KOLKATA - THE CITY OF JOY
KOLKATA, the capital of West Bengal and known as ‘The City of Joy’ is the cultural capital of India, which gives a glimpse of Bengali values, cuisine and fast food.
The metropolitan city, located on the eastern banks of river Hoogly is famous for Durga Puja, which has now been awarded the UNESCO heritage tag, and Kolkata is also known for Bengali sweets.
There are several historical, cultural and religious sites where tourists can visit in Kolkata, while making this location their gateway to tour different West Bengal districts.
HOW TO REACHKolkata can be reached by air, train or road. National and international airlines connect Kolkata airport with frequent flights from all over the world. In addition, mail and express trains are a plenty from any corner of India at three stations of Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata.
Frequent bus services are also available for those travelling from nearby states or other districts, most of which terminate at the city centre of Babughat or Esplanade.
Number of Days - Four Nights. Best Time - September to March.
PLACES TO VISIT
1) VICTORIA MEMORIAL
Victoria Memorial, a magnificent monument-cum-museum is an iconic landmark of Kolkata, and a reminder of India’s colonial past.
Built in memory of Queen Victoria in white Markana marble, this edifice draws its inspiration from Taj Mahal and its architecture is a blend of Mughal and British elements.
There are 25 galleries including Calcutta Gallery, Portrait Gallery, Royal Gallery, Sculpture Gallery and about 28,000 artifacts, which includes, arms, sculptures, books, manuscripts and paintings.
In addition, sprawling garden, green lawns surrounding the memorial and light and sound shows in the evening are other attractive tourist features.
Timings – 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Closed On Mondays & National Holidays. Entry Fee – 30 INR For Indians & 100 INR For SAARC Country Nationals & 500 INR For Others.
2) BIRLA PLANETARIUM
Birla Planetaurium, located adjacent to St. Paul’s Cathedral is the largest planetaurium of Asia. This space science and astronomy museum is equipped with high tech gadgets that vividly showcases the mysteries of the skies. Here, daily shows are held in English, Hindi, Bengali and also other languages, which is an amazing experience for the audience.
Architecturally, Birla Planetaurium is a single story structure built on the design of Buddhist Sanchi Stupa.
Timings – 12 p.m. - 6.30 p.m. Entry Fee – 100 INR & 40 INR Per Head For Students Group of 25 or more.
3) ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
St. Paul’s Cathedral, located beside Birla Planetaurium, is a colonial architecture church built in the mid-19th century in Indo-Gothic style. Doors and windows of this majestic white edifice reflect an ancient design.
Opposite to its entrance is Maidan, the green belt of Kolkata.
Timings – 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Sundays 7.30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Entry Fee – Free
4) RABINDRA SADAN
Rabindra Sadan is the cultural centre and theatre complex, along with its adjoining Nandan, the cinematic large screens, and Academy of Fine Arts, the gallery for art exhibitions.
A visit to this hub would enable one to appreciate the contemporary cultural releases of West Bengal.
Timings – 10 a.m - 9 p.m. & Sundays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Entry Fee – Not Applicable
5) HOWRAH BRIDGE
Howrah Bridge, built in 1943 over river Hoogly, is the primary connector between Kolkata and Howrah, and the busiest cantiliver bridge of the world.
This bridge is an iconic landmark of Kolkata, and therefore, all tourists must visit the place.
Timings – Not Applicable Entry Fee – Not Applicable
6) BELUR MATH
Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission founded by Swami Vivekananda is situated on the west bank of river Hoogly in Belur, Howrah.
This 40-acre complex has temples dedicated to Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Its architecture represents the idea of universal faith, which was conceptualized by Swami Vivekananda.
The campus also houses a museum related to the Math and educational institutes run by the organization. The room where Swamiji had attained Mahasamadhi and his articles of us are preserved here.
Visitors here are offered the afternoon bhog as 'prasad'.
Timings – 6.30 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. & 3.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (October To March) & 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. (April - September) Entry Fee – Free
7) DAKSHINESWAR TEMPLE
Dakshineshwar Temple, situated on the eastern banks of river Hoogly in north Kolkata is one of the most revered spiritual landmark for devotees of Godess Kali. Built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, it is dedicated to Bhavatarini or a form of Goddess Kali. The temple is known for its association with Ramakrishna, the 19th century mystic and his wife Sarada Devi.
Visitors usually cross river Hoogly to reach Belur Math and Dakshineshwar, as they are on the opposite sides of the river banks.
Timings – 6.00 a.m.- 12.30 p.m. & 3.00 p.m.- 8.30 p.m. Entry Fee – Free
8) INDIAN MUSEUM
Indian Museum in central Kolkata, founded in 1814, is the oldest and largest museum in Asia, which has rare collection of antiques, armour, ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies and Mughal era paintings. There are six sections and 35 galleries of cultural and scientific artifacts.
A must visit for every individual to visualize ancient times and past ages.
