Stunning Kolkata City of joy and eight fascinating places
Kolkata city of joy (earlier Calcutta) itself has a history. It is the capital of the State West Bengal in India. It’s 400 years old city which was India’s capital under the British Raj (Rule) from 1773–1911. Kolkata city is the second-largest city after Delhi in terms of area. It is also called the city of joy, the city of palaces, city of the procession and cultural capital of India. There is a saying that what Kolkata thinks today, the rest country will think tomorrow. This is also true. For the first time, the metro train ran in Kolkata itself.
Best time to visit Kolkata city
Months from October to February are the best time to visit Kolkata city. Because during these months one can witness the cultural festivals which are celebrating every year, especially Durga Puja.
So here we are telling you the best places to visit in Kolkata city.
1. Howrah Bridge
This type of bridge is nowhere else in the country. This bridge connects the Howrah and Kolkata. It is a massive steel bridge constructed over the Hooghly River. If you see the view of the city from Howrah Bridge then you will be amazed.
2. Victoria memorial
Victoria Memorial is located in the Heart of Kolkata city. It is a white Makrana marble building constructed on the memory of Queen Victoria. Victoria memorial is now a museum consists of 25 galleries: Royal Gallery, Calcutta gallery, the arms and armour gallery, sculpture gallery, portrait gallery, central hall. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Victoria Memorial, then the evening time is the best option when it is illuminated. It captures the eyes of tourists. The best time to visit Victoria memorial is between 4 Pm to 6 Pm because of the sunset, it looks mesmerizing.
3. Kalighat Kali Temple
One of the Kolkata’s most sacred sites, Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas on Earth. This historic temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali for more than 200 years. As legend has it, this is often the place where Sati’s toes of the right foot fell. Countless devotees, regardless of sectarian differences, visit this holy temple to provide prayers to the goddess. Enhancing the sweetness and sanctity of the temple is that the Hooghly River’s tributary Adi Ganga that flows right next thereto. Originally a little hut, this temple was later built by King Manasingha within the start of 16th century.
The structure of the temple was completed beneath the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family’s patronage in 1809. Spectacular and amazingly different, the sandstone idol of Kali was crafted by two saints i. e Atmaram Giri and Brahmananda Giri. It features three big eyes, long protruding tongue and four hands, thus the hands two of which hold a scimitar and a severed head of ‘Shumbha’ (Asura king) are made up of gold. Sosthi Tala, Harkath Tala, RadhaKrishna Temple and Kundupukur are important highlights of the temple. Also mentioned as Monosha Tala, Sosthi Tala could also be a 3 feet high rectangular altar with a little cactus plant. Below the plant, there are three stones representing the Goddesses Sosthi, Mongol Chandi and Sitola.
Harkath Tala is that the location where animal sacrifices are done, and Kundupukur could also be a sacred tank, measuring 669 square feet in area. RadhaKrishna Temple contains four Shiva temples within the premises built-up by a Zamindar named Udoy Narayan Mondal in 1843. During your visit, do not forget to step within the traditional Nakhuleshwar Mahadev Temple, which lies right opposite to Kalighat Kali Temple.
Read also : Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra
4. Science City Kolkata
The Science City of Kolkata is considered as one of the largest science centres in India. You need some extra time if you want to explore the whole Science City. There are many things to see in science city such as hi-tech motion stimulator, 3D vision theatre, Space Odyssey, mirror magic, science exploration hall, science-related objects, interactive exhibits. A tour to Space odyssey will take you beyond the earth that you will never forget.
Entry fee: Entry fees in science city are depending upon the activities you chose like Rs 50 for the entry fees, Rs 30 for 3D theatre (per person), Rs 40 for the cable car (per person), Rs 20 for Road train (per person). These prices may vary.
5. Indian Museum
Indian Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. It consists of six sections viz. Economic botany, zoology, geology, Indian art, anthropology and archaeology. There are various Collections which attracts the eyes of the visitors. If you are curious about seeing the antique things and eager to see the history of the nation then you must visit in Indian Museum of Kolkata city.
6. Sundarbans
Sundarbans is the natural wonders of the world and one of the favourite tourist spots in Kolkata. Sundarbans is a part of the world’s largest delta formed by Meghna, Brahmaputra and Ganga. One can see every kind of wild animals in this place. It is also the largest tiger reserve and national park in India listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have an interest in seeing the natural beauty and divine landscapes of nature then Sundarban is the perfect place to explore.
Entry fee: Rs 60(Indians) and Rs 200(Foreigners) (prices may vary)
7. Aquatica
If you are planning to explore Kolkata with your friends then your trip to Kolkata is incomplete without visiting Aquatica. It is one of the largest water amusement parks in Eastern India. One can enjoy the water ride with other fun activities. You can see the various group of friends came there to spend their quality time.
Entry fee: Weekdays(Monday-Friday) Rs 900 for Adults and Rs 450 for child Weekends: (Saturday & Sunday) Rs 1000 for Adults and Rs 500 for child
7. Belur Math
Belur Math is a pilgrimage site founded by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. There is a museum inside the temple. The Belur Math is also considered as the attraction spot for the tourists near Kolkata. The Ex-president of India APJ Abdul Kalam has also regarded this place as a place of heritage and national importance.
Entry fee: There is no entry fees.
How to reach Kolkata city
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Boss is the international airport located in Dum Dum approx. 17 Km from the city which connects the city from the foreign countries and major cities of India like Delhi, Amritsar, Mumbai, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Bangalore as well. Prominent airlines flying out of the Kolkata airport includes AirAsia, Etihad, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India, Bhutan Airlines, Emirates, Go Air, China Eastern Airlines and many more.
Howrah and Sealdah railway station are two major railway terminals where intercity and interstate trains arrive and depart.
Kolkata city is well connected with roads. National highways from every state connects the Kolkata by road. The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) operates Volvo AC and non AC buses within Kolkata and across districts in West Bengal.
So, guys, these all are about the Kolkata city. We hope that we took you to the journey of Kolkata city (trip2divine). It is a place you will never forget if you visit here once in your lifetime. So when are you planning to go to Kolkata city? Comment down to give your suggestions and more places which you guys want to add on from our side.
