Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is often termed as the ‘City of Joy’ due to the different kinds of celebrations that take place here throughout the year, apart from the festivities and fun it offers. Apart from the traditional cheerfulness of the festive season, the city also offers its tourists with the joy of myriad fun activities. One of them is water sports. This kind of sports forms an integral part of the city, which is home to so many natural as well as artificial water bodies. The water sports are practiced on an amateur as well as professional level, in Calcutta. Swimming is a commonly practiced sport in Kolkata. Lots of children start training for professional swimming, from very tender age, in the various swimming clubs in the city. It is considered as a form of recreation as well as a means to stay fit. The activity is not limited to the elite class; those who can’t afford expensive swimming clubs enjoy swimming in the river Hooghly, the local ponds and the lakes in the city. In fact, the city is known for producing some great sportsmen in the field of swimming, from time to time. The aqua sports in Kolkata are not simply limited to swimming. Many other water sports, like rowing, kayaking and boating, are equally popular amongst the Kolkatians. The city has some really good rowing and kayak cubs. Another water sport which is very popular in the city is boating. There are some great lakes for boating in Kolkata. These lakes are often used for the boating competitions, held every year. Nicco Park and Aquatica are the popular places in Calcutta for recreational aqua-sports.
General Information about Kolkata :
Location: Kolkata
State: West Bengal
Capital: Kolkata
Language: Bengali, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Kolkata :
By Air:
Kolkata is well connected by airways, to all the major countries in the world as well as to the key Indian cities. There are regular flights from all the major cities of India, like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, to the place. Even international destinations, in France, Britain, Holland, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, Nepal, Jordan and Thailand, are connected to the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata. This airport is located at Dumdum, about 15 km away from the main township.
By Rail:
The rail connectivity of Calcutta is also very good. Trains connect the city with all the major cities of India. Super fast trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express ply between Kolkata and Delhi and other nearby places. Kolkata has two major railway stations; one is located in Howrah and the other is at Sealdah, with the former being the stop for majority of the interstate trains.
By Road:
The road connectivity of Kolkata to adjoining areas is also wisely planned. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminal that lies in the heart of the city. From here, you can easily get a bus as well as taxi for travelling to the cities within West Bengal as well as in the neighbouring states. Even road connectivity to Bangladesh is smooth and comfortable, with frequent Bus service.
How to Travel in Kolkata:
For the international tourists, it is always advisable to carry their Indian visa, as it is cumbersome to get one after arriving Carry all your important documents and money If you are travelling alone, don’t publicize it. Incase you happen to lose your passport, immediately lodge a complaint at the police station and also inform your country’s embassy. It is advisable to carry adequate photocopies of your passport, traveller’s checks and insurance. Beware of touts and agents. Make sure that your hotel reservation is done and it is confirmed. To secure your belongings, use a combination lock.

