Kolkata is a metropolitan city as well as a tourist destination. The ‘City of Joy’ as it is often called, is a wonderful place to visit and explore. Kolkata is considered the cultural capital of India. There are many important places anyone can visit here. This city is famous for its soulful embodiment of culture, love, mystery, respect, enthusiasm and definitely some amazing sweet delicacies. There are many places to visit in Kolkata where you can go and see those wonderful places.
Kolkata is a city where you will get to see the old and modern world. Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal. It is the largest city of Eastern India.
This city was founded in 1686 CE. Until 1911, Kolkata was the capital of the British Indian Empire.
You will be surprised to know that in this city you will get to see 8 modes of colorful transportation. Here you will get to experience all kinds of transportation like Govt. buses, private buses, local trains, metro, taxis, trams, rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, water transport and many more.
Where everyone in India is charging you 10 rupees 20 rupees, but in Kolkata there is a trend of 1 rupee 2 rupees. Hence traveling in Kolkata is considered very cheap.
Best Places to visit in Kolkata
Being an old and historical city, you will get to see very good tourist places in Kolkata.
The city is popular for its magnificent temples, historical sites, shopping complexes and many sightseeing places.
Visit all these famous places in Kolkata to make the best of your vacation experience.
So, plan your vacation to this wonderful city to witness the attractions of Kolkata with your own eyes.
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1. Victoria Memorial
It is located in the center of Kolkata. The Victoria Memorial is a memorial structure to Queen Victoria.
This iconic structure is surrounded by a well-maintained and lavish garden which houses many sculptures. Inside the hall you will find a museum to visit.
2. Howrah Bridge
The Howrah Bridge is one of the oldest hanging bridges in the world, standing without pillars from below. This bridge is built on the Hooghly river which connects Kolkata with Howrah.
The design and architecture of this bridge makes this bridge very unique.
3. Alipore Zoological Garden
Alipore Zoological Garden is a major attraction of Kolkata. There are mostly all kinds of animals and birds in this zoo.
There is a lot of crowd at this zoo during New Year\’s time.
4. Eco Park
Eco Park is one of the biggest parks in India. This park is very good for nature lovers.
This park has been made keeping in mind the nature. All kinds of activities can be enjoyed inside the Eco Park.
5. Belur Math
Belur Math was considered a \’Place of Heritage and National Importance\’ by former President Dr. Abdul Kalam. This heritage temple is one of the important institutions of West Bengal.
It is noted for its architecture, which combines Hindu, Islamic and Christian motifs as a symbol of religious unity.
6. Vidyasagar Setu and Princep Ghat
Prinsep Ghat is a ghat situated on the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata. Vidyasagar Setu is India\’s first and longest cable-stayed bridge.
It is a great place to spend a good time in the evening and on holidays. And there are other people who come here every day to visit in the evening.
7. St. Paul’s Cathedral Church
It is said that St. Paul\’s Cathedral is a largest church in Kolkata. It is one of the major attractions of Kolkata. This was the first church that was built during the British Empire. The design of this cathedral church was \”Indo-Gothic\” architectural which was built keeping in mind the climate of India.
8. Shibpur Botanical Garden
Shibpur Botanical Garden is also known as \’Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden\’. This garden is one of the oldest gardens in India, which was built in the year 1786.
There are many great spots inside this garden where you can enjoy that thing.
9. Dakshineswar Temple
Dakshineswar Temple is a Hindu temple. The temple is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, which you will find on the Eastern side.
The presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini who is in the form of Parashakti Adya Kali or Adishakti Kalika. But everyone knows that Kali Maa is worshiped here.
10. Nicco Park
This Nicco Park is one of the best attractions to enjoy with family members. In this Nicco Park, there is a lot of amazing thing that everyone comes to see.
You can see 7 wonders like Taj Mahal, Pyramid of Giza, Great Wall of China, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Colosseum and Moi statues.
