Want to have a close rendezvous with Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs or
fossil skeletons? Then head to the magical Indian Museum in Kolkata
right away! Founded by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, the Indian Museum
is the oldest and the largest multi-purpose museum in the entire
Asia-Pacific region of the world. It was the formation of this museum
that pioneered the idea of having a museum to foster man-made and
natural objects of national importance. The collection at the museum is
so remarkable that it is often regarded as the "Jadu Ghar" or the house
of magic by the locals.
The year 1814 witnessed the formation of this incredible museum in
the Park Street area of Kolkata. With over 100,000 exhibits in store,
the India Museum becomes the country’s largest repository of antiques
and artifacts. The museum is replete with the most impressive collection
of archaeological, geographical and botanical objects. Astonishing
objects such as remains of the Harappan Civilization, meteorites,
Buddha’s ashes, Shah Jahan’s emerald goblet, and even human embryos can
be seen in the galleries of the Indian Museum.
The Italian style of architecture was used to construct the
magnificent structure of the museum. The museum has six departments for
Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Economic Botany,
comprising more than sixty galleries. A book shop and a library are also
provided for those inquisitive about history. The Indian Museum is
regarded as an Institution of National Importance by the the
Constitution of India. It offers a plethora of exquisite credentials of
the Indian culture and heritage. The Indian Museum is a golden
opportunity for us to get an insight of the rich history of our nation.
Timings:
- March to November: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- December to February: 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays and public holidays
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Indians; Rs. 150 for foreigners 
Location: Strand Road, Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata, rightfully known as the City of Joy, is full of attractions
that provide immense joy to its visitors. And if you are on a lookout
for a quiet and peaceful place to spend some quality time, then Prinsep
Ghat is the ideal location for you! A place with an exceptional
photographic view, Prinsep Ghat was built during the British Raj on the
banks of the Hooghly River. The people of Kolkata built this ghat in the
memory of James Prinsep, a learned man who helped in deciphering
Emperor Akbar’s Brahminical script.
Located on Strand Road, Prinsep Ghat is one of the most attractive
sights in the city of Kolkata. Though the Ghat was constructed in the
year 1841, it was opened to the public only in 1843. Greek and Gothic
style of architecture was used to construct the monument. As a part of
its renovation, a 2 km stretch of riverfront was built from the Prinsep
Ghat to Baje Kadamtala Ghat in the year 2012. The stretch is beautified
with illuminated gardens and pathways much popular amongst the couples
and youngsters. To add on to the mesmerizing aura of the place, boat
rides are also available along the river especially during the sunsets.
Prinsep Ghat is one of the most sought after recreational spot in
Kolkata. The ghat is crowded with locals who spend hours sitting
together in peace or making the most of the romantic boat rides. Princep
Ghat also happens to be the location where the popular song ‘Piyu Bole’
from the movie Parineeta was shot. A number of street stalls, offering
mouth-watering Jhal-muri, Pani-Puris and Pav-Bhaji are available, if
hunger pangs strike you at this spot. Prinsep Ghat is the ideal place to
let yourself free in the tranquility of Hoogly River amidst the
bustling Kolkata city.
Preferred Timings: Sunrise and Sunset
Rabindra Sarovar Lake- The Lungs of Kolkata
Rabindra Sarovar Lake or the Dhakuria Lake, as it was known earlier,
are the lungs of Kolkata. This is one place in South Kolkata where you
can escape the commotion and be with yourself. I remember going there
when I was a kid with my grandpa. My brother, my cousins and I used to
have a gala time running through the entire stretch, while grandpa
continued walking at his usual speed. I remember the badam and muri I
had there at that time. Then there was a gap; a gap of 25 years. My
association with Dhakuria Lake somehow stopped during that time. I
shifted houses and there was no one with whom I could go to the Dhakuria
Lake. But something was there in the offering.
You forget you are in a city when you come here
My union with the lake happened again. My childhood memories flashed
back. My school friends used to meet at the Dhakuria Lake every Sunday
and they asked me to join them. I started going to the lake again. I
didn’t mind going there in spite of all odds. Yes, I even went there at
1:30 pm last Sunday in this summer heat. Trust me it is not crazy. The
greenery there reduces the heat. You have to be there to understand what
I mean. The badam and the muri and the tea (yes, this was of course an
addition) all returned.
The reason why you get so much fresh air.
Then something good happened and I returned to live near the lake. My
morning walks now happen at the lake. I would be honest to say I need
motivation for my morning walk. I cannot go walking on the streets. To
me the motivation is the greenery, the smell of the waters of the lake
and the chirping of the birds everyday. A walk by the lake is like
pumping fresh air into your lungs everyday. I would refrain from saying
anything negative about the lake. Yes, there are issues, but the
positive weighs everything down.
