Places to Visit in Kolkata

Kolkata City One of the city's finest example of Gothic revival architecture, the city also boasts of being the oldest Anglican cathedral in India. St Paul's Cathedral: The City and its Contrast against the Magnificent Victoria Memorial The Cathedral was inaugurated in the year 1847. The Cathedral retaining itself to be the holy site of the city is very popular amongst worshippers, architects, historians and photography loving travelers due to its glamorous stained windows, amazing spired structures, the beautifully adorned interior and quite ambiance.Major Attractions: Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, prayer hall, beautiful gardensTop Activities: Heritage tour, photography, peaceful prayer, architecture appreciationDuration: 1–2 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to March The Cathedral offers architectural marvel that allures visitors due to its beauty and tranquil. Inside the cathedral you may find the grand arcaded space with ornate stained glass window, decorativememorials, antique carving and antique carved furniture reflecting the craft of colonial times. The iconic structure with the spire reaches the sky and it is one of the iconic landmark of Kolkata, the surrounding lawns have crisscrossing paths, with immaculate gardens. The ambiance will take you into a peaceful environment away from the cacophony outside, the cathedral will entertain and amuse you by offering time well spent, whether it is enjoying its architecture, listening to the choir in worship or cherishing the calm and serene atmosphere. The Cathedral becomes a special place during Christmas with Christmas decorations, carol singers and the specially held prayers which attract believers and visitors from various corners. The Cathedral is easily accessible as it lies in vicinity to other places of tourist interest such as Victoria Memorial, Park Street and Indian museum.

Possibly the most historic and one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the world, affectionately referred to as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket,” Eden Gardens is truly a landmark of Kolkata’s passion for the sport, hosting numerous iconic internationals, IPL encounters and historic moments of the sport over the years. With the third highest seating capacity in the world, the stadium is a real must visit for every cricket lover traveling to Kolkata.Major Attractions: Historic cricket stadium, Cricket Association of Bengal, iconic match venue, lush surroundingsTop Activities: Watching cricket matches, stadium photography, sightseeing, exploring cricket historyDuration: 1–3 Hours (Longer during match days)Best Time to Visit: October to March Eden Gardens has had its fair share of hosting ICC Tournaments, Test Matches, ODIs and several matches from the Indian Premier League (IPL), and is responsible for etching some of the greatest cricket moments in the history books. A game at the ground is nothing short of an experience as you witness the thunderous roar of the electric crowd, particularly when Team India or Kolkata Knight Riders is on the pitch. More so than match day thrills, you will want to go on a walk through the tranquil gardens surrounding the ground which is set beside the Hooghly River and makes for a beautiful destination for all those who want to see the legendary stadium from the field in real life. Winter months when most major international as well as domestic tournaments take place is considered the best time to go. Nearby to the iconic Howrah Bridge, Prinsep Ghat and Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens is a significant part of many Kolkata tour packages.

Largest Urban Park India : Eco Park , New Town ( Kolkata ) Spread over an area of almost 480 acres, Eco Park in New Town is the largest urban park in India and one of the prime city attractions. Eco Park is a pleasant blend of thrill, fun, entertainment and nature built around a large man-made lake and serves as the perfect destination for families, lovers, photographers, adventure-enthusiasts, tourists, and fitness freaks towards a peaceful sojourn and break from the monotonous hustle bustle of city life. This city park boasts of various kinds of themed gardens, cycling, boating, playful areas for kids, replicate of renowned monuments, etc.Major Attractions: Large lake, themed gardens, Seven Wonders replicas, musical fountain, butterfly gardenTop Activities: Boating, cycling, photography, nature walks, birdwatching, family outingsDuration: Half Day to Full DayBest Time to Visit: October to March It has got a lot to offer, whether it is for a romantic date, a fun filled day out for families, or an evening stroll with friends. One can try their hand at a pedal boat in the man-made lake, explore different themed gardens such as the Bamboo Garden, Butterfly Garden or simply take a stroll along the beautifully landscaped paths. Seven Wonders, featuring miniatures of some famous wonders of the world, is by far the main attraction of this city park. Adventure seekers can enjoy various activities such as cycling, zip lining etc., while kids can have fun playing in their special zone. The musical fountain show and evening light and musical show add to the beauty of Eco Park especially during sunsets. The Eco Park is a picturesque destination and a great photo opportunity round the year due to its lush green landscapes, colorful flower gardens and water bodies. Eco Park is very conveniently located in New Town and can be accessed easily from all parts of the city by road.

