The modern city of Kolkata owes much to its ancient past. Formerly Calcutta, this city is the capital of West Bengal and was once the colonial capital of India, under British occupation. Over the centuries the city has been the home of major developments in science, industry, education, and culture for West Bengal and for all of India.

Famed as the birthplace of modern artistic and literary thought in India, Kolkata has long been a seat of culture and arts. Famous poets, writers, and philosophers have called Kolkata home. It has also produced several Nobel Prize winners. As the capital city, it is the center of Bengali art, dance, music, theater, poetry, and film.

The food in Kolkata is amazing. Some restaurants have been operating for over 100 years. While local Bengali dishes are everywhere, the city is also home to cuisines from all over India as well as foods from other parts of the world. The five star Kolkata hotels usually offer fine dining establishments and world cuisines.

Shopping in Kolkata will delight even the most jaded traveler. There are numerous open markets and bazaars offering everything from traditional crafts and clothing to modern electronic devices and accessories. The city has a number of climate-controlled malls for thos who want to shop in comfort.

Some of the “must see” attractions within the city are Fort William, the Marble Palace, and the Victoria Memorial. Kolkata is also home to Government House, the National Library, and the Indian Museum.