Are you a travel enthusiast? If you are among the ones who love to explore new places, then this blog is for you. Here, I will be discussing with you about the best places which you must visit if you travel to Kolkata. Firstly, let me give you a brief introduction about Kolkata. Kolkata is often mentioned as the City of Joy due to its rich heritage regarding its historical sites, museums & parks. This makes it the perfect destination for the tourists to visit Kolkata. 

Additionally, the City of Joy is also well-known for its architecture, shopping & various other attractions. There are numerous places in Kolkata, which can make your experience truly mesmerizing for its perfect ambience. So, we have sorted the list of top 10 best places which you should visit in Kolkata. 

Our Top 10 List Contains: 

• Victoria Memorial
• Indian Museum
• Jorasanko Thakurbari
• Zoological Garden, Alipore
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple
• Eco Tourism Park 
• Nicco Park
• Science City 
• Princep Ghat
• Kumortuli

Victoria Memorial (Estd. 1905)

(estd, how it was built, historical things, why it is the attraction of the tourists)

History: Victoria Memorial is an important relic of the British Raj that is situated in the heart of Kolkata, West Bengal. The monument features the opulent structure of white marble, which was built in the honor of Queen Victoria for celebrating 25 years of British Raj. The main architect behind the establishment of Victoria Memorial is William Emerson. 

Major Attraction: 

The gardens of Victoria Memorial depicts the myriad of sculptures including – bronze statue of Queen Victoria welcoming someone, statue of Curzon, Hastings & various other statues. Individuals who prefer to go for a morning walk will definitely like this monument, accompanied by 24 Acres. 

Helpful Tips For Visiting Victoria Memorial: 

• Photography is strictly prohibited inside the building 
• Individuals who are specifically interested in the galleries,  you can avail the “garden-only” ticket option.
• Carriages are available at the entrance of Victoria Memorial for the visitors 

How Can You Reach Victoria Memorial?

If you plan to reach Victoria Memorial by metro, then you need to come to Rabindra Sadan metro station & Maidan metro station. You can also opt for taking the ferries from Bindan ghat & Princep ghat, which is a relatively cheaper alternative. 

Indian Museum (Estd. 1814)

(estd, how it was built, historical things, why it is the attraction of the tourists)

History: Indian Museum is ranked as the ninth oldest museum of the world and this makes it the perfect destination for the tourists to visit. The Indian Museum is popularly known as Jadughar filled with a stunning collection of contemporary paintings. It was established in the year 1814 under the governance of Asiatic society.

Major Attraction: 

The museum consists of a collection of nearly 2.5 million objects, which included – fossils, mummies, ornaments, Mughal paintings, antiques etc. Tourists can discover six different sections of 35 galleries that are dedicated to – Zoology, Geology, Ethnology, Archaeology & Art.  

Helpful Tips For Visiting Indian Museum: 

• Camera is strictly prohibited in specific areas
• Keep your ticket in hand as you might experience check at the entry point

How Can You Reach the Indian Museum?

You need to reach the Lindsay Street bus stop, if you decide to travel by bus or minibus & the nearest metro station is Park Street. 

Jorasanko Thakurbari (Estd. 1784-85)

History: 

Jorasanko Thakurbari was built by Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, the grandfather of Rabindranath Tagore during the 18th century. Jorasanko Thakurbari is the ancestral home of the Tagore family, located at North Kolkata, West Bengal. This is the perfect destination for those individuals, who have preference for Bengali literature & history. You are definitely aware about the contribution of Rabindranath Tagore in literature, an exceptional poet, who spent most of his life here. Jorasanko Thakurbari perfectly portrays the lifestyle & history of the prominent figure, who played a greater role in reshaping Indian literature. 

Major Attraction: It has around 700 paintings, which is the key attraction of the tourists. Rabindra Bharati University is situated in the surrounding area of Jorasanko Thakurbari, which recognises numerous programs & events like – Baishe Shravan, Panchise Baisakh, Aban Mela. 

Helpful Tips For Visiting Here: 

• Visitors are allowed to come everyday except Monday, at the stipulated timing – 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Visit here during special occasions like Durga Puja, Tagore birthday & Holi. 

How Can You Reach Jorasanko Thakurbari?

The nearest metro station to reach Jorasanko Thakurbari is Girish Park. 

Zoological Garden, Alipore (Estd. 1876)

History: Zoological Garden is the oldest zoological park to be established in India, you are much more likely to like this place if you have a major preference to explore nature. This zoo typically covers the area of about 46.5 Acres and commenced its operations in 1876. 

Major Attraction: Zoological Garden is well-known for the home of Aldabra giant tortoise – Adwaita. Additionally, the zoo is also home to the animals like the Manipur brow-antlered deer & various other captive breeding projects. The major contributors of this zoo were Raja Suryakanta Acharya of Mymensingh, Maharaja of Mysore Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV for their contribution of private menageries. 

Helpful Tips For Visiting Zoological Garden: 

• Obey the rules & regulations as mentioned by the staff

How Can You Reach a Zoological Garden?

You need to take the 77 no. bus from Esplanade to reach the Zoological Garden & the nearest metro station is Maidan. 

Dakshineswar Kali Temple (Estd 1855)

History: Dakshineswar Kali Temple was established by Rani Rashmoni in the memory of Devi Kali appearing in her dream & telling her to build the temple. The Kali Temple is recognised for its association with Ma Sarada Devi & Ramkrishna, who were the ardent devotees of Ma Kali. The temple was built on 31st May, 1855 during the first war for Indian independence. 

