Kolkata formerly known as Calcutta is prominent city in eastern India and the city serves as capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Kolkata is located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly. When we say Kolkata that means it also includes the suburbs. The population of the city is 15 million. Kolkata is the third largest city in India and world’s 8th largest agglomeration..

If we look back, Kolkata was hardly a village in 17th centaury but British colonization changed the map  of  Kolkata particularly when East India Company  was established. And today it rubs shoulder with other metro cities like Delhi. Mumbai and Chennai. The city was the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911. Kolkata was known as hub of education, industry, science, culture and politics in India, but the city has seen great political  upheaval  which  thwarted  the  progress of economy. From 1954 to year 2000 kolkata’s economy was almost stagnant. But after liberalization (2000), which was also opposed initially vehemently by states political leader, the city’s economic growth took off.

The name Kolkata  is derived from  ancient name Kalikata. Kalikata is the name of one of the three villages ,Kalikata, Sutanuti, Govindapur  in the area. The British came and the name Calcutta was given. According to another theory the name Calcutta  derived from Kalikshetra, the land of Kali. In yet another theory name Kolkata takes its roots from  kilkila which means flat area.

History of Kolkata, the city of joy is not as old as Mumbai and Delhi. In fact Kolkata was not less than a village before the British chose this place as their base of rule. British founded kolkata in 1668 as part of expansion of their European Colonies in the region. More Info

If Mumbai is most important city in western part of the country, Kolkata is same for eastern India. Calcutta Stock Exchange is India’s second most important bourse.. More Info

Kolkata has been always center of education. Even in current time, primary motive of any family is to provide best education to their children. The good education system of Kolkata has always attracted students from different parts of the country and also abroad. More Info

Unlike other cities of Indian, Kolkata has wide variety of public transport systems. Though buses of Kolkata still rule the roost in transporting publics from one place to another within the city, but there are also other transport system like Kolkata Metro, trams and buses which play great role in public transport. More Info

Kolkata, the city of Joy, is also known for its rich culture and heritage which is rarely seen in any other part of the country. Because of its vivid cultures, the city is also known as "Cultural capital of India". It’s the unique culture of Kolkata which has been the inspiring source of art and culture of the city. More Info

Kolkata has been place of attractions for tourist from different parts of the country as well as for foreign tourists. Before shifting the capital of India from Kolkata to Delhi, The British built here many places  which became later the attractions of tourists.
Here are few important visiting places of Kolkata. More Info