Kolkata, the city that thrives in its rich cultural heritage, Jorasanko Thakur Bari is one of its most talked about tourist destinations. It is the ancestral residence of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, located at the heart of the city in North Kolkata. Today, the heritage mansion remains in an excellent state of preservation and has been turned into a museum by the Rabindra Bharati University, dedicated to the life and accomplishments of the Tagore family and their immense contribution towards the Indian arts, literature, music, and education. This cultural haven attract countless artists, scholars, students and travelers, who come to immerse themselves in the vibrant essence of Bengal's artistic traditions.Major Attractions: Rabindranath Tagore Museum, heritage mansion, art galleries, historical exhibitsTop Activities: Heritage tour, museum visit, photography, cultural exploration, learning about Tagore's lifeDuration: 2–3 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to March Jorasanko Thakur Bari offer visitors a compelling look into the artistic career and lifestyle of one of India's most significant cultural icons. On a visit here, you'll be greeted by an exclusive assortment of Rabindranath Tagore's handwritten letters, personal possessions, paintings, photographs and many other artefacts. This abode reflects a dynamic spectrum of artistic talents and their contributions to the cultural development in the country, and the entire structure of the house, which was built with red bricks, houses spacious courtyards and aesthetically decorated interiors, reminiscent of the 19th century. Each of its section offers a peep into the creative explorations of Tagore, from his poetry and songs to his paintings and International recognition that earned him the Nobel Prize. It is definitely a peaceful paradise for any student who's fond of literature, history or art and architecture. Yearly celebrated festivals like Rabindra Jayanti, along with numerous art and cultural exhibitions take place at Jorasanko Thakur Bari inviting creative minds from across the country to flock and celebrate at the premises. Well connected from the central business districts of Kolkata, Jorasanko Thakur Bari can be easily visited for a complete cultural immersion into the literary hub of the city.

Mother House, the headquarters and mother house of the Missionaries of Charity, is the first and the most serene place to be visited at Kolkata. The house that she lived for many years and devoted her entire life for the care and service of the poor is the present abode of her tomb. At this mother house of Missionaries of Charity, there is a museum dedicated to Mother Teresa; you can see some of her belongings and articles including her photographs, awards and even her Nobel Prize amongst others, which attract people from all over the world who want to show their respect for this remarkable woman.Major Attractions: Mother Teresa's tomb, museum, Missionaries of Charity headquarters, prayer hallTop Activities: Prayer, museum visit, spiritual reflection, learning about Mother Teresa's lifeDuration: 1–2 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to March The house offers you an experience that is spiritually peaceful, calm, yet significant. Her simple style and compassionate way of living is clearly felt throughout the premises of the Mother House that she led all her life. Her marble white tomb is surrounded by visitors, regardless of their nationality and faith, who come here to offer prayers and share the impact that Mother Teresa left on their lives. The modest museum displays some of her prized possessions and tales of her journey in the form of writings and letters; photographs portraying her life’s work, her belongings and accolades from worldwide. On the flip side, you will get to learn a great deal about how her missions help needy and unfortunate across the world. A perfect place for those seeking a quiet, spiritual retreat or if you’re simply someone who believes in the nobility of women. It’s perfect for a religion, history, volunteer or benevolence fan! Well Accessible This beautiful abode of the legendary woman can easily be accessed by visitors, as it is situated at the heart of Kolkata, it can be explored along with other local places like Birla Planetarium, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum and Park Street.

Arguably the most beautiful spot in the city and right on the Hooghly river. Built in 1841 by the British, Prinsep Ghat is a stunning Indo Greco Gothic building erected in the honour of an important British scholar and antiquarian by the name of James Prinsep. It offers everything from perfectly laid out lawns and river walkways to the views of Vidyasagar Setu for your romantic walks and photography with your love.Major Attractions: Hooghly River, Greek-Gothic monument, Vidyasagar Setu views, riverside promenadeTop Activities: Boating, riverside walk, cycling, photography, sunset viewingDuration: 1–3 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to March If there’s one experience that’s utterly relaxing and will etch itself in your memory in Kolkata – especially during the evening with that gentle river breeze and stunning sunsets is a visit to the Prinsep Ghat. A visit to this spot at the hour of evening is the most refreshing and the one you won’t forget. A gentle walk along the evening along the riverbank, a little relaxation in the gardens, a ride on the Hooghly and to witness the sun going down to rest is something else altogether! The beautiful white structure adorned by the coconut trees and standing on the Hooghly river, looking up to the Vidyasagar Setu makes it a perfect place for the photographs. You can also find people jogging and running and doing their exercise at the spacious grounds as well as in the cycling track that exists there, with several food stalls located at its periphery for those with the munchies. A visit during the evening and seeing the illuminated Vidyasagar Setu from the Prinsep Ghat is surely going to be a treat for your eyes. As it is just 3 km from Victoria Memorial and 4 km from Howrah Bridge, it is an extremely sought-after sightseeing destination and thus an unmissable place to visit.

