Top Things to do in Kolkata (Calcutta) is a city situated on the eastern side of India, in the state of West Bengal. It’s a big city that teems with never-ending waves of honking traffic, shops , restaurants, and street food, as well as a share of sights. “Calcutta is magnificent. You get a vision anywhere you put a camera, “said the famous writer and director-Pradeep Sarkar and the man couldn’t Were more right. The country’s second-largest city looks like a fantasy city that came to life straight from a brilliant book. The old-colonial era buildings in the former British capital add to the city a certain charm which makes it an absolute treat for the eyes of a beholder. No wonder many value the busy city as the country’s scientific, cultural , and artistic capital!
Walk through North Kolkata to see the chaotic lifestyle of today’s crowd work in perfect harmony against the backdrop of a bygone era. And what a meal! Don’t miss a wonderful gastronomic experience in Kolkata ‘s fascinating food streets. If the hectic city life aches your bones slightly, sit down close to one of the picturesque Ghats and let the hot tea help you forget the world!
Victoria Memorial Hall
The Victoria Memorial, a huge white marble monument located in the heart of the City of Joy, Kolkata (Erstwhile Calcutta) in West Bengal, India is one of West Bengal’s most famous monuments which has become a museum and the state’s popular tourist spot. This monument is a brainchild of George Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston and Viceroy of India. was dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria (1819–1901). This grand and exquisite memorial not only recalls British Crown rule on the Indian subcontinent but also stands out as an outstanding architectural gem of Indo-Saracen revival style. It is a must-visit tourist destination for first-time tourists to experience the essence of the Victorian era amidst Kolkata ‘s busy metro city.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Temple – The temple of the goddess who is believed to “liberate her devotees from the ocean of life” – Bhavatarini, Goddess Kali’s manifestation, was founded in 1855 by a philanthropist named Rani Rashmoni. Designed in the classic ‘Nava-ratna’ style of Bengali architecture, the beautiful temple complex is a popular pilgrimage point for Hindu devotees. The temple standing on the quiet eastern bank of the Hooghly River was once a place of residence of the Hindu mystic – Ramakrishna Paramahansa. It is one of Kolkata’s most celebrated temples.
Eden Gardens
The Eden Garden is a magnificent, well-maintained cricket stadium situated near the State Secretariat and Calcutta High Court, in the B. B. D. Bagh area of Kolkata. It is the Cricket homeground in Kolkata. The establishment was led by Governor-General Auckland in the year 1864, who named the place after his sisters Emily and Fanny Eden. This cricket stadium is spread over 50 acres and has the capacity to seat about 66,349 people and is the second largest stadiums in the world.
Kalighat temple
The Kalighat Kali Temple of Kolkata, dedicated to the Hindu goddess of Kali, is one of the most visited and holy sites in the region. Every day the temple draws thousands of pilgrims and other Hindu devotees. Walking to the temple, you’ll pass a street lined with religious objects for sale on both sides.
The line to get into the temple itself and see the statue of Kali is sometimes crazy long, and you have to remove you shoes to get in. However, you can choose to just walk around the outside of the temple, and the interior outer side, with your shoes on.
Belur Math Shrine
Belur Math Shrine is a place of pilgrimage in Kolkata. It is also the Ramakrishna Math & Mission headquarters. The campus of Math contains temples dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. The foundation stone of the Math was laid on 16 May 1935, and the structure was constructed under the guidance of Swami Vivekananda, integrating the features and symbols Within a single structure, of all religions around the world. This is unique to the organisation.
In January 1897, Swami Vivekananda returned from Colombo with a small group of Western disciples and founded two monasteries, one at Belur, which became the headquarters of the Ramakrishna mission and the second at Mayavati Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan province. The primary purpose of building the monasteries was to train young monks in making the monastic teachings and way of life, and then be ordained into the order of Ramakrishna.
Marble Palace
Raja Rajendra Miullick’s palatial building, popularly known as the Marble Palace, is the only colossal structure standing in a small lane of Muktaram Babu Street in north Kolkata.
The facade of the private mansion is constructed in neoclassical style, and still remains the residence of the descendants of Rajendra Mullick and is considered to be Kolkata’s most preserved monuments.
Surrounding the mansion are expansive lawns, fountains and a private zoo. The mansion’s galleries are filled with sculptures, portraits, mirrors, chandeliers and paintings by English, Dutch and Italian artists.
Indian Museum
The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the world’s ninth-oldest museum, and India’s largest museum with its founding stone laid in 1814. It has some of the finest collections of artefacts including armors, fossils, skeletons, antiques, ornaments, Egyptian mummies and contemporary paintings as well as Mughal-era paintings.
Indian museum also boasts one of the most unique coin and sculpture assemblages dating back to the second century AD. There are also sculptures from the Gandhara School of Art and Bodhgaya architectural remains which are exhibited in separate galleries. The museum is called as ‘Jaadu Ghar’ popularly.
For all the history buffs, museums are a treasure trove. The Indian Museum has a total of 35 galleries divided into six categories: Anthropology, Art, Archaeology, Geology, Zoology and Economic Botany, respectively.
Park Street
Park Street, also officially known as Mother Teresa Sarani, is a major access route in Kolkata. The street starts at Chowringhee Road or JL Nehru Road and extends till the crossing of Park Circus. Park Street is said to never sleep, and is always full of activities. It has many pubs and restaurants as it is a major hangout spot in the city. It intersects or originates many significant routes from Park Street. Since the reign of the British Kingdom the street has been a crowd puller and underwent modifications that make it a fashionable hangout spot.
Park Street is one of the city’s areas where you’ll find 5-star restaurants and hotels, nightclubs / pubs, malls and other restaurants. On the occasions of Diwali, Christmas and New Year’s Eve the street draws locals in large numbers. The whole street is decorated with bright and colourful lights, with great enthusiasm celebrating the festivals. There are also a number of prominent landmarks within or near Park Street. Some are Asian Society, St. Xavier ‘s College, South Park Street Cemetery and The Park Hotel. It is one of Kolkata ‘s main entertainment and leisure areas.
Birla Mandir
Kolkata ‘s beautiful Birla Mandir is an outstanding piece of art. It is one of the town’s finest architectural beauties. The temple ‘s indigenous craftsmanship is its grandiose hallmark. It represents a lovely mix of contemporary and traditional art. Also the temple is a sacred place of devotion and worship. Thousands of people come here from diverse parts of the country to offer their prayers especially on Janmashtami (Birthday of Lord Krishna). It makes for a spectacularly beautiful view during the festive months when the temple and its surroundings are illumined with lights. The best time to visit this magnificent temple is at Aarti at night when the white marble temple is at its peak. The temple’s serene and majestic environment gives the mind much peace and quiet. It is one of the most visited tourist spots of Kolkata.