Kolkata | Vibrant City full of History & Culture
The former British capital of India boasts of an illustrious past which reflects through the fascinating art, marvelous architecture, and declamatory literature of the city. Being the cultural and intellectual hub of India, this vibrant city invites you to witness its artistic grandeur, dazzling culture, and literary legacy through an exhilarating Kolkata sightseeing tour. Also, don’t miss out on an amazing experience in the alluring food streets of the city. Apart from its rich history, and ancient culture, here are some of the best places to visit in Kolkata which form an essential part of the city’s tourism. Check it out!
Kolkata is a gorgeous city that has plenty of tourist attractions that you must visit on your vacation. To explore all the major places to visit in Kolkata you should know about the best time to visit this beautiful city. For experiencing pleasant weather and attending a plethora of enticing festivals, you should visit this city during the autumn and winter seasonal. Plan your visit between October and February and get ready to have a blast on your vacation.
The royal history of Kolkata is sure to fascinate you, and here is a list of the places you can visit to enlighten yourselves with it. These best places to visit in Kolkata have something or the other for every kind of traveler. From history buffs to avid readers, this city never fails to impress. Take a look!
Victoria Memorial: The Heart Of Kolkata
Spread over 57 acres of land, housing 21 lush green gardens, 28,394 artefacts, and 3,900 artistic paintings, Victoria memorial is one of the best and romantic places to visit in Kolkata. Built in the memory of Queen Victoria, this white marble beauty is a host to 20 lakhs annual visitors.
Fort William
Situated on the eastern banks of the Hooghly river, Fort Williams is a huge building from the colonial era that has served multiple purposes till date. It is one of the few Kolkata points of interest which is a must-visit place during your Kolkata sightseeing tour. Known as the ‘black hole of Calcutta’, this place was once a temporary jail where prisoners were hauled, but now it serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Command.
Marble Palace
This nineteenth-century palatial mansion in North Kolkata is one of the most visited tourist places in Kolkata. It is one of the best restored royal family palaces in India that boasts of artistic statues, elegant glassware, and noteworthy paintings of illustrious artists of the British Raj. The regal architecture and unique design attract visitors from all over the globe who come in great numbers to witness this marble masterpiece, calling it one of the best places to visit in North Kolkata. To add, this museum has also earned itself a space on the list of most beautiful historical places in Kolkata which is exactly what makes it a must-visit!
Location: 46, Muktaram Babu Street, Jorasanko, Kolkata
Howrah Bridge
A Kolkata sightseeing tour is truly incomplete without visiting the ‘Harbour Bridge of India’, the Howrah Bridge. Titled as the ‘oldest but the busiest’ place in Kolkata, the Howrah Bridge was built over the Hooghly river to ensure connectivity between the two major cities of Kolkata and Howrah. It is among the best places to visit in Kolkata in evening where you can hang out with your friends and gaze out at the lit bridge sparkling in the dark.
Location: Jagannath Ghat, 1, Strand Road, Kolkata
Tagore’s House
Known as the ‘Jorasanko Thakur Bari’, Tagore’s house is one of the most important historical places in Kolkata. The former residence of India’s most renowned literacies, Rabindranath Tagore, is now converted into a museum which houses a photo gallery, fascinating paintings, and Tagore’s literary works.
Location: Girish Park, Chittaranjan Avenue, Kolkata
Mother House
Also known as the Missionaries of Charity, Mother House was established by Mother Teresa in 1950 as a religious assembly. The primary aim for the Sisters of the house is to provide free services to the sick, the poor, drug addicts, physically and mentally challenged individuals, victims of natural calamities, orphans, and even run schools to educate street children. Today, the institution has several branches running all over the world to follow the same practices of selfless devotion and serve those in need. The most intriguing part of the house for visitors is the tomb of Mother Teresa. Located alongside this tomb is also an exhibition displaying her life’s work and her personal belongings like sarees, sandals, and her bag, which makes this one of the most unique places to visit in Kolkata.
Location: 54A, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Rd, Ripon Street, Kolkata 700016
Sundarbans
The most famous Kolkata tourist spot, Sunderbans is one of the natural wonders of the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sunderbans is a part of the world’s largest delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. It is also the largest tiger reserve and national park in India. Other than wildlife, the Sunderbans are an epitome of breathtaking natural beauty and the most surreal landscapes which make them one of the best places to visit in Kolkata for couples.
Location: Dayapur, Gosaba, West Bengal
Rabindra Sarovar
Previously known as Dhakuria lake, Rabindra Sarovar is an artificial lake in Kolkata. It is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata if you are looking for a quiet, and peaceful time. Every morning one would find numerous people jogging, or walking along the shores of the lake. It is also a perfect spot for nature admirers who wish to get close to the beauty of nature.
