Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is a megacity that serves as the capital city of West Bengal,
India. Kolkata, additionally referred to as the City of Joy, is one of the most populated regions in the region and one of the most productive metropolitan areas in India. Located conveniently on the Hooghly River's east banks, Kolkata has grown to become a key educational, cultural, and economic hub in East India.
Kolkata is home to the Port of Kolkata, which is India's sole port, as well as India's longest operational port. Kolkata also hosts stunning ancient architecture, preserved culture, and outstanding art exhibition galleries.
Mother Teresa's tomb is found in Kolkata, alongside the iconic Mother House that was founded by Mother Teresa for Missionaries of Charity. This spot is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Kolkata.
Visitors like to witness the mighty splendor of the St. Andrew's Church, the stunning monument that is now the General Post Office, as well as the iconic Writer's Building of the 18th century. Nearby, a natural park complete with a cricket stadium, a sprawling golf course, and the beautiful Victoria Memorial's numerous galleries forms another busy tourist spot.
Kolkata experiences a tropical climate that is characterized by two major seasons; the wet season and the dry season. The temperature experienced in Kolkata all-year-round ranges from warm to extremely hot during both seasons.
The wet season runs from mid-
May to mid-
October and is mostly influenced by the southwestern summer monsoons. The rainiest months in Kolkata are
July and
August when precipitation reads as high as 411mm (16.2"). The rainy season occasionally brings the city to a standstill, and it makes Kolkata susceptible to flooding, thunderstorms, and occasionally, the dangerous tropical cyclones.
The dry season extends from
November to
April, receiving the least rainfall in the year, with the driest month being
January having only one rainfall day on average all month long. During the dry season, the temperature drops, albeit slightly to the average daily mean of 27°C (80.6°F).
Between
December and April, Kolkata receives more tourists than other times, owing to the warm and lovely temperature range, as well as the minimal rainfall interruptions while touring the city. Tourists flock the many attraction spots to witness the beauty of Kolkata. The museums, art galleries, parks, and gardens around Kolkata remain full and crowded. The Howrah Bridge above the Hooghly River and the Vidyasagar Setu Bridge are the most commonly visited sightseeing spots, from where Kolkata and its environs can be appreciated.
On given dates in January and
February, Kolkata holds its annual Book Fair, which is marked by numerous stalls stocking popular books. Then between
September and October, the Durga Puja Festival is held, where the people of Kolkata gather to pay their tributes to the Hindu goddess Durga. Another key event is the Kolkata annual International Film Festival held in November. During the festival, the people of Kolkata gather to celebrate and appreciate the makers of famous Indian, Bengali, and other international films, as well as be entertained by music and dance shows.