Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. People not only from India, but also from other foreign countries come to visit this city of joy. The city of Kolkata offers its tourists, lots of avenues, in terms of natural beauty, marvelously erected monuments and fun activities. At the same time, it provides them a deep insight view of a tremendously rich and intellectual culture. Motherland of noted scholars, this city is also famous for its education as well as trading sector. Thousands of people come here every year, to explore the beauty of this attractive place.
Apart from the natural beauty in and around Calcutta, present in the form of beaches, lakes and other such spots, the city also has magnificent architecture to flaunt. In fact, owing due to its outstanding palaces, the city is often called the 'City of Palaces'. There are also several religious places in the city. With modernization of the city, places like Birla Planetarium and Science City and amusement parks like Nicco Park and Aquatica, have also become major attractions of the city.
Kolkata is also a shopper's paradise. Hogg's Market, AC Market, College Street, Dakshinapan Shopping Complex, Central Cottage Industries Emporium at Chowringee, Shreeram Arcade, City Centre, Treasure Island and Forum Multiplex are a few places where you can get to explore all the famous items of Kolkata, right from junks to exquisite crafts. While in Kolkata, don't forget to buy ethnic wear for yourself. Do relish a lot on the local delicious sweets of the city. For roaming around these places, make use of local transport, in the form of state buses, private carriers, cabs, metered auto & taxis, trams and metro.
Places to See:
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge was built over river Hooghly in 1943. It is one of the largest cantilever bridges in the world and the largest cantilever bridge in India. It was constructed to replace the famous Floating Pontoon Bridge, support the military transportation between Howrah and Kolkata during the World War II. This British engineering marvel is now referred to as Rabindra Setu.
Esplanade
Esplanade is a beautiful tourist spot located in the heart of Kolkata. Though it is literally not an esplanade, because it is not exactly located besides a water body, the place is surely one of the most vibrant places in Kolkata. It houses several important enterprises, institutes, government offices, hotels, banks and shopping malls of the Kolkata city.
Kalighat
Kalighat is one of the most visited tourist spots of Kolkata, renowned for its historical as well as religious significance. It is even said that the city was named after this famous place only. Situated on the southern block of the city, near the bank of river Bhagirathi, the place is famous for the ancient Kalighat temple, Rabindra Sarovar and Birla Museum. More
Rajbari
Rajbari, the palace in Shobha Bazar of Kolkata, is basically famous for the grand celebration of Durga Pooja, held here since 1757. The grandeur of this pooja is incomparable to anywhere else in the city. Celebrated in the heritage palace of the royal family of King Nabo Krishna Deb, the celebrations are attended by people from far-flung area of the city.
Manik Tala
Manik Tala developed during the British colonialism. At that time, it was the occupied by the aristocratic families of British India. Though the area has become old and crowded now, its genuine aura attracts crowd till date. The appearance of this area is still very much like a British colony, which makes it an interesting venue. It also houses Swami Vivekananda’s birth place.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, better known as Bidhan Nagar, is one of the first planned centers in Kolkata. It has been named after Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, the first Chief Minister of West Bengal. Established in 1962, it is a namesake of Salt Lake City of US, due to the similarity in its origin with the latter. The place is surrounded by water from three sides and is visited by several exotic migratory birds.
Raj Bhavan
Kolkata is full of wonderful architectural structures of British era. One of them is Raj Bhawan, built in 1803, as the residential accommodation of the Governor-General of India. The architecture of this three-storied building has been inspired by the famous Kedleston Hall of Derbyshire. Presently, it serves as the residence of the Governor of West Bengal.
Kolkata Race Course
Race Course is a familiar name amongst the elites of Kolkata. Located in the heart of the city, near Victoria Memorial, it was established in 1820, by the British. Till now, it is maintained by the Royal Calcutta Turf Club. Here, the races are held basically from the month of July to September and November to March. The major racing events are Queen Elizabeth Cup & Calcutta Derby.
Maidan and Fort William
Maidan is one of the most famous locations of Kolkata. It is an open ground, stretching in for about 3 km in length and 1 km in width. It encloses the famous cricketing ground Eden Gardens and Kolkata Race Course. The place also has the famous Fort William in its vicinity. This famous fort was built under the control of Robert Clive, from 1757-1781.
National Library
The National Library of Kolkata is the largest library in India and the second largest in Asia. It currently houses 2 million books and approximately half a million documents. It was opened to the general public on 1st February 1953. Since then, it has been running under Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India.
Shaheed Minar
Saheed Minar is a wonderful architectural masterpiece, built by Sir David Ochterlony, It is also known as Octerloney Monument, after its founder. Located near Esplanade, this outstanding Egyptian-style minar is very similar to the famous Qutub Minar of Delhi. It is estimated to be about 158 ft. high and has balconies at the top.
Marble Palace
Marble Palace is a wonderful palatial mansion in Kolkata that dates back to the 19th century. This brilliant architectural structure, just as its name suggests, has been constructed from 90 different varieties of marbles. Built for residential purposes of Raja Rajendra Mullick, in 1835, this palace is now used as a tourist spot, on special permission.
Vidyasagar Setu
Vidyasagar Setu is one of the sister bridges of Rabindra Setu, a.k.a. Howrah Bridge. Situated over River Hooghly, it is one the largest cable bridges in the country and also one of the largest bridges in Asia. It was opened for public on 10th October, 1992. Named after the great Indian reformist Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, it links Howrah to the twin city of Kolkata.
Eden Garden
Eden Garden is one of the most well equipped cricket stadiums in India. This stadium has a sitting capacity of about 90,000, which is one of the largest in India. Also Known as the Lord's of Asia, this stadium has witnessed several historical first class matches since 1917-18. It is the second biggest cricket stadium in the world, behind the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Park Street
Park Street is one of the most happening places in Kolkata. Recently, it was renamed as Mother Teresa Sarani, after the great Mother Teresa of ‘Missionaries of Charity’. Since 1950's, this place has been a major center for shopping and recreation. Even today, all the popular restaurants of the city, including Sourav Ganguly restaurant Sourav's, is located in this area.
Nalban Lake
Nalban Lake is a 400-acre lake, located in Bidhan Nagar, about 12 km from the heart of Kolkata city. It is a very popular spot for picnic and family outings. The entire area around the lake is full of beautiful forest. Situated amidst silent outskirts and serene atmosphere, this place is a real delight for those who want an escape from the overcrowded parts of Kolkata.
Rabindra Sarobar
The city of Kolkata has many places that worth visiting, one of the best amongst which is the Rabindra Sarobar. An artificial lake located in South Kolkata, it is about 30 km away from Dum Dum airport and 12 km from the Howrah railway station. Earlier known as Dhakuria Lake, it was later named Rabindra Sarovar in honor of the great noble laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore.
Rabindra Sadan
Kolkata is famous for its cultural expeditions. In fact, it is world-renowned for its rich cultural lineage. There are several cultural centers in the city, of which the most famous is Rabindra Sadan. Located at the junction of A.J.C. Bose Road and Cathedral Road, Rabindra Sadan is a paradise for art lovers.
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