11. Science City
This is the largest science center of India\’s subcontinent which is in Kolkata. It is such a huge campus where you can learn about all kinds of science of life.
In this science park, people can enjoy their science by going close to plants, animals and other objects.
12. Millennium Park
The park includes landscaped gardens and activities for children\’s entertainment. This park is one of the best place for excellent view point and quality time spend.
13. Indian Museum
Indian Museum is one of the most Imperial Museum of India, which was built from the colonial era. This museum is the oldest and largest in India and the 9th oldest museum in the world.
Due to being the biggest museum of India, people from all over India come here to visit this museum. Every day there is a crowd here.
14. Tipu Sultan Mosque
Tipu Sultan Mosque is a remnant of an architectural and cultural heritage of Kolkata. This mosque is also known as Tipu Sultan Mosque. This is a very famous mosque in Kolkata.
This mosque was built in the year 1842 by Prince Ghulam Muhammad, the younger son of Tipu Sultan. This mosque was built for the memory of his father.
15. Maidan
Maidan is a park which is the biggest park in Kolkata. It is also known as Brigade Parade Ground.
It is a vast stretch of ground that includes several sports grounds, including the famous cricket venue Eden Gardens, several football stadiums and the Kolkata Race Course.
The grounds are dotted with sculpture and architectural works, the most notable being the Victoria Memorial.
16. Elliot Park
Elliot Park in Kolkata is a popular park among the youth. It is also a famous destination for morning walkers and joggers from the nearby residential areas.
The park has several walk-throughs, restaurants, museums, and outlets.
You can find this park quite well, as you will find it in the center of the city.
A jogging strip is available in the park which extends for more than 1.5 kms. The park is spread over an area of about 90000 square feet and is connected to the Maidan.
17. Eden Garden
This is a cricket stadium, which is the 2nd largest cricket stadium in India. It was built in 1864, which was the largest cricket stadium at that time.
Every cricketer of India wants to play in this stadium once, because it is known for “Mecca of Indian Cricket”.
To see the beauty of cricket, everyone wants to come to the Eden Gardens to watch cricket once.
Things to do in Kolkata
Kolkata is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a plethora of things to see and do. Here are some suggestions:
- Visit the Victoria Memorial: This beautiful white marble structure is a must-visit for anyone visiting Kolkata. The museum inside the memorial houses a vast collection of artifacts from the British era.
- Explore Park Street: This iconic street is home to some of the best restaurants, bars, and shops in Kolkata. It is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Take a boat ride on the Hooghly River: This river flows through Kolkata and offers a unique way to explore the city. You can take a ferry ride to visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple or Belur Math.
- Visit the Howrah Bridge: This iconic bridge is a landmark of Kolkata and offers stunning views of the city. You can take a walk on the bridge or take a boat ride underneath it.
- Explore the Indian Museum: This museum is the largest in India and houses an impressive collection of artifacts from different parts of the country.
- Visit the Kalighat Temple: This is one of the most famous temples in Kolkata and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in Hindu culture and traditions.
- Explore the Botanical Gardens: This beautiful garden is home to a vast collection of plants and trees from all over the world. You can take a leisurely stroll through the garden or enjoy a picnic with friends and family.
- Visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral: This beautiful church is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. It is one of the oldest churches in Kolkata and is known for its stunning stained glass windows.
- Take a tram ride: Kolkata is famous for its trams, and taking a ride on one is a unique way to explore the city.
- Enjoy street food: Kolkata is famous for its street food, and you can’t leave the city without trying some of its famous dishes like phuchka, jhal muri, and kathi rolls
Places to visit in Kolkata at night
Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, has a vibrant nightlife and there are several places to visit in Kolkata at night time. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kolkata at night:
- Park Street: Park Street is the nightlife hub of Kolkata and is home to several bars, pubs, and restaurants. It is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy the nightlife.
