Kolkata, often referred to as the "Cultural Capital of India," is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. Founded as an East India Company trading post in the late 17th century, it was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911.
The city is known for its rich history, colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, literature, and intellectual community. It is the birthplace of modern Indian literary, artistic, and scholastic thought, and the city continues to spawn generations of poets, writers, film producers, and Nobel Prize laureates.
Kolkata's culture is one of its most defining aspects. The city is renowned for its literature, cinema, theater, and arts. It is the hub of Bengali theater and the Indian film industry, with a Tollywood located in the city. Kolkata's yearly cultural events like Kolkata Film Festival, Kolkata Book Fair, Dover Lane Music Festival, and National Theater Festival attract audiences and participants from across the country and the world.
Culinary delights of Kolkata are renowned country-wide. The city offers a blend of rich Bengali cuisine with an array of sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi being the city's specialties. Street food is another essential part of Kolkata's food culture, with puchka (pani puri), rolls, and ghugni chat being local favorites.
Bengali and English are the primary languages spoken in Kolkata, with Bengali's rich traditions reflected in music, poetry, and drama.
Kolkata's geography is unique; located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the city is known for its relatively flat topography and fertile land due to the river's sediment. It experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate that closely borders a hot semi-arid climate.
Notable attractions in Kolkata include the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, Marble Palace, and the Eden Gardens cricket stadium. The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near the city.
Kolkata has excellent connectivity via road, rail, and air. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport connects Kolkata with other major cities in India and across the world. The city's public transportation system includes the Kolkata Metro, trams, buses, ferries, and auto-rickshaws.
The best time to visit Kolkata is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant, and the city hosts many cultural festivals.
In conclusion, Kolkata, with its distinctive blend of old-world charm and bustling modernity, offers an immersive cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Bus Boarding Points in Kolkata
The Kolkata to Bhagalpur AC bus begins from many convenient points. Some common bus boarding points in Kolkata are: