India’s Kolkata, popularly referred to as the “City of Joy” is a dynamic and culturally diverse city. It is the state’s capital and well-known for its historical sites, artistic legacy, and varied cultural heritage. You should think about visiting the following locations in Kolkata:
Kolkata : City Of Joy
Kolkata’s city tour is a captivating journey through time and culture, showcasing the city’s diverse facets and leaving visitors with a deep appreciation for its history and vibrant spirit.
1. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
The Victoria Memorial is a remnant of the British Raj in India and is situated in the center of Kolkata, West Bengal. This lavish, white-marbled building, which is practically a copy of the Victoria Memorial in London, was erected in Queen Victoria’s honor to commemorate her 25 years of rule over India. The Victoria Memorial is a famous building that is connected to the joyous city. Victoria memorial is must visit place in kolkata.
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About Victoria Memorial :
Best Time To Visit | October to March |
Location | Maidan, Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal |
Victoria Memorial Entry Fees :
- Rs/- 20 per person for Indians
- Rs/- 200 per person for Foreign Tourists
- No Free entry for school children up to Class XII in uniform and Army personnel in uniform
Victoria Memorial Timing :
- Everyday Open From 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Victoria Memorial Gallery)
- 5:30 am – 6:15 pm (Gardens)
- Monday Closed / Holiday (Victoria Memorial Gallery)
- 5:30 am – 6:15 pm (Gardens)
2. Belur Math, Kolkata
The Ramakrishna Math and Mission’s main office is located at Belur Math in Kolkata. It is frequented by people from all over the world, regardless of their religious beliefs, and is spread out over forty acres of land on the west bank of the Hooghly River. Hindu, Christian, and Islamic features are combined in the temple’s unusual construction as a representation of the harmony of all world religions. The temple, which Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Paramahansa’s principal disciple, founded, is the center of the Ramakrishna Movement. A museum and several other connected educational institutes are also included within the temple complex. Belur Math is one of the best tourist place in kolkata.
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About Belur Math :
Best Time To Visit | April to September |
Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
Location | Belur, Howrah, West Bengal, 711202 |
Belur Math Timing & Entry Fees :
- April to September: 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
October to March: 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM - There is no entry fees to visit Belur Math
2. Howrah Bridge, Kolkata
Howrah Bridge, a sizable steel bridge built over the Hooghly River, is a well-known landmark of Kolkata. It is regarded as one of the world’s longest cantilever bridges. It connects Howrah and Kolkata and is also known as the Rabindra Setu. It is both grand and historic, carrying over 100,000 automobiles and countless pedestrians each day. However, when the bridge is fully lit up at night, its magnificence truly comes to life. From the launch ghat, you can also board a ferry that travels between Kolkata and Howrah. To put it mildly, the view of the city from the ferry is priceless, especially at night.
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3. Birla Planetarium, Kolkata
The Birla Planetarium is the second-largest planetarium in the world and is located on the renowned Chowringhee Road, close to the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral. On July 2, 1963, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru built the majestic Birla Planetarium in Kolkata, the city of delight. One of India’s three planetariums, this one. The Birla Planetarium, also known as Taramandal, usually hosts a variety of shows and programs in Hindi, English, Bengali, and other regional languages. Birla Planetarium is a planetarium as well as having an electronics lab and an astronomy gallery with a selection of artwork and model astronomies. Birla Planetarium is best tourist place to visit in kolkata.
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About Birla Planetarium :
Best Time To Visit | Morning hours |
Location | Maidan, Cathedral Rd, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700071 |
Birla Planetarium Entry Fees :
Rs/- 100 per person (General)
Rs/- 40 per person for students in a group of 25 or more
Birla Planetarium Timing :
- Everyday Open From 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Show Timings:
Hindi – 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm
Bengali – 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm
English – 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm
4. Science City, Kolkata
The Science City, the first of its sort in India, was opened on July 1st, 1997. Both the locals of Kolkata and tourists to Kolkata find it to be a great draw. One of the best and biggest science museums in the world, it offers an enjoyable method to learn science. The largest science center on the Indian Subcontinent is located in Kolkata and is run by the National Council of Science Museums. The principal motto of the Science City, a government organization under the Ministry of Culture, was the popularization of science. It is situated in Kolkata at the intersection of the JBS Halder Avenue and the EM Bypass.
