Kolkata Vacations, Kolkata Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Kolkata Vacation Guide

Calcutta, or Kolkata in Bengali, is the capital of the state West Bengal and is the third largest city in India with a population of 15 million. The name 'Calcutta' was officially changed to the Bengali name, 'Kolkata', in 2001.

Once the capital of India during the British Raj era, Calcutta has a unique character and role in Indian history due its past as a key British outpost. The city boasts a stunning array of colonial architecture and Indian political history is steeped into every sector of the crowded city. Such places of note include the Victoria Memorial, the Indian Museum (the oldest museum in Asia), the main post office, and the Writer's Building.

It is also known for its ties and encouragement of modern Indian literary and artistic thought. Calcutta has been the home for many famous Indian scholars, poets, authors and social reformers.

However, perhaps the most world famous individual to call Calcutta home in recent times would have been Mother Teresa. The Roman Catholic nun founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta and the Kalighat Home for the Dying. Although she received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, some Indians have criticized her for giving Calcutta, and India, a bad reputation by highlighting its vast population living in poverty.