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KOLKATA

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06

Dec
Dec 06,2023

Calcutta was the second largest city in the British Empire, after London, and was the centre of bureaucracy, politics, law, education, science and the arts. Kolkata is the de facia cultural capital of INDIA and historically and culturally significant city in the historic region of BENGAL. It is the second largest Bengali speaking city in the world. It has the largest Bengali speaking city in the world. It has the highest number of Nobel laureates among all cities in India. Kolkata is blessed with many sightseeing places that offer a unique experience to every visitor. The city has many interesting places to keep its visitors pleasantly engaged. From refreshing gardens, serene lakes, historical buildings, museums, libraries, sports stadiums to ancient temples and churches, there are umpteen numbers of places to visit Kolkata. It was constructed in 1943 replacing the Pontoon Bridge and is made of steel. Due to the immense popularity that the bridge has, tourists from far and wide travel to Kolkata just to visit the amazing bridge. One will be amazed to see the view from the bridge in the evening. The entire river Hooghly seems like an endless lake with the sun going down into the horizon. The suspended bridge ranks 6th amongst the longest bridges in the world.


Most famous places to visit in kolkata are as follows :


Victoria Memorial,HowrahBridge,CIMA Art Gallery, snow park, St Johns Church,Calcutta jain temple, Belur Math,Dakhineshwar kali temple,Alipore Zoological Gardens, Kalighat Kali Temple, Eden Gardens, Science City Kolkata, Jorasankho Thakur Bari, shobhabazar Rajbari, Princep ghat, Ecotourism Park,Parkstreet, Mothers wax Mesuem, Central park , Tipu Sultan Mosque, Tagores House, Diamond Harbour, Sundarbans, Rabindra Sarobar, Aquatica, Nicco Park, Indian Mesuem, Birla industrial and Technological Museum, Fort William, Birla Planetarium, Indian Mesuem, Shaheed Minar, Millennium Park, Mothers wax Mesuem, Lord Jesus Church

1: Victoria Memorial


The Victoria Memorial is a large marble building, which is considered to be the pride of Kolkata. Built between 1906 and 1921, it is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. Now, it is a museum and a popular tourist spot under the Ministry of Culture.The entrance of the museum gates is donned by two lions made out of marble and as one enters the gates, there sits the humongous bronze statue of Queen Victoria. This statue was sculpted in England and was shipped to India. This place is undeniably one of the finest art museums in the country with a rich collection of paintings on royal British families, lithographs, historical documents and artefacts. With a 184 feet tall structure, spread over 64 acres of land, it presents an impressive architecture as well. 


2: Howrah Bridge


It is also called as Rabindra Setu, Howrah Bridge is considered to be the busiest bridge in the world and a fine example of 20th century engineering. A popular place to visit in Kolkata, Howrah Bridge stands over the Hooghly River. Around 705 meters long, this bridge connects Kolkata and Howrah.It was built in 1874 on two 270 feet tall pillars, without the usage of nuts and bolts. There are two other bridges at other points of the Hooghly River, namely Vivekananda Setu and Vidyasagar Setu.It is considered as the icon of Bengal’s history and culture as the bridge has witnessed several historical events, both World War I and II included. The bridge was called an architectural marvel at the time of its construction due to its classification as ‘Suspension Type Balanced Cantilever’ type structure, and was the third longest cantilever bridge in the world.


3: CIMA Art Gallery



This gallery is perfect spot for all the art lovers and admirers, CIMA Art Gallery, the Centre of International Modern Art is one of the places  must visit  under Kerela tourism. This Gallery was opened in 1993 under the support of the leading Indian media group ABP Lt and has been designed with the guidance from renowned and international art galleries which is situated in New York and London. This state-of-the-art gallery has hosted hundreds of exhibitions. This gallery also keeps organizing seminars to support the artists.


Location : Sunny Towers, 43, Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue,Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.

Timings : 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Tue to Sat) and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Mon).


4: Snow Park


Snow park attempts to bring people close to the snow of the mountains in Kolkata. This amusement park covered in white snowflakes offers thrilling rides for both the adults and the kids, thus making it a perfect place to hang out with family and friends. It is located in Newtown in Kolkata. entry fees is Rs 600 per person per hrs.
Location : 6, Axis mall, CFBlock(Newtown), Action Area 1C, B & C, Newtown, Kolkata. 


 5: St. John’s Church


It is one of the oldest church in Kolkata. This well-maintained structure draws history buffs for its uniqueness. The unique tall feature is its highlighting part. Visiting St.John’s is the best place for a spiritual escape in the city. Located in the heart of Kolkatas heritage center , Dalhousie Square, it was constructed in 1787by raising the funds through public lottery. teaching the word of God , to help all ages grow in Christ. Caring for everyone within our church community.


6: Calcutta Jain Temple


It is one of the most famous place in kolkata and must not be missed when exploring kolkata. The architecture of the temple is beautifully designed with intricately carved marbles giving the temple an alluring look. It is the place of worship for jains and the folllowers of jainism. A famous art connoissereur named Ray Badridas Bahadur built this temple in 1867.


Location: Badridas Temple Street, Kolkata 

Timings: 6:00am to 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Entry fee: None.


7: Belur Math


Belur Math is an important pilgrimage site and the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. It is one of the best places in kolkata for people who wish to seek inner peace. It was Swami Vijnanananda, who designed the Belur Math temple, which is built in chunar stone and concrete in an area spanning 32, 900 square feet and 113 feet high. The tranquil surroundings and architectural creativity make this place a hotspot of Kolkata tourism. It is located on the west bank of the Hoogly River in India , at Belur, and is one of the notable institutions in Kolkata. . It is spread across a total area of 40 acres, and is surrounded by palm trees and well maintained gardens. This temple is the heart of Ramkrishna movement. It is notable for its architecture that fuses  Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian. Swami Vivekananda envisioned that Belur Math would be a center of great harmony and synthesis. Belur Math was built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Cholas in 1116 AD.


Location: Belur, Howrah, West Bengal 

Timings: 6:00 am to 11:30 am and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

 Entry fee: Free Entry 


8: Dakshineswar Kali Temple


In 1847 by the Queen of Janbazar, Rani Rashmoni, this temple stands on the banks of River Hooghly. The temple became famous among the devotees after Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa took over as the head priest after the demise of his elder brother. Spread over an area of 25 acres.The massive courtyard of the main temple has 12 smaller Shiva temples identical to each other with black stone shivalingas. Rani Rashmoni, the founder of the temple was equally important in getting the reputation of the temple widespread . Located in the Dakshineswar town of Kolkata, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kali.It is situated on the eastern bank of the Hoogly River .This temple is famous for its association  with Ramkrishna and Ma Sarada Devi, mystics of 19th century in bengal. The temple complexes on the bank of river Hooghly, West Bengal.It took 8 years and a staggering amount of INR 900,000 to complete the structure.

 Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata.

Timings : 6 :00 am to 12:30 pm & 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm


9: Alipore Zoological Gardens


The Alipore Zoo is also sometimes called the Calcutta Zoo or the Zoological Garden of Alipore.  Attracting wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the country, it is immensely popular for once being the home of the ‘Adwaita’, the 250-year old Aldabra giant tortoise that had died in 2006. The many exotic animals living here include the Royal Bengal Tigers, white tigers, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, zebras, antelopes, and deer. Apart from these animals, the park is also home to bird species like Macaws, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, Lorikeets, Lady Amherst’s Pheasants, Ostriches,Emus,Hornbills, and even the Sarus Cranes that migrate here during the winters .The set up of the zoological garden was successful in 1875, after 3 failed attempts, in 1842, 1867 and 1873 respectively. The very first collections of the zoological garden came from private collections of the elites and nobility. 


Location: Belvedere Road, Lake Place, Alipore, Kolkata 700025


Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Thursday)


Entry fee: INR 25 (adults) | INR 10 (kids below 5).


10: Kalighat Kali Temple


It is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata to get familiar with the culture, traditions, and religious beliefs of the people of this beautiful city .The Kalighat temple is located by the banks of Adi Ganga, a small canal which falls into the Hooghly River The temple premises houses a couple of smaller temples, one dedicated to Shiva and is called as Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple and the other temple is dedicated to Radha- Krishna and the locals call it Shyamo- Ray temple.An interesting trivia which relates Kalighat and Kolkata is that, the presiding deity of Kalighat goes by the name ‘Kalika’, and the city of Kolkata is named after her. . However, the current structure of the temple is said to be only 200 years old. There is mention of Kalighat temple in 15th and 17th century literature too. It is said that the original temple, which was a small hut was built during the early 16th century.


