"Calcutta - Not as Bad as you may expect" Kolkata (Calcutta) by Gnome

Kolkata (Calcutta) Travel Guide: 622 reviews and 2,156 photos

I always imagined Calcutta to be a huge city of unimaginable poverty and sadness. However, after visiting on a work assignment (against my will), I came away pleasantly surprised - it is not that bad, and certainly very interesting. Although there is immense poverty, it can be quite a pleasant place to visit, and very interesting, especially if you are interested in historic buildings and different cultures (Bengali). The shopping can be really good, especially if you enjoy experiencing lots of markets and large interesting crowds.

Last visit to Kolkata (Calcutta): Sep 1996
Intro Written Aug 15, 2000
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Oberoi Grand Hotels (1)

This is a really old hotel with a long history. It is also an oasis in the middle of this most crowded city. more travel advice

Favorites (1)

One of the most incredible moments of my life - meeting Mother Theresa. Check out the photo on my main page. She was... more travel advice

Although the people of... Warnings and Dangers (1)

Although the people of Calcutta are generally very friendly and helpful, it is still a very poor city. As such, you may... more travel advice

Calcutta actually has an... Transportation (1)

Calcutta actually has an underground railway system, although I did not use it myself. There is also a fairly extensive... more travel advice

Things to Do (1)
Shopping and wandering around...

Been to Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (6)

Reply
- Report abuse
edachsund Dec 26, 2003 at 6:29 AM

Wow I managed to see her grave where she has been buried though....still she is a great mother eh.
Reply
- Report abuse
fabrice Mar 6, 2001 at 11:14 PM

india`s situation seems to be better
Reply
- Report abuse
parasbdoshi Jan 15, 2001 at 2:06 AM

So good you met Mother Teresa ...
Reply
- Report abuse
Krystynn Sep 5, 2000 at 12:51 AM

Really? Maybe I shd visit this city... Great pg, Mark.
Reply
- Report abuse
shalin Aug 22, 2000 at 2:32 AM

Informative!
Reply
- Report abuse
EuroTraveler May 28, 2000 at 9:37 AM

You never mention about Mother Teresa