Calcutta, India

Calcutta , also famous as the "City of Joy" is one of the largest city of India and the capital of West Bengal. It is a city made famous by its people and its culture. However, being one of the most populated cities in the world, it has its associated problems. Still all Calcuttans regard it as a "fascinating , bewitching and bewildering" city and it is well worth a visit. Calcutta is known to a lot of people because of mother Teresa and her charity works. Although she passed away, the helping of the poorest of the poor still continues. Popular belief is that Calcutta was an obscure village before 1686 , when Job Charnock, a British merchant decided to make a settlement there. However, recent studies suggest that Calcutta was an area of pilgrimage in the medieval age. Durga Puja, which is celebrated every autumn , is the main festival of Calcutta and it is a good time to visit Calcutta and get the essence of the city. For five days, the city is all lit up and resonant with the sound of drums. The pandals (where the festivals take place) and the idols of the gods and the goddesses are great works of art.