Kolkata is an amazing travel destination! Let’s find out how.
The capital city of West Bengal, Kolkata, is located on the eastern shoreline of the Hooghly River. Significantly known for its vibrant culture, love for the arts, and deep-rooted history, Kolkata presents a variety of explorations.
Not one or two, there are plenty of tourist places in Kolkata. Whether you are already excited or skeptical, this blog is for you.
It covers everything you need to know about Kolkata and locations you must visit. Let’s jump right into it and discover the city of joy.
The Best Tourist Places in Kolkata
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge stands first in the list of tourist places in Kolkata. You might have already seen this in movies. This majestic bridge looks great in pictures and looks phenomenal in reality.
During the evening, lights make it more magical and soothing.
Built in 1943, this bridge was a replacement for Pontoon Bridge. Kolkata is known for this bridge, and various tourists visit it throughout the year. It is like a signature location that you must witness.
You can enjoy the sunset over the Hooghly River while watching the stunning bridge. A fact about this bridge is that it is built without a single nut or bolt. You can also take a ferry ride at night and enjoy programmable night shows.
Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial was built in the memory of the Empress of India, Queen Victoria. It was constructed between 1906 and 1921. This memorial is the world’s largest royal monument to a monarch.
Covered in white marble, it depicts the grace and elegance of the Queen’s era. Today, the Victoria Memorial is turned into a museum, and it is open to people. It is a delight for tourists who love history.
You will discover remarkable architecture, a large collection of artifacts, and a 16-foot bronze statue of the Angel Victoria. Other than that, you can enjoy horseback rides and stroll around gardens.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Kolkata is indeed a spiritual place with the greatest number of Maa Kali devotees. This makes it a hub of various temples. One such temple is Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
This temple was initiated by Rani Rashmoni during the 19th century. It beautifully depicts Bengal’s architecture, which has nine spires and a courtyard. If you visit the temple at night, you can take the ferry ride and see this delightful temple from the river. Then you can attend the evening aarti and get the blessings of Maa Kali.
Just remember that you cannot take your mobile phones inside the temple. It is situated near the Hooghly River and has a ghat on the river.
Kalighat Temple
Temples are a major part of tourist places in Kolkata. The good part is that you can get as many blessings as possible. The Kalighat temple can be quite crowded, but it is still a must-visit. You can hire a tour guide and learn more about this temple.
This temple is famous because it is a historical temple and one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of India. It is significant for the people of Kolkata, and this can be seen in the eyes of locals. This is also the reason behind the crowd.
Due to its religious significance, this temple is popular among tourists and a must-visit location.
Indian Museum Kolkata
Tourist places in Kolkata have a list of museums as well. Indian Museum Kolkata is one of the oldest museums in the world. Built in 1814, this museum has a lot for you to discover. Exploring this museum means witnessing historical ornaments and fossils. An interesting part is that you can also see mummies here.
The architecture of this building has four galleries depicting deep history. The galleries represent different themes, and you can discover various things such as anthropology, botany, zoology, archeology, and geology.
It is not only the oldest but also the largest multipurpose museum in the Indian subcontinent as well as in the Asia-Pacific region. So much history in one place makes it worthy of your visit.
Park Street
If you are in Kolkata, you cannot go back without visiting Park Street. Known for its colonial architecture, this street is everything in terms of having fun. You can admire the place, shop your heart out, try delicious food, and even go to pubs.
There are three major buildings in Park Street, and they are Asiatic Society, St. Xavier’s College, and Park Mansion. Other than that, the street has multiple malls, such as Metro Plaza shopping mall, Quest Mall, One Squire Mall, and many more.
There are various Anglo-Indian-owned restaurants and pubs. There are bookstores, St. Thomas Chruch, and Queen’s Mansion. Park Street is located near Eden Gardens and Victoria Memorials, so you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing.
Eden Gardens
You don’t have to be a cricket fan to visit Eden Gardens. Although it is a stadium, it is also a massive historical structure. It is one of the world’s largest cricket grounds and the biggest in India. It is India’s oldest and second-largest cricket stadium.
If you happen to watch a match in Eden Gardens, you will get to experience the electrifying energy of the crowd. However, you can also visit the stadium when there is no match.
The stadium has the capacity to hold 60,000 people at once and is 150 years old. Visiting Eden Gardens is an iconic bucket list activity.
Marble Palace
Out of all the tourist places in Kolkata, you cannot miss the Marble Palace. This palace located along Babu Street is exquisite and captivating.
Marble Palace is definitely a historical marvel and a Romanesque structure (European structure between 9th and 12th centuries). You will get to explore paintings by European and Indian artists. There are various artifacts as well from the Victorian era.
There are gardens surrounding the palace for you to walk leisurely. Not forgetting, the ambience of the palace is regal. It is still the residence of the king’s successors.
Rabindra Sarobar
The most popular man-made lake in Kolkata, Rabindra Sarobar, was formerly known as Dhakuria Lake. This lake is spread over a total area of 300,000 sq. m. (75 acres). This location is popular for various water activities such as rowing, kayaking, regattas, and water ballet.
Rabindra Sarobar is also known for birdwatching, and you can see different migratory birds based on the season. The best time for birdwatching is winter. It is a peaceful lake, and locals generally spend their time jogging and picnicking at the lake.
The lake is surrounded by a museum, an auditorium, and green spaces. It is not just a lake; it is an experience, and you can make a lot of memories here.
Kolkata Street Food: A Flavourful Ride
Talking about Kolkata, something you can’t miss out on is food. Strating from the very basic yet so delicious is Rasgulla. Next on the menu has to be Mishti Doi, Churmur, Singara, Kachori, Luchi with Dum Aloo, Puchka, and many more.
Kolkata is one of a kind in terms of travel! You can connect with spirituality, discover the world’s oldest historical structures, and indulge in mouthwatering food. It is a great idea to spend your free time in a place like Kolkata.
In Summary
Tourist places in Kolkata can be your next vibrant experience. All you have to do is plan your trip, pack your bags, and start your journey. While you can go on your own, choosing a travel partner can streamline the booking process. You can relax and enjoy your trip while your travel partner makes all the arrangements for you.
Unify Holidays presents you with various travel packages to Kolkata. We ensure a hassle-free experience with advance bookings of flights and accommodation. Moreover, we take care of your sightseeing and meals. Your complete itinerary is personalized by our professionals. You only need to do one thing, and that is choose Unify Holidays as your travel partner.
So, decide now, opt for convenience, and make your moments in Kolkata memorable.