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Physical Setting
West Bengal was created as a constituent state of the Indian union on 15 August 1947 as the result of partition of the undivided British Indian province of Bengal into West Bengal. West Bengal covers the bottle neck of India in the east, stretching from Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. It is bounded on the north by Sikkim and Bhutan, on the east by Assam and Bangladesh. On the south by the Bay of Bengal and on the west by Orissa, Bihar and Nepal. It has therefore, three international frontiers-to the north, east and west. The state lies between 27o13'15" and 21o25'24" north latitudes and 85o48'20" and 89o53'04" east longitudes.
West Bengal has two natural divisions. The Himalayan north comprising the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Bihar and the alluvial plain that lies south of it. West Bengal is essentially a flat, featureless alluvial plain large portion of it being a part of delta of river Ganga, only one per unit of its area in the far north is really mountainous. The plateau fringe and the Purulia triangle of upland along her western border, comprises about six per cent of the total area. The northern part of the district of Darjeeling is hilly to mountanious. Its border to the north being fenced with rising mountain ranges of the Himalayas. Downwards, the mountains slope down to hills and as the borders of Jalpaiguri district are reached, the hills give way to rolling humid plains known as the Dooars. The Singalila range along the border with Nepal rises to nearly 3,700 metres, and is well wooded with rhododendron trees. The Dooars forests are densely wooded with evergreen vegetation and are the resorts of wild animal including the Royal Bengal tiger, rhinoceros, elephant, antelope and snakes including Python.
The central region or the 'Malda Pouch' comprising the districts of Malda and West Dinajpur is geographically an older area than the Gangetic plains below. It has a slightly higher land level watered inter-mittently by hill rivers among which the Mahananda with its winding course is the largest. It pours into the Ganga a little above Farakka in Bangaladesh.
The southern region, starting in the north from the point where the Ganga demarcates in the boundaries of the districts of Malda and Murshidabad consists of two geographically distinct areas. "Western Plateau Fringe" consist of the Purulia district and the western part of the districts of Birbhum, Burdwan, Bankura and Midnapur. The highest point of this plateau, named Goraburu Hill in Purulia district is 677 metres and the lowest point is 85 metres above the sea level where the up land ends in Midnapur district on the northern bank of the Subarbarekha river the altitude falls to 50 metres above the sea level. The plateau forms the tail-end of the chhartisgarh state of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.
The rest of the southern region is a vast alluvial plain, except for the western plateau fringe and the sub-montane area of Darjeeling district, the entire length of West Bengal is one rolling up land. The vast alluvial plains of the state spread from Jalpaiguri and Siliguri in the north to the Sundarban creeks and its Kanthi littoral in the south. The southern region is bisected by the Bhagirathi (Hooghly)river, one of the two forks of the Ganga that take off from top of Murshidabad district. The plain land on the western bank of the Hooghly river is largely formed by the deposits carried by a system of hill rivers rising in the western hills that pour their waters into the Hooghly and form part of the Gangetic delta. The main river in this system is the Damodar, Bengal's 'River of Sorrow'. The plains to the east are watered by distributaries of the Ganga branching off in West Bengal as well as Bangladesh. One feature of these plains is the existence of shallow lagoons called 'dahas'or 'boonrs', formed by beds of distributaries that got silted up above and below and of low marsh lands called bells that become flooded during the rainy season.
The coastal fringe likewise is of two distinct characters, west of the Hooghly the coastal strip in Midnapur district called the Contai or Kanthi strip. It consist of sand dunes and salt marshes mingled with each other. The marshes are formed behind well-developed sand bars. At places there are large shifting sand dunes, which have a tendency to blow landwards and encroach upon the cultivated land behind them. Vistas of Casuarinas plantation are being developed all along the coast to fix the dunes and stop sea erosion. The Japanese quick growing creeper Kudzu is also being planted. The natural vegetation consists of clumps of Keya bushes. Their fragrant flowers are collected to produce the famous Kewra scent.
The Sunderbans
The Hooghly river estuary that covers the entire southern portion, nearly a fourth of the total area of twenty four Parganas district consist of the remarkable tropical forest called the Sunderbans. The major portion of this Sforest is located in the adjoining Bangladesh district of Khulna and Barisal. The region is entirely alluvial. It is crisscrossed by a network of naturally forming arterial streams branching off from the major waterways and almost wholly consist of swamps and morasses abounding in quick sands. Close to the sea-belts the jungles are thick and hardly penetrable on account of the boggy character of the soil and the treacherous-sharp pointed spikes of the Sundri (mangrove) trees. The Sunderbans are abound in royal Bengal tiger, leopard, rhinoceros, wild hog, deer, monkeys, python, different species of Cobra and other snakes and many varieties of birds. The rivers are abound in Crocodile, shark and many kinds of fish.
The jungle prevent major erosion of the coastline, the tidal incursions of saline water from the sea and the torrential flow of water in the river during the monsoons cause frequent and considerable changes in the land area above the jungle fringe. Here is a constant war between nature and man for saving the rice producing agricultural land from being inundated by brackish water or being rapidly eroded by the sea. Huge earthen dykes are constructed around agricultural settlements called Chauks. The hinter land between the Damodar and the Hooghly and right up to the border of Bangladesh is served by dead or drying channels of the Hooghly. This area is called the Moribund Delta.
Cultural and Historical Background
During the period of the Vedic age Bengal was called Vanga and is said to have been inhabited by several groups of people belonging to various races. During the Mahabharatha period this area was divided into small kingdoms and principalities ruled by chieftains. The Aryans inhabited Bengal during the post Vedic period. Many dynasties exercised their control over Bengal. The Palas, Pundras, the Sen etc were a few whose rule was noteworthy. The Palas ruled for more than four hundred years. Owing to its favourable location this region had trade with Cambodia, Burma, Sri Lanka, the Deccan and the Persian Gulf. The Navigable parts of Ganga made it favourable for internal trade and communication. They had contacts till Taxila. In about the 3rd century the Mauryan and the Guptas established their rule. The Palas established their strong rule from about 800AD till the 11th century after which the Senas ruled. The economy, arts and culture of this region developed under the rule of the Hindu dynasties. In the beginning of the 13th century Bengal became a part of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughals. The influence of the Muslims led to conversions besides development of art and culture and cottage industries that produced items such as Muslin which were in great demand around the world.
The proximity to the sea also resulted in the influence with the foreigners -- the Portuguese in the early 16th century, the Dutch in about 1632, the French influence between 1673-1676, the Danish in 1676 and British in 1690. The increased influence of the British resulted in conflicts with the Nawab. The diplomatic efforts with a series of conspiracies resulted in the ultimate capture of power in Bengal by the British. The battle of Plassey (1757) and the battle of Buxar (1764) sealed the fate of the Mughal rule. The British later brought forth the Dual system of administration In 1905 the English partitioned Bengal on the basis of religion. Calcutta remained the Capital of the British empire in India till 1911. After that the capital was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
In 1947 when India became independent Bengal was partitioned between India and Pakistan. India's share came to be known as West Bengal and Pakistan's share was called East Pakistan. Later, the state of Cooch Behar, French enclave of Chandranagore and some parts of Bihar were added to West Bengal. Bengal represents the land that possess a distinct culture with its indigenous art and crafts and make it an important part of the Indian Union
Climate
West Bengal has a tropical climate. The plains are hot except during the short winter season. The mountanious region in the north is cold. On account of its altitude but there humidity is high. The classical tradition speaks of six seasons-Spring, Summer, the rainy, Autumn, mild Winter and severe Winter. Only four clearly marked seasons with a brief interregnum of spring are observed, namely the hot season, the rainy season, the post monsoon season corresponding to autumn and the cold season. The hot season lasts from mid-March to mid-June, with the day temperature ranging from 38o C to 45oC in different parts of the state. At nights, a cool southerly breeze carrying moisture from the Bay of Bengal is usually present. The high temperature often causes troughs of low pressure to form on the plains which are compensated by sudden briefs storms known as kal-baisakhi or 'nor-westers', accompanied by thunder showers. These summer storms can be quite destructive. The hills of Darjeeling district are pleasantly cool in summer, the higher reaches are sometimes enveloped in heavy fog. On some days, one is rewarded by the sight of the majestic snow-girt Kanchanjunga and the eastern Sikkim ranges and the greenness of the wooded hills and gorges that abound on all sides.