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About Science City :
Best Time To Visit | Morning hours |
Location | Science City, J.B.S Haldane Avenue, Mirania Gardens, East Topsia, Topsia, Kolkata, West Bengal |
Science City- Kolkata Timing :
Everyday Open From
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Science City- Kolkata Entry Fees :
Entry | Rs. 65.00 per person |
Evolution of Life – A Dark Ride | Rs 45.00 Per Person |
PANORAMA ON ‘HUMAN EVOLUTION’ | Rs 60.00 Per Person |
Combined Rates for ‘Dark Ride’ and ‘Human Evolution’: | Rs 85.00 Per Person |
Science on a Sphere new | Rs 40.00 Per Person |
Space Theatre 2D | Rs 80.00 Per Person |
Space Theatre 3D | Rs 100.00 Per Person |
3D Show: | Rs. 30.00 Per Person |
Time Machine: | Rs 40.00 Per Person |
Road Train: | Rs. 25.00 Per Person |
Ropeway: | Rs. 60.00 |
5. St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
St. Paul’s is an Anglican cathedral that belongs to the Church of North India and is situated in the center of Kolkata, the City of Joy. It is a must-see for tourists looking for educational historical and architectural delights. This enormous building, located in the center of the city, transports you back in time to colonial days. This is one of the places that visitors to Kolkata consider a must-see. Christmastime, when the cathedral, its surrounding garden, and the nearby streets are all illuminated by celebrations, is when it appears its best.
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About St. Paul’s Cathedral :
Best Time To Visit | Morning hours |
Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
Location | 1A, Cathedral Rd, Maidan, New Market Area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071 |
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata Timing :
- Everyday Open From Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
6. Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The Eden Gardens, Kolkata’s home of cricket, is a stunning, well-kept cricket stadium situated in the B. B. D. Bagh neighborhood, close to the State Secretariat and Calcutta High Court. The foundation for it was erected in 1864 by Governor-General Auckland, who gave his sisters Emily and Fanny Eden’s names to the gardens and cricket field. This cricket stadium is the second largest stadium in the world, covering 50 acres and holding 66,349 spectators. Eden Gardens also serves as a charming vacation spot for nature enthusiasts when it’s not holding some of the most exciting athletic events.
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About Eden Gardens :
Best Time To Visit | Throughout The Year |
Entry Fees | Ticket price varies depending on the match |
Location | Maidan, BBD Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700021, India |
Timing | Everyday Open From 5:00 am – 11:30 pm |
7. Kalighat Temple, Kolkata
Kolkata, West Bengal is home to the Kalighat Temple. It is one of India’s 51 Shakti Sthals and one of the country’s busiest Kali temples. The location is where Sati’s right foot’s toes landed during Shiva’s Tandava dance. According to legend, Chowranga Giri, a Dasanami monk, worshiped Ma Kali in Kalighat, which is why it has long been regarded as a major place of Ma Kali worship. The idea that only heavenly knowledge can annihilate a sodomized ego, like an Asura, is embodied in this 200-year-old shrine. As Ma Kali leads everyone via their ardent devotion of her, this transcendence will result in moksha.
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About Kalighat Temple :
Best Time To Visit | Throughout The Year |
Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
Location | Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700026, India |
Timing | Everyday Open From 5:00 am – 2:00 pm 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm |
8. Nakhoda Mosque, Kolkata
Nakhoda mosque, one of Kolkata’s busiest mosques, is situated in the Chitpur neighborhood of the Burrabazar commercial sector and has been around for about a century. The domes and minarets of the prayer hall, which can accommodate 10,000 people, were built in the same architectural style as Fatehpur Sikri.
