5-star hotel guide to Kolkata
Long believed to be India's capital of culture as well as the country's second-biggest city, Kolkata embraces its past as well as its future.
Once the British's Indian capital, it is not surprising that the cityscape in Kolkata is dotted with nods to its colonial past, none more dominant than the Victoria Memorial, completed in 1921. Within sight of this majestic buildings stands the 17th century St Paul's Cathedral, not to be confused with its London cousin.
Away from these reminders of Kolkata's past, the city continues to surprise and inspire. The Mullik Ghat Flower market fills the streets with colours at all hours of the day. The best time to visit is a dawn, as the immense delivers of floral parcels arrive and are auctioned off in a frenzy before a day's trade. There is also the opportunity to further immerse yourself in the spiritual culture of the city. Kumatruli is the hub of the city's clay craftsmen, who create intricate and numerous effigies of gods and goddesses as well as popular historical and local heroes. It is a joy to see these artists at work.
At the centre of these vibrant city, you will find the Taj Bengal. Its exterior is reflective of a movement into the future, whilst inside the gradeur and glamour of signature Taj hospitality is easy to see.