The most lively & energetic part of the city of joy. It is famous for its colonial ambience, epic restaurants, high street shopping, festive fervour, & more and has always been one of the favourite spots of tourists &locals alike. Whether it be, the Bengali food connoisseur or an International food connoisseur, whether it be, people looking for live musical nights, or partying all night, love for shopping or want to soak in the vivacity of Kolkata, you would surely have an option at Park Street.Major Attractions: Historic restaurants, cafés, nightlife, shopping, colonial architectureTop Activities: Dining, café hopping, shopping, nightlife, photographyDuration: 2–4 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to February In this beautifully juxtaposed mix of colonial charm & the modern urban living of Kolkata, you would find some old, iconic olden day restaurants, bakery, pubs, & cafes, always remembered for their lip-smacking dishes. The options would range from bengali, continental, Chinese to Anglo-Indian Cuisine that would be offered by at least fifty restaurants, stretching across the historical road. For those travelling to Kolkata in December & during the Christmas & New Year, nothing can be more charming than watching Park street illuminating in wonderful festivities & brilliant light decors attracting people from all over the globe to visit the city and enjoy one of the best street decors, along with some fun filled performances & festivecarnivals. There would be live musical Cafes and numerous other options that would make it your best evening entertainment centre, especially for all the fun lovers of Kolkata. Long walk & a relaxed evening shopping here is just apt along with numerous bookstores, fashion boutiques &Shopping Malls around. Park street being at the close vicinity of places like Victoria Memorial, The Indian Museum, & the St.

Inaugurated in 1814, The Indian Museum is the oldest and largest museum of the country, housing about a hundred thousand works covering a whole range of Indian history, art, archaeology, anthropology, and natural sciences. Situated in the heart of the city, the museum is an invaluable storehouse of treasures for tourists, students, scholars and historians, and features countless artifacts of ancient civilizations, mummies, dinosaur fossils, treasure coins and rare artifacts. It also happens to stand on one of the most magnificent colonial building structures in the city of Kolkata.Major Attractions: Egyptian mummy, Ashokan artifacts, Buddhist sculptures, dinosaur fossils, art galleriesTop Activities: Museum tour, history exploration, photography (where permitted), educational visits, cultural learningDuration: 2–4 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to March The Indian Museum collection consists of some incredibly rare and valuable items like archaeological artefacts, ancient documents, works of art and design, folk artefacts, zoological, and geological material which put to display the Indian Heritage. The displays includes among other precious exhibits the exquisitely preserved Egyptian Mummies that have always fascinated young as well as old visitors. Other impressive exhibits include ancient artefacts from the Indus valley, Buddhist stupas, and ancient Buddhist artifacts. The galleries in the museum, such as the Archaeological Gallery, theEthnology Gallery, the Numismatics Gallery, the Fine Arts Gallery, and the Natural History Gallery help you learn a lot about India of today and of the past. This is the only kind of place in India that shows the Indian Heritage with utmost grandeur and splendor. Each of its sections and galleries are a feast to researchers and history lovers, and offers an incredibly informative visit into various facets of India. The majestic colonial architecture and the expansive halls serve as the perfect backdrop for the vast collection that is neatly arranged to showcase the diverse artefacts of the nation. The Indian Museum is strategically located close to other prime Kolkata attractions like Victoria Memorial and Park Street making it possible to cover some other famous spots of the city in a day. When the climate is pleasant with winters visiting India, there is no other time better than this to get down and witness one of the best museums of India.