The monsoon arrives by a middle of June. Its scouts start arriving about two weeks before its normal onset. This is called the Chhota monsoon which breaks the hot spell of summer. The monsoon rains in west Bengal are caused solely by the current of wind from the Bay of Bengal.
Variability is a characteristic feature of the monsoon in west Bengal as well as Bangladesh and Orissa which all receive the impact of the south-west Bay current. Breaks in the continuity of rain are not unusual, the resultant thoughts of low pressure develop into cyclone storms especially towards the end of the season and in early autumn.
A welcome change in the weather begins to be distinctly felt towards the end of September. Autumn in West Bengal is the season for festivity in the fields the golden grain of paddy starts ripening and is harvested towards the end of the season. The conclusion of the round of the festivities marks the onset of the winter in mid-November.
Winter, which lasts about three months, is mild over the plains, the average minimum temperature not falling 15o C. It is attended by a cold and dry northern wind, substantially lowering the humidity level. Winter is the season for the rabi crops-pulses, potato and vegetables and citrus fruits that grow on the Darjeeling hills. There occurs a short interregnum of clouds and rain usually the last week of December and the first week of January, caused by the incursion of the western monsoon coming all the way from the Arabian Sea. The cold is severe on the hills and there are sometimes sleet and snow on the higher reaches during the days of rain.
The weather gets warmer by the middle February, which heralds a brief spring season lasting about a month during which the deciduous trees break out in young green leaves and flowers. But this mellow season is too short-lived and the heat is turned on until with the coming of April, clammy summer comes in full blast and the annual cycle of seasons rolls on once again.
Resource and Biodiversity Base
Forest Resources:
The total recorded forest area is
1.19 million ha, which constitutes 13.38% of the geographic area. By legal
status, Reserved Forest constitutes 59.38%, Protected Forest 31.75% and
Unclassed Forest 8.87%.
There are eight forest types in the state. They are Tropical
Semi Evergreen, Tropical Moist Deciduous, Tropical Dry Deciduous, Subtropical
Broadleaved Hill, Subtropical Pine, Himalayan Moist Temperate, Montane Wet
Temperate, Littoral and Swamp Forests. Forests are mainly distributed in the
north, south west and south-east .
Protected Areas:
There are 5 National Parks and 16 Wildlife
sanctuaries covering an area of 0.28 million ha. It constitutes 3.15% of the
geographic area of the state. The state has 2 Tiger Reserves namely Sundarbans
and Buxa. Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve is one of the 11 Biosphere Reserves of
the country. Sunderbans National Park is also a World Heritage site
Mineral Resources:
West Bengal has a well-developed communication network encompassing an extensive railway system, domestic and international airports, modern ports, national highway etc. For industrial exploitation the raw materials available are Coal, Iron and Steel, Agri-horticultural produce, plantation crop, agro-waste, marine products, hides and skins etc. Minerals like Dolomite, Limestone, Lead; Zinc Ores and Granite are in abundance. Water is plenty. Indeed, the State's natural wealth is among the best in the country.
(i) Mineral Resources in Eastern Region
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(ii) Reserves & Production of Important Minerals in West Bengal
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The fauna and flora of West Bengal possess the
combined characteristics of the Himalayan and sub Himalayan Gangetic plain.
Biodiversity is shaped by the biotic and abiotic components of its environment
and this state has a rich assemblage of diverse habitats and vegetation
designated with the help of eight different forest types. Diversity is further
reflected in different types of ecosystem available here like mountain ecosystem
of the north, forest ecosystem (semi-evergreen, deciduous, dry, moist and tidal
varities) extending over the major part of the state, freshwater ecosystem
(rivers, streams, wetlands and to some extent estuaries), semiarid ecosystem in
the western part, mangrove ecosystem in the south and coastal marine ecosystem
along the shoreline.
These diverse ecosystems has resulted in rich
faunal diversity of the state and consists of 10,013 species out of a total of
89,451 species of animals present in our country, thus representing 11.19% of
our countries fauna. The floral diversity of the state is also enriched by 4,622
species out of a total of 44,594 floral species in India, and 10.36% of our
countries flora.
