Last Updated At: 21-Aug-2024
Kolkata, erstwhile Calcutta, is the eastern capital of West Bengal and is a marvel where one can discover culture in its purest essence. From towering Victorian-era buildings to rambling trams, this city boasts its own unique architectural charm. The soothing music, the captivating dance performances, the riveting drama acts, and the thought-provoking arts will all allow you to interact with the pure and untouched Calcutta.
The majestic appeal of this vibrant city draws several tourists. People come here to witness the grandeur of the best places to visit in Kolkata, speaking volumes about its cultural ethnicity.
With many faded remnants of British rule, Kolkata is a friendly, intellectual, and vibrant city that requires immersion rather than quick sightseeing to get a feel for and appreciate the city. Start your vacation with these places to visit in Kolkata to get a glimpse of the Bengali way of life and culture.
So, if you are willing to tour this captivating city, let us tell you about some of the must-visit and unique places in Kolkata that will undoubtedly win your hearts.
Park Street | #1 of Top 15 Places to Visit in Kolkata
Park Circus and is popular for its entertainment hubs, chic restaurants, and other prominent historical landmarks. Park Street is an iconic street in Kolkata, home to India’s first independent nightclub. It has been the epicentre of Kolkata’s nightlife since the days of the swinging sixties when all the venues used to overflow with cabaret, jazz, and floor shows.
Built by the British in 1874, New Market is a historic bargain hunter’s paradise and one of the best tourist places in Kolkata. The New Market has more than 2,000 stalls that are grouped together according to the type of goods sold. The entrance to the market is on Lindsay Street, and the opening hours are 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM on weekdays, and it closes at 7:00 PM on Saturdays. The market remains closed on Sunday. To get your bags from one place to another, several coolies in the market can help you out. They live and breathe the market and can easily point you in the right direction toward the right products for the best price.
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Built in 1843 by the British, beside the Hooghly River, Princep Ghat features one of the city's best-known monuments dedicated to English scholar James Princep. As the principal point of embarkation for important visitors to the city, Princep Ghat was built to replace Chandpal Ghat. People from Kolkata now visit Princep Ghat to relax and stroll along the Hooghly River's bank. It's a 2-kilometre-long stretch of landscaped riverfront, and you can walk all the way from Princep Ghat to Babu Ghat. It is located right next to Vidyasagar Setu.
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4. The Maidan
Popularly known as the Maidan, Kolkata’s massive urban park is where locals spend their days playing cricket and other sports or just relaxing with a picnic basket or scrumptious snacks from one of the food stalls. The Maidan, bordered by Chowringhee Road and the Hooghly River, extends south from the Esplanade. It covers almost 1,000 acres of land. Some notable structures inside its premises include Fort William, Victoria Memorial, Eden Garden cricket stadium, and Kolkata Race Course. The Dead Memorial, a monument honouring Indian soldiers martyred in World War I, is at the northeastern edge of the Maidan.
Formerly known as Dalhousie Square after Lord Dalhousie ruled India from 1848 to 1856, the BBD Bagh central business district is home to many of Kolkata’s notable British-era buildings. These old architectural marvels are 19th century St. Andrew’s Church, 18th century Writer’s Building, Greek-architecture-inspired Metcalfe Hall, General Post Office, and the Town Hall. A walk in the white town region gives you an insight into the city's colonial heritage.
Yes, there is also a place called Black Town in the city! By exploring this part of the city, you can get yourself familiar with Kolkata’s Bengali heritage. Black Tow, often famed as the best weekend destination in Kolkata, was initially inhabited by Bengalis during British rule, and many of them were wealthy merchants and landowners. With a captivating blend of old and new architecture, Sovabazar is a particularly atmospheric neighbourhood of this town. If you want to experience living inside one of these buildings, that can happen here too. A night’s stay in any of these bungalows will make you feel you are in a home away from home. Stroll through the surrounding lanes, and you may see some amazing street art.
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Mother Teresa is revered in Kolkata for founding the Missionaries of Charity and devoting her life to helping the sick and poor. The Mother House is home to her tomb, her bedroom, and a small museum dedicated to her life journey. The museum showcases items like her handwritten letters and personal belongings, including saris, crucifixes, sandals, and spiritual exhortations. It is a place of contemplation and silence. Several visitors meditate there while visiting because it offers serene and uplifting energy. The Mother House is open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The Victoria Memorial was completed in 1921 and is located at the southern end of the Maidan. Erected in memory of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, Victoria Memorial is home to a historical collection of art and a gallery from the British Colonial period, including several eye-catching sculptures, books, and paintings. Surrounded by a vast garden that is an attraction in itself, Victoria Memorial’s exterior is illuminated at night. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
With its leafy streets becoming home to buzzing boutiques and chic cafes, this middle-class residential neighbourhood in South Kolkata has transformed into a trendy locality. Travellers can go there to shop for hip handicrafts, pottery, folk art, and textiles. Locals can guide you to some of the most popular stores and cafes. Hindustan Park is located about 20 minutes away from the city centre.
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