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.

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.