A Place of Harmony Belur Math is the chief monastery of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission that is located on the west bank of the river Hooghly. The monastery was established in the year 1897 by Swami Vivekananda and is representative of religious harmony with its unusual amalgamation of Hindu, Islamic, Christian and Buddhist style of architecture. Encircling beautiful gardens and riverbanks Belur Math is thronged by a lot of devotees, spiritual followers, architecture aficionados and tourists from around the world and the country who wish to get away from the city and find a sense of peace and solitude.Major Attractions: Ramakrishna Temple, Swami Vivekananda's room, Hooghly River, peaceful gardensTop Activities: Meditation, temple visit, photography, spiritual exploration, evening prayersDuration: 2–3 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to March The Tranquility at Belur Math guests are assured of a blissful and meditative spiritual experience within the math campus. The main temple of Belur Math designed to symbolise all religions is one of the most peculiar place of worship in the country. Various museums, memorials, Swami Vivekananda's own preserved room exist to educate visitors about the inspiring holy man and his inspiring life. A well-kept garden with Hooghly river on one side serves for tranquil ambles and strolls. Special prayers are held in the evening when devoted ones chant hymns and fill you with wonder. It’s a picture taker’s delight and can be crowded sometimes. How to Reach Belur Math The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda are celebrated with spectacular spiritual and cultural proceedings in the math premises. Many visitors plan a day trip and visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple which is at a close distance from Belur Math. You can reach Belur Math very easily via metro, train, ferry or car from the city of Kolkata.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal Located on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata is among the most hallowed sites of Hindu worship in East India. Erected in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, the venerable structure pays obeisance to the goddess Kali- ‘The Saver of All Being’ and in this sanctified place is adored as Bhavatarini. Its glorious architecture with 9 spires adorn the shores of the serene Hooghly River and draw thousands of devotees and tourists every year.Major Attractions: Goddess Kali shrine, Hooghly River, temple architecture, Ramakrishna's roomTop Activities: Temple darshan, spiritual meditation, riverfront walk, photography, cultural explorationDuration: 2–3 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to March The temple has also been the spiritual headquarters of one of the renowned Hindu monks, the priest, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. In addition to being of immense religious importance, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple attracts attention due to its architecture, and a serene and peaceful environment. Beside the chief sanctum there is a group of twelve Shiva temples on the Hooghly riverbank, besides an edifice exclusively dedicated to Radha and Krishna and beautiful gardens and lawns. Exploring Sri Ramakrishna’s domicile and taking in the spiritually stimulating ambiance of Bengal will be an extraordinary journey and the enthusiastic chanting during morning and evening will surely enthuse the soul. The peak rush of devotes is experienced during Kali Puja, Diwali, and Durga Puja – the vivacious days of the year. A short ferry trip from the temple will also take you across to Belur Math as these places stand on either bank of the river.

A remarkable architectural marvel, a treasured landmark, the Howrah Bridge is the crossing point over the Hooghly River linking the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah in the state of West Bengal. Rabindra Setu (as it is officially known) is a cantilever bridge and its daily flow of traffic both vehicular and pedestrians, and surprisingly with no pier in the middle of the river is colossal. Constructed in the year 1943 this engineering masterpiece has long been representing the grandeur, history and life of Kolkata.Major Attractions: Hooghly River views, engineering marvel, Kolkata skyline, vibrant local atmosphereTop Activities: Photography, riverside walk, ferry ride, street food tasting, sightseeingDuration: 1–2 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to March From being the city’s most cherished tourist attraction during sunrises and sunsets, to its illumination that twinkles in the night sky, the Howrah Bridge is always a photographer's delight. Not just a river crossing, the Howrah Bridge is actually the heartbeat of the city of Kolkata. Tourists can capture unique angles and views from a ferry crossing, and no visit is complete without taking a walk across the Howrah Bridge and enjoying the unique vibrancy of the flower market that flourishes here, the Mullick Ghat Flower Market, a feast for senses. While the sunsets here paint the bridge in a plethora of colors, the lights that dot the bridge in the evenings and gleam from miles add a magical glow. Being between the two cities, accessing the bridge from both Kolkata and Howrah is straightforward and a good starting point to experience popular landmarks of Kolkata like Victoria Memorial, Prinsep Ghat and Park Street.

The Victoria Memorial is an iconic landmark of Kolkata and stands majestically in the city center. This splendid monument of white marble was erected in honor of Queen Victoria and spreads across a sprawling 64 acres of manicured gardens. Blending British and Mughal architectural styles, the memorial is frequented by art aficionados, history buffs, photographers and travelers. History seekers will find joy within its museum, which houses various galleries displaying the country’s colonial history, with artifacts like ancient manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, etc.Major Attractions: White marble architecture, museum galleries, landscaped gardens, historical exhibitsTop Activities: Museum exploration, photography, heritage walk, garden stroll, evening light and sound showDuration: 2–3 HoursBest Time to Visit: October to March The green expanses that surround this imposing structure make it an oasis of peace from the clamor of the city, a much loved haunt for promenades and family picnics. The memorial, regarded as Kolkata's pride, offers a vivid account of its colonial past through stunning British and Mughal architecture and vast landscaped gardens, graced by marble domes, grand statues and sprawling lawns; an all-time favored tourist destination, it remains the most photographed building in Eastern India. Within its imposing architecture the Museum presents remarkable collection of paintings from esteemed artists, royal objects, ancient documents, unique books etc. During the evenings, the spectacular Light and Sound Show takes you back in the history of Kolkata, captivating you with dazzling visual displays. The lawns offer space for contemplation, photography or simply relishing your favorite treats. Victoria Memorial can best be explored between October and February, when the weather is the most pleasant for exploring sightseeing. A morning or an afternoon will offer excellent lighting conditions for capturing photographs. Located at a convenient point in the city, one can reach the memorial via metro, bus, tax, or any other taxi service.