Earlier known as Calcutta, the city was founded in 1698 and served as the capital of British India till 1911 and then was shifted to Delhi. The city was renamed, Kolkata in 2001. Located along the banks of river Hoogly, Kolkata is connected to Howrah by the iconic Howrah bridge.
The city’s colonial past is reflected in its architecture. Raj Bhavan, Writers’ Building and the Victoria memorial hall are just some of the many buildings that hark back to a bygone era. Kolkata is also home to some of the best educational institutes in the country.
Ideas of the famous social reformists Swami Vivekananda and Raja Ram Mohun Roy and Indian freedom fighter Shubhas Chandra Bose were formed during their years of education in Kolkata. Mother Teresa spent a major part of her life and also lies in eternal rest in the city at The Mother house.
It is among the 52 Shakti Peethas in the world. Goddess Kali is deeply revered and Durga Pooja is celebrated in the grandest manner in Kolkata, especially at Kalighat’s Kali temple.
