Kolkata symbolizes creativity and vibrancy, where art and culture are held in very high esteem, even higher than political or economic success. The city’s strengths and weaknesses mirror those of the Bengali character: the sudden passions, the cheerful chaos, the hatred for mere commerce, the fiery response to the smallest provocation... The city is nothing but the Bengali love of culture; the complete transparency of all emotions, the warmth of genuine humanity; and the supremacy of emotion over all other aspects of human existence.

The beauty of Kolkata lies simply on it’s people -- after all, a city is more than bricks, mortars, roads and street lights. It’s a fact that no one can ever forget or replicate the people of Kolkata!

The metropolitan area of Kolkata approximates to about 1380 sq kms, with a population of about 15 million people. The city is situated on the banks of River Hooghly, tributary of the mighty Ganga. The city lies close to the neighboring country, Bangladesh. The Bay of Bengal is about 60 miles away. It is well connected by rail and air to other parts of the country and to important destinations of the world.

Kolkata has sub tropical climate with summer monsoons. Summer seasons are hot and humid, while winters can range from moderate to chilly. July and August witness heavy rainfall, when the city comes to a grinding halt due to flooding!

Kolkata suburbs are densely populated, with the average population density at about 33,000 for every square kilometre.

The city is one of the largest jute producing cities in the world. Other major industries include that of heavy engineering, chemicals, glass, ceramics and paper.

The city has almost all the modes of transports -- roadways, railways, subways, water transport and airways. It is the only city in India that still sports a tramway!

In Kolkata, religion and culture are bound together. Like most other Indian cities, people from all faith live here, and one can find shrines, temples, mosques and churches spread around. The city comes alive during the festive season of Durga Puja (Sep.-Oct). The rich cultural, literary and religious flavors are exquisitely exhibited in its fine arts, writing, music, dance and theater.

That Kolkata was formerly known as Calcutta and was the capital of British India till 1912?

That the World Health Organization has, in a survey, certified the food sold on Decker's Lane in Kolkata as among the best street food available anywhere?

That it is the home of four Nobel laureates – Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen?

That India’s quest for freedom from the British began in this city of rich heritage