Kolkata, established in 1686, and the capital of British India, is now one of the major metropolitans of India. Located about 17 ft above the sea level and covering a metropolitan area of about 1400 sqr. Km.,  it is the heart of West Bengal, an eastern state of India. Kolkata is a meeting ground of history and modernity. Kolkata has witnessed a large number of historical and political landmarks, and retained a number of historical monuments. On the other hand, Kolkata has always remained progressive in spirit and is one of the major cultural centres of modern India. Kolkata is the birth place of Rabindranath Tagore,  Swami Vivekananda  and of many people involved in social change.
Three out of seven Universities of West Bengal are situated in Kolkata.
The best time to visit Kolkata is between October and March. Places of interest include Victoria memorial , Fort William, Eden gardens, Indian Museum, National Library, Shahid Minar, Birla Museum, Birla planetarium, Rabindra Setu, Second Hooghly Bridge, Nicco Park, Energy Park, Belur math, Dakhineswar temple, Kalighat temple, Botanical gardens, Writer's building & Science city. Kolkata is also the ‘city of joy’ as it holds a number of festivals and fairs throughout the year. Winter is the time for fairs and festivals. 
Tours can be planned from Kolkata for the enticing seaside of Medinipur, the delta and jungle of Sunderban, the mysterious forests of the Terai, the historical heritage of Murshidabad and Burdwan, the hills and plateau of Purulia, the religious places of Nadia and the elegant Himalayan ranges at Darjeeling. 
February is the end of winter in Kolkata. The weather in February in this year is very cold. Woolen garments are needed.
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