Hangseswari Temple-  
Bandel Church in Kolkata: Like a God’s Blessing
Location: Bandel, 43 kms from Kolkata, West Bengal
With a long list of miracles attached with this church, it would have
been more appropriate if it was called “A God’s Blessing”. Such is the
divinity of the Bandel Church in the Hooghly District of West Bengal.
Standing as the memoir of the Portuguese settlement in Bengal, it is one
of the oldest Christian churches of the state. The present structure of
the church was built in the year 1660 by Gomez de Soto and it still has
the keystone of the old building with the date of 1599.
The Bandel Church is one of the most attractive and prestigious
churches of India. An arched gateway welcomes you as you enter the
church on the banks of the Hooghly River. The church has three altars,
several tomb stones, a small organ and a shrine of Mother Mary. A mast,
which was presented by the captain of the ship which was saved by the
blessings of Mary, stands proudly in front of the church and is one of
major attractions here.
According to a popular belief, the wishes of every disciple who comes
to this church are fulfilled by Mother Mary. The Bandel Church is
visited by lakhs of visitors from all around the world. The magnificent
beauty of this church is something best seen with your own eyes!
Kalighat Temple
The Kalighat Temple in Kolkata of goddess Kali is 20 kilometers north of
Kolkata city, situated on the banks of river Hoogly. It was established
in 1847. Kalighat temple is about 200 years old. Kalighat Temple of
Kolkata is a significant religious place for the Hindus in eastern
India.
Thanthania Kalibari in Kolkata
The Thanthania Kalibari in Kolkata is the holy abode of "Goddess Kali",
who is perhaps the most substantial and powerful image of raw womanly
energy in this entire planet. It is needless to say that Goddess Kali is
the undisputed presiding divinity of the "city of joy". One can easily
spot a shrine dedicated to the mighty Goddess at any remote part of the
city.
Belur Math
Belur Math is located on the banks of the river Hooghly in West Bengal.
It was built in 1988. Belur Math is well known for its tranquil beauty.
Belur Math is the international headquarter of the Ramakrishna Mission
which was established by Swami Vivekananda in loving memory of his
teacher Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa who preached for unity of all
religions.
Dakshineshwar Temple
Kolkata, the largest metropolis in India is famous for its religious
places. Dakshineshwar Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali is 20 kilometers
north of Kolkata city and was established in 1847 by Rani Rasmoni.
Pareshnath Jain Temple
Pareshnath Jain Temple is located in the north-east of Kolkata. The
temple is decorated with mirrors, colored stones and mosaics made of
glass. It has a beautiful garden around it. It has blocks of glass
mosaics and European statues, painted with silver paint.
Nakhoda Mosque
Nakhoda Mosque is located in Jacquaria Street, near the junction of
Chitpore Road and Mahatma Gandhi Road in Kolkata.Nakhoda Mosque of
Kolkata in the beginning was a small mosque. It was as late in 1926,
when resident of Kutch, Abdar Rahim Osman built the present structure.
Nakhoda Mosque of Kolkata is the biggest of its kind in Kolkata. It was
constructed following the style of Akbar's tomb at Sikandra- which is a
piece of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata is one of the most important religious
places of Kolkata. The church took a much longer time to be completed.
After about 8 years of construction the building was finally finished in
1847. The building architecture of St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata was
magnificently designed by Major William Nairn Forbes.
St John's Church
The St. John's Church of Kolkata is one among the first public buildings
that were constructed by the East India Company. St. John's Church was
constructed in the year 1787. This church is popular as 'The Stone
Church'. St. John's Church is located at BBD Bagh in Kolkata, West
Bengal.
Armenian Church
Armenian Church of Kolkata is situated in the Armenian Street, at the
north-west corner of Barabazaar, close to the Howrah Bridge in
Kolkata.Constructed in 1764 and planned in the early 18th century, the
Armenian Church of Kolkata is at present the most ancient church of
Kolkata. The internal walls of the Armenian Church of Kolkata are
ornamented with marble, while the overhead gallery has mural tablets.
Famous Monuments in Kolkata
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge is popularly known as Rabindra Setu in West Bengal. Howrah
Bridge in Kolkata spans over river Hooghly and is considered to be a
marvelous engineering work by the British. The Howrah Bridge is
enumerated amongst the busiest cantilever bridge in the World.
