Places to Visit in Kolkata

It is a beautiful White Marble structure which began making in 1906 and was completed by 1921. While it originally got built with the idea of dedicating a memorial to Queen Victoria of Britain, it has now turned into a museum that attracts numerous people due to its stunning architecture and display.

The artistic monument is a mixture of British as well as Mughal form of architecture. Inside the huge fortress is a museum that has 25 galleries featuring sculptures, portraits, national leaders, arms, and armour. Moreover, it has unique, and original  works of William Shakespeare, Omar Khayyam, as well as Arabian Nights.

Location: Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Maidan, Kolkata.

Price:
-Rs. 30 for Indians,
-Rs. 100 for citizens of the SAARC countries,
-Rs. 500 for nationals of all other countries.

Timing:
-From 10 am to 6 pm (Tuesday- Friday)and,
-From 10 am - 8 pm (Saturday, Sunday).

Best time to visit: October and March.

This one tops the list of places to see in Kolkata, probably because it gets so often portrayed in movies. It was constructed in 1943 replacing the Pontoon Bridge and is made of steel. Due to the immense popularity that the bridge has, tourists from far and wide travel to Kolkata just to visit the amazing bridge.

One will be amazed to see the view from the bridge in the evening. The entire river Hoogli seems like an endless lake with the sun going down into the horizon. The suspended bridge ranks 6th amongst the longest bridges in the world.

Location: Hooghly RIver, Kolkata.

Best Time To Visit: In the Evening.

Previously known as the Calcutta Botanical Garden, the garden was established in 1786. It is spread over 270 acres of land. The present name of the garden is Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanical Garden.

As the name suggests, the garden is full of plants, trees, and flowers related to the field of botany. At the moment, the garden is a home for over 12000 perennial plants that are still alive. One of the best attractions here is the giant Banyan Tree which forms the second largest canopy in the world. Also, the garden features over 1400 exotic species of plants, and trees.

Location: Botanical Garden Road B Shalimar Area Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Botanical Garden, Area, Howrah, West Bengal 711103.

Price:
-INR 10/- for Indians and
-INR 100/- for foreigners.

Timing: 10 am to 5 pm, ( Mondays Closed).

Best time to visit: October to February.

When you’re looking for your leisure day out; the New Town Eco Park spread over 480 acres is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata. It is a recreational area with ample outdoor activities to enjoy with the family. Some such activities include: Ice Skating- enjoy skating on a layer of ice, in a city that never receives snow.

The park features a huge ice-skate arena, and everyone can participate in the same. Kayaking: Yes, it is no surprise that the park also features water sports such as kayaking. Now you don’t have to take outstation trips for this water sport. And Zorbing- not everyone is a fan of the huge zorb ball; however, those who are, simply love it. You can enjoy this sport at the new town eco park.

Apart from the above, cruising, taking a walk at the sangraha which is a beautiful art facility in the park, are some more things that one can enjoy.

Location: Major Arterial Road(South-East), AA II, Newtown, Kolkata, West Bengal 700156.

Timing:
-2.30 pm - 8.30 pm (Tuesday- Saturday).
-The timing for Sundays and the General holidays are 12 pm- 8.30 pm. Mondays (Closed).

Best Time to Visit: Winter, And Springtime.

The place was the home of India’s most iconic person, Mother Teresa. Because of the great figurine she was, her home now has inevitably become one of the most sought for places to visit in Kolkata.

The building can be easily identified because of its grey color, as well as brown windows. The tomb of Mother Teresa lies on the ground floor of the beautiful building that is run by the ‘Missionaries of Charity House’. Some of the major things that the house features are the prayer cards of Mother Teresa, Mother Mary’s medallion, and many souvenirs as well.

Location: 54A, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Rd, Ripon Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016.

Timing:
-From 8 pm – 12 pm and
-3 pm – 6 pm (except Thursdays).

Best time to visit: Around Christmas Time.

Fort William is named after King Williams and is one of the most popular places to visit in Kolkata. The site was built in 1696, where the builders used bricks and mortar to make this famous fort. Interestingly, the port has a total of 6 gates, namely; WaterGate, Saint Georges, Treasury Gate, Plassey, and Chowringhee.

People who love British architecture will love this place. The gates are an architectural marvel, built by the British. Also, you can get to see the cannons kept on display. These cannons are quite old, and belong to the British. One can easily fall in love with the high roof, wide aisles, and solid structure of this magnificent fort.