Location: Southern Avenue, Golpark, Tollygunge, Dhakuria, Lake Gardens, Kolkata
Botanical Gardens
Located along the western banks of River Ganga, Botanical Garden is a 273-acre garden known for its extensive floral diversity. Housing more than 12,000 different species of plants, it is one of the most beautiful places to see in Kolkata for travelers who wish to witness the mesmerizing beauty of nature.
Location: Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal
Aquatica
Spread across a huge 75,000 square feet area. Aquatica is one of the largest water amusement parks in Eastern India. For people who seek light-hearted adventure along with some fun-filled activities, Aquatica is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata with friends where one can enjoy numerous thrilling rides and activities.
Location: Kochpukur, P.O Hatgachia, Near Rajarhat Township, Kolkata
Nicco Park
One of the best places to visit in Kolkata, Nicco Park is an exhilarating amusement park developed for the sole purpose of recreational activities for families. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in Kolkata that houses various adventurous, and fun-filled rides for children as well as adults where they can spend some rejuvenating time with their families.
Location: Jheel Meel, Sector IV, Salt Lake City, Kolkata
Specialty: Those who visit this park often come out bragging about Bowler’s Den, a food outlet that is a must-try.
Alipore Zoo
The Alipore Zoo is also sometimes called the Calcutta Zoo or the Zoological Garden of Alipore. It is India’s oldest ever zoological park and surely one of the best places to visit in South Kolkata. Attracting wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the country, it is immensely popular for once being the home of the ‘Adwaita’, the 250-year old Aldabra giant tortoise that had died in 2006. The many exotic animals living here include the Royal Bengal Tigers, white tigers, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, zebras, antelopes, and deer. Apart from these animals, the park is also home to bird species like Macaws, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, Lorikeets, Lady Amherst’s Pheasants, Ostriches, Emus, Hornbills, and even the Sarus Cranes that migrate here during winters. A sheer delight for families traveling to Kolkata, this park and its numerous wild animals always manage to bring a smile on the faces of youngsters and children.
Location: Belvedere Road, Lake Place, Alipore, Kolkata 700025
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Located in the Dakshineswar town of Kolkata, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is one of the must-visit places to visit in Kolkata in one day as one cannot afford to miss out on this architectural masterpiece which is also considered one of the holiest places in the city. It is also surrounded by some of the best cafes in Kolkata.
Location: Dakshineswar, KolkatavTimings: 6 am to 12:30 pm, from 3 pm to 8:30 pm
Kalighat Kali Temple
Seek blessings from Goddess Kali during your trip to Kolkata when you visit the mystical Kali Temple. It is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata to get familiar with the culture, traditions, and religious beliefs of the people of this beautiful city.
Location: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Known for its Gothic style of architecture, St. Paul’s Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Kolkata. Resembling closely to Norwich Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral is also one of the best places to visit in Kolkata for people seeking a religious tour.
Location: Maidan, Kolkata
Birla Mandir
Built by the renowned Birla family, Birla Mandir is a famous Hindu Temple in Kolkata known for its magnificent architecture. This temple is the epitome of craftsmanship that is a product of an amalgamation of traditional, and contemporary art and is also one of the best places to visit in Kolkata.
Location: 29, Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge, Opposite Ballygunge Post Office, Kolkata
Nakhoda Mosque
Nakhoda Mosque is the largest mosque in the city of Kolkata, and hence, a popular worship place of the Muslims. Owing to its colossal size, Nakhoda Mosque is a prime tourist attraction, and one of the best places to pay a visit to in Kolkata.
Location: 92, Rabindra Sarani, Kolkata
Indian Museum
Witness the charm of the glorious country of India the oldest, and the largest museum in India, the Indian Museum. It is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata for youngsters where they can gain insights to the rich traditional, and cultural heritage of their country.
Location: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Colootola, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata
Princep Ghat
Built along the banks of the Hooghly river, during the British rule, Princep Ghat is a memorial inspired by Greek and Gothic styles of architecture. It is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata at night as the setup becomes totally lit with dazzling lighting throughout the place. It is also a popular picnic spot where people can spend quality time with their family.
Surrounded by lush greenery on all sides, it’s the perfect spot for energizing evening walks amidst absolutely natural surroundings. There are also various food stalls nearby that sell delicious Kolkata street food, including the famous 50-year-old ice-cream cum fast-food joint that is famous amongst youngsters and college students here. Other than picnicking, people can also conduct religious rituals, take a dip in the water, or go boating, among other things that make this one of the finest places to visit in Kolkata near the airport.
Location: Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata
Belur Math
Belur Math is an important pilgrimage site and the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. It is one of the best Kolkata tourist places for people who wish to seek inner peace. The tranquil surroundings and architectural creativity make this place a hotspot of Kolkata tourism.
Location: Belur, Howrah, West Bengal