Maximum species diversity in fauna has been
observed in Arthropoda Among other groups Protozoa (969), Bird (649), Mollusca
(280), Nematoda (283), Platyhelminthes (248),Mammals (188), Annelida (187),
Rotifera (146), Reptilia (146), Amphibia (50) are with wide number of species.
District wise analysis show that
highest number of fauna is present in Kolkata (4256), and then in Darjeeling
(4166); Jalpaiguri (1563); South 24 Pgs (1516); North 24 Pgs (943) etc.
Total area of district and faunal
diversity is negatively correlated (r = -0.29567); while the total forest
covered and faunal diversity is positively correlated (r = 0.17849).
Floral diversity in number of species
in the state is maximum in Dicot (1994). Other groups in respect of dominance
are Monocot (493), Algae (873), Fungi (539), Lichen (329), Pteridophyte (330),
Bryophyta (43) and Gymnosperm (21).
Darjeeling (2439) is well ahead
in floral diversity followed by Medinipur (871); Jalpaiguri (789) and
Murshidabad (725).
Floral diversity and total
forest cover has a positive correlation (r = 0.1089). Floral diversity and total
area of district shows a negative correlation ( r = -0.12494).
The faunal and floral diversity
shows a positive correlation (r = 0.6771).
Biodiversity enrich districts are
Darjeeling followed by Kolkata, South 24 Pgs, Medinipur, North 24 Pgs, Nadia,
Malda, Murshidabad etc.
A positive correlation (r = 0.1707)
is seen between biodiversity and forest cover, where as the correlation with
area covered is negative (r = -0.2664), same with the total population of
district (r = -0.20552).
NATIONAL PARKS
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BUXA NATIONAL PARK
The Buxa Tiger Reserve with an area of 759 sq.kms was established in the year of
1982-83 at the north eastern corner of West Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam.
The core area of 315sq.kms around the Buxa Duar Fort was declared a National
Park in January 1992. 
This park is located in eastern Dooars (rolling humid plains) at 2600 ft above sea level. The Dooars comprises of deciduous forests which are densely wooded and grasslands and is home to some of West Bengal's most varied flora and fauna.
This tropical rain forests having an annual rainfall exceeding 5000mm has 150 species of plants and a variety of creepers, orchids, grasses, bamboo and cane. Trees like Teak, sal, simul, sishu are found in great numbers.
The fauna of the park comprises 67 species of mammals, including 23 endangered ones and 36 species of reptiles. Besides the Royal Bengal tiger the second largest in number in West Bengal after Sunderbans, elephants, bears, civets, giant squirrel, Gaur, Chital, clouded leopard, wild Buffaloes, antelope and snakes including the regal Python are found here. About 230 species of birds and innumerable butterflies add colour to the forest. The rivers of Raidak and Jayanti which flow through the forest and the Narathali lake are home to migratory birds as well as endemic ones which abound the place. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill, Ibis Bill, Trans Himalayan Migratory Goosanders, Red-stars, Wag-tails, the rare black necked crane, migratory common teal, black stork, Large Whistling Teal, Minivets, White Eyed Poachared are some of the bird species sighted here.
The headquarters Alipurduar court is a few km away from the tiger reserve. The two main entry points are Buxa (24km) and Jayanti (30 Km). Buxa (2600ft) is a two hour trek through picturesque surroundings from Santlabari, the starting point. The Buxa Duar fort here was used as a prison by the British, because of its remoteness. Many freedom fighters were imprisoned here. After independence, it served as a refugee camp for Tibetans and Bangladeshis. There is a 4km further trek to Rovers Point (the land of unknown birds at 4500ft) or a 14km trek to Roopam Valley in Bhutan from Bhutan. From Buxa, one can also take the 13km trek to Jayanti through the beautiful jungle preferably with a guide. There is a stalactite cave, popularly known as the Mahakal cave at Jayanti. Another entry point Rajabhatkhawa (17km from Alipurduar) has an orchidarium, animal rescue centre and a nature interpretation centre.
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GORUMARA NATIONAL PARK
Gorumara National Park is located in the Dooars (rolling hill slopes) region of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. This small forest area famous for its natural population of the Great Indian one horned Rhinoceros was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1949. Later in the year 1992, it was established as a National Park, comprising 80 km of diverse forests.