Location: Maidan, Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021.

Timing: 10 am to 5 pm everyday.

Best time to visit: Weekdays.

Marble Palace is an incredibly magnificent maisonette located in Kolkata, along the Babu street, India. As one can rightly guess, the palace is among the few remaining buildings of the nineteenth century. Built in neoclassical style, the mansion continues to be the residence of the heirs of the King.

To give you a scenic background of the mansion, it is surrounded by lush green lawns and beautiful fountains. Galleries run amidst the lawns of the mansion which display artistic statues, portraits, mirrors, chandeliers and paintings created by English, Dutch and Italian artists. It may interest you to know that the mansion also houses a private zoo.

Location: Marble Palace located in Kolkata, West Bengal, in India.

Timing: 10:00am to 4:00PM, everyday.

Best Time To visit: Weekdays.

Dakshineswar temple located in West Bengal, India is a commonplace for festivals such as Yatra, Snana, Kalpataru Day, and Kali Puja. Additionally, the temple was started by Rani Rashmoni in the nineteenth century. The temple assumes Bengal architecture, a total of three floors.

Little do people know that the total area of the temple complex measures about 54.4bighas and costs Rani Rashmoni around Rs 42, 500 only. The temple is loved by every Bengali and is considered to be an abode of Goddess Kali. The temple was a dream that Rani Rashmoni dreamt before undertaking a pilgrimage to Varanasi.

Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700076.

Timing:
-From 6:00 am to 12:30 (midday),and ,
-From 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, every day.

Best Time to Visit: 6:00AM to 8:00 PM.

Alipore Zoological Gardens located in Alipore Kolkata, West Bengal. The gardens occupy a total of over 46 acres and houses close to 1266 animals. This zoological garden is among the oldest zoological parks in India today. The garden serves as a habitat for different species of mammals, reptiles, birds as well as primates. Also known as Calcutta Zoo,It is one of the oldest zoological parks established in India.

The Alipore Zoo attracts a flock of tourists from various locations, especially during winters. The Zoo is home to the expired Aldabra giant tortoise 'Adwaita', a tortoise which is almost extinct  (from the year 2006). Nature enthusiasts would love this place due to its abundant and plentiful wildlife.

Location: Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, in India.

Price:
-INR.5 (aquarium),
-INR.250 (photo) and
-INR.30 (zoo).

Timing: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (Thursdays closed).

Best time to visit: During morning hours.

It may interest you to know that Kalighat Kali Temple is now over two centuries old. Interestingly, the temple has a highly unique image that differs from most Kali images in Bengal. Kalighat Kali Temple is a popular tourist attraction of Kolkata and is considered as one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of India.

Religious inquisitives may be delighted to know that the temple is said to be the site where the toes of the right foot of Sati fell. In the first phase of construction, only the face of the deity was constructed. Later on, the remaining parts of Kali that included the hands, tongue and jewellery were constructed using gold and silver.

Location: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026.

Timing:
-Nitya Puja opens from 5:30 am to 7:am, every day.
-The Bhog Rag opens from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm (Sandhya Arti 6:30 pm to 7 pm).

Best Time to Visit: 5:30 am to 7:00 am.

Elliot Park is a huge park that occupies a total area of nearly 90,000 square feet. It may interest you to know that Tata Steel constructed the park. The park consists of several walk-throughs, restaurants, museums as well as outlets. Also, the park is easily accessible as it is located at the center of the city.

It would surprise you to know that the site where the Park is located used to be a dump for offal. In recent years, the dumpsite has been transformed into this beautiful park consisting of fountains and a vast expanse of trees and flowers. It also has sitting space and food stalls for visitors. Due to its easy accessibility, a lot of locals are drawn towards visiting this park in the evenings.

Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071.

Time: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, every day.

Best Time to Visit: During Weekends.

Rabindra Sarobar is a popular man-made lake, and was previously known as Dhakuria Lake. Today the lake occupies a total area of 300,000 square meters. The lake is surrounded by several trees of different varieties which makes the air around the lake very fresh. You’ll be happy to learn that the lake is close to the Dum Dum airport.

It is one of the most attractive and peaceful places in the city making it a common place for people to take walks or meditate. Additionally, it is also a good canvas for people interested in naturalistic photography.

Location: Dhakuria, Rabindra Sarobar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029.