Timings – 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Closed On Monday & National Holidays Entry Fee – 50 INR Adults 20 INR For Age Below 18. Foreigners - 500 INR
9) KALIGHAT TEMPLE
Kalighat Temple, located at southern part of the city is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, and is considered one of the most auspicious temples of Kolkata.
Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this complex has two other adjoining smaller shrines devoted to Shiva and Radha-Krishna respectively. Its roots can be traced back to the Gupta period.
Timings – 5 a.m.- 2.00 p.m. & 5 p.m.-10.30 p.m. Entry Fee – Free
10) BIRLA MANDIR
Birla Mandir, located at Ballygunj in south Kolkata is a contemporary temple opened in 1996.
Dedicated to Vishnu avatars, Rama and Krishna, the shrine is visited in large numbers by tourists and devotees to pay their obeisance and appreciate the splendid architecture, its intricate stone sculpture and design. In addition, some artefacts are made of silver and Belgian glass, which add more glitter, while the evenings look more gorgeous with electric diyas and chandeliers lighted up.
Timings – 5.30 a.m. - 11 a.m. & 4.30 p.m.- 9 p.m. Entry Fee – Free
11) SCIENCE CITY
Science City is one of the largest science museums in India, showcasing science through entertainment, using virtual reality and different simulators.
The different sections - Space Odyssey, Dynamotion, Science Exploration Hall, Maritime Center, Earth Exploration Hall and the Science Park immerse visitors in an unimaginable world of experiencing science and fiction in its most joyful manner.
Timings – 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Entry Fee – 65 INR & Event Specific Packages.
12) TIPU SULTAN MOSQUE
Tipu Sultan Mosque, located at Esplanade in the heart of the city was constructed by Prince Golam Mohammad in 1842. It is a great piece of architecture with 16 domes and 4 minars, and is a place of religious as well as historical attraction.
Timings - 4 a.m.-10 p.m. Entry Fee - Free
13) NAKHODA MOSQUE
Nakhoda Mosque, built in 1926 is the largest masjid in Kolkata with three large domes and two minarets. The shrine, located at Rabindra Sarani in central part of the city can accommodate 10,000 people at a time for prayers.
This locality is famous for delicious kebabs and biryani, and tourists visiting here can have a taste of the same.
Timings – 6 a.m.- 8 p.m. Entry Fee – Free
14) JORASANKO THAKUR BARI
Jorasankho Thakur Bari in north Kolkata is the ancestral home of the Tagore family and the birth place of Rabindranath Tagore.
The building currently serves as the Tagore museum offering details of the Tagore family, the Bengal Renaissance and the Brahmo Samaj. The three different galleries exhibit manuscripts, books, antique items.
A very interesting visit not just for literary enthusiasts, but also lovers of history and heritage. One must watch the light and sound show held in the evenings.
Timings – 10.30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Closed On All Mondays & Public Holidays. Entry Fee – 20 INR For Adults & 10 INR For students. 30 INR For SAARC Country Nationals & 150 INR For Other Country Citizens.
15) MOTHER HOUSE
Mother House, located near Rippon Street is the Missionaries of Charity headquarters, where Mother Teresa had lived from 1953 to 1997. There is a small Museum – Mother Teresa’s Life, Spirit & Message, which showcases her life journey and personal belongings.
A visit to this place creates an inner awakening seeing the social work members of this organization have been doing for the homeless, hungry, lepers and crippled.
Timings – 8.00 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Closed On All Thursdays, Easter Monday, 22nd August & 26th December. Entry Fee – Free
16) HOOGLY RIVER FRONT
Hoogly River Front, developed on the east and west banks of river Hoogly gives a picturesque view of the free flowing tributary of Ganga, where one can while away in a relaxed and leisurely mood.
Located between Millenium Park to Princep Ghat on the east, in this nicely decorated zone people can enjoy boating service on the river as also relish Kolkata’s famous fast foods.
Tourists eager to see a mesmerizing sunrise and sunset must come here.
Timings – Not Applicable Entry Fee – Not Applicable
17) ECO PARK
Eco Park or Prikiti Tirtha is an urban park in New Town, designed to promote eco-tourism. This park spread across 480 acres is surrounded by a waterbody and has an island in the middle.
The park is divided into 3 recreational zones – Ecological zone, Theme gardens and Open spaces. Visitors have a wide array of activities to choose from – zorbing, kayating, rowing, cyling, boat rides.
The beautifully maintained landscape adds all the more charm to this serene environment and immerse oneself in pure nature.
Timings – 12.30 p.m.- 8.30 p.m. Closed On Mondays. Entry Fee – 30 INR & Event Specific Packages.
18) NICCO PARK
Nicco Park, an amusement park in sector-IV of Salt Lake, spread over 40 acres has 35 different attractions, games, amusements and adventure rides that are highly enjoyable.
Though, a bit expensive, it’s definitely worth the price for children's enjoyment.
Timings – 10.30 a.m. - 6.30 p.m. Entry Fee – 300 INR Minimum. More depending on options selected.