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About Nakhoda Mosque :
Best Time To Visit | Throughout The Year |
Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
Location | 92, Rabindra sarani (near Nakhuda masjid), Kolkata, West Bengal 700073 |
Timing | Everyday Open From 6:00 am – 8:00 pm |
9. Alipore Zoo, Kolkata
Alipore Zoo, officially known as Alipore Zoological Gardens, is one of the oldest zoos in India and is located in the heart of Kolkata, West Bengal. Established in 1876, the zoo spans over 45 acres and serves as a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a diverse collection of wildlife in a lush and green environment.
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About Alipore Zoo :
Best Time To Visit | December to February |
Location | 2, Alipore Rd, Alipur Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027 |
Alipore Zoo Timing :
Everyday Open From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(Closed on Thursday)
Alipore Zoo Entry Ticket :
- Age Up to 5 Years : 10 -/Rs.
- Above the Age of 5 Years : 30 -/Rs.
- Ticket Aquarium : 5-/Rs
- Video Photography : 250-/Rs
10. Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Kolkata
The Rabindra Sarovar neighborhood contains Rabindra Sarovar Stadium, which is located in the heart of Kolkata. The stadium, which is thought to be the oldest in the city, can hold 20,000 spectators and is where some of the most significant football games are played.
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About Rabindra Sarobar Stadium :
Best Time To Visit | Morning, Evening |
Entry Fees | No Entry Fees |
Location | Dhakuria, Rabindra Sarobar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700029, India |
Timing | Everyday Open From 5:00 am – 10:00 am 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
Tour Plan For Places To Visit In Kolkata :
It can be a lot of fun to organize a trip to Kolkata! Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal and also known as the “City of Joy,” is renowned for its rich cultural legacy, historical sites, lively markets, and mouthwatering cuisine. An example itinerary for best places to go in kolkata is shown below:
Day 1: Exploring Cultural Heritage
- Morning: Arrive in Kolkata and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Head to the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent marble structure surrounded by lush gardens. Explore the museum inside to learn about Kolkata’s colonial history.
- Evening: Visit the Indian Museum, one of the oldest museums in Asia, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and historical exhibits.
Day 2: Historical Charm and Markets
- Morning: Start with a visit to Howrah Bridge, an iconic steel bridge over the Hooghly River. You can enjoy a stroll along the river promenade.
- Late Morning: Explore the Marble Palace, a unique mansion with a collection of art, sculptures, and antiques.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at a local eatery and then head to Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a famous Hindu temple complex.
- Evening: Explore New Market for shopping, where you can find a variety of goods from clothing and accessories to electronics and souvenirs.
Day 3: Art and Literature
- Morning: Visit the Indian Coffee House, a historic cafe known for its intellectual discussions. Enjoy a traditional Kolkata breakfast here.
- Late Morning: Explore the Kalighat area, famous for its Kali Temple and the lively street art scene.
- Afternoon: Visit the Tagore’s House (Jorasanko Thakur Bari), the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It’s now a museum dedicated to his life and works.
- Evening: Attend a cultural event, performance, or theater play, as Kolkata has a vibrant cultural scene.
Day 4: Spiritual and Culinary Delights
- Morning: Visit Belur Math, a spiritual and serene place on the banks of the Hooghly River, associated with Swami Vivekananda.
- Afternoon: Treat yourself to a traditional Bengali lunch at a local restaurant.
- Late Afternoon: Explore College Street, known as “Boi Para” (Book Market), which is lined with numerous bookstores and stalls selling books on various subjects.
- Evening: Head to Park Street, one of Kolkata’s most famous streets, for its nightlife, restaurants, and cafes.
Day 5: Final Exploration
- Morning: Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most important churches in Kolkata.
- Late Morning: Explore the Maidan area, a vast urban park where you can take a leisurely walk and enjoy some fresh air.
- Afternoon: Visit Science City, an interactive science museum that offers fun and educational exhibits.
- Evening: Enjoy your final evening in Kolkata by indulging in street food at Park Street or trying Bengali sweets like rasgulla and sandesh.