When the English rule started expanding in medieval India, they
established a new city as the capital of the British Empire and named it
as Calcutta, after the name of one of the villages, which were
developed to build this large city. Afterwards, although the capital of
India was shifted to Delhi, Calcutta never lost its glory. Now, this
city is renamed as Kolkata and still it continues to be a major
attraction for common tourists, pilgrims and history lovers from all
over the world.
As Kolkata is rightly called "City of Joy', you can enjoy yourself to your heart's content, in many popular sites, including historical monuments, spots of scenic beauty and even mouth-watering food centers. Being a city of more than 300 years, you can simply be tired of visiting the numerous tourist spots all over the city and also in the realms of its suburbs. But here only 12 main sites of tourist attractions are going to be discussed in short, which have been considered as the signature landmarks of Kolkata; so that you can have a prior idea about them and moreover, you do not miss to visit any of these magnificent locations.
Victoria Memorial - This huge white marble building that resembles Taj Mahal to some extent was named to commemorate Queen Victoria and opened for public in 1921. It lies at the heart of the city and surrounded by lavish greenery all around it, along with well-maintained parks. Now it serves as a museum that displays many rare oil paintings of the British Royals and also several Indian dignitaries of pre-independence period; along with their belongings, like swords or dresses or books, enabling you to have a look into the glorious past.
Indian Museum - This is the biggest and oldest museum of India, containing six sections for Art, Geology, Archaeology, Zoology, Economic Botany and Anthropology. There are total 35 galleries in these sections, housing various rare paintings of famous painters of Mughal period; several antique pieces, like ancient seals and coins; ornaments, armors and weapons of many medieval kings and warriors; different types of fossils from pre-human ages and mommies; skeletons of prehistoric animals, birds and reptiles; statues of various Hindu Gods, Lord Buddha and some Jain Tirthankars also are seen here.
Marble Palace - This palace got its name from its totally marble-made walls, pillars and floors, made by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a rich businessman of the 19th century. This manor is renowned for its huge collections of art, bought from various parts of Europe; which include various sculptures, paintings of renowned European painters, western furniture items, chandeliers, life-size mirrors, large clocks and other antique pieces of great value. Besides the main building, there is also a small zoo and a rock garden, built within these premises. But you need to obtain prior permission from State Tourism Information Bureau to visit this North Kolkata building, as some parts of it is still inhabited by the descendants of Mullick family.
Fort William - It is a fort built by the British during the early era of their rule in India, which they named after the then reigning king of Britain, William III. This huge octagonal fort lies on the banks of River Hooghly and it is noted for its star-like design and its huge area of approximately 80 hectares, surrounded by a deep channel. It has 6 large gates and five of its sides face the vast green land that is called 'Maidan' and considered as the lung of the city for the availability of fresh air here. As it is now occupied by the Indian Army, only some parts of it, like a church, boxing ring, football ground, market and firing range are open for the public.
Eden Gardens - If you are a cricket lover, then you cannot miss to visit Eden Gardens, the historical cricket ground of Kolkata, where many international cricket matches had been played and plenty of records had been set by different talented players. Apart from recalling the history of cricket matches played in this vast stadium, you can just enjoy its velvety green ground and rest anywhere of the surrounding stands, which currently have the capacity for holding more than 66,000 people at a time! Near this spot, you can also see Writer's Building, the red-colored historical Secretariat of West Bengal, which is currently under repair.
Kali Ghat Temple - This is an ancient temple that is extremely sacred to the Hindus, on the bank of a canal which earlier used to be the actual course of Hoogly River, but now just flows into the present course of the river. The temple complex is vast, comprising of several other temples, apart from the main altar that is dedicated to Goddess Kali; and also other building structures, used for various purposes.
St. Paul's Cathedral - It is a prominent Anglican church of North India and it is distinguished for its huge tower and spire built in Indo-Gothic style, along with the stained glass windows of attractive colors and two frescoes drawn in Italian Renaissance mode. Though it was built in the mid 19th century, this church had to be rebuilt in 1934, after being destroyed due to the earthquake. At that time, it was designed following the architecture of the central tower of the famous Canterbury Cathedral of England. You can also visit Rabindra Sadan and Nandan Cinema Complex, which are the two main cultural sites of the people of Bengal, just adjacent to this Cathedral.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple - This temple complex was built on the bank of Hooghly River, in the 19th century, by Rani Rasmani, the queen of Janbazar in Kolkata. Apart from the main temple dedicated to Goddess Kali; there are also 12 temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and a Radha-Krishna temple, along with other buildings, over vast areas of 25 acres. This temple is more known for its close association to the famous Hindu saint of that time, Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa.
