In 1687, Job Charnock, an agent of the East India Company obtained permission from the Mughals to found a base at Sutanati. In 1696, Old Fort William was established and this was the origin of the city of Calcutta. The name Calcutta is derived from Kalikata, one of the three villages whose lands became part of the new settlement.

In the three centuries of its history, Calcutta has grown from a mere fishing village into the largest city in India with a population of 10.5 million, and indeed, one of the largest cities in the world. Calcutta served as the capital of British India until 1912, and it is not surprising that one sees predominately Western architectural styles in its many buildings and monuments. Two of the finest examples are Writers Building and Victoria Memorial, where the architecture is a medley of the best of Occidental and Oriental styles. Calcutta wears, with distinction, a visible and audible artistic heritage.

Nevertheless, Calcutta, more than anything else, is a city with strong cultural, literary and religious flavors. This is reflected in the ever-increasing flow of activity in such diverse fields as fine arts, writing, music, dance and theatre. Equally, there are many clubs and sport centers in modern Calcutta. Calcuttans are avid fans of football and cricket.

The city today symbolizes creativity and vibrance. All this at a stone's throw from some of the best choices in hotels, easy conveyance and good cuisine which go to make it an important gateway to the east and the exotic north-east.

Art Galleries & Museums

Asiatic Society, 1 Park Street - Tel: (033) 290 779

Academy of Fine Arts, Cathedral Road

Ashutosh Museum, College Street

Birla Academy of Art & Culture, 108-9, S Avenue - Tel: (033) 762 843

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum - Tel: (033) 2477241

Indian Museum - Tel: (033) 299 853

Maritime Museum, Strand Road

Nehru Children's Museum - Tel: (033) 248 3517

Netaji Bhavan, Elgin Road

Rabindra Bharathi Museum - Tel: (033) 239 6601

Victoria Memorial - Tel: (033) 248 5142

Festivals

Durga Puja, the royal regalia
Kali Puja/Diwali, the festival of lights
Saraswati Puja, praying to the Goddess of wisdom
Lakshmi Puja, a must for many houses in city,
Christmas, the festive winter attraction
Id-ul-Fitr, the all important Muslim Festival

Shopping Centers

New Market, Sreeram Arcade, Charnock City, Air Conditioned Market, Vardaan Shopping Complex, Treasure Island, Park Center, Fancy Market, Mark's Supermarket, Cottage Industry, Dakshinapan, Bengal Home, Khadi Gramodyog, Kankurgachhi Handloom Market, Ballygunge New Market, Shyambazar Market, Chandni Market, Bagri Market, College Street Market, Gariahat Market, Lake Market....

Restaurants

Indian:Sonargaon, Aaheli, Suruchi (famous for Bengali food), Gangaur, Gupta Brothers (both veg), Zaranj, Jadu Kadai, Shiraz, Lucknow, Nizam, Beduin, Aminia, The Dhaba, Honey da Dhaba....
Multi cuisine:Atrium, La-Brasserie, The Esplanade, Palm Coast, Moulin Rouge, Peter Cat, Sky Room, Blue Fox, Bar B Q, Crystal Lounge, Lazeez, Mishra's, Magnolia, Kwality, Floriana, Amber, Shehnaz, Trinca's....
Chinese: Waldorf, China Valley, Embassy, Jimmy's Kitchen, Tangra Kaizen, Orchid, Mandarin, Oasis, China Bowl, Peiping, Kim Wah, Golden Dragon....
Snacks: Hot Breads, Kathleen's, Flury's, Icecapades, Big Max, Hotel Homely Raj, Jyoti Vihar, Tripti's....