Best Time to Visit:
-6:00 am to 4:00 pm, every day
(Although visitors are free to visit the lake during night-time, daytime presents a better experience).

South Park Cemetery is a privately-owned cemetery with a total of 1600 graves. Previously, the South Park cemetery was known as Park Street. The Cemetery has a mix of the Indo-Saracenic as well as the Golic style. You’ll be happy to know that the cemetery has three big restaurants that serve both modern as well as traditional foods.

Opened in 1767, it contains a mix of tombs, cenotaphs and mausoleums protected by a brick wall. The cemetery contains a  number of the graves belonging to famous military and political figures like Sir William Jones, Sir Elijah Impey, Walter Landor Dickens (Son of Charles Dickens), and more. Green mosses and ferns cover most of the cemetery and give an eerie setting to the place.

Location: 52, Park Street, Opp Assembly Of God Church, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017.

Time: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, every day.

Best Time to Visit: During weekdays in the afternoon.

Birla Planetarium is India’s biggest planetarium that features the largest projection of the night sky in the dome theatre. The structure has one floor and has a design that agrees with the Buddhist Stupa. It was constructed in 1963 and now serves as a museum. Inauguration of the planetarium was done by the then Prime Minister of India, Sri Jawaharlal Nehru. Birla Planetarium is among the largest planetariums in the continent of Asia.

The Birla Planetarium is situated adjacent to St. Paul’s Cathedral and near Victoria Memorial is Kolkata’s landmark. The best fact about this site is that it is constantly upgraded to keep pace with modern technology. Recently in 2017, the planetarium was renovated to incorporate the latest advanced Carl Zeiss Hybrid Projection System.

Location: Paul's Cathedral, 96, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Adjacent To St, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071.

Pricing: INR.80 per show at the Birla Planetarium.

Time: 11:30 am, 4 pm and 6 pm, (the Telugu Sky) 12:15 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, and 8:15 pm.

Best Time to Visit: In morning hours.

The Eden Gardens is owned by the Cricket Association of Bengal and has a capacity of 66000. It is interesting to know that the gardens hosted the World cup in 1987 after it got renovated to expand its capacity from 40,000 to 94,000. It may shock you to learn that the stadium is now over 150 years old.

You may already know that the Eden Gardens has the largest seating capacity in India and third-largest seating capacity in the world. It is often referred to as “cricket’s answer to the Coliseum. For cricket lovers, this place is a must visit.

Location: Maidan, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021.

Pricing: There is no entry fee to generally visit the stadium.
(Tickets depend on the season and the matches held in the stadium).

Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, every day.

Best Time to Visit: During the afternoon.

The Nakhoda mosque has a total capacity of 10,000, and was built at a total cost of Rs. 1,500,000 to be built. Kuchhi Memon Jamat is the architect of this magnificent mosque. It may interest you to know that the mosque has a total height of 151 feet. Additionally, there are 25 smaller minarets ranging from 100 feet to 117 feet in height.

The mosque has been named Nakhoda meaning Mariner after the founder of the mosque (Abdur Rahim Osman) who was shipping prince. On any day you would find muslims reverently cleaning the pool and praying in the hall creating a soothing and peaceful religious atmosphere within the mosque.

Location: Rabindra Sarani, Chowringhee North, Bow Barracks, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073.

Time: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, every day.

Best Time to Visit: Morning before many visitor’s troops in.
You get a better view of this ancient yet magnificent and attractive mosque.

Indian Museum is among the oldest museums in the world. It was established in 1814, by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in Kolkata. The museum has plenty of ornaments, fossils, ornaments, armors as well as mummies. Also, the outstanding structure has a total of four galleries that are not just dedicated to natural history but also zoological information. If you’re in search of deep historical information, then this is among the best places to visit in Kolkata.

The Gallery is often referred to as 'Jadughar' by the locals of Kolkata. For the interest of people who enjoy ancient artifacts, the Museum has a vast collection of contemporary paintings, sacred writings of Buddha, antique sculptures, ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mughal paintings etc.

Location: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016.

Price: INR.30 for Indian citizens and INR.500 per foreigner.

Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day.

Best Time to Visit: In the afternoon.

Prinsep Ghat was constructed in 1841 and is now among the oldest recreational facilities located in Kolkata. The place also has recreational facilities such as boat rides. Millions of visitors come to the place for a memorable pre-wedding shoot due to the picturesque howrah bridge in the background. The hundreds of flowers and trees in Princep Ghat makes it a perfect destination for you and your lover.

