Introduction

Kolkata is a metropolitan city. It is the capital of West Bengal. Kolkata is situated on the east bank of the holy Ganga River. Kolkata port is the oldest port. Kolkata is a growing metropolitan city with lots of population, traffic and other major probblems. Many noble laurete belong to Kolkata and they contributed lots to the culture, art and science. Many freedom fighters are from Kolkata. Many schools, colleges and roads are named after the famous freedom fighters of Bengal. Kolkata is the land of Zaminders. Still now many zaminders are there who ruled over Kolkata. Kolkata was declared the headquarters of Bengal Presidency.

Kolkata's popular tourist destination

Kolkata has many places to visit. Some places which are very famous are:

1.Victoria Memorial- This is a beautiful white monument built by Sir William Emerson in 1906 on the memory of Queen Victoria. This beautiful monument is surrounded by 21 equisite gardens and small lakes. Many tourists visit this monument every day. The main dome was surrounded by figures of art and architecture. On the way to the north gate there is a big bronze statue of Queen Victoria. Inside the monument it has a big museum where one could find the portraiits, arms and amunities and dresses of Queen Victoria and Prince Charles.

2.Dakshineshwar Temple- It is atemple town in southeast Bengal in India. In this temple goddess kali is worshipped and devotees gathered in a crowd everyday. Lord Ramakrishna installed as a priest of this temple. It is situated near the bank of the holy river Ganga.

3.Kalighat- It is situated in south western part of Kolkata. Here the famous kali temple is situated. Lots of devotees offered prayers inside the temple. It is the holy temple of Kolkata.

4.Belur Math- Belur Math is situated on the west bank of the Hoogly River. Belur Math was founded by Swami Vivekananda who was the disciple of Lord Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Inside the Math there is a marble statue of Ramakrishna.

5.Amusement Park- Kolkata also has many amusement parks where children could visit and enjoy themselves a lot. Some of these parks are Nicco Park, science city, clown town and aquatica. Children could also visit the dolls museum, birla planeterium and the national museum which is situated in Kolkata.

6.Shopping complex- Kolkata is also a destination for the shopping lovers. Many small markets and big markets and shopping complex are situated around the city. One could enjoy shopping from the Burrabazaar which is famous for the whole sale items, gariahat where Bengali and other traditional saree shops are situated, new market complex and south city mall.

Way to reach Kolkata

Kolkata is well connected with rail. It has main station known as Howrah, Sealdah and Chitpur station which is well connected with rails to almost all parts of India. It also has International airport near Dum Dum which is 16km to the northeast of the city. Beside one could also find well transportation system in the whole city. The metro services are available which could make the journey comfortable moving around the city. Proper bus services are also provided. Trams are also found in the city where people enjoy the ride on tram. To cover the short distances one could use the cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws and even the hand pulled rickshaws. Kolkata also connects by rail and road with Dhaka the capital of Bangladesh.

Food

People of Bengal are very fond of food. While visiting this place make sure to enjoy the Bengal sweets and Bengali dishes. The sweets of Kolkata are very famous. During winter sweets made of date palm jaggery called "Nolen Gur" is very famous and tasty which could fill the mouth with water. Beside sweets Kolkata people enjoy the variety of fish items with hot rice. Fish items are also very tasty. Many small and big restaurants are spread all over the city. Kolkata's "golgappa or phuchka" are very tasty filled with tamarind water. Every people enjoy the taste of this "phuchka". Beside all these food one could enjoy the taste of kebabs, biriyani and chicken chap. it is best to visit Kolkata in winter month to enjoy the taste of sweets made of date palm jaggery.

People and its culture

People of Kolkata are mostly Bengalis. Bengali is the most common language used by the people but beside this language they also speak Hindi, English and Urdu. But now other caste people also reside in this city. People strongly follow all therituals and culture of Bengal and are devoted to god. People here love to enjoy all the festivals. Durga Puja which is the main festival of Bengal is enjoyed by the people every year. On this festival the whole city is lit up beautifully and the pandls constructed by the bamboos are decorated beautifully. People on this day wear new clothes and the preparation started almost a couple of months ago. Many cultural programs are organized by the people of the societies during this Puja. It is a five day festival where Goddess Durga is worshipped along with her four children. Women wear traditional sarees and men prefer to wear the dhoti and kurta on this festive season. Kolkata is a place of dance and drama. Every year people perform dance and dramas on various occassion. Kolkata is a home of the Bengali actors. The famous "Tollywood" the studio where Bengali films are shooted is situated inthe Tollygunge a place in Kolkata. Many cinema halls are situated in the city where both Hindi, Bengali and English movies are shown. 

Sports

People here are very fond of sports. Football is the main sport of Bengal. Many top football club are situated in Kolkata among them are Mohun Bagan Athletic Club which is the oldest club in Asia and east Bengal Football Club. Beside football people here also enjoy the cricket. The famous Eden Garden is situated in Kolkata where many cricket matches are played by the players all over the world. Many other tournaments of carrom, chess, badminton, tennis etc are also organized iin the city. The famous Rowing Club, Golf club and the Fort Williams is situated in Kolkata.

Climate

Kolkaa experience wet and dry climate. It is very hot in summer and winters are not so cold. Kolkata experience a heavy rainfall with thunder and storm during the monsoon. Many roads get water logged during the rainy season. May and June are the hottest month. It is best to visit the place in the winter months.

Conclusion

Kolkata is known as the "City of Joy'. The city is really beautiful and its culture, art and its architecture make the city more beautiful. The famous Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu is situated in Kolkata. Both the bridge looks beautiful in the evening when it is lit up beautifully. People here are very helpful and welcome their guest with full joy in their heart. The city has its own charm which attracts tourist to visit this place.