Fort William Kolkata

As the cultural capital of the country, Kolkata has a multitude of heritage sites that bring us face to face with the past. The city has witnessed defining moments in history that have shaped the present face of India. An everlasting relic of the yesteryears that houses numerous anecdotes of bravery and leadership is Fort William.

Taking almost a decade to complete, the fort was built in the year 1696 in commemoration of King William III and is a testament to the British era in India. Spreading over an area of 70.9 hectares, the fort sits on the eastern banks of Hooghly river and overlooks lush green gardens. Shaped like an irregular octagon, its design is largely influenced by Georgian and Gothic architecture with numerous arched windows and intricate stonework on its brick and mortar structure.

The original fort was attacked by the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah in 1756 that questioned the ability of the fort to act as a safe haven for the British soldiers. It is chronicled in history that the Nawab captured and held 146 British prisoners of war in a dungeon measuring 14×18 feet, the night he laid siege to the fort. The dungeon was so small that by sunrise 123 of the prisoners died due to suffocation and heat. This dungeon is popularly known as ‘The Black Hole of Calcutta”.

Kolkata Tourist Attractions

Kolkata Tourist Attractions, the City of Joy, is one of the oldest and most loved cities in India. Apart from a rich history and culture, there are also a number of amazing places to visit in Kolkata. No matter what type of traveller you are, no matter where you come from, it is hard not to fall in love with Kolkata. It is a city with vibrant and colourful lanes, and you can feel the pulse as you meander through these lanes. Kolkata is not merely a city. It is an emotion that needs to be felt. It is a canvas coloured with every shade. And, if you are here, you can absolutely not miss these 21 amazing places to visit in Kolkata.