- Howrah Bridge: The Howrah Bridge looks stunning at night with its lights reflecting on the Hooghly River. You can take a walk on the bridge or take a boat ride underneath it to enjoy the view.
- Victoria Memorial: The Victoria Memorial looks even more beautiful at night with its illuminated structure. You can take a stroll in the gardens surrounding the memorial or attend the sound and light show held in the evenings.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: The St. Paul’s Cathedral is a beautiful church and looks spectacular at night with its lights on. You can attend a choral concert held on Sundays or take a quiet evening walk around the church.
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple: The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a popular pilgrimage spot for devotees and looks beautiful at night with its lights on. You can attend the evening aarti or take a boat ride on the Hooghly River to enjoy the view.
- Prinsep Ghat: Prinsep Ghat is a beautiful spot on the banks of the Hooghly River and is a great place to spend a quiet evening. You can take a boat ride on the river or just sit by the banks and enjoy the view.
- Nandan: Nandan is a cultural complex that hosts film screenings, theatre performances, and other cultural events. It is a great place to catch a movie or attend a play.
- Eco Park: Eco Park in New Town is a beautiful place to visit at night with its illuminated musical fountain and open-air theatre. You can take a boat ride on the lake or enjoy some street food.
- Maidan: Maidan is a vast open space in the heart of Kolkata and is a popular spot for night cricket matches and other sports activities. You can take a walk in the park and enjoy the cool evening breeze.
- College Street: College Street is famous for its bookstores and looks beautiful at night with its streetlights. You can take a walk around the street, buy some books or just enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
FAQs
The best time to visit Kolkata is between October and March when the weather is relatively cooler and more pleasant. This period is considered the winter season in Kolkata, and the temperature ranges from around 12°C to 25°C. This time of the year is also the festive season in Kolkata, and visitors can witness some of the most significant festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, and Christmas. The monsoon season in Kolkata is between June and September, and the city receives heavy rainfall during this time. The summer season in Kolkata is between April and June, and it can be hot and humid, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. Therefore, it is best to avoid visiting Kolkata during the summer and monsoon season and plan your visit during the winter season to enjoy the city’s pleasant weather and vibrant festivals.
Kolkata is a shopper’s paradise, and there are plenty of places to shop for a variety of items, from traditional handicrafts and textiles to modern clothing and electronics. Here are some of the best places to shop in Kolkata:
New Market: New Market is one of the oldest and busiest shopping destinations in Kolkata. It has a wide range of shops selling clothing, accessories, electronics, and much more.
Gariahat Market: Gariahat Market is a popular shopping destination for traditional Bengali sarees, handicrafts, and home decor items.
College Street: College Street is famous for its bookstores and is a must-visit for book lovers. It is also a great place to buy second-hand books and rare manuscripts.
Park Street: Park Street is known for its high-end designer stores and boutiques. It is a great place to shop for clothing, accessories, and gifts.
South City Mall: South City Mall is one of the largest and most popular shopping malls in Kolkata. It has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Dakshinapan Shopping Centre: Dakshinapan Shopping Centre is a government-run shopping complex that showcases traditional handicrafts and textiles from all over India.
Quest Mall: Quest Mall is another popular shopping mall in Kolkata with high-end designer stores, luxury brands, and entertainment options.
Shreeram Arcade: Shreeram Arcade is a popular shopping destination for electronic gadgets and accessories.
Hatibagan Market: Hatibagan Market is a traditional market in Kolkata that sells a variety of items like clothing, accessories, jewelry, and home decor items.
AC Market: AC Market is a popular shopping destination for clothing, shoes, and accessories at reasonable prices.
Kolkata is famous for its mouth-watering street food, and there are several dishes that visitors must try when in the city. Here are some of the most popular street foods to try in Kolkata:
Phuchka (panipuri): Phuchka is a famous street food in Kolkata, which is a crispy and hollow puri filled with a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes, onions, and tamarind water.