11: Eden Gardens


Eden garden is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata for 2 daysThis cricket stadium is well-maintained and attracts cricket lovers from across the world. Located in B B D Bagh area, near the State Secretariat and Calcutta High Court, it was commissioned by the Governor-General Auckland in the year 1864. Among the most popular tourist places in Kolkata, this magnificent stadium has an overall capacity of 66,349 people, which makes it the second largest stadium in the world. With a seating capacity of 68,000, it has undergone many improvements since its construction. The first ever first- class match that was hosted in this stadium was in 1917-18. The first test match in Eden gardens was played in 1934 while the first ODI match was played in 1987. It is indeed a place worth visiting in Kolkata. It is not only the largest cricket stadium in India but the second largest in the world, second to the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. It is home to the Bengal Ranji Team and IPL team, the Kolkata Knight Riders. Eden garden is famous for being home to the loudest and liveliest audience and has been called ‘The Lords of Indian Subcontinent’ by former Australian captain Steve Waugh.


12: Science City Kolkata


In Kolkata, being the largest science centre in the entire Indian subcontinent, is one of the major attractions and is a must visit as it offers one of a kind experience for the visitors. The Science City is a perfect place to experience the blend between Science and Entertainment. It was opened in 1997.It is a unit of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and was started with the single motto of popularization of science.Paul Jozef Crutzen and Mr. Jyoti Basu, the then CM of West Bengal had inaugurated the Convention Centre in December 1996. The centre which is equally famous among domestic as well as international tourists has a dedicated section for aquatic worlds that houses some of the most exotic fish and insects.


Location: J.B.S Haldane Avenue, Kolkata 

Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. 

Entry fee: INR 15 to INR 80 depending upon the activities. 


13: Jorasanko Thakur Bari


In the 18th century in Jorasanko in the north of Kolkata, the Jorasanko Thakur Bari was built. By the famous Sett family of Burrabazar to Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, the land on which this ancestral home stands today was donated, who was the grandfather of Rabindranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore spent his entire childhood in this home itself and was born in this place in 1861. Located in the north of Kolkata in West Bengal in India, the House of the Thakurs, the Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the Bengali name, which is the ancestral home of the Tagore family, placed in Jorasanko. To visit, especially for those who are passionate about history and Bengali literature, this is an enjoyable and exciting place. Capturing the attention of the visitors there are 700 paintings that are exhibited in this ancestral home. There are also manuscripts, books, three different galleries, and other antique items in the museum which attracts visitors.  The  Rabindra Bharati Museum, which is commonly known as Jorasankho Thakurbari in the local language and was built in the year 1784. The Rabindra Bharati University was started with the purpose of imparting quality education to the students and is also located in proximity to the Jorasanko Thakur Bari.


14: Shobhabazar Rajbari


Shobhabazar Rajbari is among the popular tourist places in Kolkata. It is the palace of the Shobhabazar royal family. Its founder was Raja Nabakrishna Deb who established Rajbari in 1772. It features a saat-mahala house extended to a large central courtyard. The unique architecture of this Bari attracts thousands of visitors to this spot and make it an interesting excursion to be explored while holidaying in Kolkata.The Shobhabazar Rajbari was built in the middle of 1700 by Raja Nabakrishna Deb, a prominent aristocrat of Kolkata. He is noted for his contribution in the Bengal Renaissance and for starting the trend of Durga Puja by retaining the cultural heritage of Bengal at a time when European culture predominated mostly.


Location: 67C, Raja Nabakrishna Street, Kolkata

 Timings: 6.00 am to 5.00 pm 

Entry fee: None


15: Princep Ghat


It was built on banks of the Hooghly river, during British rule, Princep Ghat is a memorial inspired by Greek and Gothic styles of architecture. It is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata at night as the setup becomes totally lit with dazzling lighting throughout the place. It is also a popular picnic spot where people can spend quality time with their families. Surrounded by lush greenery on all sides, it’s the perfect spot for energizing evening walks amidst absolutely natural surroundings. There are also various food stalls nearby that sell delicious Kolkata street food, including the famous 50-year-old ice-creamcum fast-food joint that is famous amongst youngsters and college students here. Other than picnicking, people can also conduct religious rituals, take a dip in the water, or go boating, among other things that make this one of the finest places to visit in Kolkata near the airport. With the Vidyasagar Setu in the background, sunsets from Prinsep Ghat are a sight to revere. Most locals flock here in the evenings and wait till sunset as it offers one of the most beautiful sunset views.

