Calcutta three hundred years old, traces its history to the landing of
Robert Clive. It was from here that the British raj was launched in India.
The capital of West Bengal, Calcutta is a major entry point.If Delhi is the
elegant capital of the nation, and Mumbai its major industrial city, then Calcutta
ranks as the cultural capital.Poets, thinkers and film directores of international
renown hail from this city where avant guard plays and art exhibitions go on show practically every day.
Calcutta was the first headquarters of the East India Company, and some of its best
known monuments were built by this British trading house.However, the city has,
within its 300 year's history, hosted other communities both from other parts of India
as well as abroad-Chinese,Americans,Jews-all of whom have left their imprint in
pockets of Calcutta.
Sightseeing in this fascinating city includes Raj Bhawan, the residence of the
Governor of Benagal;Victoria Memorial,the city's lankmark;Botanical Gardens, which
are notable for the oldest banyan tree, and orchid house;Armenian church;Marble
Palace,one family's collection of memorabilla;and Birla Planetorium.Darjeeling
, is the state's most popular hill resort, 2,134 meters above sea level.