20 Facts About Kolkata



Kolkata, also known as the "City of Joy," is the cultural capital of India. It is the capital of the state of West Bengal and is situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. With its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant food scene, Kolkata is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to India. Here are 20 interesting facts about Kolkata that you should know before visiting:

Kolkata was formerly known as Calcutta and was the capital of British India until 1911.
The Victoria Memorial, a grand white marble building built to honor Queen Victoria, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kolkata.
The Howrah Bridge, also known as the "Gateway of Kolkata," is one of the busiest bridges in the world, with around 150,000 vehicles crossing it every day.
Kolkata has a rich literary tradition and is home to famous writers like Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the banks of the Hooghly River, is one of the most famous temples in Kolkata and attracts thousands of devotees every day.
Kolkata is famous for its street food, including puchka (pani puri), kathi rolls, and jhal muri (spicy puffed rice).
The South Park Street Cemetery, established in 1767, is one of the oldest cemeteries in Kolkata and is home to many famous people buried there, including Sir William Jones and Henry Derozio.
Kolkata is known for its Durga Puja celebrations, which take place in October and attract thousands of people from all over the world.
The Marble Palace, located in North Kolkata, is a beautiful 19th-century mansion that is open to the public and contains a stunning collection of art and antiques.
The Indian Museum, located in Kolkata, is the oldest and largest museum in India and contains an impressive collection of artifacts, including fossils, mummies, and sculptures.
Kolkata is home to the Howrah Railway Station, which is one of the busiest railway stations in India and the world.
The St. Paul's Cathedral, located in Kolkata, is one of the most beautiful churches in India and is a fine example of Indo-Gothic architecture.
The Mother Teresa of Calcutta Center, located in Kolkata, is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Mother Teresa, who spent most of her life in Kolkata helping the poor and sick.
The Kolkata Book Fair, held every year in January, is one of the largest book fairs in the world and attracts thousands of book lovers from all over India.
The Birla Temple, also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is a stunning temple located in South Kolkata and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Kolkata is famous for its handloom sarees, including the famous Baluchari sarees, which are made in the town of Baluchar in West Bengal.
The Science City, located in Kolkata, is a science museum and exhibition center that contains many interactive exhibits and displays.
The Kolkata Metro, the oldest underground railway system in India, is an easy and affordable way to travel around the city.
The Eden Gardens, located in Kolkata, is a famous cricket stadium and is the largest cricket stadium in India by seating capacity.
The New Market, also known as Hogg Market, is a famous shopping destination in Kolkata and is known for its wide range of goods, including clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs.