Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is known for its vibrant culture and mesmerizing tourist destinations. Anyone visiting the city of Kolkata would realize that it is certainly lined with all types of tourist attractions from temples and museums to stadiums and gardens and whatnot. A unique and picturesque tourist attraction among so many is the Race Course, Kolkata.
The Kolkata Race Course is known to be the best and one of the largest race course grounds in the whole of the country. If you are a lover of horse racing, visiting this race course in Kolkata, West Bengal should always be on your travel list.
Traveler Tips :
Make sure to visit the race course during the derby season to enjoy the scenic view of horses racing in their glory. Make prior bookings online or by consulting the authorities to ensure you have a seat at the ground among the spectators.
History :
Kolkata has had a rich and vibrant history and the race course has always been a part of it. Today, this race course ground is owned and maintained by the Royal Calcutta Turf Club. They take care of the ground and ensure it is fit to entertain all the tourists that travel from near and far to enjoy the taste of the elite and royal horse racing activity. It established in the year 1820 for the elites who would visit this British capital for entertainment and amusement purposes.
Thus race course is a reminder of the bygone era and reflect the colonial times perfectly. It served as a great tourist spot and activity area even during those times and continues to be a reminder of the bygone colonial era and the face of the city during the British rule.
Best Time to Visit :
What could be the best time to visit any race course ground than the Derby season!
There are two horse racing seasons that are hosted in this stadium. One is during the period of July to September and the second is from November to March. If you want to see the horses racing in their utmost glory, make sure to visit this race course ground during the horse racing seasons only. Fans and horse racing enthusiasts from different parts of the country and even global tourists flock the Race Course in Koljata during the derby season. Majority of the times, horse races are organized by the authorities even during the public holidays and any other special occasion pertaining to the sport of horse racing.
How to Reach :
The Race Course is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible. One can get down at the Rabindra Sadan Metro Station to reach here. It is just one kilometer away from the metro station and can be reached by walking or taking a rickshaw.
One can get down at the Sealdah or Howrah Junction railway station and hire a cab or taxi to reach the Royal Calcutta Turf Club. One can also board a bus of hire the rickshaw to reach the RCTC club from these stations.
Nearby Attractions :
There is a spacious and well-stretched polo ground that is adjacent to the race course. Even when the races are not being held in the Race Course, you can visit the ground to enjoy a match of polo. Other tourist attractions that you can also visit when you are in this part of Kolkata are the Victoria Memorial to the West. Apart from that, you can also visit the Birla Planetarium, Fort Williams, St. Paul’s Cathedral, BBD Bagh, and Nehru Children’s Museum when you plan a trip to the Race Course ground.