Kathi rolls: Kathi rolls are another popular street food in Kolkata, which is a wrap made of a paratha filled with spiced chicken or mutton, vegetables, and chutney.
Jhal muri: Jhal muri is a popular snack in Kolkata, which is a mixture of puffed rice, peanuts, onions, spices, and mustard oil.
Churmur: Churmur is a snack made of mashed potatoes mixed with a mixture of spices, onions, and tamarind water.
Ghugni: Ghugni is a spicy and tangy dish made of boiled yellow peas cooked with a mixture of spices and served with chopped onions and green chilies.
Telebhaja: Telebhaja is a popular snack in Kolkata, which is a deep-fried assortment of vegetables like eggplant, potato, and onion fritters.
Mughlai paratha: Mughlai paratha is a stuffed paratha filled with minced meat, egg, and spices, served with a side of chutney.
Luchi-aloo dum: Luchi is a deep-fried bread made of flour, and aloo dum is a spicy potato curry, which is a popular breakfast dish in Kolkata.
Chow mein: Chow mein is a popular street food in Kolkata, which is a stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables and meat.
Momo: Momos are a popular Tibetan street food, which is a steamed or fried dumpling filled with minced meat or vegetables and served with a spicy sauce.
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and is known as the cultural capital of India. The city’s culture is a unique blend of traditional Bengali culture, British colonial influence, and modern cosmopolitan trends. Here are some of the cultural significance of Kolkata:
Literature: Kolkata has a rich literary history and is home to some of the most celebrated writers and poets in India, like Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Satyajit Ray. The city also hosts the Kolkata Book Fair, which is one of the largest book fairs in the world.
Music: Kolkata is famous for its classical music and is home to the famous Baul musicians, who sing and play traditional folk music. The city is also known for its contemporary music scene, with many popular bands and artists emerging from Kolkata.
Art: Kolkata has a thriving art scene, and the city is home to many renowned artists, including Jamini Roy, Bikash Bhattacharjee, and Ganesh Pyne. The city also hosts several art festivals, including the Kolkata Art Festival and the Kolkata International Film Festival.
Food: Kolkata’s cuisine is a blend of Bengali, Mughlai, and British influences, and the city is famous for its street food, like phuchka, kathi rolls, and jhal muri.
Festivals: Kolkata is famous for its colorful festivals, and the city celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Durga Puja, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas.
Architecture: Kolkata’s architecture is a unique blend of colonial, Indo-Saracenic, and modern styles. The city has several iconic buildings, including Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Howrah Bridge.
Overall, Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage and diverse cultural offerings make it a unique and vibrant city that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Kolkata has a lot of hidden gems and offbeat places that are worth exploring. Here are some offbeat places to visit in Kolkata:
Marble Palace: Marble Palace is a stunning mansion built in the 19th century, which is home to a collection of rare artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and antique furniture.
Chandannagar: Chandannagar is a small town located about 30 km from Kolkata, which was a French colony during the 18th century. The town has a unique French architectural style, and the streets are lined with old colonial buildings.
Prinsep Ghat: Prinsep Ghat is a beautiful riverside promenade located on the banks of the Hooghly River. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the river.
Jorasanko Thakur Bari: Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the ancestral home of the famous Bengali poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The house has been converted into a museum and displays Tagore’s personal belongings, including his manuscripts and paintings.
Indian Museum: The Indian Museum is the oldest and largest museum in India, which has a collection of rare artifacts, including fossils, paintings, and sculptures.
Bishnupur: Bishnupur is a small town located about 150 km from Kolkata, which is known for its unique terracotta temples built in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Sovabazar Rajbari: Sovabazar Rajbari is a stunning mansion built in the 18th century, which is known for its unique architecture and beautiful frescoes.
Nakhoda Masjid: Nakhoda Masjid is a beautiful mosque located in the heart of Kolkata, which is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful marble dome.
Overall, these offbeat places in Kolkata offer a unique and authentic glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.
