Any visitor to Calcutta should spend some time exploring the rich heritage of the city.
Founded by an employee of the British East India Company, as a trading post away from the dangers of local Muslim attacks, Calcutta has been thriving for more than 300 years and was the British capital of the country until 1911.
The city has some stunning colonial architecture, including St John's Church, Howrah Bridge and the Victoria Memorial. There are several museums displaying local talent, in the form of paintings, literature and sculpture.
There is a large area of parkland called the Maidan, which serves as a meeting place for those wishing to escape the city, and for sporting activities such as cricket and rugby. Close to the Maidan is the Birla Planetarium, one of the largest in Asia, with an air-conditioned auditorium and reclining seats for that 'heavenly' view!
If you wish to escape from the city, why not visit the Zoo Gardens at Alipore or the Agri Horticultural Gardens, founded by William Carey in 1820 and located adjacent the Zoo. Another garden worth a visit is the Botanical Gardens situated on the River Hooghly at Shibhur.
- Howrah Bridge ~ This bridge connects Calcutta with Howrah over the River Jooghly. The bridge was completed in 1941 and is regarded as a fine specimin of structural workmanship.
- Victoria Memorial ~ Standing in the south-east corner of the maidan, this was built as a memorial to Queen Victoria and is made of white marble brought from Jodhpur.
- Nehru Children's Museum ~ Exhibiting a good collection of dolls from all over the world, including the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata as dolls.
- Calcutta Museum ~ This is a high-tech story-telling museum, based on recreating events of historic importance.
- Jadughar ~ This Indian Museum is one of the biggest and oldest in Asia, with some exhibits being over 2400 years old!
- Dakshineswar Temple ~ Located on the bank of the Ganges, near Bally Bridge, there is a temple of goddess Kali and 12 temples of the God Shiva, as well as memories of Saint Ramakrishna.
- Eden Gardens ~ Laid out in 1835 by Mrs Eden, these gardens are home to a Burmese Pagoda, a radio station and a cricket stadium.
