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Kolkata (Calcutta) is the capital of West Bengal. The Raj Bhavan (governor's office) in Kolkata is a building of much historical and architectural interest in addition to being an official center of administration. The web site has a history of the building and a gallery of photographs that displays its architectural features.
West Bengal is bounded by the Bay of Bengal to the south. Orissa, Jharkhan, Bihar and Nepal are to the west; Sikkim and Bhutan are on its northern border; and Assam and Bangladesh are to the east.
The official web site for the West Bengal government deals with official business. The site also has a useful map of the state showing its districts. Clicking on individual districts reveals detailed maps.
The official web site for tourism in West Bengal has extensive information about the state's heritage, Kolkata and other attractions. The site also has a useful map of the state.
The Asiatic Society in Kolkata maintains a library and museum and continues its mission of more than 200 years as a center for Asian studies. The Central Reference Library in Kolkata is another excellent resource for research and study.
The National Library of India near the Zoological Garden, the Indian Museum, the Indo-French Cultural Center and Museum, the Rabindra Bharati Museum and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute are additional resources for learning about the history and culture of India and West Bengal.
The Victoria Memorial Hall is another of Kolkata's important historic buildings which was constructed in memory of Queen Victoria after her death.
The Sundarbans National Park has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Temples at Bishnupur are on a tentative list for World Heritage Status.
Airports: The International Netaji Subhash Airport is about 12 miles / 20 km from Kolkata. Dum Dum Behala Airport handles domestic flights. It is about 10 miles / 16 km west of Kolkata. Bagdogra serves the Darjeeling hill area. Cooch Behar Airport is in the northern area of West Bengal.
The Metro Railway of Kolkata has information about its services and a map of its system to assist with travel planning.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Supporters Association has information about this historic railway.