24 Best Tourist Places in Kolkata

Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and one of India's four most significant metropolitan cities. Kolkata is also regarded as the entry point to Eastern India. Traveling to Kolkata is enjoyable, and here we will provide you with information on Kolkata trips.

In Kolkata, there are several sites to visit. This city, located on the banks of the Hooghly River, is so rich in arts and cultural activities that it is also known as the country's cultural capital. It is reported that in 1690, it was a little town when an English businessman, Job Charnock, laid the groundwork for the East India Company's commercial headquarters. By expanding into a metropolitan city, this village has become globally famous. As a result, tourists come and go throughout the year. So, let us go through the tourist attractions of Kolkata in detail.

1. Howrah Bridge in Kolkata

The Howrah Bridge this name is well-known all across the world. This bridge links Howrah and Kolkata; it is a historical bridge; it is also known as Rabindra Setu. This bridge is composed entirely of iron, as two thousand five hundred ninety tonnes of high-quality iron have been placed.

This bridge spans 1500 feet and is 71 feet wide, and it is the sixth biggest bridge of its sort in the world. Typically, each bridge relies on pillars, but this bridge, with two sides of the river and a width of fifty meters, rests on just four pillars. There are no strings, such as rope, to provide support.

2. Victoria Memorial in Kolkata

The Victoria Memorial is the most prominent attraction in Kolkata. The Victorian Memorial, built-in 1901 in memory of Queen Victoria and Lord Curzon, is one of Kolkata's most popular tourist sites. It took more than twenty years to construct, and it was finished in 1921 and dedicated by the Prince of Wales.

This building has 25 different rooms. Over 3500 items relating to Queen Victoria have been acquired here for visitors. A bronze statue of Queen Victoria is also kept in front of this monument, which is most visible. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Mondays, the museum is closed.

3. Science City in Kolkata

Space Theatre, Space Fleet, The audience gets frightened after seeing samples of several zoonoses. Various dinosaur species are also depicted here. Science City has grown into a critical draw for Kolkata residents and national and international visitors. On July 1, 1997, Science City was dedicated to visitors.

Science City provides an exciting and intriguing atmosphere for science and technology that is instructive and entertaining for individuals of all ages. The Science city, created by the National Council of Science Museums, is one of the largest and most significant in the world. Science City has evolved into a pleasant and unforgettable experience for young and senior visitors.

4. Fort William in Kolkata

Fort William is located on the east bank of the Hooghly River in Kolkata. This fort was named after King William III and was built in 1696. Fort William is a spectacular tower with hundreds of arched windows scattered across 70.9 acres. It is still an important tourist and historical destination in Kolkata, attracting thousands of visitors.

After finding faults, including an inside citadel where captives were imprisoned, another new octagonal tower was built at Fort William, earning the nickname "Black Hole of Calcutta." Fort William is also the present headquarters of the Eastern Command. So, if you're planning a trip to Kolkata, don't forget to visit Fort William.

5. Birla Mandir in Kolkata

Birla Mandir, which covers an area of around 130 acres, is one of Kolkata's most famous religious sites. Birla Mandir was completed on February 21, 1996, after a 26-year development period in 1970. Along with the primary deity Radha-Krishna, the temple has the idols of ten avatars of Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Durga. Birla Mandir is made of sculpted white marble. Birla Mandir, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, is an important religious center in Kolkata and remains the most scenic destination for visitors and pilgrims to visit, where tourists may see Radha-Krishna and the temple. Apart from that, Janmashtami is celebrated with considerable zeal and grandeur at the temple, packed with worshippers.

6. Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata

Kalighat Kali Temple is one of Kolkata's most well-known sites, and this location depicts ancient times. The temple was built in 1809, and the gold idol is one-of-a-kind, with three large eyes, a long tongue, and four arms. A sickle is in one hand, while the severed head of the demon Shumbh is in the other.

The temple is constructed in the traditional Bengal School of Architecture style, with a large dome on top. Different parts of the temple are retained for various reasons. The Radha-Krishna temple is located on the complex's western flank. The Ankleshwar Mahadev Temple (Temple of Lord Shiva) is located directly across the street from the Kalighat Temple.