Rabindra Sadan
Rabindra Sadan is the hub of the prime Bengali culture in the the
metropolitan city of Kolkata. The large stage of Rabindra Sadan is a
premier venue for 'Bangla' theater and other cultural activities of the
city.Rabindra Sadan of Kolkata is a major entertainment zone and
cultural center for the Bengali society where you can view dramas, dance
cultural programmes and exhibitions every evening.
Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial of Kolkata is a majestic structure in white
marble, modeled on Taj Mahal. The Victoria Memorial was built in memory
of Queen Victoria in the early 20th Century. The total expenditure of
building Victoria Memorial was around Rs 1,50,000,000.
Vidyasagar Setu
The Vidyasagar Setu, popularly known as the second Hooghly Bridge is
situated about 2 kilometers south of Howrah Bridge, Kolkata. The
Vidyasagar Setu is the latest suspension bridge of Kolkata across the
Hooghly connecting the city to its twin city of Howrah.Vidyasagar Setu
of Kolkata has 9 lanes of traffic routes enabling it to handle nearly
85,000 vehicles daily. The Vidyasagar Setu of Kolkata,West Bengal is a
toll bridge for all types of vehicles entering and going out of Kolkata.
Kolkata Race Course
Kolkata Race Course is one of the biggest race course in India. Kolkata
Race Course was built in 1820 and well-kept by the Royal Turf Club of
Kolkata.Kolkata Race Course is the renowned horse race venues in India
where the country's most prestigious racing events such as the Calcutta
Derby and the Queen Elizabeth Cup are organized at a regular interval.
The Race Course of Kolkata is located in the south-western point of the
green Kolkata Maidan. The Victoria Memorial lies in the western corner
of the Race Course of Kolkata, West Bengal.
National Library
The National library is located at the Belvedere Estate very near to the
Alipore Zoo in Kolkata. The National library of Kolkata is the largest
library in India.The National library was the residence of the former
Lieutenant Governor of West Bengal. The library at present contains
almost 2 million books and half a million documents.
Shahid Minar in Kolkata
The Shahid Minar in Kolkata, West Bengal was built by Sir David
Ochterlony in the year 1948 to immortalize his astounding triumph in the
Nepal War that took place in the period between 1814 and 1816. This
skyscraper monument standing at approximately 48 meters enlightens the
night sky of the Maidan region situated in the hub of Kolkata, as it is
superficially illuminated by a dazzling shower of bright light from all
its corners.
Kolkata Marble Palace
The Marble Palace in Kolkata is an exquisitely engineered palatial
mansion that was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur, who was one of
the wealthiest landlords of West Bengal in the year 1835. It's sheer
magnificence and scintillating artistry will surely captivate you in a
state of trance.
MP Birla Planetarium in Kolkata
The MP Birla Planetarium in Kolkata, West Bengal came into existence on
29th September, 1962 and officially opened to the public with an
inaugural address by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru on 2nd July,1963. It was
first of its kind in whole of India and the mightiest in entire Asia.
Ever since its beginning, it has proved to be an asset for the common
people as well as the students in understanding the different sorts of
phenomenon that take place in the ever so mysterious space.
Museums in Kolkata
Birla Industrial Museum
Birla Industrial Museum or Birla Industrial and Technological Museum is
situated at 19A, Gurusaday Road in South Kolkata.Birla Industrial Museum
of Kolkata was founded in 1956. It was initiated by the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It was the untiring effort of
Dr. BC Roy, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, that the Birlas
gave away the building and the adjacent piece of land. This actually was
a property of Satyendranath Tagore. In the year 1978 the Birla
Industrial Museum of Kolkata has been brought under the National Council
of Science Museums (NCSM). The basic objective of the museum is to
evoke the thirst for science and a concept of technology amongst the
mass, particularly the students.
Rabindra Bharti Museum
Rabindra Bharti Museum of Kolkata is popularly known as 'Jorashanko
Thakurbari' which is the home of Rabindranath Tagore. It is near Girish
Park on Chittaranjan Avenue.It was constructed in the 18th century by
Prince Dwarkanath Tagore (grandfather of Rabindranath Tagore). The
premise houses several buildings. The Rabindra Bharti Museum of Kolkata,
an integral part of the University is a significant reserve of the
works of the Tagore, particularly of Abanindranath and Rabindranath.
Birla Art Museum
Birla Art Museum of Kolkata is a state gallery depicting the traditional
and cultural heritage of India as well as a permanent showcase of
Indian contemporary art. It is situated at Rabindra Sarobar,
Kolkata.Birla Art Museum of Kolkata was founded in 1966. Paintings of
the medieval age and modern art and various archaeological remains are
displayed here. Frequent exhibitions by the contemporary Indian
sculptors and painters are held.
