Kolkata is one of the most historically, culturally, and lively city of India. Whether you are interested in history, arts or just planning your next adventurous trip, Kolkata will not leave you disappointed. Below are the Top 10 visiting places in Kolkata that you should not miss when in Kolkata.
1. Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial is a beautiful white marble structure. Constructed between 1906 and 1921 in honor of Queen Victoria. This is one of the most famous and recognizable buildings in Kolkata. There is a museum in the memorial that displays a large number of items from the British colonial period in India including paintings and sculptures. Among the items that can be viewed in the museum, are the belongings of the Queen, documents, and the collection of weapons. The memorial is surrounded by large gardens which makes it easy for people to sit and admire the beauty of the structures. The light and sound show in the evening is an interesting show that tells the history of Kolkata and the British Raj.
2. Howrah Bridge
Howrah bridge, a piece of engineering excellence, is one of the most heavily used cantilever bridges in the world. It is built across the Hooghly River and links the city of Kolkata with its sister city Howrah. It is a connecting link for the daily commuters and a part of the never sleeping life of Kolkata. The bridge which is also known as the Rabindra Setu is one of the symbol of the spirit of the city of Kolkata. The beauty of the sunset over the Hooghly River while standing on the bridge is one of the most beautiful sights that depict the beauty of the city. Crossing the bridge is a very interesting activity that provides a beautiful view of the river and the buildings of the city.
3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
One of the famous religious places in Kolkata is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple which is devoted to the goddess Kali. The temple was constructed in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a great social worker and a great devotee of Goddess Kali, the temple is located on the eastern bank of the river Hooghly. The architectural design of the temple is lovely and contains nine domes that are located on three stories. It has thousands of followers and tourists visiting the temple every year, especially during the Kali Puja festival. The temple is also linked to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the saint of Bengal, and the spiritual guru of Swami Vivekananda, whose divine messages are still influencing the Hinduism philosophy. A few other ghats nearby are also quite calm which can be used for meditation and other purposes.
4. Indian Museum
The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the oldest and among the largest museums in India. Established in 1814, it has a rich stock of items such as fossils, mummies, ornaments, and sculptures of antiquity. The museum is divided into six sections: Painting, Archeology, Sociology, Geology, Zoology, and Economic Botany. Every segment provides a brief look at the cultural and geographical endowment of India. Some of the major attractions of the museum are the Egyptian mummy, the Buddhist stupa of Bharhut, and the Ashoka Pillar. The galleries contain a lot of information that will benefit any history enthusiast or anyone who just wants to learn.
5. Park Street
Park Street is the hub of the nightlife and entertainment in Kolkata. It is bordered with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops and is thus a very busy area for both the locals and tourists. Park Street is well known for its Christmas and New Year festivity where the whole street is lighted and decorated. The famous Flurys cafe with its delicious pastries and breakfasts, the legendary Peter Cat restaurant famous for its Chelo Kebabs, and many other iconic eateries make Park Street a gourmets’ paradise. The buildings lining the street are old colonial structures and this gives the street a lively commercial feel.
6. Marble Palace
The Marble Palace constructed in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick is a magnificent house with Italian marble. This is a neoclassical architectural style combined with some elements of Bengal style. Marble Palace has a rich collection of Western sculptures, Victorian furniture, paintings of Rubens and Rembrandt, and many more. The palace has beautiful gardens and even a small zoo within the compound which makes it even more appealing. The interiors of the palace with the crystal chandeliers, carved wooden ceilings and the large corridors give a glimpse of the luxurious life of the aristocracy of Bengal. The private art collection is one of the best in India and thus the place is a must visit for anyone who loves art.
7. Science City
Science City in Kolkata is among the largest and most active science museums globally. It was established in 1997 and has various interesting sections with games and other things that teach science in a very fun manner. Some of the attractions are the Space Odyssey, Evolution Park, and a 3D theatre. Science City is a perfect place for families and everyone who is eager to discover the secrets of science and technologies. The musical fountain and the butterfly garden that are located outside the building add a little extra flair. The Dynamotion Hall which has many of the interactive displays is preferred by children and young people.
8. St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Anglican St. Paul’s Cathedral constructed in 1847 is a great example of the Indo-Gothic style of architecture. Stained glass windows and beautiful frescoes are the main attractions of the cathedral. The interior of the cathedral is also very calm and the visitors can escape the noise and crowds of the city. The neighbouring gardens, along with the Bishop’s House, complement the quiet tone of the place.
The cathedral is a part of Kolkata’s colonial history, which makes it an important cultural structure. The Christmas service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral is usually a big event and contributes immensely to the jubilant atmosphere that is characteristic of the city during the holiday season.
9. Kalighat Temple
The Kalighat Temple is one of the oldest and famous temples of Kolkata which is dedicated to goddess Kali. It is considered to be one of the fifty one Shakti Peeths, where it is believed that parts of Sati’s body fell. It is a famous temple and many devotees visit the temple especially during the festival of Durga Puja. The environment is lively and filled with life and this creates a dynamic spiritual experience.
The temple has small lanes where shops for religious items, flowers, and sweets are found and this makes the place lively and colorful. The ghats nearby are considered to have curative powers and a bath in the holy water is considered to be lucky.
10. Eden Gardens
Cricket lovers should not miss Eden Gardens which has been a favorite venue for cricket lovers and players. It was established in the year 1864 and over the years, several historical cricket matches have been held. It has a seating capacity of over 66,000; therefore, it is among the biggest cricket stadiums in the country. If there is no match on, then the environment of the stadium is quite fascinating and the park adjacent to it with a green background and a lake is also a good area to visit. The cricket stadium also has a museum that briefly describes the history of cricket in India. Cricket lovers can only imagine going to Eden Gardens because it is not just watching a cricket match; it is reliving history.
Conclusion
Kolkata is a fascinating city, it has the old world charm mixed with the new age experiences and every visitor to the city is sure to have an interesting time. The city of joy has many historical and religious places to visit, the streets are full of life and the cultural places are breathtaking. All these top 10 visiting places in Kolkata offer a different perspective of the city’s spirit; thus, it is worth visiting Kolkata. Whether you are strolling through the crowded Park Street, admiring the beauty of Victoria Memorial, or seeking the illusive tranquility in St. Paul’s Cathedral area, Kolkata guarantees one an exciting and enjoyable trip. So come along, plan your schedule, and get prepared to be enchanted by the beauty of the “City of Joy”.