 Location: Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata 

Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm 

Entry fee: None


16: Eco Tourism Park


This biggest urban park in India is spread over 475 acres and is considered as a perfect retreat for nature admirers. The park features three major parts, that’s the ecological zones, the gardens and the recreational zones. There are numerous activities that can be attended on the basis of the preference of the visitors. The cottages and conference halls inside the Eco-tourism park can be rented for personal or business needs. Eco Park (or Prakriti Tirtha) is an urban park in New Town, Greater Kolkata, India. With an area of 480 acres (190 ha) Eco Park is the largest urban park. Eco Tourism Park is an ecological garden that spreads over 480 acres of land and is surrounded by 104 acres of Waterbody.the Park was inaugurated on 9th December 2012 and opened to public on 1st January 2013. This beautifully landscaped garden in the heart of Rajarhat features ecological zones, recreational areas as well as theme gardens and open spaces. While the lake is one of the highlights of the Eco Tourism Park, it also boasts of a variety of other attractions. the garden has been divided into five areas active zone, theme area (north), theme area (south), lake zone and eco zones.

Location: Major Arterial Road(South-East), AA II, Newtown, Kolkata 

Timings: 2.30 pm to 8.30 pm (Monday closed)

 Entry fee: 30/-



17: Park Street 


Park Street is a street in Kolkata that is well-known for shopping. From food to traditional saris, there’s no dearth of things to buy in Kolkata. Some of the most awesome things to buy in Kolkata include Dokra and paper mâché masks. The best time to visit this street is around Christmas to witness the beautiful decorations. Some of the famous restaurants and nightclubs in the area are Trinca’s, Peter Cat, Moulin Rouge, Mocambo, Blue Fox, Charcoal Grill, Tung Fong, Over the Top and Only Pub. Park Street also offers shopping experience for both street shoppers and elites., Park Street is also famous for the food, hence, is also called the ‘Food Street’. It is the place where the iconic South Park Street Cemetery is situated, which is considered among the most haunted places of India.Kolkata's foremost dining district,with many restaurants and pubs. It is often known as "Food Street" and "The Street that Never Sleeps".


 Location: Central Kolkata, Kolkata District, West Bengal


Timings: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm 


Entry fee: None.



18: Central Park


It is also known as Banabitan, Central Park is a public urban park. It is the second-largest park after Maidan, situated in Bidhannagar, Kolkata. Being a favourite hangout for lovers, the park has a rose garden that has different varieties of domestic and imported roses. The park is built around an expansive lake and the lake is a heaven for water birds. Another famous attraction in the park is the beautiful butterfly garden which is home to numerous species of butterflies.Central Park situated in Salt Lake is a public urban park. It is also known as Banabitan. It is the third largest open space in Kolkata Metropolitan Area after the Maidan and Eco Park. This park is easily reachable from the Karunamoyee Bus Terminus in Salt Lake.

 Location: Fourth Ave, Central Park, Sector III, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700064 

Timings: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm

 Entry fee: INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for kids


19: Tipu Sultan Mosque


Multi-dome mosque in the heart of Esplanade in the city of Kolkata tells tales of a fallen royal family. Constructed in the year 1832, the mosque locally known as Tipu Sultan Shahi Masjid is an architectural and cultural heritage with double aisles and tall minarets. It is believed that the family of Tipu Sultan was exiled in the then city of Calcutta after the king was killed. Forced to live a penniless life after the death of his father, the young prince started saving the stipend he received from the British East India Company and used his enterprising skills to acquire all the land from South to Central Kolkata.Tipu Sultan Mosque, also called as Tipu Sultan Masjid is one of the famous places of visit in Kolkata. Its attractive architecture with four tall towers fencing its boundaries is a striking sight. The mosque allows entry to people of all religions unlike other mosques in the locality. Built by Gholam Mohammed in 1842, the Mosque has a capacity to hold 1000 people. Everyday prayers are led by the Imam of the mosque, Noor ur Rahman Barkati. During Ramzan, prayers are chanted with such devotion and rejuvenation of the religion is done in the aim of creating a stronger bond with God. 