7. Princep Ghat in Kolkata

Prinsep Ghat on Strand Road is one of Kolkata's oldest entertainment areas. This tower, which was rebuilt in 2001, is one of a kind, with built-in Greek and Gothic styles. A memorial honoring James Prinsep, famed for the Ashokan inscriptions, is built on the banks of the Hooghly river.

Tourists come here to see the dawn and sunset, and the majestic Vidyasagar Setu across the river provides a lovely backdrop for the monument. A 2-kilometer stretch of riverside from Prince Memorial to Baje Kadmatla Ghat was beautified in the 2012 renovation.

8. Alipore Zoo in Kolkata

This zoo, known as India's oldest, is about 8 kilometers from Kolkata and is home to peacocks, white tigers, elephants, unicorns, and other birds and animals. The zoo is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It attracts tens of thousands of visitors each day during peak season. This zoo charges $30 for adults and $10 for youngsters.

9. Jain Temple in Kolkata

The Jain temple in Kolkata is one of the essential religious spots in the state, and this temple is also one of the most beautiful temples in terms of architecture. This temple is a well-known pilgrimage destination for Jain devotees, and this temple has been a popular destination for visitors and pilgrims.

10. Marble Palace in Kolkata

The Marble Palace in Kolkata has long been a tourist draw, and it was built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra. This stunning architectural vista will make your thoughts happy. There is also a museum in this castle where you may examine ancient artifacts. Every month, a large crowd meets here.

11. Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata

The temple is dedicated to Bhavatarani, a form of Goddess Kali known as the "savior of the cosmos." It is the first choice of pilgrims from all over the world and is one of the oldest and most important temples ever built. Rani Rashmoni, who had lost her husband and was quite wealthy, erected the shrine. The concept for this temple came to him in a dream, and he completed it as his final task before embarking on a journey to Varanasi.

12. Jorasanko Thakur Bari in Kolkata

If you like poetry and Rabindranath Tagore? Then you must go to this location. It is the late Tagore's ancestral home, with three different galleries packed with paintings and personal things from the Tagore family, including his writings and manuscripts. The property is surrounded by a lovely garden and is located in a quiet neighborhood in the city's center.

13. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata

St. Paul's Cathedral, located in the center of the city, was built in an Indo-Gothic style and is an extraordinary monument that you should not miss. It was one of the first churches erected in India by the British. The cathedral complex is peaceful, and the structure makes you feel at ease. The entrance hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

14. Old Chinatown in Kolkata

This is India's only Chinatown, and it is a haven for people who wish to sample the food of this Asian country. This area grew due to the Chinese traders working at the ports. Although the establishment has lost its originality, a few vendors still provide authentic Chinese snacks, such as prawn crackers, pork sausage, momos, and fish ball soup.

15. Kumortuli in Kolkata

Durga Puja is one of Kolkata's most vibrant and colorful events. The celebrations are enormous, with pandals lasting ten days and fabulous cuisine served on the final day. Durga idols are produced in Kumortuli. This 300-year-old potter's town is alive with activity in the weeks leading up to the festival. More than 150 families reside in this region and work tirelessly to create all of the festival idols. You may tour the facility and speak with the potters to learn more about how these gorgeous idols are manufactured.

16. Birla Planetarium in Kolkata

This planetarium is located on Chowringhee Road near Kolkata Maidan, and it is Asia's largest and the world's second-largest planetarium. It is a circular structure designed in the Indian architectural style, and Jawaharlal Nehru dedicated it on July 2, 1963.

Many shows are arranged in Hindi, English, and many regional languages to attract tourists. This contains information on the solar system planets, which travelers find fascinating.

17. Indian Museum in Kolkata

This museum is the ninth oldest in the world and India's largest. This museum, located on the Jawaharlal Road in Kolkata, was founded in 1814. This location is well-known among history buffs. This museum has a magnificent collection of skeletons, antique sculptures, jewelry, weaponry, Egyptian mummies, and old things.

