Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River and is one of India's major cultural, commercial, and educational centres.
Kolkata is known for its significant contributions to the arts, literature, cinema, and theatre. It is the birthplace of many famous poets, writers, film producers, and Nobel Prize winners. The city is also home to the University of Calcutta and Jadavpur University, two of India's major public universities.
Kolkata has a rich history and was the capital of British India until 1911. The city's architecture blends Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental, and Islamic styles, making it a place of diverse cultural heritage. Landmarks include the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, and Eden Gardens cricket stadium.
The city is also known for its love of football (soccer) and cricket, with several major stadiums and clubs in the city. Kolkata is home to the Kolkata Knight Riders, a team in the Indian Premier League.
Kolkata's cuisine is famous for its variety and flavour, particularly its sweets like rasgulla and sandesh and street food like puchka (also known as panipuri).
The city is also known for its festivals, especially Durga Puja, which is the city's most significant and widely celebrated festival and involves elaborate decorations, processions, and cultural performances.
The best time to visit Kolkata is during the winter months, from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for exploring the city's attractions. This period also coincides with several festivals celebrated in Kolkata.
