Kolkata, The City of Joy, the cultural hub of India, this particular city has been called by so many names by people who have come and fallen in love with the place. Kolkata is known for its history and for being the city of Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and many more legends who have put India on the world map. If you are visiting India and touring the country then this is one city that you must include in your plan. Kolkata is also comparatively more affordable than most big cities of the world. It has no shortage of joy, warmth, and peace to embrace you with; and there is no dearth of tourist places in Kolkata, thanks to its rich history and culture.
Kolkata is one of the most populated cities of India, but that’s a good thing for you as a traveler. Diversity is Kolkata’s finest characteristics; hence, you will get to meet people from different culture and with different stories. Food, music, culture, literature, everything about this city is so rich and intellectually fulfilling. The city so perfectly combines the comfort of a metropolitan and the nostalgia of a place that has been through multiple cultural and social revolutions. It has the country’s oldest museum where you can see, among other things, the only mummy in India. Kolkata used to be one of the most important cities politically during the British rule, which has resulted in architectural influences. You can experience them with The Victoria Memorial, Fort William, Writer's, and many more such historical buildings.
If you are a religious person then Kolkata has a lot to offer you too. Some of the world’s oldest and most popular temples, churches, and masjids are located in and around this city which are some of the most important tourist places in Kolkata. You can go on a day tour of all the religious places while enjoying the street food during your breaks. Include a visit to the Ganges River in the plan to complete the tour.
Best places to visit in Kolkata
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge is the sixth largest bridge in the world and an important landmark in tourist monuments of India. This bridge is an engineering marvel that hides an entire world inside its massive plates. Close to Howrah Station, this legendary bridge provides commute option to millions of people on a daily basis. A visit to Howrah Bridge is a journey into the vintage side of Kolkata. Many markets located here are paradise for explorers and photographers
Victoria Memorial
Spread across 57 acres of land, Victoria Memorial is one of the stunning iconic landmarks of the city that offers a glimpse into its splendid past. For a travelling soul, Victoria Memorial presents one with a number of delightful sections including over 24000 artefacts to gaze upon, 21 lush green gardens to wander and click photos, and more than 3500 paintings that are 200 years old. Among all the tourist places in Kolkata, Victoria Memorial is considered to be the most beautiful.
Park Street
Park Street is a paradise for shoppers and food lovers. Located in South Kolkata area, Park Street is one of those places where visitors can find the most legendary eateries, street side shops and small cafes that are as old as the time when Kolkata came into existence. Some of the must try food items around Park Street iare Jhalmuri, Egg Rolls, Chinese, and various varieties of fish.
Fort William
Fort William is the part of the heritage that makes Calcutta tourism so important in the entire country. This building from the colonial era is a journey back in the past when the city started coming to life. Fort William also housed a ghastly jail that was filled with many prisoners kept under inhumane circumstances. A visit to Fort William is a must for history enthusiasts and the admirers of colonial architecture.
Jorasanko Thakurbari
The birthplace of Nobel Laureate Rabindranth Tagore is highly revered among Kolkata’s Bengali population. His work took Indian literature to new heights and brought the various communities of the city together to celebrate and appreciate their art and culture. Visitors can witness here artefacts from the life of Ranbindrahath Tagore’s childhood and observe the lifestyle of his family. Many letters, clothes and paintings are displayed here that evoke a desire to have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Tagore.
Marble Palace
Among the many highlights of Kolkata tourist map, Marble Palace is one of the most fascinating. The nineteenth century palatial mansion is one of the most beautiful royal family palaces that exudes splendour. Many brilliant artistic statues, elegant glassware, and wonderful pieces of artworks are showcased at the palace. Adore the beauty of this place and keep some extra time to explore the tiniest of item in great detail.
Indian Museum
The grandeur and magnificence that Indian Museum carries in its premises and inside the galleries is impossible to find anywhere else. Indian museum is the oldest and the largest in the country. It was established in the early 19th century and today boasts of many rare items that are kept on display. The museum has one of the original Egyptian Mummy along with many rare paintings and artefacts from the bygone era. Visitors of all age find something to do here as there is something interesting for the young and the old.Best places to visit in Kolkata
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge is the sixth largest bridge in the world and an important landmark in tourist monuments of India. This bridge is an engineering marvel that hides an entire world inside its massive plates. Close to Howrah Station, this legendary bridge provides commute option to millions of people on a daily basis. A visit to Howrah Bridge is a journey into the vintage side of Kolkata. Many markets located here are paradise for explorers and photographers
Victoria Memorial
Spread across 57 acres of land, Victoria Memorial is one of the stunning iconic landmarks of the city that offers a glimpse into its splendid past. For a travelling soul, Victoria Memorial presents one with a number of delightful sections including over 24000 artefacts to gaze upon, 21 lush green gardens to wander and click photos, and more than 3500 paintings that are 200 years old. Among all the tourist places in Kolkata, Victoria Memorial is considered to be the most beautiful.
Park Street
Park Street is a paradise for shoppers and food lovers. Located in South Kolkata area, Park Street is one of those places where visitors can find the most legendary eateries, street side shops and small cafes that are as old as the time when Kolkata came into existence. Some of the must try food items around Park Street iare Jhalmuri, Egg Rolls, Chinese, and various varieties of fish.
Fort William
Fort William is the part of the heritage that makes Calcutta tourism so important in the entire country. This building from the colonial era is a journey back in the past when the city started coming to life. Fort William also housed a ghastly jail that was filled with many prisoners kept under inhumane circumstances. A visit to Fort William is a must for history enthusiasts and the admirers of colonial architecture.
Jorasanko Thakurbari
The birthplace of Nobel Laureate Rabindranth Tagore is highly revered among Kolkata’s Bengali population. His work took Indian literature to new heights and brought the various communities of the city together to celebrate and appreciate their art and culture. Visitors can witness here artefacts from the life of Ranbindrahath Tagore’s childhood and observe the lifestyle of his family. Many letters, clothes and paintings are displayed here that evoke a desire to have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Tagore.
Marble Palace
Among the many highlights of Kolkata tourist map, Marble Palace is one of the most fascinating. The nineteenth century palatial mansion is one of the most beautiful royal family palaces that exudes splendour. Many brilliant artistic statues, elegant glassware, and wonderful pieces of artworks are showcased at the palace. Adore the beauty of this place and keep some extra time to explore the tiniest of item in great detail.
Indian Museum
The grandeur and magnificence that Indian Museum carries in its premises and inside the galleries is impossible to find anywhere else. Indian museum is the oldest and the largest in the country. It was established in the early 19th century and today boasts of many rare items that are kept on display. The museum has one of the original Egyptian Mummy along with many rare paintings and artefacts from the bygone era. Visitors of all age find something to do here as there is something interesting for the young and the old.
West Bengal Tourism offers a colorful variety of experiences to the tourist. Its capital, Kolkata, is as cosmopolitan a city as any. In close proximity lie the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. Coastal areas like Digha and Mandarmani are popular tourism places in this state which attract their fair share of beach lovers. A different travel experience awaits you in places like Bishnupur, Bankura and Shantiniketan, which showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state. Hill stations like Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Labha are exciting getaways from the plains and are known for their distinct culture and lifestyle. Wildlife sanctuaries like Jaldapara and Gorumara draw your attention to its rich wildlife. In pilgrimage destinations like Dakshineswar and Kalighat, you undergo a profound spiritual experience.