What are the best places to visit in Kolkata?

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and is home to a number of interesting historical, religious and cultural sites. Whether you are a tourist or a local, here are 10 best places to visit in Kolkata.

1. Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial is one of the most famous attractions in Kolkata and a must-see for all visitors. Opened in 1921, this imposing, white marble structure is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria and is filled with a massive collection of rare paintings, manuscripts and sculpture. Not to be missed here is the 60-meter-high dome, reflecting the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, and the beautiful statuary in the gardens. The Victoria Memorial is open to visitors every day except Mondays and national holidays

2. Indian Museum

Established in 1814, the Indian Museum is the oldest and largest museum in India. It houses a spectacular collection of antiques, artifacts, coins and Mughal paintings and sculptures from different parts of the world. This impressive museum has six main galleries: Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Economic Botany. The colossal museum building itself is an impressive sight and is worth exploring. The Indian Museum is open all days of the week from 10 am to 5 pm.

3. Kalighat Kali Temple

The Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the oldest religious sites in India and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. Legends say that one of the toes of Goddess Sati fell here when Lord Shiva was taking her body around. Inside the temple, one can find life-size idols of goddess Kali in four different poses. Located on the banks of river Hooghly, this place also serves as an important center for pilgrims throughout India. It is open every day from morning to evening.

4. Howrah Bridge

The Howrah Bridge is an iconic landmark of the city and the busiest bridge in India. It connects Kolkata to Howrah across the Hooghly River and completes its journey every day with thousands of vehicles crossing it daily. Built in 1943 without any nuts or bolts, this spectacular bridge is worth visiting for its breathtaking views of the river and city skyline. You can also enjoy a mesmerizing stroll across the bridge during sunset for a truly memorable experience.

5. Jorasanko Thakur Bari

This is the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, one of the most renowned Indian poet and Nobel Laureate from India. Located near the Burrabazar area, this fascinating house has now been turned into a museum and presents unique insights into Tagore’s life and works. It includes his personal library, an extensive collection of photographs, beautiful paintings, manuscripts and several other artifacts associated with him. The Jorasanko Thakur Bari is open every day except Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm.

6. Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Kolkata was established by Colonel Robert Kyd in 1787 and is home to over 12,000 species of plants from all over India and abroad. Spread across 273 acres of land, this beautiful garden includes a lake, a greenhouse, a herbarium and a few rare species of plants including a gigantic banyan tree believed to be over 200 years old. A visit to this place is sure to give you some much-needed time in nature’s lap amid lush greenery and serenity.

7. Birla Planetarium

Inaugurated in 1984 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Birla Planetarium is one of the largest pirateariums in Asia offering incredible experiences related to astronomy, science and technology. Here one can take guided tours through its gallery exhibits or partake in interactive workshops to learn more about astronomy . It also organizes special shows with 3D effects on topics such as blackholes, universe and common constellations etc. Birla Planetarium timings are from 10:30am – 5:30pm on all days except Mondays.

8. Nicco Park

Nicco Park is a fun-filled amusement park located on EC Mazumdar Road near Salt Lake City in Kolkata. It offers exciting rides for both children and adults including 38 exciting rides for kids, four thrilling roller coasters for adults and five water-rides like giant wheel, crazy carousel etc. It’s also home to numerous adventure activities like go-karting, water squirting, laser tag game and virtual reality theaters etc offering great entertainment value to visitors both young and old alike. Nicco Park timings are from 11am – 8pm on all days except Monday every week.

9. Nakhoda Mosque

Nakhoda Mosque is another famous structure in Kolkata that incorporates both traditional Mughal and European architecture styles within its walls and rooftops. This beautiful mosque was built by Abdar Rahim Osman in 1926 using red sandstone imported from Karauli near Jaipur for its construction giving it an eye-catching red hue from outside . Inside you can find grand domes and arches decorated with intricate craftsmanship that makes it worth visiting at least once during your stay in Kolkata. It opens for prayers every day at dawn and again at dusk till late night on Fridays for Jumma prayers .

10. Park Street

If there’s one place in Kolkata that never sleeps then it has to be Park Street located near Maidan in South Kolkata . Lots of restaurants , pubs , shops , amusement parlors line this street making it an ideal venue for a fun night out with friends or family . From dining out , clubbing , shopping , playing arcade games , you can do everything here throughout the night , making Park Street an indulgent hot spot for all age groups alike. It’s also worth visiting during Christmas time when entire street lights up beautifully with fairy lights making it a sight worth beholding .

In conclusion, Kolkata offers an incredible array of things to do which range from visiting historical monuments to enjoying thrilling amusement parks making it an ideal destination for everyone from nature lovers to history buffs . Whether you are visiting for a weekend or planing a longer stay , there’s no shortage of activities here making it one of must visit places in India .

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