Former capital of British India, Kolkata, previously known as Calcutta, is the capital of the state of West Bengal. It is renowned for being the cultural and intellectual centre of India, with a rich history in literature and arts. Kolkata has some of the finest colonial architecture along with modern outskirts. One of the most amiable cities in India, visitors love to gorge on the famous Bengali cuisine, and take ferry and boat rides across the Hooghly River. The following places must be seen when visiting this old city.
# Victoria Memorial – A Royal HomageA magnificent white marble monument and museum, the Victoria Memorial Hall was built in memory of the British Queen Victoria. Constructed from 1906-1921, the museum was commissioned by then Viceroy of India, George Curzon, to commemorate the rule of Queen Victoria as Empress of India. Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, the Memorial Hall is now a popular tourist destination in Kolkata for its museum and architecture. The building was designed by William Emerson and his assistant Vincent J. Esch.
# Howrah BridgeHowrah bridge is Kolkata’s most famous landmark. Featured in countless movies of all languages, Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge on the river Hooghly. Constructed in 1942, it was renamed in 1965 to Rabindra Setu, in honour of Rabindranath Tagore. It’s the busiest and sixth-largest cantilever bridge in the world, and a beloved landmark of Kolkata.
Chowringhee Chowringhee is an old neighbourhood in the city, famous for being a shopping and entertainment centre. Chowringhee is home to the famous Park Street and Jawaharlal Nehru Road (previously Chowringhee Lane), which are renowned for their nightlife, restaurants, and shopping options. Tourists love to come to Chowringhee for its plethora of options in a small area.
# Dakshineswar Temple One of the largest and most famous Kali temples in Kolkata, the Dakshineswar Temple was constructed between 1847 and 1855. Located in the town of Dakshineswar, on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, it was built by Kali devotee and philanthropist Rani Rashmoni.
According to legend, Rani Rashmoni was about to go on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Kashi (Banaras), along with a retinue of family and servants. However, the night before the journey she had a divine vision of Kali, instructing her to built a temple in Dakshineswar itself. Promptly, the construction of the Dakshineswara Kali Temple began.
# Marble PalaceLocated on Muktaram Babu Street in North Kolkata, this opulent mansion was built in 1835. It was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a rich Bengali merchant who enjoyed collecting artwork. It continues to be the residence of his descendants. The palace is built entirely of Italian marble, in the Neoclassical architectural style with Bengali elements.
There is an eclectic collection of sculptures, chandeliers, artwork, vases and other assorted items. The grounds also house the Marble Palace Zoo, the first zoo of India, which is now mostly an aviary. To visit the palace, one needs to get permission 24 hours in advance from the West Bengal Tourism Bureau.
# Indian Museum – Egyptian Mummies, Prehistoric Animals & MeteoritesThe Indian Museum in Kolkata is the first and largest museum of India. It was founded by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1814. Dr. Nathaniel Wallich was the secretary of Asiatic Society, founder and curator of the museum. He also donated a large amount of botanical samples to its collection. The museum has six departments – Art, Anthropology, Archaeology, Economic Botany, Zoology, and Geography.
# Durga Puja in Kolkata One of the biggest Hindu festivals of India, West Bengal is the place to be if you want to experience Durga Puja. While it is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India, there’s no comparison to the level of grandness with which it is celebrated in West Bengal. Durga Puja celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Preparations for this event begin months in advance. Elaborate idols of Durga are crafted, and women dress in beautiful, rich sarees for the span of the festival. The variety of delicious Bengali food available during these days is renowned all over the country.