Archive for December, 2009

Calcutta Travel Guide

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

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!

Calcutta Science City _ Bringing The World Of Science Closer To Millions Of People

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

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.