10 Must-Visit Places in Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a city of contrasts. It is home to some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in India, as well as bustling markets, vibrant culture, and delicious food. If you are planning a trip to Kolkata, here are 10 must-visit places:
1. Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial is a magnificent white marble palace that was built in the early 20th century. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kolkata, and for good reason. The palace is simply stunning, and it is full of beautiful art and artifacts. You can spend hours exploring the palace and its gardens.
Victoria Memorial Entry Fee
| Victoria Memorial Gallery Kolkata Entry Fee | Rs/- |
| Per person for Indians | ₹20 |
| Per person for Foreign Tourists | ₹200 |
| Entry for school children up to Class XII in uniform and Army personnel in uniform | Free |
| Victoria Memorial Garden Area Kolkata Entry Fee | Rs/- |
| Per person per entry (Daily ticket) | ₹10 |
| Per person for Garden Entry (Monthly ticket) | ₹100 |
| Per person for Garden Entry (Yearly ticket) | ₹1000 |
| Per person for Morning Walkers | ₹2000 |
| Per person for Morning Walkers (Senior citizens) | ₹1000 |
| Entry ticket to Light and Sound show For Adult | ₹20 |
| Entry ticket to Light and Sound show For Child | ₹10 |
Victoria Memorial Kolkata Timings
| Day | Timing |
| Monday | Closed / Holiday (Victoria Memorial Gallery) 5:30 am – 6:15 pm (Gardens) |
| Wedesday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Victoria Memorial Gallery) 5:30 am – 6:15 pm (Gardens) |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Victoria Memorial Gallery) 5:30 am – 6:15 pm (Gardens) |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Victoria Memorial Gallery) 5:30 am – 6:15 pm (Gardens) |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Victoria Memorial Gallery) 5:30 am – 6:15 pm (Gardens) |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Victoria Memorial Gallery) 5:30 am – 6:15 pm (Gardens) |
Light & Sound Show Timings:
October to February:
6.15 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. (Bengali)
7.15 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. (English)
March to June:
6.45 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. (Bengali)
7.45 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (English)
2.Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kolkata. It is a cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River, and it is one of the busiest bridges in the world. You can walk or cycle across the bridge, or you can take a boat ride underneath it.
| Location | Howrah, Kolkata, West Bengal, Kolkata (Map) |
| Entry Fee & Timings | Howrah Bridge is open from 24 hours all days in week. No entry fee. |
| Place Type | Bridge, Sightseeing |
| Place visit with | Family, Friends, Solo, Kids |
| Best time to visit | October, November, December, January, February |
| Nearest Metro | Shobhabazar Sutanuti Metro Station (2 KM), Girish Park Metro Station (2 KM), |
Architecture of Howrah Bridge
The entire bridge was designed by Rendell, Palmer and Tritton. It is estimated that the amount of construction of this big bridge was Rs 333 crore. 26,500 tonnes of steel was consumed in making it, out of which 87 per cent steel was bought by ‘Tata Steel Company’. This bridge is 2,313 feet long and 269 feet high. Its width is 71 feet, with two footpaths 15-15 feet wide on either side.
How to reach Howrah Bridge
By Air:- Netaji Subhash Airport (Dum Dum Airport) is 20 km from the city. Once you get down at the airport premises, you can easily take a taxi to reach here.
By Rail: The two major railway stations of Kolkata are Howrah and Sealdah stations. One can take a taxi or auto from the station to reach the bridge. The bridge is located within 5 km from both these stations, so traveling here will not be a problem.
By Road:- Buses mostly leave from Esplanades Bus Stand in Maidan near Chowringhee Road. In addition, many private companies provide bus services. Otherwise, depending on your location, you can also hire a taxi or self-drive.
3. Park Street
Park Street is a famous shopping street in Kolkata. It is lined with high-end stores, restaurants, and cafes. You can find anything you want on Park Street, from clothes and jewelry to books and souvenirs.
| Location | Mother Teresa Sarani, Kolkata, Kolkata (Map) |
| Entry Fee & Timings | Park Street is open from 08:00 am to 09:00 pm all days in week. No entry fee. |
| Place Type | Market, Shopping Places |
| Place visit with | Family, Friends, Solo |
| Best time to visit | October, November, December, January |
| Nearest Metro | Park Street Metro Station (1 KM) |
Interesting facts about Park Street
- Most happening and important place in Kolkata. From restaurants to lounges to offices, this is the most important place in Kolkata. Strategically located in the heart of the city connecting old and new Kolkata.
- Walking this road takes you on a time trip where you see something that has been one of the most happening roads in India for more than a century.
- Park Street is the main hub of restaurants and bars and has an ambiance. This main shopping area is within walking distance of Newmarket. 100 roadside shops on the way to the market.
- The street was beautifully decorated with carols playing all around. People have been enjoying and enjoying the stalls selling street food and books. An event is organized in Allen Park with chocolates and other Christmas food stalls.
How to reach Park Street ?
By Airport:- Kolkata Airport is located about 13 km from Park Street metro station, from here you can take Ola or taxi.
By Railway:- The distance between Kolkata Railway Station and Park Street is 22 km. From here you can take taxi or auto.
