Kolkata, the ‘City of Joy’, has a rich cultural heritage. According to a 2011 report, it is the seventh most populous city in India. It had been the capital of India under British rule. The intellectual and cultural hub of India boasts of a celebrated past. This is reflected through the intriguing craftsmanship, sublime architecture, and declamatory writings of the city. The lively city welcomes you to witness its artistic brilliance, diverse culture, and literary heritage through an exciting tour of the city. Here are 10 best places to visit in Kolkata that form an integral part of the city. So, they must not be missed on your sightseeing tour. They are the de-facto places to visit among the tourist places in Kolkata. These places will tell you about Kolkata more than any other place.
Eco Park
Located on the eastern fringe of Kolkata, it is the newest entrant among the crowd-pullers of Kolkata. Spread over a massive 480 acres, this park has something for everyone. From kids to youngsters to senior citizens, everyone can have a great day here. It is one of the top Kolkata tourist places as of today. The authorities keep introducing new and exciting entertainment options here. It has a replica of all the 7 wonders of the world as well. This makes it a big draw for kids. There are many water bodies inside for boating as well. There are several restaurants that will keep everyone happy and full.
Location: Major Arterial Road(South-East, Biswa Bangla Sarani, AA II, Newtown, Kolkata, West Bengal 700156
Timing : 12 pm – 7:30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 25 for children from 6-10 years
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
To get familiar with the culture, traditions, and religious beliefs of Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple must be visited once. It is dedicated to goddess Bhavatarini who is an aspect of Goddess Kali. It is located close to the eastern bank of Hooghly. The temple is an architectural brilliance. It is a must-visit among the best places to visit in Kolkata. It is the most important tourist spot in north Kolkata. The new metro line has opened to Dakshineshwar. This has made connectivity very easy for everyone to reach here with ease. There is also a new skywalk introduced recently. It makes reaching the temple from the metro station a real pleasure.
Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata
Timing : 6 am – 12:30 pm, 3 pm – 8:30 pm
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Alipore Zoo
The biggest zoo in Eastern India, this place is a must-visit for every family. Children will just love to go about every enclosure with excitement and click pictures for creating memories. Usually full of people every day, one can have a great day here. There is lots to see, eat in the cafeteria and also enough open spaces for kids to play around as well.
Location: 2, Alipore Rd, Alipur Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027
Alipore Zoo timing: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 50 for Foreigners
Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial is one of the major attractions in Kolkata. It was built in the memory of Queen Victoria in 1921 and now serves as a museum and a tourist attraction. Similar to Taj Mahal, it was built using Markana marbles. More than 20 Lakh people visit Victoria Memorial annually. The Light and Sound Show in the evening is a delight to watch. The huge lawns are an added attraction. There is lush greenery all around. It is also a favorite place for morning walkers.
Location: Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Victoria Memorial timing: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians, and INR 500 for foreigners.
Howrah Bridge – Prestigious Attraction Of Kolkata
The bridge was renamed in 1965 “Rabindra Setu” after the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. Stretching over 705 meters, Howrah Bridge is built over the Hooghly river. It connects two major districts of West Bengal – Kolkata and Howrah. A sightseeing tour of Kolkata will be incomplete without a visit to it. It is one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world. Its iconic design and history make it one of the most loved attractions of Kolkata. You will see people visiting this place every day. It is a real sight to behold. People also cross the bridge on foot to enjoy the overall experience. Morning walkers also use it as a means to stay fit.
Location: Jagannath Ghat, 1, Strand Road, Kolkata
Entry Fee: Nil
Indian Museum
Indian Museum is the oldest and largest museum in India. It hosts exquisite collections of artifacts, Egyptian mummies, Mughal paintings, and ornaments among others. It’s a massive collection of ancient artifacts that makes it one of the best places to visit in Kolkata. The various fossils on display are also very impressive. The fossil of a woolly mammoth is simply awesome.
Location: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, New Market Area, Kolkata – 700016
Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians, and INR 150 for foreigners.
National Library
A must-visit for all the book lovers! The National Library of India is located in Kolkata. It is the largest library in the nation. It is home to more than 2.2 million books. Also, it is located on the same street as Alipore Zoological Garden. It provides a serene experience with greenery all around. The recently constructed “Bhasha Bhavan” has a massive reading room. It is stocked with almost every book you would need!
Location: Belvedere Road, Block A, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027.
Timing: 9:30 AM – 8 PM on Monday to Friday and 9:30 AM – 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Marble Palace Mansion – ‘Mullick Bari’
Magnificent mansion made of marble! It was built by wealthy Bengali merchant Raja Rajendra Mullick. And hence the local name ‘Mullick Bari’ means House of Mullicks. The house exhibits luxurious Victorian Furniture, and European and Indian Paintings. The place also has a zoo and separate music and ballrooms. It is an integral element of the proud Kolkata heritage. The place falls on the North-South metro line. This makes it very easy to reach. You will be thoroughly entertained once you arrive.
Location: 46, Muktaram Babu Street, Kolkata 700007
Timing: 10:30 am to 4 pm (except Monday and Thursday)
Entry Fee: Free Entry
St. Pauls’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is based on the Gothic revival architecture style. In 1847 Major William Nairn Forbes designed it. The cathedral is almost 200 years old now! St. Paul’s Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Kolkata. It is located next to Victoria Memorial. Consequently, you can visit it on the same day as your visit to the memorial. It is one of the visiting places in Kolkata that everyone loves to have a look at. The place gives off a pleasant and peaceful vibe. The grounds are lush with greenery and a treat to have a quiet ‘me’ time. Once inside the cathedral, you will feel the spiritual vibes straight away. Make use of the opportunity to visit this place whenever you can. Those visiting from outside Kolkata must visit this place also.
Location: Cathedral Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Timing: 9 am – 12 pm, and 3 pm – 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Shaheed Minar
The original name of Shaheed Minar was “Ochtorloney Monument”. It was in the honor of Sir David Ochterlony. He won in the Anglo-Nepalese War. Established in the year 1848, it is 48 meters high. You will need to climb 218 stairs to reach the top of the monument. It will give you a bird’s eye view of the entire city, similar to the London Eye. The architecture is a splendid blend of Egyptian, Syrian and Turkish styles. It is one of the top Kolkata tourist places. The famous market and socialising spot of Esplanade is just opposite to it. That is an added attraction for visitors.
Location: Dufferin Road, Kolkata.
Timing : 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
We hope you had a great time getting to know about the places to visit in Kolkata. Bengalis proudly call it Kolkata my city. It is a pleasure for us to welcome tourists to this wonderful place we call home. It would make for very interesting if you had a look at the Bus Service from London to Kolkata.
Also read about the best street food in Kolkata.
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