Alipore, the district headquarters of
South 24 Parganas, is a southern suburb of
Kolkata included within the municipality. It is a mixture of residential and commercial areas. This town has major industries such as printing and bookbinding, cement manufacture, oilseed milling, and general engineering works.
The Zoological gardens popularly known as the Alipore Zoo is one of the main attractions. The Belvedere House, residence of the former British governor of Bengal, now houses the National Library of India. Agri-Horticultural Garden, Kolkata Institute of Management Studies and Kothari Medical Center are located in Alipore. The Taj Bengal Hotel, a luxury hotel of the Tata group is just opposite the zoo.
Localities such as Kidderpore and Garden Reach are situated to the west of Alipore. The Kidderpore docks form part of the
Kolkata Port. South of Alipore is New Alipore, a residential area, and next to it is Taratolla which has some major industries.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest airport. Regular buses are available from Esplanade Bus Station. Sealdah Railway Station is about 8 km from Alipore.
