Grown from mangrove swamps, Calcutta is
the largest metropolis in India. Calcutta's role in the national economy is
of crucial importance as the Gateway to Eastern India. Ships were the
begining of Calcutta's history & the river Hoogly was the key to the
city's fortunes.
The city has many claims to fame. To cite but a
few, Calcutta was the first capital of the British Raj ; home to the order
of nuns set up Mother Teresa ; seat of one of the few democratically elected
socialist governments etc. It's botanical gardens are one of the oldest and
most beautiful in India.
The city has some truly beautiful
monuments, government buildings, mansions and bungalows in the grand old
colonial style. Golf, afternoon tea and dinner parties are the order of the
day for the rich and famous of the city. Like a flip side of a coin, there
is another side to the city too. In its shanty towns, the people seem to
thrive and live on despite the congestion, grinding poverty and seemingly
insurmountable problems.
As Bombay (Mumbai) is famous for its
Ganesha Puja festival, Calcutta is justly famous for its Kali Puja
(September, October).
General Information:
Area :
187 sq. kms.
Altitude : 5.8 metres
Climate (deg c)
: Summer- Max. 41.7, Min. 38.1; Winter- Max. 29.3, Min. 9.6.
Rainfall
: 158 cms June to Mid September 0
Clothing : Tropical
Languages
Spoken : Bengali, English, Hindi etc.
Season : Throughout
the year. STD Code : 033.
City To
Visit
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