Location: Esplaned Mor Main Chowrasta, Lenin Sarani Road, Esplanade, Kolkata, West Bengal 700069, India

 Timings: 4:00 am to 10:00 pm

 Entry fee: Free of cost.


20: Japanese Buddhist Temple

The most relaxing and refreshing place that comes under Kolkata tourism, the Japanese Buddhist Temple is a perfect escape for those who are in search of solitude. This Buddhist temple is a place where one can witness numerous monks chanting and worshipping in their native language. The beats of drums can be heard during the dusk and dawn of the day. The temple is home to a giant pillar that is located right outside an open verandah. This pillar has a peace message adorned on it in the Japanese language. The temple is surely one of the most beautiful places to see in Kolkata.

 Location: Rabindra Sarobar, South End Park, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700045, India 

Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm 

Entry fee: Free of cost.

21: National Library

 One of the many best things that happened to Kolkata is the National Library. It is the largest library in terms of volume in the entire Indian Subcontinent and also happens to be the first in Eastern part of India. Kolkata, being the first modern city of British Empire outside of Great Britain, had enjoyed several perks, and among them, the rich heritage in terms of architecture, art and culture gains highest marks. The library is spread across an area of 30 acres. Being maintained by the collaborative efforts of the Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India, The National library boasts of having the largest collection of books, journals, periodicals, manuscripts and newspapers in both Indian and Foreign languages.

Location: Belvedere Road, Block A, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027, India

 Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm 

Entry fee: None



22: Diamond Harbour

Diamond Harbour is one of the most splendid places to visit near Kolkata. It’s the point where the Ganges meets the sea. There are many things to see in Diamond Harbour like the Chingrikhali fort, which was the home of the Portuguese pirates, an age-old lighthouse, and Sarisha Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. It’s the best place to just see the vast sea and boating in the local boats. a small town of 33,000 in South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal in India. It is situated on the banks of the river Hoogly, 51km south of Calcutta. It is located at the point where the Ganges River turns south toward the Bay of Bengal. In earlier days Diamond Harbour used to be a stronghold of Portuguese pirates. The ruins of the fort of Chingrikhali can still be seen. It is believed to be linked with the Portuguese but some opine that the East India Company built it before they could establish themselves in Kolkata. There is an old lighthouse nearby. Diamond Harbour is well connected with Kolkata by road and rail. The tourist lodge, Sagarika, located on the riverbank, has been popular for many years. 

District : South 24 Parganas

23: Sundarbans

Kolkatas most famous tourists spot is Sunderbans which is one of the natural wonders of the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sunderbans is a part of the world’s largest delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. It is also the largest tiger reserve and national park in India. Other than wildlife, the Sunderbans are the epitome of breathtaking natural beauty and the most surreal landscapes which make them one of the best tourists attraction in kolkata for couples,  mangrove area in the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal. The forest is very rich in biodiversity and supports different species of about 334 plants, 120 fishes, 35 reptiles, 270 birds and 42 mammals. The Sundarbans is the only habitat of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger and estuarine crocodile. Ganges delta is a river delta. It is the world largest river delta where several river systems combine and empties into the Bay of Bengal The Ganges Brahmaputra Delta, also named Ganges Delta, Sunderban Delta or Bengal Delta is situated in Asia where the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers discharge into the Bay of Bengal. It is, with a surface area of some 100.000 km2, the world's largest Delta.The park was created in 1984 as a core area within the larger Sundarbans Tiger Preserve (established 1973), has an area of 514 square miles (1,330 square km).

Location: Dayapur, Gosaba, West Bengal
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 15 for Indians | INR 150 for foreigners

24: Rabindra Sarovar

Rabindra Sarovar is an artificial lake in Kolkata. It is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata if you are looking for a quiet, and peaceful time. Every morning one would find numerous people jogging, or walking along the shores of the lake. It is also a perfect spot for nature admirers who wish to get close to the beauty of nature. Rabindra Sarobar Lake is situated in South Kolkata covering an area of 192acres, where the actual water area consisting of three water bodies is about 73 acres. It is surrounded by Southern Avenue to the North, Russa Road to the West, Dhakuria to the east, and the Kolkata Sub urban Railway track to the south.  an artificial lake, garden and park in South Kolkata in the Indian state of West Bengal. The name also refers to the area surrounding the lake.

