural programs.

People of all ages can learn various scientific processes and even enhance their understanding through the discovery methods and outdoor settings these scientific institutions can provide. It is an ideal tourist destination for aspiring Scientists and for those who are interested in Science and Technology. It is a great place for children to develop their interest in the field.

Tags : Calcutta Science City, Science, Technology

German football team Bayern Munich have caused football mania in the Indian city of Calcutta, where they will become the first big European club to play in India. The team have arrived in the city to play a friendly match against local side Mohan Bagan at Calcutta’s Salt Lake Stadium. It’s believed that the historic match will attract 120,000 spectators. It is particularly special for Bayern Munich, as it will be the last for the legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who is retiring after 22 years with the team.

During their time in Calcutta, Bayern Munich will be engaging with the local community by running a coaching clinic, which was organised by Adidas, at the Calcutta Cricket and Football club. 48 promising youngsters were selected to participate in the clinic, where they were taught by the likes of Mark van Bommel, Andreas Ottl, Jose Ernesto Sosa and other top footballers. The top six players from the coaching clinic will be flown to the Bayern Football School in Germany to attend the FC Bayern Football Camp later in the year.

As the team spent so much time with the community, they didn’t have the opportunity to practice before the game. As Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld explained, “We have some social responsibilities, so that won’t allow us time for practice.” However, Mr Hitzfeld said that he believes the team have practiced enough, he said: “We have practiced enough in Bali and that I feel it is sufficient to keep us in right shape.”

Bayern Munich’s visit to Calcutta signifies the increasing popularity of football in a country that is known for its love of cricket. BBC reporters spoke to two young boys, Ramjit and Sanjoy, who will be in the crowd at Wednesday’s match. One believes that football is getting so popular in India that it could eventually rival the popularity of cricket, while the other is not so sure. Ramjit said: “If Bayern Munich can come down here why can football not compete with cricket? It is just a slow ongoing process. There are kids who like watching football, they prefer it to cricket as cricket is getting boring.” His friend Sanjoy wasn’t quite so sure, he said: “Every sport in this country is secondary to cricket.”

Tags : Bayern Munich, Calcutta, Football Team

Located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly. Calcutta has a population of almost 11 million, with an extended metropolitan population of over 14 million, making it the third largest urban agglomeration and the third largest city in India.Calcutta is well known for the poverty to be found on its streets, but seeing it for real can still come as a shock to visitors to the city. Its important that visitors do go there but they know before going what to expect. The tourist industry is a vital part of the economy.

It has stunning buildings, vibrant atmosphere, world class entertainment facilities and the kindness of people in the streets, bars and restaurants but you cannot turn a blind eye to the desperation which also exists in this city.In many ways Calcutta seems familiar the English street names, the architecture, the English language. At the same time the context is so foreign. The effect is very odd, sometimes even frightening to the Western visitor.Bengali culture is magnificent. Bengali is spoken by more people than is French or Japanese. It has a tropical climate.

Eden Gardens is the oldest cricket ground in India and is also considered one of the finest in the world. The history of the Indian Cricket is irrevocably bound up with that of Calcutta Cricket Club, which did the pioneering work in cricket not only in Calcutta but in the whole of the eastern region of India. The present Eden Gardens Cricket Club came in existence some time in the year 1864. It is not certain as to whom the land belonged to although some records show that it was the property of then Maharaja of Cooch Behar while some other records state that it belonged to the Auckland Family.

In November 1993, a five nation tournament was played in India to celebrate the CAB Diamond Jubilee, where day night one day international matches were played at this ground, thanks to the installation of four gigantic floodlights. It can now also legitimately boast of having one of the largest accommodation in the world for viewing the game.

Tags : Calcutta Travel, Information, Visitor

There are certain hotels in Calcutta reputed as family friendly. These are ideal for family gatherings and hangouts. They give special promotions specially intended for family guests. The Oberoi Grand and the Hyatt Regency hotels are 2 of the examples.

The Oberoi Grand. The Oberoi Grand is a 5-star family-friendly hotel in Calcutta. It has an accommodation of 209 guest rooms and suites, replete with contemporary amenities such satellite TV, DVD player, high-speed internet access, fax machines and large work desks. The Baan Thai, a multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel serves genuine Thai delicacies and other delectable dishes and is considered as the leading Thai restaurant in the city.

