India is a diverse country with a long history and great traditions, culture, and monuments. Each state has its own unique and beautiful history of traditions, famous places, and cultures that attract audiences from all over the world. West Bengal is a state that has plenty of places to grab your attention. It is one such state of India and there are many places to visit in West Bengal that will attract you to see at least once in your life.
West Bengal’s capital is Kolkata which has many places that can be visited on your tour of West Bengal. Kolkata is also known as the cultural capital or Capital of Joy of India. Kolkata was a major hub for trading and entering India during the British rule. It helped Kolkata to get beautiful places that not only reveal its beauty but also the Indian culture and traditions. In this article, you will know about the 10 best places to visit in Kolkata that help you make beautiful memories.
Victoria Memorial Hall
One of the beautiful architectural places to visit in kolkatta works of Britishers is represented by Victoria Memorial Hall. It was built under Lord Curzon in memory of Queen Victoria and it took 15 years for construction from 1906 to 1921. It is one of the most photographed sites of Kolkata made with white marble and is situated in the heart of the state. It consists of a museum inside it that depicts the British Era in India with paintings, arms, and statues. There is a light and sound show every evening that shows a glimpse of Indian history under British rule.
- Location: Victoria Memorial Hall, Queens Way, Kolkata.
- Timing 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Fee:100 rupees
- Why to visit: To view resplendent and majestic British architecture
Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens is the oldest cricket stadium in India which was built in 1864 with a sitting capacity of 66000. It is also referred to as the places to visit in kolkatta and home of Indian cricket or the Mecca of cricket. The first ever match played in this stadium was between India and England which was a test match in 1934. It is the best stadium for a cricket lover to witness their favorite players playing their favorite game.
- Location: Maidan, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata
- Timing 9:00 am to 6:00 am
- Fee: Free of cost
- Why to visit: Second-largest cricket stadium in the world
Indian Museum
Indian Museum also known as Jadu Ghar is the largest and oldest multipurpose museum of India that was established in 1814. The Asiatic Society of Bengal was the founder of this museum. The museum showcases a large collection of ornaments, skeletons, Mughal paintings, and antique armor. Six categories, including Anthropology, Art, Archaeology, Zoology, Botany, and Geology, make up the total of 60 galleries.
- Location: Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata
- Timing: 10 am to 6:30 pm (Monday closed)
- Fee: 50 rupees
- Why to visit: Largest and the earliest multipurpose museum
Birla planetarium
Birla Planetarium is one such place that you should not miss on your places to visit in kolkatta. It is also known as Taramandal which was built in 1962 and was inaugurated by the first PM of India Jawahar Lal Nehru. Some shows are in English, Hindi, and Bengali every day that share amazing facts and knowledgeable content about the galaxies. Its design is inspired by Sanchi Stupa. It displays a huge amount of artwork of many renowned astronomers that consist of paintings and models.
- Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata
- Timing: 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm
- Fee: 100 rupees
- Why to visit: Collection of fine paintings and celestial models of renowned astronomers
Alipore Zoo
Alipore Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata especially when you are traveling with children. It is the oldest Zoo in India established in 1876 that has different species of animals, reptiles, and birds. Some of the animals like one-horned rhinoceros, white tigers, and swinhoe’s pheasant are the major attractions of the Zoo. Alipore Zoo is one of the famous tourist attraction places in Kolkata that should be on your list.
- Location: Alipore, Kolkata
- Timing: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Fee: 30 rupees
- Why to visit: Home of the Aldabra giant tortoise Adwaita
Nicco Park
If you are an adventure lover then Nicco Park is a must-visit and best for you. One of the best places to visit in Kolkata for a family to enjoy their free time is by visiting this amusement park that was opened in 1991. There are many types of rides whose counts go up to thirty-five. The major attraction of the park is cable cars and the Eiffel Tower which gives the best view of the park. So if you are looking to spend quality time with your children and family then you must visit this place in Kolkata.