The
dooars lying in the Himalayan foothills has great natural beauty and is home to
some of West
Bengal's most varied flora and fauna. Gorumara park located on the bank of
rivers Murti and Raidak has vegetation of riverine grasslands interspersed with
savannah woodlands. Much of this forest is moist deciduous and sal (shorea
robusta) is the most common and valuable tree. Teak, Simul, siris, Khair are
also found here. The park is breathtaking with its rivers and mountain ranges.
Besides the one horned rhinoceros, the fauna of the park include Indian Elephant, Indian Bison, leopard, different species of deer, turtles, pythons, monkeys etc. and more than 200 species of birds. The park is a birdwatcher's paradise with beautiful birds like Indian pied hornbill, Woodpeckers, Sunbird, fly catcher, Minivet, Drongo, Pheasants and many more migratory birds especially in winter. Brahmany duck is a regular visitor here and the birds can be watched from Suksukia, a bird watching point inside the park.
Lataguri a small town adjacent to the park is the entry point. There are watch towers for viewing the animals inside the park. They are Jatraprasad Watch tower (named in memory of a legendary elephant of that name), Rhino observation point in front of the Gorumara forest bungalow, Old Khunia Watch Tower near the Murti forest bungalow and Suksukia Bird watching Point. Rhino observation point is the best place to observe wild animals like rhino, elephant, bison and deer as they regularly come to the salt reservoir just below the tower. From Gorumara it is only a two hours ride to Jaldapara wild life sanctuary which is also located in the dooars
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NEORA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
The Neora Valley National Park, spread over an area of 88sq.km. in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal was established in April 1986. The park, a unique area of rich bio-diversity lies in the Himalayan foothills and is bordered on the east by Western Bhutan and the forests of Sikkim.
Neora
Valley, one of the least tracts of virgin wilderness in the country sustains a
unique eco-system
where tropical, sub-tropical, sub-temperate, and temperate vegetative system
still harbours a wealth of flora and fauna. The forests consists of mixed
species like rhododendron, bamboo, oak, ferns, sal etc. The Valley also has
numerous species of orchids.
The fauna consist of such endangered species as the clouded leopard, red-panda, and musk deer. Other species are leopard, five species of civet, black bear, sloth bear, golden gat, wild boar, leopard cat, goral, serow, barking deer, sambar, Himalayan flying squirrel and thar. The park rich in bird life houses the bearded vulture, Himalayan griffon, red legged falcon, pigeons, doves, great pied hornbill and a large number of migratory birds like whistling thrush etc. King cobra, common cobra krait, green pit viper, blind snake and lizards are also found. Many colourful insects such as butterflies, moths, beetles, bees, wasps, bugs cicadas are added attraction of the valley.
The main entry point to the park is Lava (7016 ft), a small village adjacent to the park. There is a nature interpretation centre here. The other entry point is Samsing (3000 ft). There is no motorable road inside the park. Visitors should take an entry permit from the park authorities in Lava or Samsing
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Singhalila National Park
Singhalila National Park located at a very high altitude of more than 7000ft
from sea level (between 2400 m to 3650m ) is the highest National Park in West
Bengal. It is situated in the extreme north western boundary of Darjeeling
District and extends on an area of 78.60sq.km. 
The vegetation of these virgin forests mainly alpine, changes with the range in altitude. The main tree species found are the Rhododendron, Magnolia, Oak, Hemlock, Silver Fir, Juniper, Mailing Bamboo, Buk, Kawla, Bhujpatra etc. Other flora include primulas, aconitums, gentians, arisaemas and orchids adorning the forest clearings. The fauna found in the park are leopard, serow, pangolin, elephant, chinkara takin, red panda, barking deer etc. The park has a variety of birds such as pigeons, doves, sibia, minivet, magpie, cuckoo, hornbills, Kaleej pheasants and a large number of migratory birds.
Treks: The park is famous for its treks with spectacular views of Himalayan peaks through a mist of pristine forests and mountain flowers. Maneybhanjang ( 2134m) at a distance of one and a half hours by road from Darjeeling is the starting point to one of the popular trekking routes in the eastern Himalayas, via Tumling (2900m) or Tonglu (3050m) - Gairibans(1900m) - Sandakphu ( 3636m)(35Km) - Phalut (3605m) - Rimbik (2286m) and back to Manebhanjyang. The park area is enclosed within this trek route beyond Tonglu or Tumling. The trekkers can halt at Meghma/ Tonglu, Gairibans, Sandakphu and Phalut for the nights.