The French Brasserie-fashion La Terrasse restaurant and the Chowringhee Bar and Tea Lounge serve fine cuisines, an array of wines, spirits and beers. The hotel’s spa provides holistic treatments and therapies such as Indian, Thai, Hawaiian and Ayurvedic types of massages. The hotel “Grande Dame” of the city is so accessible to the shopping center and other important places of Calcutta. This is conveniently located at 15 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700 013 India.

The family-friendly Hyatt Regency hotel provides luxurious and sophisticated accommodations and excellently well-trained staffs to every valued guest of this second largest city of India. This is a perfect place for both leisure and business trips. The air conditioned 235 guest rooms and suites are well designed, complete with modern room facilities such as cable/satellite TV, international direct telephone, tea/coffee maker, refrigerator, high-speed internet access, and hand-held shower in nice attached bathrooms.

The Peerless Inn is a 3-star hotel that provides excellent services and modern amenities to its valued guests. It has an accommodation of 122 well appointed guest rooms and suites, fully equipped with modern facilities like remote controlled TV, tea/coffee maker, individualized air conditioning control, and mini-fridge. The hotel amenities may include: restaurant, high-speed internet access, ATM/Banking, gym, health club and pool. Its small meeting rooms and spacious banquet and conference halls are well equipped with audio-visual equipments and multimedia computers to suit business needs.

It also provides free parking, airport transfer, complimentary breakfast, coffee in lobby, laundry and 24-hour room service. You will experience warmth of Bengali as you step into this hotel. It is around 2.3 kilometers to the city center, with easy access to do business and shopping stuff. The hotel is about 15-minute leisurely walk to the Victoria Memorial and 10-minute walk to the New Market and the Eden Gardens. The Peerless Inn hotel is conveniently located at 12 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata (Calcutta).

The Astor Hotel is one of the well-renowned accommodations in Calcutta. This heritage hotel has been reputed for its hospitality and warmth. The guestrooms and suites are fully air conditioned, complete with contemporary amenities such as satellite TV, mini-fridge, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, international direct telephone and high-speed internet access.

Tags : Calcutta Hotels, Calcutta News, Calcutta Travel

Calcutta is the capital of India during the reign of Raj the British in 1911. The city is also India’s center of modern industry, education, culture and science as well as politics. Due to its vast history, Calcutta witnessed a lot of intense clashes, economic stagnation and political violence since the 1950s. After half a century however, a life-changing economic rejuvenation had resulted in Calcutta’s growth and development. Like most other Indian cities, Calcutta still continues to struggle with urbanization problems including pollution, traffic congestion and poverty.

The city is noted for its very interesting history that ranges from the Trade Union Movements to the Indian Struggle for Independence. The revolutionary scheme of their history garnered them fame and respect around the world. Furthermore, Calcutta is noted by some as a source of inspiration from other countries.

There are many versions on how the citys name was derived. The anglicized name of Calcutta and the other name Kolkata both come from the root word Kalikata, the name of one of the villages within the area before the British colony. The other two villages were Govindapur and Sutanuti.

Kalikata was then believed as the version of the goddess Kalis land or in local terms, Kalikshetra. On the other hand, the name of this city may be derived from the term kilkila, a Bengali term meaning flat area. More so, the name may have been also derived from the indigenous word or term khal meaning natural canal. This is followed by the term Katta which means to dig or the past tense dug.

The name of this city is pronounced as Kalkota, following the Bengali language. It was changed in 2001 to Calcutta, making it the official English name. Some people see this move as a step to eradicate the legacy of the British. However, the necessary name change had made the overseas media had not reflected this change.

The city of Calcutta is widely known for it artistic, revolutionary and literary heritage. Since Calcutta was the former capital city of India, it is the birthplace of modern artistic thought and Indian literature. The people who live in this city always possess a special participation and appreciation for literature and the arts. It is in fact a welcoming tradition for new talents. As a result, it has gained popularity as the city with a furious and creative energy.

A special characteristic for those who live in this city is their strong sense of community among its neighbors. This act of kindness and strong bond is locally called para. Usually, each para has its own community clubs complete with a playing field and clubroom.

Calcutta presently is a very industrialized city already. It is the center of business, commercial and financial trade in eastern India. It has a very competitive tourism industry that in fact it is the only city in the region with an international airport.

Part of Calcutta’s modern fame is attributed to Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who became famous all over the world because of her charitable deeds.

Tags : Calcutta Business, Calcutta Real Estate, Calcutta Travel