This museum is organized into six sections: Botany, Archaeology, Anthropology, Earth, Animal, and Art. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may take a walk with your family and friends here.

18. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Kolkata

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across a vast land area of around 216 square kilometers, is one of the most stunning tourist destinations in Kolkata and is the most famous location for the rare horned Indian Rhino. Many different forms of animals may be seen in this sanctuary, which is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.

Aside from Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, sambars, and wild boars, many more animal species are spotted here. The natural environment here is also pretty beautiful, which draws many people.

19. Botanical Garden in Kolkata

This park is located on the west bank of the Hooghly River and has an area of 273 acres. This park is considered one of India's oldest.

This garden has approximately 12000 live perennial plants that have been collected from all around the world. Aside from that, one of the main features of this garden is a massive banyan tree.

20. Park Street in Kolkata

Park Street, also known as Mother Teresa Sarani, is a Kolkata street. There is always a buzz in the air here. Park Street in Kolkata is a never-sleeping street. There are also nightclubs, hotels, malls, restaurants, and eateries.

This road is a popular hangout and tourist location in Kolkata, and many people frequently visit it. You may enjoy a range of excellent foods and numerous activities here.

21. Eden Garden in Kolkata

The Eden Gardens, located in Kolkata, is one of the world's largest cricket grounds. This garden, which spans 50 acres, has a seating capacity of around 66000 people, and it is close to the Kolkata High Court.

It was founded in 1864 by the Governor-General of Auckland. Although several activities are practiced in this stadium, cricket is the most popular.

22. Belur Monastery in Kolkata

This is a well-known place to visit in Kolkata. This location, located on the west bank of the Hooghly river, provides visitors with a sense of great peace. This monastery also contains a monument that serves as Sri Ramakrishna's final resting place.

This monastery's architecture is worth seeing. This monastery is a fantastic choice if you wish to spend time in Kolkata.

23. Rabindra Sarovar in Kolkata

Rabindra Sarovar, formerly known as Dhakuria Lake, is an artificial lake in Kolkata. It is one of the most fantastic spots to visit in Kolkata if you want to spend some time alone and quietly. Every morning, many individuals would be running or strolling around the lake's banks. It is also an ideal location for nature lovers who want to get up and personalize nature's splendor.

24. Nicco Park in Kolkata

Nicco Park, one of the most fantastic places to visit in Kolkata, is a thrilling amusement park designed solely for family leisure activities. It is one of Kolkata's oldest amusement parks, offering a variety of exciting and fun-filled attractions for both children and adults to enjoy while relaxing with their families.

How To Reach Kolkata

Kolkata, India's largest city, is well connected to the rest of the country by road, air, and train. As a result, you may go to Kolkata by taking any route.

• By Road: If you wish to get to Kolkata via road, this is an excellent alternative. You may easily visit Kolkata by car because it is well connected to other states in India. Aside from that, buses will be accessible from Delhi, Mumbai, and other important Indian cities to Kolkata.
• By Train: If you wish to get to Kolkata by train, the three main railway stations are Chitpur, Sealdah, and Howrah. These railway stations are well connected to the railway stations of all major cities in India, allowing you to travel to Kolkata by train conveniently.
• By Flight: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is Kolkata's main airport. This airport is well connected to the country's major cities so that you may fly to Kolkata with ease. You will find taxis outside the airport, which will assist you in getting to your destination quickly.

Famous Food Kolkata

Many people want to know what is renowned about food in Kolkata before traveling. Thus we'd like to notify you that you can quickly discover all varieties of Bengali food and meals in Kolkata.

Most Bengali food consists of fish and rice, which are popular among Bengalis. Some of Kolkata's delectable meals are Prawn Malai, Prawn Curry, Misty Dai, Bhakti Paturi, Beguni Bhaja, Momos, and Thuppa. Apart from that, Rasgulla of Bengal is well-known.

Best Time To Visit Kolkata

Winter is regarded as the most significant time to visit Kolkata, as this is when most visitors visit. Many festivities, including Durga Puja, are celebrated with great pomp in Kolkata.

Traveling to Kolkata during the summer season should be avoided since it is pretty hot here, which may create issues.