Maneybhanjyang to Mekhma (2600m) takes 4 hours, then to Tonglu or Tumling and from there to Gairibans through dense forests and wild flowers. This trek is a paradise for wild flower lovers particularly in March-April when rhododentrons bloom in white, scarlet, pink and yellow and large white and pink flowers of the magnolias, orchids along with beautiful birds adorn the way. But be wary of the leeches which infest the wet ravines. From Gairibans it is a steep four hour climb to Sandakphu. Halfway is the settlement of Kala- Pokhri at 2750m. The arduous trek through treacherous routes is worth the breathtaking view of the majestic Kanchenjunga the third highest peak in the world, from Sandakphu. Sandakphu is known as the mountain of poisonous plants cause of the cobra lillies seen here. The one day trek from Sandakphu- Phalut about 23km is the best of all the treks. Phalut lies on the borders of West Bengal, Sikkim and the eastern border of Nepal. The best for this trek along the Singalila ridge which passes through desolate hills covered with patches of forest is October and November. At Phalut, one can have real close look at the Kanchedzonga and experience the spectacle of circular rainbows. From Phalut the way down to Sirikhola on the banks of river Sirikhola, one can see meadows clustered with blue iris, orchids and a further 6km leads to Rimbik, a small village which connects Maneybhanjang and Darjeeling (51km)by road. From Sandakphu one can skip the trek to Phalut and come straight down to Sirikhola through a steep descend via Gurdum (2300m
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Sundarbans National Park
Established in 1978 in twenty four Paraganas district, Sunderbans Tiger reserve
is spread over an area of 2608 sq. kms. Sixty percent of the demarcated area of
the Sunderbans sprawling actually over 9630sq.km, is in Bangladesh. The national
park with a core area of 1330sq.km, has been designated as a World Heritage Site
in 1985 and is a part of the Project Tiger. The Sunderbans has three wildlife
sanctuaries at Sajnekhali, Lothian Island and Haliday Island.
The park has estuarine mangrove eco-system as it is situated in the deltaic estuaries of the Ganga and Brahmaputra. The entire inter tidal zone has been designated as Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere program. This littoral forest supports a diversity of trees and shrubs adopted to conditions and inundation by high tides. Straddling the rivers Hooghly in the west and Teulia in the east the park has many small rivers, forested islands besides the vast stretch of mangrove swamps.
Sunderbans is home to the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger. The park harbours the largest number of tigers among the tiger reserves of the country and is the only Mangrove tiger land in the world. The man eating tigers here are good swimmers and eat fish and crab. The other fauna are fishing cat, water monitor, wild boar, different species of deer, rhesus monkeys, large numbers of crocodiles and Gangetic dolphin(in the Raimgangal river) and a variety of other fish, olive Ridley sea turtles etc. Project tiger has also launched a programme to protect the Olive ridley sea turtles. Another interesting place to visit in the Sunderbans is the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary which has a variety of birds such as Brown winged kingfisher, Grey headed lapwing, Golden backed woodpecker, White swans, Swamp patridge, Pallas fish eagle etc. There is a crocodile pool and a mangrove Interpretation centre which houses specimens of snake, fish and other fauna with sound and light shows at Sajnekhali. Other places in the Sunderbans are Bhagatpur Crocodile Project which is a crocodile breeding farm ( access from Namkhana), Sagar Island, Jambudweep, Sudhanyakali watchtower, Buriidabri Tiger Project, Netidhopani Watchtower, Haliday Island.
TOURISM DESTINATION
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Victoria
Memorial
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(for Calcutta) and the industrial city of Howrah with the city of
Calcutta. Supported by two piers, each nearly 90 meters in height above
the road level, the bridge has a span of almost 500 meters (no pillars
in the middle). It was opened in 1943 and today it is one of the busiest
bridges in the world. It is the third largest bridge in the world, has
around 2 million people crossing over it daily. Visible from many places
in Calcutta, the bridge is called 'Rabindra Setu'. 
Wholesale
flower market 
Nirmal
Hirday (Pure Heart) 