India:

India Trip

November 2008

Calcutta

Kolkata (Calcutta) is India’s third largest city; population here exceeds 15 million. It is home to the Calcutta Stock Exchange, it is also a major commercial and military port, and the only city in the region to have an international airport.

It was the capital of India while the British ruled until 1911and a major hub for modern education, industry, science, culture and politics. Since the 50s, there has been intense political violence, clashes and economic problems. Although in the last ten years the economy has become more viable, Kolkata still struggles with major problems of urbanization, poverty, pollution and traffic congestion. Public transport is provided by the city suburban railway, metro, trams and buses, extending into the suburbs.

The city has long been known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage. It was the birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought. The natives tend to have a special appreciation for art and literature; it has been called a city of furious creative energy.

The Queen Victoria Memorial is one of the major tourist attractions here with a museum documenting the city's history.

We flew into Kolkata but only spent a couple days here. We did visit the Queen Victoria Memorial, the Diwali light festival and Mother Teresa’s Memorial.

Calcutta Photo Gallery

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