"Holi on the Hooghly!" Kolkata (Calcutta) by illumina

Kolkata (Calcutta) Travel Guide: 621 reviews and 2,150 photos

Holi on the Hooghly! - Kolkata (Calcutta)
Holi on the Hooghly! - Kolkata (Calcutta)

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is situated on the east bank of the Hooghly River, and is one of the most populous cities in the world. It was the site of a trading post of the English East India Company from 1690, of which Job Charnock is generally believed to be the founder, and, as Calcutta, it became the capital of the British Raj until 1911/12.

Despite being a vast city and almost as populous as Delhi, Kolkata has a more relaxed feeling to it, and does feel more like a European city which I suppose is due to it's long history under British rule. It seemed very prosperous and cultured, and I really enjoyed my stay here.

We were lucky enough to be in Calcutta for Holi, which is a spring festival taking place on the full moon in either late February or March. Bonfires are lit, music played and everyone goes around throwing coloured powder and water over each other.

After an enjoyable week in Calcutta, we boarded the ferry for the 4 day voyage to the Andaman Islands

  • Last visit to Kolkata (Calcutta): Mar 2009
  • Intro Updated Apr 30, 2010
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Reviews (22)

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Comments (2)

  • Reply
    goutammitra's Profile Photo
    Aug 7, 2010 at 1:44 AM

    Nice updates on Kolkata, very true comments about the taxis at Howrah station.

  • Reply
    Durfun's Profile Photo
    Aug 6, 2010 at 9:23 AM

    Nice research here. BTW, 360 INR for an ensuite!! How do you find these in this day & age???

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