kolkata : the capital of west bengal

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located on the east bank of the Hooghly River and is considered one of the most important cultural, commercial, and educational centers in eastern India. The city has a population of over 14.85 million as of 2021.

Kolkata has a rich history, dating back to the British colonial era when it served as the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911. During this time, the city was a major center of trade and commerce and played a significant role in the British Empire's expansion in the region.

The city is known for its historical landmarks, including Victoria Memorial, a grand marble building that serves as a museum and art gallery, St. Paul's Cathedral, which is an example of Gothic Revival architecture and Howrah Bridge, the famous bridge that connects the city.

Kolkata is also known for its cultural festivals, such as Durga Puja, the largest festival of Bengali Hindus, and Diwali, which is celebrated by the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities. The official language is Bengali, and the city is known for its rich history, literature, music, art, and architecture.

The city is also home to many prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Calcutta, the Indian Institute of Technology, the Indian Institute of Management, and the Indian Statistical Institute.

Kolkata is also famous for its street food and sweets. Some popular street foods include Kachori, Dhokla, Jhal Muri, and Phuchkas. Sweets like Rosogolla, Sandesh, and Mishti Doi are popular among locals and tourists alike.

Overall, Kolkata is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant atmosphere that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

STREET FOOD

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is famous for its street food which is a reflection of the city's diverse cultural heritage. Some of the popular street foods of Kolkata include:

• Phuchkas: Also known as gol gappa or panipuri, Phuchkas are small, round, hollow puris filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind chutney.
• Kachori: Kachori is a deep-fried pastry filled with a mixture of lentils, spices, and sometimes, vegetables.
• Dhokla: Dhokla is a popular snack made from a fermented batter of rice and chickpeas. It is steamed and served with a variety of chutneys.
• Jhal Muri: Jhal Muri is a popular street food made from puffed rice mixed with various spices, vegetables, and peanuts.
• Rolls: Kolkata's famous street food, rolls are a type of Indian fast food, made from a paratha or a naan bread filled with various vegetables and meat.
• Momos: Momos are a popular street food of Tibetan origin and are similar to Chinese dumplings. They are filled with a variety of meat or vegetables and steamed or fried.
• Fish Fry: Fish Fry is a popular street food in Kolkata, made from freshwater fish and is usually deep-fried and served with green chutney.
• Ghugni: Ghugni is a popular street food made from dried peas cooked with spices and is usually served with luchi(puri made of maida), which is a deep-fried bread made from wheat flour.
• Aloor Chop: Aloor Chop is a famous street food in Kolkata, made from mashed potatoes and spices and deep-fried.
• Pitha: Pitha is a traditional Bengali sweet, made from rice flour and filled with coconut and jaggery.

These street foods are popular among locals and tourists alike and are a great way to experience the unique flavors and culinary traditions of Kolkata.

FAMOUS TOURIST PLACE

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is a city rich in history and culture and offers a wide variety of tourist attractions. Some popular tourist places in Kolkata include:

• Victoria Memorial: Victoria Memorial is a grand marble building that serves as a museum and art gallery, showcasing the city's rich history and culture.
• St. Paul's Cathedral: St. Paul's Cathedral is an example of Gothic Revival architecture, and is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city.
• Howrah Bridge: The Howrah Bridge is a famous bridge that connects the city and is considered an engineering marvel.
• Indian Museum: Indian Museum is the oldest museum in the country and houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, coins, and fossils.
• Kalighat Kali Temple: Kalighat Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
• Birla Planetarium: Birla Planetarium is one of the largest planetariums in Asia, and offers a unique experience of exploring the universe through its shows and exhibits.
• Park Street: Park Street is a famous street known for its nightlife, restaurants, and clubs.
• Mother House: Mother House is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, the organization founded by Mother Teresa, and is a popular tourist spot.
• Fort William: Fort William 
• is a historical fort built by the British East India Company and serves as a military base for the Indian Army.
• Botanical Garden: Botanical Garden is a popular spot for nature lovers, and is home to a wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers.

These are just a few of the many tourist places in Kolkata, and there are many more to explore depending on your interests.

TRANSPORT SYSTEM

The transport system in Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, includes a variety of options for getting around the city. Some of the main modes of transportation in Kolkata are:

• Bus: The West Bengal State Transport Corporation (WBSCTC) and the Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC) operates a large fleet of buses in the city, providing a cheap and convenient way to get around.
• Metro: The Kolkata Metro is the first underground metro in India and serves as an important mode of transportation for the city's residents. It has two lines: the North-South Line and the East-West Line.
• Tram: Kolkata is one of the few cities in the world that still has a functional tram system. Trams provide a cheap and eco-friendly mode of transportation and are a popular tourist attraction.
• Taxi and Auto-rickshaws: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are a convenient way to get around the city, and can be found at various points throughout the city.
• Ferry: Kolkata Port Trust operates ferries that can be used to cross the river Hoogly, providing a quick and cheap way to get to the other side of the city.
• Private Cars and Bikes: Private cars and bikes are also available for hire, and can be a convenient option for getting around the city.
• Bicycle: In recent years cycling has become more popular in the city, and bike-sharing schemes are available to use.

The transport system of Kolkata can be a bit overwhelming for visitors, but with a little bit of planning and patience, it is possible to get around the city with ease.

AIR CONNECTIVITY

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, has a well-developed air transportation system that connects the city to other parts of India and the world. The city's main airport is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), which is located in the northeastern part of the city.

Within India, Kolkata is connected to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad, as well as many other smaller cities and towns. Many major Indian airlines operate flights to and from Kolkata, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara.

Kolkata also has strong international air connectivity, with direct flights to cities in countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, several international airlines operate flights to and from Kolkata, including Air Asia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Thai Airways.

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. The airport has undergone a major renovation and expansion in recent years, which has improved the overall passenger experience.

Overall, Kolkata's air transportation system is well-developed and provides good connectivity to other parts of India and the world, making it a convenient destination for both business and leisure travelers.

POPULAR AND AFFORDABLE HOTEL

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, offers a wide variety of hotels for travelers, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious accommodations. Some popular and affordable hotels in Kolkata for travelers include:

• Hotel VIP International: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. It is close to several popular tourist attractions, such as Victoria Memorial and St. Paul's Cathedral.
• Hotel Golden Park: This hotel is located in the central business district of Kolkata and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. It is close to several popular tourist attractions, such as Indian Museum and Park Street.
• Hotel Rupasi Bangla: This hotel is located in the city's Ballygunge area and offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. It is close to several popular tourist attractions, such as Kalighat Kali Temple and Mother House.
• Hotel Ritwick: This hotel is located in the city's Tollygunge area and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. It is close to several popular tourist attractions, such as Birla Planetarium and Fort William.
• Hotel VIP Continental: This hotel is located in the city's New Alipore area and offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. It is close to several popular tourist attractions, such as Botanical Garden and Howrah Bridge.

These are just a few examples of affordable hotels in Kolkata, and there are many more options available depending on your budget and location preferences. It is always recommended to check the reviews and ratings on various travel websites before booking to have a better idea of the quality of service and facilities of the hotel.