Location: Southern Avenue, Golpark, Tollygunge, Dhakuria, Lake Gardens, Kolkata

Entry fee: Free. 


25: Aquatica


 Aquatica is one of the largest water amusement parks in Eastern India. For people who seek light-hearted adventure along with some fun-filled activities, Aquatica is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata with friends where one can enjoy numerous thrilling rides and activities. Spread across a huge 75,000 square feet area. It is a water theme park and resort in Kolkata having many exciting themed rides, slides, entertainment and recreational activities for all their guests. The water park occupies over 75000 square feet of area and provides for a pleasant respite from the scorching summer heat. Aquatica is a Water Theme Park owned and operated by Vishal Water World Private Limited located in Kolkata.


Location: Kochpukur, P.O Hatgachia, Near Rajarhat Township, Kolkata
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 450 to 550 for adults, and INR 300 for children


26: Nicco Park


One of the best places to visit in Kolkata, Nicco Park is an exhilarating amusement park developed for the sole purpose of recreational activities for families. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in Kolkata that houses various adventurous, and fun-filled rides for children as well as adults where they can spend some rejuvenating time with their families. The construction of Nicco Park began in 1986 and took five years to complete. The park features a variety of attractions, such as roller coasters, water rides, and a giant Ferris wheel. One of the most popular attractions is the “Cyclone,” a roller coaster once the largest in Asia. Nicco Corporation Ltd. started as a small-scale company in 1951 but expanded its operations in the following decades to become a leading engineering firm in India. In the 1980s, the company decided to diversify its business and venture into the amusement park industry. Another popular destination near Nicco Park is Eco Park, a vast park with several landscaped gardens, lakes, and walking trails. The park is perfect for picnics and relaxing after a long day of exploring Nicco Park.

Location: Jheel Meel, Sector IV, Salt Lake City, Kolkata

Timings: 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 200 to INR 650


27: Indian Museum


Calcutta, oldest museum in India and one of the most comprehensive in the Orient; its collections depict the cultural history of India from prehistoric to Muslim times. The present building, opened in 1875, comprises sections devoted to geology, zoology, industry, archaeology, art, and ethnology. Founded in 1814 at the cradle of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (at the present building of the Asiatic Society, 1 Park Street, Kolkata), Indian Museum is the earliest and the largest multipurpose Museum not only in the Indian subcontinent but also in the Asia-Pacific region of the world. With the foundation of Indian Museum in 1814, the Museum movement started rolling in India and through the years from then, got a new fillip and great momentum. Since then, it has so magnificently developed and culminated into the fruitful existence of more than 400 museums in the country. The movement, which was started in 1814, in fact was the beginning of a significant epoch initiating the socio-cultural and scientific achievements of the country.


Location: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Colootola, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 20 for Indians, and INR 500 for foreigners


28: Town Hall


During the 19th century, town halls often included reading rooms to provide free education to the public, and it later became customary for the council to establish and maintain a public library. The grand chamber or meeting place, the "town hall" itself, became a place for receptions, banquets, balls, and public entertainment. Town halls were often equipped with large pipe organs to facilitate public recitals.Constructed in the year 1814, Town Hall is another one of the well-preserved treasures and best visiting places in Kolkata. An architectural marvel, one can see the hints of Roman Doric in the styles of the structure of Town Hall. This location is home to statues and structures of some renowned British warriors, queens, emperors, and captains. The Town Hall has an historic significance latched to itself as during the times of British Raj, this location was used as a spot for all the social gatherings. The building is characterised by a thirty feet high ceiling and two storeys In the 20th century, town halls have served the public as places for voting, examinations etc.