- Location: Jheel Meel, Kolkata
- Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Fee: 300 rupees
- Why to visit: Professionally managed amusement park
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
This is a best places to visit in kolkata for destination with some of the most breathtaking architectural treasures hidden in its lap. One such marvel is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, which is famous not just for its structure but also for its old-world charm.
Dakshineswar, located on the eastern banks of the River Hooghly, is devoted to Goddess Bhavatarani, who is the reincarnation of Goddess Kali. It is widely thought that the Goddess will help devotees in walking the path of liberation and reaching redemption. The Nava-Ratna style adorns this historic masterpiece in Kolkata.
- Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Timing: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Fee: Free of cost
- Why to visit: Because of spiritual belief and its marvelous architecture
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge is an iconic feature in the City of Joy, measuring approximately 1500 feet long and 71 feet broad. It is one of Kolkata’s most famous historical places, towering majestically over the Hooghly River. There are eight lanes of road for bicycles and pedestrians, commonly known as Rabindra Setu and perfect places to visit in kolkata
The Bridge is a gigantic steel structure and one of the world’s longest cantilever bridges. It is also recognized as one of the busiest of them, with over 100,000 automobiles and numerous pedestrians passing through on any given day. What differentiates this bridge is that it was constructed without a single nut or bolt and is held together by rivets.
- Location: Jagganath Ghat, 1, Strand Road, Kolkata
- Timing: NA
- Fee: Free of cost
- Why to visit: Being one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world
Fort William
Fort William is a fort that is situated on the eastern bank of River Hoogly that is named after King William Fort III. The Fort is spread over 5 acres of land and designed in an octagonal shape. It is believed that William Fort is the only fort in the world that can be besieged with a capacity to hold 10,000 security personnel at a time.
This Fort William represents the major historic events in the history of India. One of the best places to visit in kolkata for historic events that led to the Battle of Plassey in 1757 happened here that is also known as the Black Hole tragedy in which 142 Britishers were killed. Other than the historic relevance of the William Fort it also has a Swimming pool, Boxing ring, movie theatre, and shopping complex. Every year the Indian army organizes the celebrations of Vijay Diwas on 16 December. There is no entry fee to visit this fort.
- Location: Maidan, Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata
- Timing 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Fee: Nil
- Why to visit: hillwalking and climbing
Mother House
Mother House is also famously known as Mother Teresa’s house, as she lived and worked here for the welfare of society by doing countless charitable works. She was an Albanian Indian who founded the Missionaries of Charity to look after orphaned children. Most of the people come here and visit the Mother House to do charitable work so that orphaned children can also live happy and prosperous lives and achieve their goals in life. It is an entry-free house that welcomes everyone that comes with an open heart and best place to visit in kolkata
- Location: Ripon Street, Kolkata
- Timing: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 (Thursdays off)
- Fee: Free of cost
- Why to visit: To view the Tomb of Mother Teressa
Conclusion
The list above indicates a wide range of diversity and experiences. The city offers a wide variety of activities whether you’re traveling alone, with family, friends, or a spouse. These renowned touristplaces to visit in Kolkata have close ties to history, art, and culture.
You can choose a location from it to enjoy during your trip to Kolkata. You may experience the old-world charm and redefine fun with these tourist attractions. You can transform your trip into a memorable adventure in every way by diving into exploring the layers of fun.
FAQs
Q. Is Kolkata an expensive city?
Ans. Kolkata is not an expensive city in comparison to the other Indian cities. It has a low cost of living. You can easily find low cost dining, entertainment options and places to roam around here. it is the various places to visit in kolkata
Q. Why should I visit Kolkata?
Ans. The oldest port in India is located in the city of Kolkata. Due to its many different cultures, Kolkata has been referred to as one of the top tourist attractions. Kolkata, the most significant hub of Indian history, art, and culture, is a place that every person should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Q. Are 2 days enough for Kolkata?
Ans. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal and a very old city in Eastern India is difficult to tour in a short amount of time, so I advise staying at least two days to see the main sights. Allow me to show you around my hometown, the “City of Joy.”