Archive for the ‘Travel and Transportation’ Category

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!

About Calcutta _ Third Largest City In India

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

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.