By Road:- Generally taxi autos or buses ply here, with the help of which you can easily reach Park Street.
4.Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Kolkata. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali, and it is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India. The temple is located on the banks of the Hooghly River, and it is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
| Location | Dakshineswar, Kolkata, Kolkata (Map) |
| Entry Fee & Timings | open from April to September 6:00 am to 12.30 pm, 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm, October to March 6:00 am to 12.30 pm, 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm all days. No entry fee. |
| Place Type | Temple, Hindu Temple, Religious Place |
| Place visit with | Family, Friends |
| Best time to visit | October, November, December, January, February, March |
| Nearest Metro | Noapara Metro Station , Dum Dum Metro Station , |
5.Mother House
Mother House is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, a Christian charity founded by Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa was a Nobel Peace Prize winner who dedicated her life to helping the poor and sick. The Mother House is a popular tourist attraction, and it is also a place where you can learn about Mother Teresa’s life and work.
Mother House
6.Jorasanko Thakurbari
Jorasanko Thakurbari is the former home of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Prize-winning Bengali poet, writer, and musician. The house is now a museum, and it is a fascinating place to learn about Tagore’s life and work.
7.Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world. It is home to the Kolkata Knight Riders, a team in the Indian Premier League. If you are a cricket fan, you should definitely visit Eden Gardens.
| Location | Maidan, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, Kolkata (Map) |
| Entry Fee & Timings | Eden Gardens is open from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm all days in week. No entry fee. |
| Place Type | Stadium, Entertainment |
| Place visit with | Family, Friends, Kids |
| Nearest Metro | Chandni Chowk Metro Station (1 KM), Esplanade Metro Station (1 KM), |
8.Marble Palace
Marble Palace is a luxurious mansion that was built in the 19th century. It is one of the most opulent private residences in India, and it is full of beautiful art and artifacts. You can take a guided tour of the palace to learn about its history and its collection.
9.Indian Museum
The Indian Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in India. It has a vast collection of artifacts from all over India, including fossils, sculptures, paintings, and musical instruments. The museum is a great place to learn about India’s rich history and culture.
Indian Museum Kolkata Entry Fee
- ₹50 per person for Indian Adults
- ₹20 per person for Indian Children (Above 5 yrs of age)
- ₹500 per person for Foreign Tourists
Indian Museum Kolkata Camera Charges
- ₹50 for Smart Phone
- ₹100 for Still Camera
- ₹2000 for small Video Camera
- ₹5000 for Video Camera with Stand
Indian Museum Kolkata Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed / Holiday |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm |
10.Science City
Science City is a science museum that is located on the outskirts of Kolkata. It is a great place to learn about science and technology in a fun and interactive way. There are exhibits on everything from space exploration to human biology.
| Location | JBS Haldane Ave, Mirania Gardens, East Topsia, Kolkata (Map) |
| Entry Fee & Timings | Science City Town Cemetry is open from 09:00 am to 08:00 pm all days in week. Entry fee Rs 50 per person. |
| Place Type | Science Museum, Museum |
| Place visit with | Family, Kids |
| Nearest Metro | Salt Lake Stadium Metro Station , Phoolbagan Metro Station , |
About Science City
Science City is a one of its kind science museum in the world where learning comes through entertainment. Science City was inaugurated on 1 July 1997. Developed by the National Council of Science Museums, it is one of the largest and finest in the world, presenting science and technology in a stimulating and engaging environment that is truly educational and enjoyable for people of all ages. With a mix of learning and fun, the center also dedicates a section to the spectacular aquatic world, where some of the most exotic fish and other marine species are kept in aquariums.
It is promoting science education in all the schools and organizing science activities in the school to inculcate creativity in the students.
Kolkata is a city that is full of life and energy. It is a city that is constantly changing, and it is a city that is always worth exploring. If you are planning a trip to Kolkata, be sure to check out these 10 must-visit places. You won’t be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
Q: What are the best times to visit Kolkata?
A: The best times to visit Kolkata are during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is mild. However, Kolkata is a year-round destination, and there are plenty of things to see and do in the city no matter what time of year you visit.
Q: What are the most popular tourist attractions in Kolkata?
A: The most popular tourist attractions in Kolkata include Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Park Street, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Mother House, Eden Gardens, Marble Palace, the Indian Museum, and Science City.
Q: What is the best way to get around Kolkata?
A: The best way to get around Kolkata is by rickshaw. Rickshaws are cheap and efficient, and they are a great way to see the city. You can also get around by taxi, bus, or metro.
Q: What are some of the best places to eat in Kolkata?
A: Kolkata is a foodie’s paradise, and there are plenty of great places to eat in the city. Some of the most popular restaurants in Kolkata include:
Darjeeling Momos
Chowringhee Lane
Peter Cat
The Bong Connection
Q: What are some of the best things to do in Kolkata at night?
A: Some of the best things to do in Kolkata at night include:
Visiting the Eden Gardens: Eden Gardens is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world, and it is a great place to watch a cricket match.
Going for a walk on the Maidan: The Maidan is a large park in the heart of Kolkata, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the evening.
Exploring the streets of Kolkata: Kolkata is a vibrant city, and there are plenty of interesting things to see and do in the streets at night.
