Places to Visit in Kolkata

Kolkata, a famous city of West Bengal is known for its royal colonial architecture, festivals and art galleries. It is the capital of the state, West Bengal and one of the chief ports of India. It was once the British capital of India and this is visible in its fascinating art, architecture and ostentatious literature of the town. The exhilarating sightseeing tour of Kolkata helps you explore the rich historical culture and tourist attractions in galore. If you want to experience the pleasant weather of the city, October to February is the best time to visit. Some of the attractions that are a must visit in Kolkata are Howrah Bridege, Victoria Memorial, Park Street and Dakshineswar Kali Temple to name a few.

Covering attraction's type of Kolkata: Art Galleries & Museum, Bridge & Dams, Entertainment Centers, Govt. Museum & Memorials, Palace & Landmarks, Park & Garden, Resort, Street Food Place, Street Market, Temple, etc.

Babu Ghat, Kolkata

Babu Ghat is one of the oldest ghat that was constructed during the British Raj at Strand Road on the edge of the River Hooghly. The landing compartment of the ghat is lofty colonial structure. This Doric-Greek type pavilion with gigantic pillars attracts tourists in huge number. The priests and vendors have intruded the ghat and the stairs that take you to the river are decaying fast. The Ghat is crowded all the time as the people come here to bathe, massage and perform various religious ceremonies. On Chhat Puja the ghat is exceptionally crowded. The ghat is also used for idol immersion during Durga and Saraswati Puja

Birla Planetarium, Kolkata

The Birla Planetarium situated at Jawaharlal Nehru road, Kolkata in the state of West Bengal is a popular building which is quite similar to the Buddhist Stupa of Sanchi. It is in close proximity to the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Planetarium was inaugurated in 1963 by our former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. To sustain pace with the updated technology, it was modernized and refurbished in 2017 and has the most advanced projection system. The Carl Zeiss first projector from Germany was installed here and in the last 57 years more the 27 million visitors have visited this place. Currently the planetarium is involved in different scientific activities.

College Street, Kolkata

An extended College Street, which is approximately a million square feet long is located in the Central Kolkata. It is one of the largest bazaar in the world of second hand books. It is said that there is no book in the world, which is not available here. The street also houses several popular institutes of Kolkata like Medical College of Kolkata, University of Kolkata, Presidency University to name a few. The place is speckled with number of small and big bookstores that are constructed with bricks and mortar or canvas, bamboo and metal sheets. Each stall has a different story to narrate and all the stalls collectively boasts of every single title that was ever written by all the writers. The books here are sold at throw away prices and you can even get a book here that is as old as 250 years. Haggling is a common feature over here.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata

Situated at Dakshineswar on the eastern bank of River Hoogly in the city of Kolkata, this popular shrine is a famous pilgrim spot devoted to Goddess Kali. This architectural masterwork is one of the most sacred places in the town. It was also the dweling of the famous yogi, Ramkrishna Paramhansa. The massive complex of the temple has 12 individual temples dedicated to different Gods like Radha Krishna, Lord Shiva to name a few. There is also a bathing ghat and it is said that one who bathes here and visits this temple attains moksh. If you are on a day trip to Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple should a part of your itinerary.

Eco Park, Kolkata

Huge park for diverse recreational activities like cycling, boating in the lakes, huge gardens are sure to satiate young and old alike. It is situated on the Major Arterial Road and is specially designed to encourage eco-tourism in Kolkata. One of the largest city built up park in the country it is scattered in an area of approximately 480 acres of land. Its beauty is enhanced by a water body, which encircles Eco Park and appears as an island in the center. The place is frequently thronged by picnickers who are keen to spend some quality time with their family and friends. Nature lovers freak out in this park. There are conferene halls and cottages here which can be rented out for both business and personal needs. On the whole a wonderful destination for an unforgettable experience.

