Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly.. The city has many names: "Cultural Capital of India", "The city of Processions, "City of Joy" and so on. During the British Raj Kolkata was known as the Jewel of the East and was the capital of the country till 1911. It still bears the Victorian imprint on its streets and structures. Today, it is still the most important city in the east, the nerve center of trade and industry of the State. Britishers gave the place name Calcutta which is nothing but the anglicized form of Kalikata.

The festival of Kolkata attract the tourist more, One of them Lakshmi puja festival which  falls in the month of October, about 5 days after Mahadashami. Laxmi Puja of Kolkata India is an important occasion, in which prayers are offered to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, peace and prosperity.Like as, Bangalis give the importence to Durga Puja which they keep waiting the whole year. Calcutta Durga Puja festival is celebrated on a large scale with great pomp and gaiety. It is celebrated to worship mother Durga, the Goddess of power (Shakti). It celebrates the victory of ma Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

Places of interest
Birla Planetarium - Only the second of its kind in the commonwealth and similar to that in London. Regular astronomical shows are presented here with commentaries in different languages. Shows are held on all days excluding Mondays.

Kalighat -  According to the legend, when Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati’s body was cut up, one of her fingers fell here. Rebuilt in 1809, this is an important shrine of Hindu Shakti worship. The temple is in the southern part of the city.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple Belur Math - the temple is associated with Shri Ramakrishna, the eclectic 19th century saint who revived Hinduism during the British Raj. Across the river stands Belur Math, headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission. The Monastery is a haven of peace and religious harmony.

Best Time to Visit: Between September and March.

How To Reach
 By Air - The airport in Kolkata is situated at Dumdum, around 17 km northeast of the city center.

By Rail - The city has two major railway stations-one at Howrah and the other one at Sealdah.Trains from the other parts of the country connect Kolkata.

By Road - Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities by road.