 

Location: Esplanade Row West, Bbd Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001, India

Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fee: INR 10 for weekdays and INR 15 for weekends


29: Birla Industrial And Technological Museum


Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) in Kolkata, the first science museum in the country under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, is engaged in popularizing and promoting science especially among the youth through various interactive models, exhibitions, educational programmes and activities throughout the year. When the talks of industrial development in India takes place, Birla happens to be one of the top names. Often referred to as the pioneers of Science and Technology in India, Birlas have led to establishing a museum in the year 1956 that showcases their achievements. This Children’s Museum is an ideal spot to educate the younger generation about the long way that this country has come. Apart from giving the younger generation a chance to learn about the developments, this museum also gives them an opportunity to grasp the basic concepts of science. From galleries and workshops to basic science and advanced concepts, this museum has got it all. Over the years, a host of other in-museum and outreach educational programmes and activities were added that included Creative Ability Centres (CAC), Computer Awareness Programmes, Engineering Fair, Pet Library, Inflatable Dome Planetarium Show, Public Science Shows, Students’ Science Seminar, Science Drama, Vacation Hobby Camps, and many more.


Location: Gurusaday Dutta Road, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019, India

Timings: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm

Entry fee: INR 30 per person 

 


30: Fort William


Fort William is located on the banks of river Hooghly towards the eastern end. It was constructed during the initial years of the British Raj. Fort William Kolkata is named after King William II of Scotland and King William III of Ireland and England There are two Fort William in Kolkata – old Fort William and New Fort William. The old fort William was built in the year 1696 by the British East India Company. Siraj-Ud-Daulah, the king of Bengal attacked the British and conquered the city of Kolkata in the year 1756. During this phase, the Britishers had to construct a new fort in the Maidan. It took almost twenty five years to complete to rebuild the fort. Along with seven bastions and seven gates, Fort William Kolkata has a fifty feet high wall. The surrounding area turned into a beautiful park.

Location: Maidan, Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021.

Timing: 10 am to 5 pm everyday.
Best time to visit: Weekdays.


31: Birla Planetarium


The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is a single-storeyed circular structure designed in the typical Indian style, whose architecture is loosely styled on the Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi. Situated at Chowringhee Road adjacent to the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Maidan in Central Kolkata, it is the largest planetarium in Asia and the second largest planetarium in the world. There are two other Birla Planetariums in India: B.M. Birla Planetarium in Chennai and the Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad. Popularly known as taramandal, the planetarium was inaugurated on 2 July 1963 by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. It has an electronics laboratory for design and fabrication of science equipment. It has an astronomy gallery that maintains a huge collection of fine paintings and celestial models of renowned astronomers Daily programs are conducted in English, Bengali and Hindi. The show timings are as follows: 12:00 PM Hindi, 1:00 PM English, 2:00 PM Hindi, 3:00 PM Bengali, 4:00 PM Hindi, 5:00 PM Bengali, 6:00 PM English. Extra shows are arranged on holidays. It has a capacity of 6800. It has a capacity of 6800. It reopened to public on 18 July 2017, after closing down for 28 months of renovations work.

Location: Paul's Cathedral, 96, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Adjacent To St, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071.

Pricing: INR.80 per show at the Birla Planetarium.
Time: 11:30 am, 4 pm and 6 pm, (the Telugu Sky) 12:15 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, and 8:15 pm.
Best Time to Visit: In morning hours.


32: Indian Museum

Indian Museum is among the oldest museums in the world. It was established in 1814, by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in Kolkata. The museum has plenty of ornaments, fossils, ornaments, armors as well as mummies. Also, the outstanding structure has a total of four galleries that are not just dedicated to natural history but also zoological information. If you’re in search of deep historical information, then this is among the best places to visit in Kolkata.The movement, which was started in 1814, in fact was the beginning of a significant epoch initiating the socio-cultural and scientific achievements of the country. It is otherwise considered as the beginning of the modernity and the end of mediaeval era. For the interest of people who enjoy ancient artifacts, the Museum has a vast collection of contemporary paintings, sacred writings of Buddha, antique sculptures, ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mughal paintings etc. 

Location: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016.
Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day.
Best Time to Visit: In the afternoon.

Price: INR.50 for Indian citizens and INR.500 per foreigner.


33: Shaheed Minar

Shaheed Minar is a tall monument that was constructed in 1828. Unknown to some, the monument was constructed in honor of the late Major General Sir David Orchterlony. Most people wonder how a monument still stands despite being over two centuries old. The secret lies in the design, as well as the materials used to construct it. The construction of the Shaheed Minar started in 1825 and ended in 1828. The monument is 48 meters tall. Shaheed Minar monument built in memory of the mother language martyrs, who were killed on 21 February 1952 during the language movement. It has a foundation based on the Egyptian style. The column is a combination of styles with a classical fluted column, a Syrian upper portion, and a Turkish dome. It has two balconies at the top. a half-circular column as a symbol of the mother and her martyred sons standing on the dais in the main part of the monument. The 71-foot tall pillars form a triangle on top of a 52-foot long brick-built base.

