Kolkata is a pleasant, smart, and energetic city with a rich history and culture and numerous faded British Raj relics. The city of Joy boasts a plethora of tourist attractions. It offers visitors great culture, magnificent architecture, wonderful art, and evocative literature. It’s also the finest location to go to as there are several all time best place to visit in Kolkata for taking photographs and doing others activities.
In addition, the place is popular for its remarkable temples, local retail malls, historical sites, and some other tourist charms where you can learn about Kolkata’s heritage. So, go for a trip to this stunning city to explore Kolkata’s beauty. Take a visit to each of these popular destinations in Kolkata to make the most enjoyable of your holiday.
1. Victoria Memorial:
It’s a lovely White Marble construction started in 1906 and completed in 1921. While it was initially remembered to be a Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, it has evolved into a monument that draws many visitors due to its spectacular construction and exhibition.
The architectural style of the artistic masterpiece is a blend of British and Mughal. The Victoria Memorial is one of the top most place to visit in Kolkata. A museum with 25 galleries houses sculptures, national leaders, portraits, guns, and armour within the massive stronghold. It also contains one-of-a-kind and unique works by Omar Khayyam, Arabian Nights, and William Shakespeare.
Victoria Memorial Information:
| Location: | Queen’s Way, Maidan |
| Status: | Museum under the Ministry of Culture |
| Museum Timings: | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays and National Holidays |
| Garden Timings: | 5:30 am to 6:00 pm; every day |
| Museum Entry Fee: | ₹ 50 for Indians; ₹ 100 for foreigners of SAARC countries; ₹ 500 for foreigners of other countries |
| Gardens Entry Fee: | ₹ 30 per head | No entry free entry for school children up to Class XII |
| Annual Fee for Morning Walkers: | ₹ 2000 per person; ₹ 1000 for senior citizens |
| Nearest Metro Station: | Maidan |
| Year of Establishment: | 1921 |
| Commissioned by: | Lord Curzon |
| Dimensions: | 103 meters (length) x 69 meters (width) x 56 meters (height) |
| Garden Area: | 57 acres |
| Architectural Style: | Indo-Saracenic revivalist |
| Architect: | William Emerson |
| Material Used: | Makrana marble |
| Website: | https://victoriamemorial-cal.org/home/content/en |
| List Of Holidays: | DOWNLOAD |
Things to Do at Victoria Memorial:
Explore the Museum:
- Visit inside the museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, sculptures and manuscripts from the British colonial period and you can also learn about the history of British rule in India and the life of Queen Victoria and many more.
Photography:
- You can capture the beauty of the Victoria memorial and its surroundings through photography.
- The beautiful white marble structure, especially during sunset, provides excellent photo opportunities.
Light and Sound Show:
- Attend the light and sound show held in the evenings for 45 Minutes
- Bengali Show – 6.15 pm to 7.00 pm (October to February); 6.45 pm to7.30pm (March to June)
- English Show – 7.15 pm to 8.00 pm (October to February); 7.45 pm to 8.30 pm (March to June)
- Note: No shows on Mondays, National Holidays and between July and September.
Visit the Statue of Queen Victoria:
- Observe the statue of Queen Victoria seated on her throne, which is a prominent feature at the entrance of the memorial.
- o The statue is a significant piece of art and history.
Learn at the Research Library:
- Visit the research library, which contains a rich collection of books, periodicals, and other reference materials related to the history of India and the British Empire.
- It’s a great resource for students, researchers, and history enthusiasts.
Attend Special Exhibitions:
- Check if there are any special exhibitions or events happening during your visit.
- The memorial often hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on various historical and cultural themes.
Relax and Enjoy the Atmosphere:
- Simply relax on the lawns or benches and soak in the serene atmosphere.
- The Victoria Memorial is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Kolkata and enjoy some quiet time.
- When you plan to your visit, please check the official Victoria Memorial website for any updates on opening hours, ticket prices, and special events.
Attractions near Victoria Memorial:
- Maidan (550 m)
- Paul’s Cathedral (700 m)
- Elliot Park (1.3 Km)
- Netaji Bhawan (1.4 km)
- Indian Museum (3.2 km)
- Shaheed Minar (2.8 km)
- Raj Bhawan (3 km)
- Calcutta Town Hall (3 km)
- Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque (3.1 km)
- Fort William (3.3 km)
- Prinsep Ghat (3.4 km)
- South Park Street Cemetery (3.5 km)
- Writers Building (3.7 km)
- Kalighat Temple (3.8 km)
- Metcalfe Hall (3.8 km)
It goes without saying that exploring the Victoria Memorial Museum is one of the top things to do in Kolkata. So, go ahead and spend a day at this evergreen monument in the City of Joy.
2. Belur Math:
It is a major pilgrimage spot in Kolkata that appeals to visitors worldwide. Visitors from every corner of the world experience the tranquillity and calm that this environment delivers. The temple was constructed in a magnificent, skilled, and creative manner that expresses the core of the Ramakrishna Movement. It also comprises an exhibition that you can visit for added enjoyment.
3. Science City:
It is another top place to visit in Kolkata for various reasons and a major tourist attraction. Space Theatre, Evolution Theme Park, 3D performances, Natural Science Park, Dinosaurs Complex, and Time Machine are among the attractions at this location. It is the ideal site for kids and adolescents to understand light, electricity, and speed via a series of easy experiments. Everybody who enters this museum enjoys the unique perception of extending science.
4. Howrah Bridge:
Howrah Bridge is another must-see place in Kolkata since it is the world’s longest cantilevered steel bridge, connecting Howrah and Kolkata. In the evening, when the lights shine, it transforms into a tourist spot to give it the best and most amazing looks. All the tourists like taking a boat trip from the launch ghat, which you must not overlook if you want to see the magnificent view of Kolkata after sunset.
5. The Birla Planetarium:
Birla Planetarium is Kolkata’s greatest property and Asia’s oldest and biggest planetarium. It is locally called Taramandal, originally launched by Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1963, this place was made available to the public. It is among Kolkata’s most popular attractions is outfitted with cameras, telescopes, solar filters, and a variety of high-tech instruments for cosmic viewing that keeps youngsters entertained.
6. Jorasanko Thakurbari:
Jorasanko Thakurbari is also called the house of the Thakurs. It is the Tagore family’s original home and for this reason peoples come in kolkata to see this place and feel proud. Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore’s grandfather, erected the house in the 18th century. The place currently hosts a museum with numerous articles depicting and unfolding the Tagores’ life and legacy. Also, it houses the Rabindra Bharathi University to take a visit.
7. Indian Museum:
The Indian Museum of Kolkata is India’s oldest and largest museum. It was founded in 1814. The museum is separated into six divisions, that is further divided into 35 galleries and houses a profusion of antiques, artefacts, mummies, and paintings, among other things. There are large number of visitors come every day to observe the old culture and other things.
8. Nicco Park:
Nicco Park is the greatest spot to explore in Kolkata for fun. Basically, Nicco Park is an entertainment park where you may enjoy an exciting trip on adventurous rides. Previously known as JheelMeel, it offers entertainment for individuals of all ages. Visit Nicco Park in kolkata for an exhilarating tour, and experience fun attractions with your kids and make them pleased.
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Conclusion:
These were the top 8 places to visit in Kolkata where you may consider in order to make your day enjoyable. If you want to explore the best attractions of the City of Joy, these are the best ones to make your visit interesting.