Kolkata, the first capital of the Indian subcontinent under the erstwhile British regime is arguably the country’s most cultured city, with a rich heritage of literature & art. This is where colonial architecture shares space with a diverse mix of local experiences.
Kolkata has imbibed its colonial heritage & its biggest celebration – The Victoria Memorial. Built in memory of Queen Victoria and fashioned out of white marble, this grand structure counts among the most marvelous buildings in India and is rich in architectural detail. The museum within is worth exploring, while the surrounding gardens offer photogenic views across mirror-like ponds.
The city’s diverse heritage is exemplified by Barabazar with the Armenian Church of Nazareth, the imposing Holy Rosary Cathedral and some soulful synagogues in its midst. Take a stroll around the vibrant alleys that swarming with traders, rickshaws and baggage-wallahs. Let the lovely perfumery on Ezra Street enthrall you!
Be mesmerized by the magnificent Kalighat Temple, Kolkata’s holiest spot for Hindus. One of the Shakti Peethas, a site of worship devoted to the Goddess Shakti, this temple is built at the site at which the toes of Sati are believed to have fallen during the course of Lord Shiva’s Rudra Tandava. This is definitely among the best places in Kolkata.
If you’re visiting Kolkata for work, some of the top hotels in Kolkata are the two Taj hotels in the city. On the arterial highway of the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, The Gateway Hotel EM Bypass, Kolkata a 5 star property, built on 1.9 acres of prime real estate is close to the city’s IT hotspot & other industrial & commercial hubs. However, if you want to experience the sheer comfort of a luxurious holiday, Taj Bengal is a landmark five-star hotel in downtown Kolkata, in the exclusive neighbourhood of Alipore at the heart of its cultural heritage.
The architecture and interiors of the hotel are deeply inspired by the city’s famed art, culture and heritage. Designed by legendary architect Bob Fox, grandeur meets understated elegance everywhere you look. Be spellbound by the lavish five-storied stone and marble atrium, bathed in glorious gold light each afternoon. Genuine antiques, priceless art, and traditional accents and colours are impeccably woven together with contemporary style and modern amenities.
At the Grand Presidential Suite you can indulge yourself with a day at Spa and shop for finely curated Indian artefacts at Taj Khazana. The wide array of fine-dining restaurants at Taj Bengal & The Gateway Hotel EM Bypass are some of the best Kolkata has to offer. Enjoy robust North-West Indian, Punjabi and Bengali cuisines at the ambient Sonargaon, authentic Chinese at Chinoiserie, and Lebanese and Mediterranean at Souk. The award-winning 24-hour coffee shop, The Hub serves an assortment of world cuisines. For an on-the-go craving, there is La Patisserie and Deli. The Junction Bar and Promenade Lounge are perennial favourites and during winters, the Grill by the Pool is a special treat.
Enjoy the signature Taj hospitality that will infuse your stay with warmth and the utmost in personal care, service and exclusivity. Be pampered by the world-renowned butlers and enjoy sumptuous in-room-dining experiences. Complete with meeting spaces & event venues, 5 star amenities & a friendly staff, the Taj also has a top notch reward programme – Taj InnerCircle. In addition to the inner circle, Taj offers hotel credits for spends on dining, Business center, laundry, etc., at all Taj Hotels in India including Taj Safaris & all Taj International Hotels on bookings made till 15th October, 2016. If you wish to stay a bit longer, you can extend your stay with a complimentary night! For a three day stay, avail a complementary third night & for a four day stay, avail a complementary fourth night. You can even club two complimentary nights for a consecutive six or eight night stay.