Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, a state in East India. It is known as the "London of India". It has tropical wet-and-dry climate. Average temperature is 26.8 °C.
Kolkata has so much more than just Durga Pooja to offer.
How to Reach Kolkata?
Kolkata is well-connected by air, rail and road. The city has an international airport, the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
Hotels in Kolkata
5-Star Hotels | 4-Star Hotels | 3-Star Hotels | 2-Star Hotels | 1-Star Hotels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hotel Hindusthan International | The Peerless Inn | The Lindsay | The Mark Hotel | Hotel Diplomat |
Swissôtel | Sapphire Suites | Lytton Hotel | Hotel VIP Intercontinental | Hotel Pushpak International |
The Oberoi Grand | Hotel Kempton | Hotel Best Inn | Hotel Victerrace | Central Guest House |
Places to Visit in Kolkata
Here are the popular tourist attractions in Kolkata.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Located on the eastern bank of River Hooghly, this famous Hindu temple was founded by philanthropist Rani Rashmoni following a dream she had when she was about to begin her pilgrimage to Benaras.
A scholarly, elderly sage was chosen as the head priest and the temple was consecrated in 1855. Within a year the priest died and his responsibilities passed to his younger brother, Ramakrishna, who over the next three decades would bring great fame to the Dakshineswar temple. Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa's room, with two cots and other memorabilia, are preserved in the temple complex.
This architectural beauty is in conventional Nava-ratna style. The nine-spired Kali temple is at the center of the main courtyard. The basalt figure of goddess Kali, covered in gold brocade, stands on a white marble statue of a prostrate Shiva. This temple is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Hindus worldwide.
How to Reach?
The temple is in North Kolkata, around 20 kilometers from the center of the city. Buses and trains are available. Parking is free.
Timings:
The temple is open on all days of the week from 5.00 am to 8.00 pm. You can avoid crowds by visiting early in the morning.
Entrance Fee:
There is no entrance fee.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple History
Eden Gardens Stadium
Eden Gardens, an iconic cricket stadium in Kolkata, can seat 68,000 people. It was established in 1864. It is the cricket's answer to the Coliseum. It is the second-largest cricket stadium in the world.
Trivia
After around two decades of suspension, South Africa regained their test status in 1991/1992. Their first match after suspension was revoked was played at Eden Gardens.
Eden Gardens Pitch
The pitch at Eden Gardens has traditionally been on the slower side and good for batting, assisting spin bowlers very early.
The Missionaries of Charity Kolkata
Established in 1950 by Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta), this Roman Catholic religious congregation has more than 4,500 members who are giving wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.
Many Christian pilgrims visit the Motherhouse here, to pay homage at Saint Teresa’s tomb. Sandals, enamel dinner bowl, sari, rosary and other things used by the Saint are displayed in a museum named "Mother Teresa’s Life, Spirit and Message". You can also see the room where Saint Teresa worked and slept from 1953 to 1997.
How to Join Missionaries of Charity?
Victoria Memorial Hall
This large marble building, which is dedicated to Queen Victoria (1819-1901), was built by the then Viceroy of India Lord Curzon, between 1906 and 1921. The building is in Indo-Saracenic revivalist style. It houses paintings that date back to the British period and some other displays.
Victoria Memorial Information
Howrah Bridge
Also known as Rabindra Setu, the Howrah Bridge is a suspension type balanced cantilever bridge. It is the sixth-longest bridge (705 meters) of its type in the world. It was commissioned in 1943. More than 112,000 vehicles use this bridge in a week.
Park Street
Also known as the “Street that never sleeps” this famous thoroughfare in Kolkata offers you a range of attractions from beautiful colonial buildings to bustling shopping outlets.
You will find many hotels, shopping stalls, restaurants and night clubs here. Popular landmarks like St. Xavier’s College, Asiatic Society and South Park Street Cemetery are located in and around Park Street.
Park Street Shopping
New Town Eco Park
New Town Eco Park, which was inaugurated in 2012, is in Rajarhat. Spread over 480 acres, it is the largest park in India. Mask Garden, musical fountain, rose garden and Sabuj Sathi are among many popular attractions in the garden.
Sabuj Sathi is an island in the centre of the huge lake of Eco Park. Its area is 7 acres. It can be accessed only by boat. This is an uninhabited island. On this Island a glass house has been built. All four sides of this 2,800 square feet building is made of glass.
Eco Park Map
SRCM Heartfulness Meditation Centre
Located in Chowbaga Road, this wonderful Ashram gives you a feel of the spiritual side of Kolkata. Here you can learn relaxation technique, meditation and other ways to improve the quality of your life. Trainers have a warm, welcoming and respectful attitude towards seekers.
Wonderful place. Please visit, not only because it is a meditation ashram but because this place is really peaceful and friendly for everyone.
— Anirudhya MannaHeartfulness Meditation Center
Indian Museum
Founded in 1814, Indian Museum is the earliest and the largest multipurpose Museum not only in the Indian subcontinent but also in the Asia-Pacific region of the world.
It has rare collections of antiques, armour and ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies and Mughal paintings.
Marble Palace
Marble Palace is well-known for its artistic statues, elegant glassware, and paintings of illustrious artists of the British Raj.
The use of marble on the walls and floors gave it the name 'Marble Place'. Traditional Bengali style architecture is reflected from the open courtyards that has an attached thakurdalan.
Stay Safe
Kolkata is usually safe, barring its inherent squalor and pollution. Waterlogging is severe during rainy season.
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