Jodi tor dak shune keu na ase tobe ekla cholo re
This song very much imbibes the essence of Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta. After Mumbai, Kolkata is the second largest city in India and the city has huge historical importance that is reflected in the architecture of the city. Where Bangalore is called as the Seattle of India, Kolkata is addressed as the sub-continents London. It is a city, which is full of surprises. Its first glance might give an impression of any other crowded city but the more you get to know her, the friendlier she will become. Bay of Bengal, Trams, yellow taxies, historical monuments and the humming sound of "tobe ekla cholo re" coming from a farther street almost sums up the city of beauty and surprises Kolkata. So, if you are planning to travel Kolkata, do not forget to visit the following places:
Religious or non-religious, if you are in Kolkata one visit to Birla Mandir is a must. Its magnificent architecture and the ambience would leave you overwhelmed. Located at Ballygunge in Kolkata, West Bengal, it is considered one of the finest pieces of architecture in the city. The artisanship of the temple represents a unique blend of traditional and contemporary art. People from far places come here to offer prayers. The best time to come here is during the Janamashtami week when the beauty of the temple exemplifies by hundred times.
Victoria Memorial Hall is one of the most popular attractions in India as it holds a great historical importance. The hall was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. It comes under the category of one of the finest art museums in Kolkata. Apart from being a great piece of architecture, the memorial hall displays the successful reign of British rule in India.
Kolkata is a city of surprizes which have a lot of tourist spots of all kinds. One of them is Princep Ghats. It is considered as one of the oldest vacation spot in Kolkata. It was named after James Princep who was an Anglo-Indian researcher and scholar. Princep Ghat is located on the banks of Hooghly River, surrounded by beautiful gardens, lawns, park benches and trees. If you are a nature lover, this place is the best option for you to spend your day at.
Marble Place, the name itself gives a hint about its rich architecture. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Kolkata. Both Indians as well as international travelers in a decent number visit this royal bungalow. Marble Palace is listed among the preserved monuments of Kolkata because of the historical importance that it holds along with the exhibiting antiques. The palace is filled with various modes of amazement and entertainment like a pool, picturesque garden, pristine lake, a zoo, etc.
Birla Planetarium is a single storeyed circular structure, which is designed, in Indian style. It is situated at Chowringhee Road which is adjacent to the Victoria Memorial Hall and various other monuments. One must pay a visit to the birla planetarium as it is the largest planetarium in Asia and the second largest in the world. You can also attend various programmes held in the premises in Oriya, Tamil and Gujarati.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kolkata. The temple is situated on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River. It is dedicated to the reincarnation of Goddess Kali, Bhavatarani. People believe that the goddess helps them to lead towards a path of liberation from the materialistic world. The architecture is built in a conventional Nava-Ratna style and it is grand in all senses.
The Science City has become one of the main attractions in Kolkata and has developed a huge interest not only in the tourists but also in the residents. It is considered to be one of the finest and the largest buildings representing science and technology in a super engaging environment which is full of entertainment along with educating people about science and inventions. Come to the Science City and take home some wonderful memories along.
Once you are done sightseeing and want to have some fun, come to Park Street. It is a famous entertainment and commercial centre of Kolkata. The street is officially known as Mother Teresa Sarani but people usually call it Park Street only. It is Kolkatas prominent dining street with a list of famous food chains and restaurants. The street is also known as Food Street and The Street that Never Sleeps.
Fort William is situated on the eastern bank of Hooghly River. The most prominent feature of Fort William lies in it octagonal shape, which makes it face the River Ganga from three sides. The remaining five sides of the fort are covered with lush green gardens. The huge arcade is known as Plassey Gate and there are six entry points in the fort which are Chowringhee, Plassey Calcutta, Water Gate, St. Georges and the Treasury Gate. Visit Fort William and experience the historical importance of the British era.
Kalighat temple is one of the most famous temples that hold religious importance to a great extent. People from various countries come here to offer their prayers to Goddess Kali and seek her blessings. It is believed that the temple has been there since the time of Chandragupta II. The idol presiding in the temple is unique in itself. It has three big eye, a long tongue and four hands, which are made of gold. Come and visit the Kalighat Kali Temple to relieve yourself from the tensions and to seek blessings of Maa Kali.
