In 1687, Job Charnock, an agent of the East India Company obtained permission from the Mughals to found a base at Sutanati. In 1696, Old Fort William was established and this was the origin of the city of Calcutta. The name Calcutta is derived from Kalikata, one of the three villages whose lands became part of the new settlement.
In the three centuries of its history, Calcutta has grown from a mere fishing village into the largest city in India with a population of 10.5 million, and indeed, one of the largest cities in the world. Calcutta served as the capital of British India until 1912, and it is not surprising that one sees predominately Western architectural styles in its many buildings and monuments. Two of the finest examples are Writers Building and Victoria Memorial, where the architecture is a medley of the best of Occidental and Oriental styles. Calcutta wears, with distinction, a visible and audible artistic heritage.
Nevertheless, Calcutta, more than anything else, is a city with strong cultural, literary and religious flavors. This is reflected in the ever-increasing flow of activity in such diverse fields as fine arts, writing, music, dance and theatre. Equally, there are many clubs and sport centers in modern Calcutta. Calcuttans are avid fans of football and cricket.
The city today symbolizes creativity and vibrance. All this at a stone's throw from some of the best choices in hotels, easy conveyance and good cuisine which go to make it an important gateway to the east and the exotic north-east.
ACCESS AND COMMUNICATION:
Air: Calcutta is on the international network and has connections to south-east Asia, the far-east, the middle-east, as well as London and New York. Calcutta is connected by Indian Airlines to several destinations in the country. In addition, there are private airlines operating to/from Calcutta to various destinations in India.
Indian Airlines Booking Office: Indian Airlines House, 29 C.R. Avenue, Calcutta 700 012. Tel: 263390, 266633.
Rail: Calcutta is connected to all major cities in the country by efficient and fast train services. Howrah Railway Station is the usual starting point for trains to the north, south and the west.
Eastern Railway Booking and Information Center, 6 Fairlie Place - Tel: 2206811.
Round the Clock Railway Information: For incoming trains - Tel: 2203535, 2203544.
Road: Calcutta is linked to Delhi and Mumbai by the National Highways 2 and 6 respectively. In case of travelling by road it is best to contact: The Automobile Association of Eastern India, 13 Promothesh Barua Sarani, Calcutta 700 019 - Tel: 4755131.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION:
Calcutta State Transport Corporation and private transport operators run an extensive network in the city. The city bus services are supported by mini-bus services.
The underground metro can be used for quick transportation. Trams, Circular Railway, Suburban Electric Trains, Yellow top taxis and auto-rickshaws are the other means of traveling within the city. Pre-paid taxis from the airport to the city are available round the clock.
Ferry services are available at several points for crossing the River Hoogly.
ACCOMMODATION:
- The Oberoi Grand
- 15 J. Nehru Road
Calcutta 700013
Tel: (033) 2492323
Fax: (033) 2491217
- Taj Bengal
- 34-B, Belvedere Road Alipore
Calcutta 700027
Tel: (033) 2483939
Fax: (033) 2481766
- Hotel Airport Ashok
- Calcutta Airport
Calcutta 700052
Tel: (033) 5529111
Fax: (033) 5529137
- Hotel Hindustan
- International
235/1 A.J.C. Bose Road
Calcutta 700020
Tel: (033) 2472394
Fax: (033) 2472824
- Park Hotel
- 17 Park Street
Calcutta 700016
Tel: (033) 2497336
Fax: (033) 2497343
- The Kenilworth Hotel
- 1 & 2 Little Russel Street
Calcutta 700071
Tel: (033) 2428394
Fax: (033) 2425136
- Peerless Inn
- 12 J. Nehru Road
Calcutta 700013
Tel: (033) 2430301
Fax: (033) 2486650
- Lytton Hotel
- 14 & 14/1 Sudder Street
Calcutta 700016
Tel: (033) 2491872
Fax: (033) 2491747
- Hotel Rutt Deen
- 21-B, Loudon Street,
Calcutta 700016
Tel: (033) 2475240
Fax: (033) 2475210
- The Samilton
- 37, Sarat Bose Road
Calcutta 700020
Tel: (033) 748279
Fax: (033) 748809
- Fairlawn Hotel
- 13/A Sudder Street
Calcutta 700016
Tel: (033) 2451510
Fax: (033) 2442835
- Hotel Shalimar
- 3, S.N. Banerjee Road
Calcutta 700013
Tel: (033) 2485030
Fax: (033) 2480616
- Lindsay Guest House & Hotel
- 8B, Lindsay Street
Calcutta 700087
Tel: (033) 2441374
Fax: (033) 2450310
- Great Eastern Hotel
- 1, 2 & 3, Old House Street
Calcutta 700069
Tel: (033) 2482331
Fax: (033) 2480289
- Astor
- 15 Shakespeare Sarai
Calcutta
Tel: (033) 242 9917
Fax: (033) 2427430
- Astoria
- 6/2-3 Sudder Street
Calcutta
Tel: (033) 2449679
Fax: (033) 2450190
- Circular
- 177/A A.J.C. Bose Road
Calcutta
Tel: (033) 2441533
Fax: (033) 2450263
OTHER ACCOMMODATION:
- Rail Yatri Niwas
- Howrah Railway Station
Tel: (033) 6601742
- Salvation Army Red Shield Hostel
- Tel: (033) 2452849
- YMCA
- J.L. Nehru Road
Tel: (033) 292192
- YWCA
- Gallway House
1 Middleton Row
Tel: (033) 297033, 292494
EXCURSIONS:
Bakkahali: It is a beach of great natural beauty. Accommodation and transportation by road from Calcutta is available. It is 132 kms from Calcutta.
