Calcutta-Kolkata is a city that means many things to many people. For some, Calcutta - Kolkata is the city of joy, while for others it is dirty, crowded, and noisy. Once the greatest colonial city in the Orient, Calcutta- Kolkata was later reviled as a cauldron of poverty, dirt, and disease. Today, it ranks among the four major metropolis of India along with Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. A mere village in the 17th century, Calcutta- Kolkata is not an ancient city like Delhi. Like Mumbai and Chennai, it originated largely due to the expansionist ambitions of the European powers, especially the British Raj. Little wonder, Calcutta- Kolkata has some of the finest Raj edifices built in a variety of styles.

Fast Facts

Area	:	1,380 sq km
Population	:	12 million
Altitude	:	17 ft above sea level
Languages	:	Bengali, Hindi, and English
Best time to visit	:	October to March
STD Code	:	033

History

The first capital of the British in India, Calcutta- Kolkata does not have an ancient history like Delhi. The city was established in 1686 when British moved to the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. The city got its name from the last of the settlements mentioned above. The city progressed well until 1756 when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove away the British. Lord Clive retook Calcutta- Kolkata and until 1911, Calcutta- Kolkata remained the capital of the British government in India. Being the center of power for so long created a unique culture and heritage of the city, totally unlike any other city of India. The people here are proud of their culture and can go to any length to defend it. The humanity of the city can be felt only through visiting the place and not by reading.

Best Season, Climate, and Clothing

As Calcutta- Kolkata is near the sea, the city has uniform temperature throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 12-27�C in the winter and 24-38�C in the summer. Annual rainfall is around 160 cm. Humidity level can be very high in the summers and can make one's life difficult. Cotton clothing is ideal for the summer months whereas light woolens are required for the winters.