Why visit Calcutta
- The Indian museum noted for its impressive collection of artifacts
- Home to the oldest Golf Club in India
- Enjoy a pleasantly rattling tram ride
A vibrant city with a distinct socio-political culture, Calcutta is noted for its revolutionary history, ranging from the Indian struggle for independence to the leftist and trade union movements. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and races, the city's unique identity escapes definition and sometime even comprehension. The capital of the British Raj till early eighteenth century the streets of Calcutta still bear the Victorian imprint with its streets lined up with Victorian gothic buildings and churches. Dominated by the Victoria Memorial, the Writers' Building, St. John's Church, these structures of imperial India coexist with the structures where the soul of Calcutta lies, the Kalighat temple, Jorasanko-Rabindranath Tagore's house and Mother Teresa's homes for the destitute run by the missionaries of charity.
Another interesting fact of Calcutta is in its transport network from the mechanized fast moving Metro underground to the slow moving hand pulled rickshaw above the ground. The most unique being the trams, seen in the late 19th century then drawn by horses to the introduction of electric trams in early 20th century, this pollution free transport system has survived over the years with its pleasant rattle and clanging of bells, adding to Calcutta's unique character.
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