Birla Mandir - Actually this huge temple of beautiful white marble is called Lakshmi Narayan Mandir though its main deities are Radha-Krishna. It is also commonly named as Birla Mandir, as it was totally funded by the Birlas, one of the richest families of India. This temple is worth seeing for its splendid architecture and stone carvings.
Birla Planetarium - This is the largest planetarium in Asia and its structure strongly resembles that of the Buddhist Sanchi Stupa. Though it is located amongst the most popular tourist sites of Kolkata, being next to St. Paul's Cathedral and opposite to Victoria Memorial; this planetarium is unique for its large observatory, containing latest astronomical equipments. You will love to watch the shows on various aspects of astronomy and space science, imparted in English, Bengali, Hindi and few other Indian languages regularly, between 12 noon to 7 pm.
Science City - This is the biggest science hub of India, planned by National Council of Science Museums in 1997. This extraordinary science complex, located on recently developed Eastern Bypass of the city is now considered as one of the major tourist attractions of Kolkata. The most popular features of this place are Dynamotion Hall, Evolution Park, Earth Exploration Hall, Space Odyssey, Maritime Center and the most enjoyable Science Park, which your kids will want to see again and again!
Eco Tourism Park - This is a newly built park in Rajarhat, in the Northern suburb of Kolkata. Inaugurated only 2 years back, it has already gained immense popularity among the common people, for amazing features, like Amphitheatre, Chinese Garden, Butterfly Garden, Bonsai garden, Cactus Walk, Bamboo Garden, Children's play corner, Water garden, Mist house and Utility corner. If you are a food-lover, you can enjoy in Food Courts and different restaurants here, including Bengali restaurant. There are 3 different kinds of Eco zones and a lake zone for the enjoyment of nature-lovers here.
Apart from the above mentioned sites, you can also drop in to see Shahid Minar, Howrah Bridge, South Park Street Cemetery; along with the famous Belur Math in close proximity to the city. Your kids will also enjoy visiting Millennium Park, Birla Technological Museum, Alipore Zoological Gardens and Agri Horticultural Garden.
As Kolkata is rightly called "City of Joy', you can enjoy yourself to your heart's content, in many popular sites, including historical monuments, spots of scenic beauty and even mouth-watering food centers. Being a city of more than 300 years, you can simply be tired of visiting the numerous tourist spots all over the city and also in the realms of its suburbs. But here only 12 main sites of tourist attractions are going to be discussed in short, which have been considered as the signature landmarks of Kolkata; so that you can have a prior idea about them and moreover, you do not miss to visit any of these magnificent locations.
Victoria Memorial - This huge white marble building that resembles Taj Mahal to some extent was named to commemorate Queen Victoria and opened for public in 1921. It lies at the heart of the city and surrounded by lavish greenery all around it, along with well-maintained parks. Now it serves as a museum that displays many rare oil paintings of the British Royals and also several Indian dignitaries of pre-independence period; along with their belongings, like swords or dresses or books, enabling you to have a look into the glorious past.
Indian Museum - This is the biggest and oldest museum of India, containing six sections for Art, Geology, Archaeology, Zoology, Economic Botany and Anthropology. There are total 35 galleries in these sections, housing various rare paintings of famous painters of Mughal period; several antique pieces, like ancient seals and coins; ornaments, armors and weapons of many medieval kings and warriors; different types of fossils from pre-human ages and mommies; skeletons of prehistoric animals, birds and reptiles; statues of various Hindu Gods, Lord Buddha and some Jain Tirthankars also are seen here.
Marble Palace - This palace got its name from its totally marble-made walls, pillars and floors, made by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a rich businessman of the 19th century. This manor is renowned for its huge collections of art, bought from various parts of Europe; which include various sculptures, paintings of renowned European painters, western furniture items, chandeliers, life-size mirrors, large clocks and other antique pieces of great value. Besides the main building, there is also a small zoo and a rock garden, built within these premises. But you need to obtain prior permission from State Tourism Information Bureau to visit this North Kolkata building, as some parts of it is still inhabited by the descendants of Mullick family.
