Whether it is Durga puja, Eid or Christmas, the city brightens up in all occasions equally. However, if you are planning to visit the place, it is best to go in winters. The city still has the British feel in many parts. With old red buildings, huge iron gates, porches, windows as tall as doors, and ceilings double the height of present day apartments; this place is wrapped in history. Every street has a story to tell regarding the colonial rule and the freedom fight. Areas like Park Street and Sudder Street are home to foreigners round the year.
One of the noticeable tourist attractions is the Victoria Memorial. It was built to celebrate the coronation of queen Victoria in England. It is a monument built of white marble, with gardens and lakes on all its sides. The monument had a metal fairy on its crest that used to keep rotating. Though it does not move anymore you can still see it there. The building is now a house to some of most beautiful paintings made a century ago. The Indian museum is another place you must visit. With its huge colonial architecture, it is a keeper of many historical items.
The national library is another construction that was built by the British. Though you are not allowed to enter the original building, due to reconstruction works, you can admire the hugeness and beauty of the construction. Just opposite to it stands the zoological garden of Kolkata. Built in the British era, it has been a witness to researches of many renowned zoologists. Now you can find a collection of huge number of animals and birds, including the famous royal Bengal tiger and many rare species of birds.
The botanical garden is a heritage to the city. It is a huge protected area located on the banks of Ganges. It has plant varieties from around the world. The special attraction of this place is a banyan tree which is more than two hundred years old and it forms such a canopy with its later generations that you cannot determine the origin. The science city is a modern creation. It has various marvelling items created with the tricks of science. Summers in Kolkata are scorching but the winters are sweet.
You need to pack some light woollens. You can order light sweaters, jackets, scarves, shawls and ladies semi pashmina stoles online. There are some rocking Christmas and New Year parties in the city clubs, so don’t miss packing some party wear too. You can also shop to your heart’s content as the prices are really low, especially at shopping hubs like new market, Hatibagan and Garia Haat. A visit to Kolkata can be a memory to cherish forever.
