The city of Joy, formerly known as Calcutta, once the capital of India is now proudly known as Kolkata. Even though the citizens have chosen 24th August to celebrate the city’s birthday, the high court has denied this date to be so. Whatsoever, this August, Kolkata is turning 332 years old.
Every corner of this city has a lot of stories to tell. As Kolkata is Rich in its culture and heritage, hence there are lots of mesmerizing facts that you may have not known. Do not worry, this blog will take you on a city tour and share the most interesting facts about this city,
- A collage of three cities
If you reside in Kolkata then you might have heard from your forefathers about it. Yes, Kalikata, Gobindopur, and Sutanity were villages that later formed the mighty Kolkata.
- Job Charnock’s Kolkata
Even though the colonial setup in then Calcutta was done by the East India Company, the credit was given to Job Charnock the administrator of the East India Company.
Trivia: Job Charnock was buried on the premises of St.John’s Church in Kolkata.
- Howrah Bridge
The world knows Howrah Bridge as the busiest cantilever bridge. It is one of the best architectural marvels in Calcutta as it does have a single bolt or nut in it. The bridge was constructed by riveting the entire structure in 1943. Later in 1965, the Howrah Bridge was renamed Rabindra Setu after the name of the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore.
- Kolkata owns the world’s biggest and oldest Banayan tree
The city of Joy has grown old with one of the world’s largest banyan trees. It is also considered to be the oldest banyan tree alive today. You might be amused to know that this Banyan tree is even considered to be older than the city. The tree survived two horrifying cyclones in 1864 and 1867, but the cyclone Amphan caused major damage to the tree’s branches and peripheral stem.
- Calcutta hosts the oldest zoo
While you visit the city of Joy, you get a visit the oldest zoo in the country. The Zoological Garden, Alipore has always been a favorite spot for tourists. Even the kids will love spending time watching the animals.
- Kolkata’s National Museum
Founded back in 1814, the Indian Museum is located in Kolkata. Did you know that it is not only the oldest and largest museum in India? Yes, it. And not only that it also holds this position in the entire Asia-pacific region of the world.
Kolkata, where thousands of people dwell every day to fulfill their dream. A city that has a lot to tell to its admirers. The queen of cities welcomes you with a warm welcome.
