|
Calcutta's cultural fare.
But there is so much more in the form of living culture to see in this incredible city. They pray at the Kalighat, symbol of India's resurgence through Sri Ramkrishna and Swami Viviekanand. Then play at the great expanse of the Maidan, the heart of Calcutta. And then the corporate and techno lives take over in places like Chowringhee and Salt lake Yet, the joie de vivre remains - an unstated exuberance that makes Calcutta the city of joy and makes every one inescapably addicted to her warmth . Anyone who has experienced Calcutta at it best can never be happy anywhere else in the world.
Kolkata remains the capital of the eastern state of West Bengal and is situated along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. It has tided over the decades of unplanned development mainly due to its Maidan - an enormous open expanse occupying about 1,300 acres (500 hectares) along the river that has become the city's lungs. The uninterrupted stretch of greens also contains the elements the city's madness viz., the football playing grounds of the iconic East Bengal, Mohan Bagan and Mohamedan Sporting club. Incidentally, ever so often, the Maidan also turns into the open air venue for gathering for political parties as well as a breath of fresh air for early morning joggers.
The Victoria Memorial:
Adjacent to the Maidan, stands the neo-classical attempt at building the Taj, an enormous paean in marble to the Grand Empress - The Victoria Memorial. The failed attempt although, a cross between classical western and Mughal style, yet reveals the global attraction for the monument of love even in those days. It was opened on 1921. There are enormous oil paintings in the Royal Gallery, illustrating episodes from queen Victoria's long, eventful life and reign, an impressive collection of the British colonial period.
Dalhousie Square:
The erstwhile Dalhousie Square with a lake at the centre – is the administrative nerve centre of Kolkata. Writer's Building on the north side of the square dates from 1880 represents Gothic-style architecture and is now the administrative office of the ruling Marxist Government. You can visit the West Bengal tourist office on the eastern side of the square. The General Post Office, with its majestic dome and Corinthian columns is another masterpiece of colonial legacy. It is built on the same site as the original Fort William.
Academy of Fine Arts:
The city's cultural attractions begin with the Academy of Fine Arts. Established in 1933, the latest and arguably the greatest works of contemporary artists are exhibited here throughout the year. Other vibrant and cutting edge Group theatres and dance programs happen everyday in a hall inside. Solely dedicated to the greatest cultural son of Bengal, the Rabindra gallery exhibits manuscripts, paintings and personal belongings of Tagore.
The Asiatic Society
was founded by Sir William Jones in 1784 with Warren Hastings as its first patron.Located at 1, Park Street (in the junction of Park Street and J.L.Nehru Road) it contains a library inside that has approximately 20000 tomes including 8000 rare Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian and Hindi manuscripts. It also houses invaluable archaeological relics, geological and ethnological specimens.
Asutosh Museum of Indian Art:
This museum has rare and valuable collections including Bengal patachitra paintings, 'katha shilpo' art etc. Its location within Centenary building of University of Calcutta makes the highest art very accessible to the youth.
Birla Academy of Art and Culture:
Patronized by an eminent industrial family of India , it has an excellent collection of paintings and sculptures . Situated at Rabindra Sarobar at south Calcutta, you can also witness regular exhibitions here.
Birla Planetarium:
One of the largest Planetarium in Asia, it gives a ringside view of the astral play of celestial bodies. The internal diameter of the tomb measures 82 feet and you can recline to get the finest views. Choose from Hindi, English and Bengali shows.
Indian Museum which is the largest and the best museum in the country. Established in 1814, commonly known as 'Jadughar’, it is also one of the oldest in Asia. The museum preserves more than 54000 coins which are more than 2400 years old.
| 