Asutosh Museum
Asutosh Museum of Kolkata is the foremost public museum among the
University of India. It was founded in 1937. The name of the museum goes
after Sir Asutosh Mookerjee.He was one of the greatest educationists of
our country who formulated the study of Indology which also includes
Indian art and archeology at the postgraduate level.
Gurusaday Museum
Gurusaday Museum of Kolkata exhibits the rich folklore and handicrafts
of Bengal. The idea behind this museum was of Sri Gurusaday Dutta. He
worked as a District Collector with the British East India Company's
rule.
Gardens in Kolkata
Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden in Kolkata is an endeavor of the state government of
West Bengal to maintain the ecological balance of Kolkata. The Botanical
Garden of Kolkata, situated beside the river Hooghly in Shibpur, was
founded in 1786 with a motive to promote the floral wealth of India.
Zoological Garden
The Zoological Garden in Kolkata consists of a hoard of animals within
its premises. The Zoological Garden, which was the first of its kind in
the whole of Asia, was established by the 'Burra Sahibs' and the
'Bengali Babus' of Kolkata, who intended to make Kolkata, the then
capital of the East India Company, at par with the European capital
cities.
Agri Horticultural Garden
Agri Horticultural Garden is situated near the Zoological garden of
Kolkata in West Bengal and is one of the most famous horticultural
gardens of India. Founded by William Carey in the year 1820, the Agri
Horticultural Garden has a large collection of flowering plants.
Amusement Parks
Aquatica
Aquatica is the latest hangout in Kolkata. Spread over an area of 8
acres, it is situated at Kochpukur in Rajarhat. Aquatica is a water park
that was set up in the year 2000. Another amusement park named Nicco
Park is just 6 kilometers away from it.
Nicco Park
Nicco Park, one of the most popular and largest amusement parks in the
east, covers an area of around 40 acres. The park holds the rare honor
of being the first amusement park in the world to be certified with SA
8000 (Social Accountability) certification, the first in Asia to be
certified with ISO 14001 (Environment Management System) and the first
amusement park in India to be certified with ISO 9001 (Quality
Management System).
Swabhumi
Swabhumi is one of the finest heritage parks in eastern India. Swabhumi
holds the elegance and charm of the Indian culture and has embodied it
beautifully in its infrastructure. One of the busiest hubs of Kolkata,
Swabhumi is worth a visit.
Science City
Science City was set up in the year 1997. It is located in the eastern
region of Kolkata. Science City is the brainchild of the National
Council of Science Museums. Science City is not only an amusement park
but you gain lots of knowledge from this place on Science and
Technology. People of all age groups enjoy the trip to Science City.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park in Kolkata is located on the banks of River Hooghly at
Strand Road near BBD Bagh. Millennium Park was set up on 1st January
2000 and was first of its kind park in Kolkata. Its an amusement park
for people of all ages.
Nalban Boating Complex
Nalban Boating Complex is one of the finest picnic sites in the city. As
the name suggests, it is basically a boating complex where you can
experience boating in various types of boats. The place attracts lots of
people who want to spend their quality time amidst the glory and grace
of nature.
Clown Town
Clown Town in Kolkata, West Bengal is a very popular amusement park. It
is a favorite destination amongst the children. Clown Town is located at
the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass Road in Kolkata. This is the first ever
children's park in Kolkata. Everything including the interiors of the
park is done keeping the likings of the children in mind.
Sunderbans
The Sunderbans is one of the most famous places near Kolkata. The
Sunderbans is the largest mangrove forests in the world. It lies at the
mouth of the Ganges river and extends over an area comprising the
territories of two countries - India and Bangladesh. The Sunderbans is
crisscrossed by a network of tidal waterways, mudflats and is an
excellent example of ecological progress. This area is known world-wide
for its large variety of fauna. The most famous animal of Sunderbans is
the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Chandannagar
Chandannagar is situated 30 kilometers distant from Kolkata. It is a
former French colony. The history of Chandannagar makes it one of the
most visited places near Kolkata. Chandannagar is located along the
banks of the Ganga river. The French colonial heritage makes
Chandannagar distinct from its surroundings. Chandannagar is easily
accessible by train from Kolkata. You could also drive to Chandannagar.
Krishnanagar
Krishnanagar is the headquarters of Nadia district. It is located 118
kilometers north of Kolkata. The places to see in Krishnanagar include
the Rajbari (Royal Palace) and the Roman Catholic Church.
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