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Pride of Kolkata and home of cricket, The Eden Gardens is a gorgeous, well-maintained stadium nicely placed in B. B. D. Bagh area close to the High Court of Kolkata. It came into existence in the year 1864. Stretched in an area of approximatly 50 acres, this beautiful stadium has the capacity of approximately 80,000 people and it is the subsequent largest stadiums all across the world. Eden Gardens have hosted some of the most exciting matches and has been a source of immense entertainment for people. For nature lovers it is a relaxing destination as the pathways of the entire stadium has mango, huge mahogany and banyan trees that offers shade and people sit here to enjoy nature at its best.

Ganga Kutir, Kolkata

Ganga Kutir with well-manicured green lawns and exotic collection of flowers is a perfect destination to visit in Kolkata for a quiet and a tranquil environment. It will certainly be a life time experience, where you sit at the bank of River Ganga and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. All the rooms deluxe, premium and presidential suites offer a divine view and this serene resort is in close proximity to Raichak temple, a Sai Baba Mandir and approximately 28 km from the Diamond Harbour. The rooms are spacious, well-furnished, airy and have a river view. There is a small and a cozy bar and the restaurant that serves international cuisine.

Howrah Bridge, Kolkata

The sightseeing of Kolkata will not be complete without your visit to the Howrah Bridge. It is one of the busiest and oldest place in the city of Kolkata. The bridge was constructed over the River Hooghly to sustain the connectivity of Kolkata to its neighbouring town, Howrah. It is located at the Strand Road and is an amazing place to visit in Kolkata. The highlight of the bridge is that it is built without the use of any nuts and bolts. It was custom-made in 1943 and is 82 m long and today is the landmark of Kolkata.

Kumortuli, Kolkata

If you want to explore the cultural limits of Kolkata then Kumartuli is a place for it. It is the lane where the skilled potters create the clay idols of gods and goddesses. These sculptors are into this profession from several generations and this potter locality is more then 200+ old. A group of potters created this and now more then 155 families of potters reside here. During Durga Puja several potters toil hard in nearly 560 workshops to make the idols of Goddess Durga during the festival, Durga Puja. These lanes are very narrow but the artisans staying here have set up their work shops for making up of the idols. These potters are magicians and from straws, bamboo sticks, rope the expert potters convert the formless heap of clay into an attractive and breathtaking attractive Goddess Durga idol.

Marble Palace, Kolkata

Marble Palace is an enormous construction and is situated in a tiny street of Muktaram Babu Street in the northern part of Kolkata. It was the dwelling of Raja Rajendra Miullick. The façade of this individually owned property is neoclassical in style and even today is occupied by the descendants of Rajendra Mullick and is a famous monument in Kolkata. Sprawling lawns with fountains and a zoo, the mansion also has galleries with portraits, statues, chandeliers mirrors and paintings that are created by Dutch, English and Italian artists. For entry a permit is needed from the West Bengal Tourism but a part of the palace that is in use by the family cannot be accessed. Photography is not permitted within the palace.

New Market, Kolkata

The New Market is approximately 144 years old and is one the most crowded and busiest markets in Kolkata. Found in the center of the city, it is a shoping hub in the city. When Britishers ruled India people from diverse parts of the country came to Kolkata to set up shops here. Currently, their forerunners are having a flourishing business here. This is one of the major reasons that the market is captured by Bengalis, Tibetans, Kashmiris and Punjabis and they all are running their businesses in total harmony with each other. From day to day household purchasing to expensive shopping, New Market has it all. With more then 2000+ shops selling glass items, assorted spices and dry fruits, beautiful suits and sarees, dress materials, traditional weaves like Banarasi, Maheshwari, Kanjiwaram, Kurtas with chicken work, stoles with heavy Phulkari work, New Market has it all. It is a must visit place when you are on a vacation to Kolkata.

Old Chinatown, Kolkata

The chief attraction of Kolkata, Old China Town is a conventional wholesale market that has an amazing variety of electrical goods, lighting and variety of food stalls. Old Chinatown has been successfully restoring the cultural inheritance of the Chinese immigrant who came and settled here. Kolkata’s Old Chinatown is famous for some some lip-smacking street food. Some of the best food items served here are Dumplings that are stuffed with pork, beef, chicken, cheese and vegetables. The historic Chinese Temples present here are the places where the Chinese community gathers. The popular Hap Hing Co, A Chinese Provision and Medicine Stores, Pou Chong for a variety of sauces is the highlight of this place.

Park Street, Kolkata

Park Street, a bustling of street of Kolkata is known for shopping. From sumptuous variety of cuisines to traditional suits and saris, to jute items, terracotta structures there is no dearth of any item that you want to purchase in Kolkata. Park street starts from JL Nehru Road and ends at Park Circus crossing. It is one of the chief hangout place in the city and is always lively and happening. The best of restaurants and pubs are found here. The street is very decorated during festivals especially during Christmas and New Year. Park Street has always been attracting people from the British times and has undergone several modifications that makes it a very stylish and chic spot.

Salt Lake City, Kolkata

Energetic, vibrant and constantly developing, The Salt Lake City in Kolkata is among the must visit destination. The Central Park present in the Salt Lake is the subsequent largest open green space in the city. Constructed around a huge lake where you can enjoy boating and the rich flora and fauna all over. There is also a rose garden in the Salt Lake City. In the 6th Sector you can enjoy the real Bengali food of Kolkata in the restaurants. If multi-cuisine is your choice then there are other restaurants in this area like Oudh 1590. Salt Lake in Kolkata is also among the hottest shopping destinations as it houses the biggest shopping mall from where you can pick up souvenirs for your near and dear ones. Nightlife too is very happening within the Salt Lake City and you can wrap up your day by having some drinks at Raise the Bar, Downing Street and Backstage.

Science City, Kolkata

Inaugrated in the year1997, The Science City has become a major tourist destination in Kolkata. The locals and tourists visit this place alike for an unforgettable experience. It is a unique place that has been developed for presenting technology and science in an appealing way, so that education is imparted to the people of all age groups. It is managed by the National Council of Science Museums and is one of the best in the world. The main objective of the Science City is the growth of scientific knowledge and how to apply it in the industry, welfare of humans and creates awareness among the common people. It has been enhancing science education in all the schools and organize science activities in the school to inculcate creativity among the students.

South Park Cemetery, Kolkata

A heritage site, South Park Cemetery is located at Park street, just opposite the Assembly Of God Church. It is an 18th century cemetery. Managed by the Archaeological Survey Of India, the eye-catching tombs attract tourists in huge number. The tomb structural design is a mix up of Indo Saracenic and Gothic style. Some of them are mystifying whereas few others have comforting and peaceful vibes. The cemetery is constantly renovated but even then green mosses and ferns cover up majority of the ground, making it the most haunted places of Kolkata. The shootings of several Bengali films have taken place here.

Vedic Village, Kolkata

Vedic Village Resort is a veiled jewel that is nicely placed in lap of mother nature and is not very far from Kolkata International airport. It is constructed horizontally like any other Bengali village. The first-class stylish luxury resort merges completely with the exclusivity of the backdrop. With marvellous scenic beauty all around with matchless indoor luxury, this place is sure to fascinate any tourist who comes here. A boutique hotel and an ideal getaway constructed in nearly 150 acres of lush green land, shimmering lakes, coconut orchards and flora all over; it is a retreat for the wandering birds, squirrels, butterflies, colourful plants. On the whole a perfect weekend desitation for weddings and corporate meetings.

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Scattered in an area of approximately 56 acres, the place is a must visit for all the tourists coming to Kolkata. It houses nearly 22 well-manicured gardens, around 3,800 paintings of diverse artists and 28,394 artefacts. Queen Victoria’s statue is placed within the memorial and the architecture of museum inside is simply marvellous. It is a romantic place to be and located at Queen’s Way, Kolkata. It was constructed between 1906 to 1921 in the fond memory of Queen Victoria. It is made in pure white marble and building has tall pillars, towers in the corners and it is dome shaped. William Emerson was the architect of Victoria Memorial.