Kolkata Stopover - 2 Nights / 3 Days

Dominique Lapierre’s ‘City of Joy,’ the city of Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta is more than 300 years old. This span has witnessed its development into one of the world’s most densely peopled metropolises. And yet, there is something undoubtedly special about Calcutta. For, it combines the past and the present on a covetous plane. It amalgamates the traditional and the modern, and brings the intense and the frivolous together. At one level Calcutta is always in transition, and at another, it is firmly anchored to a tradition and culture quite uniquely its own.

Kolkata is the current capital of the state of West Bengal, and was also the first capital of the British in India. It was established in 1686 when the British shifted their operations to the small villages of Govindpur, Sutanati, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. It flourished and prospered until in 1756 Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove the British away. Lord Clive then later regained control of Kolkata and until 1911, it remained the capital of the British government in India. Having been the centre of power of the British for so long has given Kolkatta a unique culture and heritage, that is quite unlike any other city in India.

Tourist Attractions

The Victoria Memorial :
It was built by Lord Curzon in memory of Queen Victoria and is a fine huge white-marble structure. It is now a museum that houses the most impressive collection of memorabilia from the days of the Raj.

The Howrah Bridge :
It is a 450 m long bridge without any pylon in the river and has the distinction of being the busiest bridge in the world catering to around 100,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians. It is an excellent example of engineering techniques of the early 20th century.

Eden Garden :
A small and pleasantly laid-out garden that was once the gathering place of the social elite. It today houses the renowned cricket ground by the same name.

Kali Mandir :
Also known as Kalighat, the Kali Mandir is dedicated to Kali, the Goddess of destruction and is a frequented tourist destination.

Day 01 : Kolkata
Arrival. Meet/transfer from airport to hotel (check in/out 12.00 hrs).

Day 02 : Kolkata
Day free at leisure.

Day 03 : Kolkata
Departure. Transfer from hotel/ Airport in time to connect flight to onward destination.