It is also an apt place for people who love to be around nature due to the lush greenery around the place. You can organise a picnic, or even camp at the Prinsep Ghats, to enjoy the night around the river Hoogly.

Location: Strand Rd, Maidan, Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021.

Best Time to Visit: In the evening.

Belur Math is a popular temple with a notable design that exhibits different religions such as Christianity, Hindu, Buddhism, as well as Islam. The different exhibits symbolizes unity in terms of religion. Belur Math serves as the nerve-center of the Ramakrishna movement. The unique feature is that the place looks like a mosque, as well as a temple, and also a church, at the same time.

You’ll also notice a statue that sits upon the lotus which is that of Sri Ramakrishna who was the initiator of the Ramakrishna movement. Belur Math is truly among the most preferred places to visit in Kolkata.

Location: Belur, Howrah, West Bengal 711202.

Timing: 8:30AM to 5:30 pm.

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon.

Tipu Sultan Mosque is among the oldest magnificent mosques of all times. Construction of this capacious mosque ended in 1842, and the place of worship has a staggering capacity of 1000. Prince Ghulam Mohammed is the man behind the breathtaking design of the Tipu Sultan mosque.

Unknown to many, Prince Ghulam was the youngest child of Mr. Tipu Sultan. Despite the fact that this mosque is more than 150 years old, it’s still a huge source of history and heritage. As per the structure of any other mosque, the Tipu Sultan Mosque also has 4 minarets on four corners. In the middle are 16 domes that are painted in green color. Due to the color of the mosque, as well as the intricate carvings, one can spot it from a good distance.

Location: 185, Lenin Sarani Rd, Esplanade, Chandni Chawk, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013.

Price: The entry fee is required to gain access into the Tipu Sultan Mosque.

Timing: 4:00PM to 6:00PM, evening.

Best Time to Visit: 8:00 am to 11:00 am.

Science City is one of the most preferred science centers in the city. The science park is under the management of the National Council of Science Museums with its headquarter located in Kolkata itself. The place holds different types of exhibitions based on multiple science topics.

Some of the science topics include Freshwater aquarium - It consists of different types of fishes for one to observe. and Power of ten that explains the micro and macro phenomenon of the universe. Also, Illusions - one of the most interesting activities that teaches the importance of visual perception in terms of placement and motion. In a huge garden area called Live butterfly, lies this butterfly enclave. People can observe the movement of butterflies from one place to another.

Location: JBS Haldane Avenue, Basanti Hwy, Kolkata, West Bengal 700046.

Price:
-INR.60 per person,
-Entry fee for students in group INR 30.

Time: 9:00 am every day up to 8:00 pm.

Best time to visit: During weekdays.

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum is a government-owned museum, constructed in 1954. The museum is science-based and has over 100 staff working there.It falls under the ministry of culture.

Some of the available galleries include television, motive power, life science, electricity, children’s gallery, metals, biotechnology, among plenty of others. No wonder tourists rate it as among the best tourist attractions in Kolkata.

Location: Birla Industrial and Technological Museum located in West Bengal in India.

Timing:
-From 9:30AM to 6:00PM during the weekdays and
-From 10:30 am to 8:00PM during weekends.

Best Time to Visit: During weekends.

Millennium Park is a popular privately-owned park based in Kolkata along Strand Road. This breathtaking park borders the famous Hooghly river. You’ll be overjoyed to learn that the park extends to up to 2.5 kilometers. Unknown to many, the Millennium Park gets named after the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority.

Additionally, the Millennium is just a small part of one of the larger Kolkata Riverside Beautification projects. Some of the activities for the visitors include boat riding, break dancing, toy trains, among other activities. The park is among the most highly rated tourist attractions in Kolkata.

Location: Millennium Park situated in Kolkata, along the Strand road.

Price: INR.300-INR.400 (including boating).

Timing: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, every day.

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon.

General Post Office is the main post office in West Bengal. The post office’s construction kicked off in 1864 and ended in 1868. It may interest you to know that Mr. Walter B. Grenville was the architect of the post office. The most conspicuous feature of this post office is the domed roof, which goes up to 220 feet. You won’t believe this; the staircase of the eastern part of the post offices comprises pure brass plates.

Location: Netaji Subhas Rd, Fairley Place, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001.