Fort William - It is a fort built by the British during the early era of their rule in India, which they named after the then reigning king of Britain, William III. This huge octagonal fort lies on the banks of River Hooghly and it is noted for its star-like design and its huge area of approximately 80 hectares, surrounded by a deep channel. It has 6 large gates and five of its sides face the vast green land that is called 'Maidan' and considered as the lung of the city for the availability of fresh air here. As it is now occupied by the Indian Army, only some parts of it, like a church, boxing ring, football ground, market and firing range are open for the public.
Eden Gardens - If you are a cricket lover, then you cannot miss to visit Eden Gardens, the historical cricket ground of Kolkata, where many international cricket matches had been played and plenty of records had been set by different talented players. Apart from recalling the history of cricket matches played in this vast stadium, you can just enjoy its velvety green ground and rest anywhere of the surrounding stands, which currently have the capacity for holding more than 66,000 people at a time! Near this spot, you can also see Writer's Building, the red-colored historical Secretariat of West Bengal, which is currently under repair.
Kali Ghat Temple - This is an ancient temple that is extremely sacred to the Hindus, on the bank of a canal which earlier used to be the actual course of Hoogly River, but now just flows into the present course of the river. The temple complex is vast, comprising of several other temples, apart from the main altar that is dedicated to Goddess Kali; and also other building structures, used for various purposes.
St. Paul's Cathedral - It is a prominent Anglican church of North India and it is distinguished for its huge tower and spire built in Indo-Gothic style, along with the stained glass windows of attractive colors and two frescoes drawn in Italian Renaissance mode. Though it was built in the mid 19th century, this church had to be rebuilt in 1934, after being destroyed due to the earthquake. At that time, it was designed following the architecture of the central tower of the famous Canterbury Cathedral of England. You can also visit Rabindra Sadan and Nandan Cinema Complex, which are the two main cultural sites of the people of Bengal, just adjacent to this Cathedral.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple - This temple complex was built on the bank of Hooghly River, in the 19th century, by Rani Rasmani, the queen of Janbazar in Kolkata. Apart from the main temple dedicated to Goddess Kali; there are also 12 temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and a Radha-Krishna temple, along with other buildings, over vast areas of 25 acres. This temple is more known for its close association to the famous Hindu saint of that time, Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa.
Birla Mandir - Actually this huge temple of beautiful white marble is called Lakshmi Narayan Mandir though its main deities are Radha-Krishna. It is also commonly named as Birla Mandir, as it was totally funded by the Birlas, one of the richest families of India. This temple is worth seeing for its splendid architecture and stone carvings.
Birla Planetarium - This is the largest planetarium in Asia and its structure strongly resembles that of the Buddhist Sanchi Stupa. Though it is located amongst the most popular tourist sites of Kolkata, being next to St. Paul's Cathedral and opposite to Victoria Memorial; this planetarium is unique for its large observatory, containing latest astronomical equipments. You will love to watch the shows on various aspects of astronomy and space science, imparted in English, Bengali, Hindi and few other Indian languages regularly, between 12 noon to 7 pm.
Science City - This is the biggest science hub of India, planned by National Council of Science Museums in 1997. This extraordinary science complex, located on recently developed Eastern Bypass of the city is now considered as one of the major tourist attractions of Kolkata. The most popular features of this place are Dynamotion Hall, Evolution Park, Earth Exploration Hall, Space Odyssey, Maritime Center and the most enjoyable Science Park, which your kids will want to see again and again!
Eco Tourism Park - This is a newly built park in Rajarhat, in the Northern suburb of Kolkata. Inaugurated only 2 years back, it has already gained immense popularity among the common people, for amazing features, like Amphitheatre, Chinese Garden, Butterfly Garden, Bonsai garden, Cactus Walk, Bamboo Garden, Children's play corner, Water garden, Mist house and Utility corner. If you are a food-lover, you can enjoy in Food Courts and different restaurants here, including Bengali restaurant. There are 3 different kinds of Eco zones and a lake zone for the enjoyment of nature-lovers here.
Apart from the above mentioned sites, you can also drop in to see Shahid Minar, Howrah Bridge, South Park Street Cemetery; along with the famous Belur Math in close proximity to the city. Your kids will also enjoy visiting Millennium Park, Birla Technological Museum, Alipore Zoological Gardens and Agri Horticultural Garden.