Major Attraction: The Dakshineswar Kali Temple resembles the idol of Goddess Kali, made  of gold standing upon the silver lotus. It is among the second major Shakti Peeth after the Kamakhya temple located in Guwahati. 

Helpful Tips For Visiting Dakshineswar Kali Temple:

• Saturday & Tuesday are regarded as the auspicious days for praying to Goddess Kali. 
• Timings –  Everyday from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. & 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

How Can You Reach Dakshineswar Kali Temple?

Board the train that goes from Dankuni to Sealdah, get down at Dakshineshwar station & you will find the Dakshineswar Kali Temple at the walking distance. 

Eco Tourism Park (Estd 2012)

History: Eco Tourism Park was established on 29 December 2012 by the HIDCO department. It is an initiative of the State Government to promote tourism in Kolkata, covering up to 475 Acres of land. The authenticity & beauty of this park increases even more when you find the park is filled with water bodies and an island in the middle. 

Major Attraction: Eco Park is the wonderful destination for the tourists, if you want to come with their family and friends. You must visit Gate no. 4, which encompasses replicas of the 7 wonders & gate no. 3. 

Helpful Tips For Visiting Eco Tourism Park : 

• Entry fee for the children is Rs. 10 & Rs. 25 for the adults. 
• Eco Park opens at sunrise & typically closes at 6 p.m. everyday. 

How Can You Reach The Eco Tourism Park ?

Taxis & private vehicles are the main modes of transport to reach the Eco Tourism Park through Thakurnagar Panchpota Road or VIP Road. You need to go through Ram Mohan Sarani & head towards Maniktala Main Road if you take the Thakurnagar Panchpota road/ VIP Road route. After reaching Maniktala Main Road, you need to follow the CIT Road Route> Thakurnagar Panchpota Road/ VIP road> Rajarhat Road>  NH12 to Street number 706> Ghuni Road> Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area II, Newtown.

Nicco Park (Estd. 1991)

History: Nicco Park was inaugurated on the 13th October, 1991, covering 40 Acres of land. It is also regarded as the “Disneyland of West Bengal” governing for about 20 years. Nicco Park is the first amusement park to gain social recognition from Safety Management System, Environment Management System & Quality Management System. 

Major Attraction: The major attraction of Nicco Park – Nicco Super Bowl, Wet-o-Wild, Bowlers Den, Food Court, Attractions & Shows, Shopping. Nicco Park also features various rides like – Thrill rides, Park rides & water park, Family rides, which you also need to check out. 

Helpful Tips For Visiting Nicco Park: 

• The tickets do not cover all the rides and shows. So it is advised to check in advance to avoid any inconvenience. 
• Tickets can be purchased in advance, which is non-transferable and non-refundable. 

How Can You Reach Nicco Park?

You can take a bus, taxi or auto from City Centre to reach Nicco Park through Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road – Maniktala Main Road. 

Science City (Estd. 1997)

History: Science City was established on 1st July, 1997 and is a major attraction among those individuals, who are the residents of Kolkata. It is the second largest science museum in the Indian subcontinent after the National Council of Science Museums. Visitors can attain a phenomenal experience for its exhibits like exotic fishes, optical illusions. Tornado, Time Machine, Ocean Waves, Energy Ball are amongst the common favorites for the visitors. 

Major Attraction: Here are some of the key attractions of Science City – Earth Exploration Hall, Maritime Centre, Science Park, Science Exploration Hall, Space Odyssey & many more. 

Helpful Tips For Visiting Science City: 

• Science City is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every week
• No extra charges for videography & photography 
• Special discount is offered to grouping more than 50 students.  

How Can You Reach Science City?

You can reach Science City via mini buses, local buses and taxis  from all the major parts of Kolkata. 

Princep Ghat (Estd. 1841)

History: 

Princep Ghat was established during the time period of British Raj in the year 1841. It was built in the memory of an Anglo-Indian scholar James Prinsep. Princep Ghat is situated on the banks of River Hooghly with an absolute structure of Greek inlays. You can definitely attain a beautiful experience with the appeal of Sunrise & Sunsets along with a  splendid view of Howrah bridge in the background. 

Major Attraction:

Princep Ghat is well-known for its attractive scenario like gardens and lawns, flower beds; which makes it the perfect place for nature lovers. 

Helpful Tips For Visiting Princep Ghat: 

The right time to visit Princep Ghat is during sunsets for evening boat ride 

How Can You Reach Princep Ghat?

You can get ferry services from Howrah to reach Babu Ghat that is at a 2 kms walking distance from Princep Ghat. So, you can take an auto or rickshaw from Babu Ghat to get to Princep Ghat. 

Kumartuli (Estd. 1757)

History: Kumartuli was established in the year 1757, which was an initiative taken by Raja Nabakrishna Deb to begin the tradition of Durga Puja at his home. He brought skilled artisans & kumors from Krishnanagar, who were highly proficient in sculpting the idols of goddesses. The workers gradually started settling in that area & zamindars started celebrating Durga Puja with the help of their craftsmanship.  

Major Attraction: Kumartuli is famous for its sculpting prowess & traditional potteries. It manufactures clay idols on a massive scale for various types of festivals & exports it on a regular basis. 

How Can You Reach Kumartuli?

If you decide to reach Kumartuli by metro, then the nearest metro station is Shobhabazar Sutanuti & you reach there in 10 minutes walking distance. 

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