7 Interesting Facts about Kolkata that will Surprise You!

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India’s West Bengal state. It was founded as an East India Company trading post and was The capital of the British Raj in India

The city is popularly known for its grand colonial architecture, art gallery, and cultural festival.

Here are some interesting and fun facts about the city:-

1. It is home to the largest trees in the world. The great banyan tree at Botanical Gardens is the largest tree in terms of the area covered. you’ll be surprised to know that this tree has been witnessing the richness of Bengal for the last 250 years.
2. Not only Kolkata was the capital of the British Raj in India but it was the second most important city after London for the Britishers. Therefore major universities, economic industries, and other major institutions were constructed here for the officials and their families. 
3. It is also home to the oldest zoo in the country, there reside Some of the greatest species of animal For example the Royal Bengal tiger. 
4. The oldest polo club is situated in Kolkata. Right now our country is not a big name in the world of polo but surely it all started from the city of Kolkata. The world’s first polo club was established by the British in Kolkata in 1858.
5. By now you must have understood that Kolkata was a big name in the world of sports under British Raj. So it’s no surprise to know that the second oldest cricket and football clubs are situated in our very own Kolkata.
6. Kolkata houses the countries largest and world’s second-largest second-hand book market. So it surely is heaven for book lovers.
7. The city of Joy is also home to Asia’s oldest electric running tram and is also the only city to have trams and tanga