Howrah Bridge, which is also known as Rabindra Setu, spans over the Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal. It was built under the British Rule and it is considered as one of the finest example of engineering till date. The beauty of the bridge intensifies during the evening under the lights when you can witness the amazing structure of the bridge amid those soothing winds.
The National Library in Kolkata is the largest library in the whole country. It is an institution that holds great historical importance and under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. If you are a person who is always intrigued about the history and how things worked during the British rule, what can be the best place other than a Library where you can find each detail collected for you in books?
Town Hall is one of the most important heritage buildings of Kolkata. The architecture is majestic and it holds great historical importance. It has witnessed some of the most important meetings and gatherings during the British rule whose details are displayed on the walls in the form of paintings and other forms. The structure is built in Doric style that has steps which leads to a grand portico in front.
St. Paul Church is known to be the first Episcopal Church of the eastern world. It is not only a cathedral but what helped it gain more popularity is the genius architecture with which it has been built. St. Pauls Church stands 247 feet tall, 81 feet wide and 114 feet at transept. Once you enter the cathedral, you will feel lost in the beauty and the marvelous architecture that its offers.
Imagine yourself on a beach, away from the traffic, pollution and all the chaos, enjoying the sunlight, listening to the sound of waves. An island in Kolkata, sounds unbelievable right? It is true! Come to Henry Island to enjoy your weekend getaway. Henry Island has become one of the most attractive tourist places where people come from various places to enjoy the soothing winds and the peace that it offers.
Unlike other monuments and building, Eliot Park is not even a decade old. It is located on Chowringhee area adjacent to Victoria Memorial Hall and opposite to Tata Centre. Eliot Park offers peace and soothing ambience where you can just sit and relax with your family and friends or you can take a walk around the park appreciating its beauty and the lush green gardens.
Metcalfe Hall was named after Lord Metcalfe who was the pioneer of initiating freedom for press during Colonialism in India. The building was built according to Greek architecture, which used to be a library from 1903 and prior to that, it was used as a conference hall during Reformation of Bengal. It has now been declared as a heritage building in Kolkata situated at the junction of Strand Road and Hare Street.
Nehru Children's Museum is one of the most favourite places of children where will find them getting educated about various issues with zeal and fervour. In the museum, you will find puppets depicting the great Indian Epics, beautiful dolls decorated in the national costumes of different countries of the world. Apart from this, Nehru Childrens Museum also consists of an elementary science gallery. People belonging to all age groups will have a day full of entertainment and joy here.
Situated opposite to the Victoria Memorial Hall, Fountain of Joy adds colour and music to the whole environment. It is most famous among the children because of its attractive lights and colours. As the name suggests, it provides a rejuvenating experience for both the residents and tourists. Once you witness the beauty of the fountain, ou would never want to go back.
Lord Jesus church is a catholic church, which is located in Taltala area of Kolkata which is right at the centre of the city Kolkata. The prayers that are sung here are usually in Bengali and the service takes place every Sunday. The best time to come here would be on weekends as most of the people attends the service in the church on weekends itself.
There are a lot of people who are not aware of the fact that Japanese Buddhist Temple is officially known as The Nipponzan Myohoji. The temple is located adjacent to Dhakuria Lake and Dhakuria flyover. The architecture of this building has been carved in milk white colour with golden borders, making it look extremely delightful. There is a well-maintained garden along with a pillar that has Japanese inscriptions on it.
Millenium Park is one of the latest additions to the beauty of city Kolkata. This park is located on the land of Kolkata Port Trust, which was developed in order to add to the beauty of Kolkata. It spans over the Hooghly River, which provides the park a beautiful backdrop. The beauty of the park increases as the sun sets. Not only the tourists but even the residents also visit the park to spend some quality time with their family and friends.
Rabindra Sarovar, which was also known as the Dhakuria Lake, is considered as the lungs of Kolkata. This is one of those places in South Kolkata whlere you can escape from the daily chaos and commotion of the city. Once you go there, the soothing breeze, the fragrance of fresh leaves would leave you overwhelmed. Turn your head on any side of Rabindra Sarovar, all you will see would be lush green plants and beautiful trees.
Who would have thought that this city of joy would have so much in store for you? We hope that we have been able to provide you all the relevant information. So, why not pack your bags and rush to this historical city to cherish some of the most memorable experience of your life!