Location: Bus stop Dharmtalla  Dufferin Rd  Kolkata, West Bengal 700069.
Best Time to Visit: During the daytime.


34: Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a public park in Kolkata, situated along the Strand Road on eastern shore of Hooghly River for a stretch of 2.5 km near Babughat and opposite to Koilaghat. The park consists of landscaped gardens and children's amusement rides. It was opened along the riverside to provide a green area for Kolkata's polluted waterway. It is a millennium gift from Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA/CMDA) inaugurated on 26 December 1999. The park is part of the first phases of the Kolkata Riverside Beautification Project. The park is open from 1pm-7pm.  the Millennium is just a small part of one of the larger Kolkata Riverside Beautification projects. Some of the activities for the visitors include boat riding, break dancing, toy trains, among other activities. The park is among the most highly rated tourist attractions in Kolkata.

Location: Millennium Park situated in Kolkata, along the Strand road.

Price: INR.300-INR.400 (including boating).

Timing: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, every day.

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon.


35: Mothers wax Museum

Mother’s Wax Museum pays tribute to some of the legends in the world of Sports by keeping statues of phenomenal people such as our very own captain Virat Kohli and Bengal’s pride, Sourav Ganguly. Lionel Messi and Maradona also grace us with their presence. Inspired by Madame Tussauds in London, Mother’s Wax Museum came into existence in November 2014. It is one of the most legendary and unqiue places to visit in Kolkata.  It is a kid-friendly place and has all the makings of a wonderful place to go to on the weekends.


Location: No. 69 -1111 HIDCO Tower  CBD-1 New Town Kolkata

Timings: 12 noon to 7:30 pm

Entry fee: INR 200


36: Lord Jesus Church


The church was founded in first century AD/ AE on teachings of Jesus of Nazareth of Chris. Her body on earth born like her Head amidst tribulation under jealous skies. Cradled in her innocence and guarded for His purpose. She grows in wisdom and stature with victory on her lips and freedom in her hands. Hers is an unstoppable cause. She embraces the world with dignity, honour and compassion gives vision to the sightless and life to the dying. She is the bride of Christ on earth readying herself for the day when all eyes will be upon her. Prepared and presented before the Lord The Lamb for whom the world waits, who comes like the rising sun majestic and magnificent beyond description while she dazzles with reflected glory.


Location: 76, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Rd, Haji Md. Mohsin Square, Janbazar, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016.



Best Time to Visit Kolkata

Kolkata is one of the more renowned cities of the eastern part of India. Also called the cultural capital of the country, it offers visitors myriad experiences within its vast area. Like most parts of India, Kolkata too has three seasons  warm summers, a moist monsoon and pleasant winters. Being a coastal city though, with a typical tropical climate, winter is the best time to visit Kolkata.

April to May 30-40 degrees summer- hot and humid

June to September 20-28 degrees Moonsoon- heavy rains

October to March 9-11 degrees winter- cool and comfortable.


How to reach Kolkata

By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is situated 17 km from the city centre. It has good connectivity with other major Indian cities. From the airport, you can opt for a taxi or bus to reach the final destination.

By Train: Kolkata has a good network of railways which is well linked to other cities. Howrah and Sealdah are two major railway stations in the city.

By Road: Kolkata has a good road connection with most Indian cities. A number of private and government buses also operate regularly. The Esplanade Terminus situated in the heart of the city is the main bus terminus.



Where to stay

The Grand Oberoi, Taj Bengal, ITC SONAR, JW Marriot , The Westin Rajarhat , Novotel, The Elgin Fairlawn, The Park Hotel, The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata,Pride Plaza, Fairfield by Marriott kolkata, Vedic Village Spa Resort , The Astor, The Lindsay, Raajkutir, Kolkata, Zone by the park, The Westin.

Where to eat 

Nizams behind New Market

Bhojohori Manna

Oh Calcutta

Kookie jar 

Petter Cat 

Shiraz 

Location : on the eastern bank of Hoogly Air NCSBI Airport and the railways are Howrah and Sealdah .