Kolkata (Calcutta) Sightseeing

Many of the most interesting landmarks in Kolkata are fairly central and easy to get around on foot (if the weather is good) or by cab. There is a great heritage trail winding along the bustling streets revealing the city's vibrant past, including museums, churches, temples, atmospheric side-streets with tea stalls, and grand remnants of the Raj. However, sights are not just limited to the city's bygone Raj days; Kolkata was also known as home to a cosmopolitan crowd of Marwaris, Parsis, Anglo Indians, Jews, Armenians and Chinese.

The BBD Bagh area is to the north of the city centre, encompassing the most impressive buildings from British India, including the Writers' Building and Raj Bhavan. To the southwest are the 'lungs' of the city, the vast green Maidan which contains the Eden Gardens cricket ground and Fort William.

Slightly further south is Victoria Memorial, one of the city's most famous landmarks. Park Street Cemetery is a tranquil and poignant collection of tombs and graves, which has undergone much restoration, dating back to 1767. Around Sudder Street, the fascinating Indian Museum has treasures ranging from the archaeological to the artistic and is the largest (and one of the finest) in the country.

The evenings are wonderfully lively along buzzing streets, with areas like Park Street a brilliant place for promenading and perusing.

West Bengal Tourism Centre
3/2 BBD Bagh
Tel: (033) 2248 8271 or 5917.
Website: www.wbtourism.com
Also small counters at airport and Howrah station.

India Tourism (Government of India Tourist Office)
4 Shakespeare Sarani, Chowringhee
Tel: (033) 2282 5813.