Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is the capital of India’s West Bengal state. It was India’s Capital under the British rule. Today it’s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and various cultural fests. It is generally referred to as “London of India”.
1. Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial is a large marble building which was built between 1906 and 1921. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and is now a museum and tourist destination.
2. Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
Temple located inDakshineswar. Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali.
3. Kalighat Kali Temple
It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.Kalighat was a ghat (landing stage) sacred to Kali on the old course of the Hooghly (Bhāgirathi). The name Calcutta is said to have been derived from the word Kalighat. The river although, has moved away from the temple, the temple is now on the banks of a canal called Adi Ganga which connects to the Hoogly. The Adi Ganga was the original course of the river Hoogly (the Ganges).
4. Shaheed Minar
The ShaheedMinar, formerly known as the Ochterlony Monument, is a monument in Kolkata that was erected in 1828 in memory of Major-general Sir David Ochterlony, commander of the British East India Company.
5. Rabindra Sadan
Rabindra Sadan is a cultural centre and theatre in Kolkata, located near the Nandan cinema and cultural complex and the Academy of Fine Arts on AJC Bose Road in South Kolkata.
6. Birla Mandir
The magnificent Birla Mandir of Kolkata is an exemplary work of art. It is one of the finest architectural beauties of the city.
7. Indian Museum
The Indian Museum is the largest and oldest museum in India and has rare collections of antiques, armour and ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies, and Mughal paintings. It was founded by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in Kolkata, India, in 1814
8. Marble Palace Zoo
It is a palatial mansion built byRaja RajendraMullick in 1835 and contains many beautiful Western sculptures, pieces of Victorian furniture, and paintings by European and Indian artists. Large chandeliers, clocks, and busts of kings and queens decorate the hallways of the palace; marble wall & floors, antiques, paintings, curios, marble statues,floor to ceiling mirrors and for its collection of rare birds. Marble Palace is still resided in. Entrance is restricted and permission must be obtained from the government tourist office.
9. Science City
In a Science Park, people come closer to plants, animals and other objects in their natural surroundings and also learn about the basic principles of science in an open air learning environment. The park interactive exhibits are engineered so as to tolerate all the weather.
10. Belur Math
Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is located on the west bank of Hooghly River it is one of the significant institutions in Calcutta. This temple is the heart of the Ramakrishna Movement. The temple is notable for its architecture that fuses Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs as a symbol of unity of all religions
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11. College Street
This area boasts the largest book market in Asia. It is said that if you cannot find a book in College street, then probably that book never existed.
During DurgaPooja: Well, this is the best and the most important time to visit Kolkata. You can experience “oneness” of everyone and trust us, you will find yourself excited to visit each and every Durgapandal and don’t forget to have the most delicious Khichuri.
By : Archa Dave
