Places to See in Kolkata
The 'City of Joy' of West Bengal is the most apt place for the eager visitants as the places of interest in Kolkata are numerous. This eventful city with its many marvels has truly a lot to offer. Since its birth in 1960, it has metamorphosed into one of the most sought after destinations for the tourists from all over the globe.
Religious Places in Kolkata
Indian Museum
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:
 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
The reason why you get so much fresh air.
Hangseswari Temple-  
Bandel Church in Kolkata: Like a God’s Blessing
Location: Bandel, 43 kms from Kolkata, West BengalWith 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 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 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. Tourist Destinations Near KolkataSunderbans 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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