Best places to visit in Kolkata
Kolkata is one of the most enthralling commercial destinations. However, the land sticks to its culture and splendid customs. This 300-year-old city stands as a reminder of freedom struggles, and numerous clashes, which now form the basis of unity that prevails in India. Kolkata is the intellectual capital of the culture and the hipster culture that the rest of the country looks with jaw open.
Main tourist attractions of Kolkata
Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial is a white marbled opulent structure was built in memory of Queen Victoria to celebrate her 25 years of rule over India and is almost a replica of the Victoria Memorial in London. Victoria Memorial is an iconic structure that is synonymous with the city of joy.
Science City, Kolkata
The Science city was inaugurated on 1st July 1997. It is a major attraction for the residents of Kolkata as well as for the people visiting Kolkata. It is one of the finest and the largest science museums in the world and provides a fun way of learning science.
Kalighat Temple
Kalighat Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Sthals of India, is one of the most visited Kali temples in India. The spot is where the toes of Sati's right foot fell during Shiva's Rudra Taandav naach.
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge is a massive steel bridge constructed over the Hooghly River. It is among the longest cantilever bridges in the world. Also known as Rabindra Setu, it connects Howrah and Kolkata. It carries daily traffic of over 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians and is as historic as it is grand.
Alipore Zoo
The Alipore Zoo, also known as the Calcutta Zoo or the Zoological Garden of Alipore, is the oldest zoological park to have been established in India and is a major tourist attraction in Kolkata. It attracts tourists from across the nation who visit the zoo to explore the wildlife that happily thrives here and to enjoy themselves.
Belur Math
The Belur Math in Kolkata is a place of pilgrimage and the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. People from across the globe, irrespective of the caste, creed or religion they believe in, visit the temple to enjoy the tranquility and serenity that it imbues.
Birla Planetarium
The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata, West Bengal, is a single-storeyed circular structure designed in the typical Indian style, whose architecture is designed on the Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi. Situated at Chowringhee Road adjacent to the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Maidan in South Kolkata, it is the largest planetarium in Asia and the second largest planetarium in the world.
St. Paul's Cathedral Kolkata
St Paul's is an Anglican cathedral that operates under CNI – Church of North India. It is a must-visit for those who seek enriching historical and architectural pleasure on their vacation trips. In the heart of the city, this colossal structure reminds you of the colonial times and takes you down the memory lane.
Birla Mandir
The glowing structure that adorns the streets of Kolkata is the popular Hindu Temple, Birla Temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, the temple is perfect specimen of craftsmanship.
Eden Gardens
Popular as the largest cricket stadium in the India and the second largest in the world, the Eden Gardens can seat 66,000 spectators.
Park Street
Park Street is a major access route in Kolkata, also officially known as Mother Teresa Sarani. The street begins at Chowringhee Road or JL Nehru road and stretches till Park Circus crossing. It is said that Park Street never sleeps and is always bustling with activities. It is one of the major hangouts in the city as it has a few pubs and restaurants.
Best time to visit Kolkata
The autumn and winter months between October and February are the best time to visit Kolkata, as the weather is perfect, and festivities are aplenty. This is the season which witnesses the peak arrival of travellers, especially during Durga Puja. Summer are the least desirable options for a traveler, and monsoons, although lovely, is not exactly the best season worth a visit.
