ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN KOLKATA

The capital of West Bengal is a dynamic and exuberant metropolis that is well-known for its culinary, cultural and literary legacy. From the spectacular Victoria Memorial to the bustling Bara Bazar market, Kolkata presents an enchanting blend of the past and present.

Howrah Bridge

Kolkata’s most iconic landmark, also known as Rabindra Setu, is considered to be one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. Sweeping over the Hoogly river, it connects Howrah and Kolkata, carrying over 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians daily. Walk across this engineering marvel to soak in the bustling riverfront life.

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Dakshineswar Kali Temple

The city’s spiritual sanctuary sits on a green patch of land in Dakshineswar, by the banks of the Ganga. A vision in ochre yellow, the 19th century temple was built by Goddess Kali devotee and prominent Bengali freedom fighter Rani Rashmoni. Admire the temple’s navratna (nine spires) architecture, attend the serene evening aarti and take a ferry ride at sunset for dreamy vistas of the temple from the river.​

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Indian Museum

The oldest and largest multipurpose museum in India and the Asia-Pacific region is spread across three floors, housing the Archaeological, Art, Anthropological, Geological, Industrial and Zoological sections. Founded in 1814 at the cradle of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, amongst most popular exhibits is a 4000-year old Egyptian mummy on the second floor.​

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Kumartuli Potters Colony

A haven for photographers, the colonial-era settlement of Kumortuli (Kumartuli) by the Hooghly has over 500 workshops where skilled potters (kumors) make lifelike statues of Hindu gods and goddesses from the clay of the Ganga river. Famous for handcrafting sculptures of Goddess Durga for Bengal's biggest festival, Durga Puja, the kumors’ traditional process is eco-friendly, using a special clay known as khori mati with organic colours and glue made from tamarind seeds.

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Science City

The largest science centre in the Indian subcontinent, containing a science museum, science park and auditoriums, this all-season destination presents complex subjects in a stimulating and engaging environment for all ages. Immerse in a virtual world inside a capsule simulator, embark on a journey into dioramas depicting the story of evolution of life and visit the Space Theatre (Voyager 3D) for a thrilling narrative of the most remarkable space mission in human history.​

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Birla Planetarium

Since its inauguration in 1962, India’s first planetarium has designed and presented more than 300 astronomical projects dealing with various aspects of astronomy, astrophysics, celestial and space sciences and even mythology. Immerse in its visual displays, interactive exhibits and sign up for classes at its state-of-the-art seminar hall.

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Prinsep Ghat

Built in the year 1841 along the banks of Hoogly, in memory of Anglo-Indian scholar James Prinsep, this spot is popular for riverside walks and boat rides while admiring colonial architecture. During evenings, both the monument and bridge are lit up to the lyrical tunes of Rabindra sangeet (songs written and composed by Nobel Laureate, Bengali polymath Rabindranath Tagore).​

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Jorasanko Thakur Bari (Tagore House)

The residence of the Tagores - Kolkata’s most prominent family - converted into a museum, it features personal letters, first edition books and clippings on Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It also houses a fine collection of furniture, utensils, craft, sculptures, records, photographs and archival documents that reflect how the Tagore family lived.

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Eden Gardens

One of the most famous and prestigious cricket stadiums in the world is a cultural landmark and a green oasis in the heart of Kolkata. On non-match days, you can explore the stadium premises, see the pitch, dressing rooms, galleries and the museum that showcases rare memorabilia and artifacts related to cricket history and legends.

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New Market

This bustling, Gothic-style market on Lindsay Street at Dharmatala, was named after Sir Stuart Hogg, the Municipal Chairman of Calcutta at the time of its construction in 1874. Its maze-like interiors provide an incredible shopping experience offering everything from jewelry, clothes, antiques, curios, footwear, groceries and electrical appliances to meat, poultry and fresh vegetables.

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Victoria Memorial

This Makrana marble museum on Strand Road features a breathtaking blend of Indo-Gothic design with Mughal architecture and classical British, Islamic and Deccani elements. The magnificent interiors include a soaring central chamber and the Calcutta Gallery, an exhibit tracing the city’s colonial-era history. But even if you don’t step in, just strolling around the 57 acres of impeccably manicured gardens makes for an idyllic afternoon.

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