Bakreswar: Bakreswar is popular for its hot springs and is also a place of Hindu pilgrimage. A Tourist Lodge provides accommodation and it is accessible by road transport (271 kms from Calcutta).
Bandel: It is a picnic spot and has old colonial building of Portuguese origin. It is conveniently accessible by local trains.
Chandannagore: It is a beautifully laid out town on the banks of the river Hoogly. It was a former French colony. Chandannagore is easily accessible by local trains.
Digha: It is a popular sea-side excursion spot with lots of Casuarina trees. Various types of accommodation are available and it is well served by regular bus services and conducted tours.
Gangasagar: It is a place of Hindu pilgrimage and the site of the Paus Sankranti Mela held during mid-January. It is 135 kms and is accessible by road from Calcutta.
Jairambati: It is an important place of Hindu pilgrimage. It is the birth place of Sarada Devi, the consort of Shri Rama Krishna Paramahansa. Accessible by bus/conducted tours.
Kamarpukur: Birth place of Shri Rama Krishna Paramahansa. It is a Hindu pilgrim spot and has good accommodation provided by the Shri Rama Krishna Mission. It is accessible by road/conducted tour from Calcutta.
Mayapur: It is the headquarters of ISKCON. It is said to be the birth place of Shri Chaitanya and there are temples dedicated to Shri Chaitanya. Accessible by road and train (134 kms from Calcutta).
Murshidabad: It is famous for the Hazardwari now converted into a museum and other historical sites associated with Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula. It was the capital of Bengal before the arrival of the English. Accommodation available at West Bengal Tourist Development Corporation (WBTDC) Tourist Lodge at Berhamupur which is 12 kms away. Murshidabad is accessible by rail and road and is 221 kms from Calcutta.
Nabadwip: Nabadwip is an ancient seat of Sanskrit learning and Vaishnava philosophy. It is a place associated with Shri Chaitanya. It is accessible by rail and road.
Serampore: It is a former Danish colony and has old Danish government buildings and a cemetery. The Serampore College founded in 1818 is associated with Bengal Renaissance. Easily accessible by local trains.
Sunderbans: It is a unique delta for mangrove forests spread over 2606 sq kms and famous for being the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. This is a biosphere reserve, sanctuary and is also a Project Tiger area. Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge provides reasonable accommodation. Accessible only by conducted tour by boat during October to March. It is 131 kms from Calcutta.
Vishnupur: It is famous for its 17th-18th centuries Bengal Terracotta Temple. Also known as the birth place of the Dhrupad style of classical Indian vocal music. The Jhapan Snake festival during July-August is quite unique. A WBTDC run Tourist Bungalow is available. Easily accessible by road and public transport and conducted tours.
CONDUCTED TOURS:
Tourist Bureau, Government of West Bengal, 3/2 BBD Bagh (East) - Tel: 2488271 conducts tours by coach in and around Calcutta city.
India Tourism Development Corporation 46C J.L. Nehru Road, Everest Building - Tel: 2420901, 2420922.
ART GALLERIES & MUSEUMS:
Asiatic Society, 1 Park Street - Tel: (033) 290 779
Academy of Fine Arts, Cathedral Road
Ashutosh Museum, College Street
Birla Academy of Art & Culture, 108-9, S Avenue - Tel: (033) 762 843
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum - Tel: (033) 2477241
Indian Museum - Tel: (033) 299 853
Maritime Museum, Strand Road
Nehru Children's Museum - Tel: (033) 248 3517
Netaji Bhavan, Elgin Road
Rabindra Bharathi Museum - Tel: (033) 239 6601
Victoria Memorial - Tel: (033) 248 5142