Timing: 10:00AM to 6:00 pm, every day.

Best Time to Visit: 3:00PM to 5:00pm.

Writers’ Building is a famous building of West Bengal’s government. The building has a total length of 150 meters and stretches the entire part of the Lal Dighi pond. It may interest you to know that Thomas Lyon was the architecture of this magnificent structure. The building used to serve as the office for junior clerks for the British East India Company. Shockingly, the Writer’s building covers a total area of nearly 550,000 square feet.

Location: Binoy Badal Dinesh Bag N, Lal Dighi, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001.

Best Time to Visit: Only during day time.

Shaheed Minar is a tall monument that was constructed in 1828. Unknown to some, the monument was constructed in honor of the late Major General Sir David Orchterlony. Most people wonder how a monument still stands despite being over two centuries old. The secret lies in the design, as well as the materials used to construct it. The construction of the Shaheed Minar started in 1825 and ended in 1828. The monument is 48 meters tall.

Location: Bus stop, Dharmtalla, Dufferin Rd, Kolkata, West Bengal 700069.

Best Time to Visit: During the daytime.

Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple is commonly known as Kolkata's Japanese Buddhist Temple. This Buddhist temple is a home to the famous monk, Bhikshu Morita. He is known to be a part in stopping the 1992 communal riots by chanting ‘Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo’, as a cry for peace. While at the temple, you can start a conversation with this monk, and learn about life. Moreover, the temple is quite peaceful, and people looking for a peaceful, as well as calm environment can visit this temple at any time they want.

Location: 60, Kabi Bharati, 1, Lake Terrace Rd, Hemanta Mukherjee Sarani, Lake Market, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029.

Price: The entry fee is required to gain entry into the temple.

Timing:
-From 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and
-From 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm, everyday.

Best Time to Visit: 4:30 am 7:00 pm.

The Sabarna Sangrahashala was constructed in the memory of the oldest zamindars who resided in Kolkata, known as the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family. The museum was started in 2015 to raise awareness of the essence of proper preservation of sources of historical information.

The museum is rich with different historical materials such as publications, journals as well as travelogues. The museum is especially useful for students as well as researchers who are passionate about historical information.

Location: Saptarshi Bhawan, Baro Bari, 67/3, Diamond Harbour Rd, Barisha, Kolkata, West Bengal 700008.

Timing: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, everyday.

Best Time to Visit: Weekend.

Wet O Wild is a common entertainment joint with incredible recreational facilities. Some of the fun activities include wave pooling, watching the Niagara falls, swirl riding, body sliding as well as lazy river ride. You’ll also notice a huge tube-like structure that leads to an artificial pool of water. The essence of the tube is to facilitate a particular activity known as tube sliding. Tube sliding suits both kids as well as adults.

Location: Street Number 27, Salt Lake Bypass, Sector IV, Kolkata, West Bengal 700106.

Pricing: INR. 750.

Timing: 10:30 am to 5:30pm, everyday.

Best Time to Visit: Weekend.

As the name suggests, the Nehru’s Children’s Museum is a special place that is fully dedicated to youngsters. The museum was established in 1972 and has numerous ancient arts and craft equipment for the kids. Additionally, the place provides kids an opportunity to have fun by participating in contests. Some of these contests include Nehru Talent Search contests, learn to live together, Toy train projects as well as the Sishu Bhaban Patrika.

Location: 94/1, Chowringhee Rd, Maidan, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020.

Price:
-Above 16 years INR.20 and
-Below 16 years INR.10.

Timing: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (except Monday and Tuesday).

Best Time Visit: Weekends only.

Aquatica is a popular resort that sits upon a total area of 75000 square feet. The water park features several recreational facilities such as slides and themed rides. You’ll be happy to know that the water resort also features multiple luxurious rooms to accommodate both single travelers as well as large families.

Most people visit the resort to celebrate essential events such as weddings, birthdays as well as engagements. The high-quality room services, parking services, and fast internet connection will leave you speechless! It’s one of the best places to see in Kolkata.

Location: Kouchpukur,P.O Hatgachia,P.S. :K.L.C, Near Rajarhat Township, Kolkata, West Bengal 700156.

Price:
On Weekdays-
-INR. 900 per adult and
-INR.450 for children,

On Weekends-
-INR 1000 for adults and
-INR 500 for kids.

Timing: 10:00AM to 6:00PM.

Best Time to Visit: Weekends.