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Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, was once the capital of India under British reign. It was built with all the magnificence of a European capital with great structures and amazing planning but now is just a shadow of its former self due to decades of political violence. It is still a city with rich history and great political importance.

Located astride the banks of river Hoogli, a tributary of the Ganges, it is now the capital city of West Bengal. Before, though, it was the most important city in the country, whether it came to administration, trade or military power. It was the seat of power of the British rule in India, and there is still evidence that remains in the form of its infrastructure that paints a picture of its rich and magnificent colonial history.

Modern-day Kolkata is a commercial hub with international trade taking place in its massive port which is the oldest in India. It is also the financial capital of east India and plays host to the Calcutta Stock Exchange. It houses a large number of manufacturing companies and publishing houses. It is also one of the only two eastern cities in the country to have an international airport.

That is not much of a surprise when you take Kolkata’s history of public transportation into consideration. It had the first operational metro in India and the first operational tramlines which continue to run to this day. Kolkata is also the only city in India to have Metro, Local trains and Tramlines operating for public transport within the city.

Kolkata houses a great number of colonial-era buildings like the victoria memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and Calcutta high court, which are magnificent sights to behold. It also hosts the biggest book fair in the country, something a book lover must experience.