Kolkata, also known as the ‘City of Joy’ evolved as a result of the expansionist policies of the East India Company. The former political capital of India, Kolkata is one of the four metropolitan cities in India. The city is remembered in association with the largest bridge in India, Howrah Bridge; the first metro train in India and the hometown of Mother Teresa in India.

Victoria Memorial building in Kolkata is the principal landmark in the city that made of glistening white-marble that cherishes the memories of the British Raj in India. Converted into a museum, the building now houses the most impressive collection of the artifacts of the British Raj. Fort William constructed in 1781 is a standing testament dedicated to the war of 1756. Indian Museum, built in 1874, is the oldest museum in India and has one of the rare collections of archaeological entities.

Eden Garden in the northwest corner of the city is a small and pleasantly laid-out garden renowned as a venue for the cricket matches. Birla Planetarium, Kali Mandir, Howrah Bridge, Belur Math, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Botanical Garden, Marble Palace, Tagore House, Church of St John, Nakhoda Mosque, Raj Bhawan, Town Hall, and St. Paul’s Cathedral are some other tourist places in Kolkata. Amongst the most celebrated festivals in Kolkata are Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Kolkata Book Fair (one of the largest in Asia) and Poush Mela.

Kolkata is also a shopper’s paradise. New Market, Kolkata’s oldest and renowned municipal market, offers one of the best souvenirs available in the city. Bertram Street market offers leather goods, plastic toys, fancy silverware, jewelry, garments, fabric, confectionery, clothing, dry fruits, poultry products, fish, meat, flowers, etc. The air-conditioned market at Shakespeare Sarani is perfect for buying clothes, novelties, artificial plants, jewelry, electronic household gadgets, watches, etc. Bagri Market, Bowbazar at B. B. Ganguly Street, Chandni Market, China Bazaar, College Street, Dakshinapan Market and Lake Market are other popular shopping outlets within the city.