10 Tourist Attractions to visit in Kolkata for First-Timers
This is a huge world and there are too many countries, cities, national parks, heritage sites, mountains and beaches to cover in one lifetime. It’s quite overwhelming even to think about it.
But, if you’re ticking off your bucket list by planning your first ever trip to Kolkata, the city that never stops, this is how it should be done.
The best way to explore Kolkata is hiring a self-drive car instead of taking public transport (which by the way many blogs and websites will suggest you do). It will serve two purposes; first, you won’t have to go through hurdles of getting on heavily crowded local trains and buses and second, you’d be the master of your own time and itinerary.
10 Top Tourist Attractions in Mumbai in 2020
In this blog, you can see the list of some famous tourist attractions in Mumbai. If you want to plan a weekend trip with your family and friends, or are looking for picnic spots in Mumbai, then these are the most attractive tourist places in Mumbai that you must visit.
- Victoria Memorial
- Dakshineswar Kali temple
- Belur math
- Park Street
- Alipore Museum
- Adi Bhutnath Temple
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
- Nicco park
- Howrah Bridge
- Science City
1. Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial is a large marble monument in the Maidan in Central Kolkata (Calcutta), having its entrance on the Queen’s Way. It was built between 1906 and 1921 by the British Raj. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, the Empress of india from 1876 to 1901.
It is the largest monument to a monarch anywhere in the world. It stands at 26 hectares (64 acres) of gardens and is now a museum under the control of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Possessing prominent features of the Indo-Saracenic architecture, it has evolved into one of the most popular attractions in the city.
- Best Time to visit: 10am to 5pm
- Entry Fee: Rs 20
2. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu Navratna style Temple in kolkata west bengal. It was inspired by radhakanta Temple In Tollygunge which was built by Ramnath Mondal of the Bawali Family. Profoundly affected by the dream, Rani immediately looked for and purchased a 12,000-hectare (30,000-acre) plot in the village of Dakshineswar. The large temple complex was built between 1847 and 1855.Due to his inspirational devotion to the Divine Mother as Goddess Kali, realized God-consciousness and practical teachings for laypersons, Ramakrishna was responsible for bringing much in the way of both fame and pilgrims to the temple.
- Best Time to visit: 06:00 am to 12:30 pm (Morning)
- 03:30 pm to 09:00 pm (Evening)
- Entry Fee: Free
3. Belur Math
Beluṛ Maṭh in Kolkata is a place of pilgrimage and also the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vijnanananda, a brother-monk of Swami Vivekananda and one of the monastic disciples of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, laid the foundation stone of Ramakrishna Temple in the year 1935. The massive construction was handled by Martin Burn & Co. This temple has become the hub of the Ramakrishna Movement. The Belur Math is visited by people from all over the world, irrespective of the religion. The people who are not interested in religion also come to Belur Math to experience and appreciate the peace that it diffuses into the environment, and ultimately into the inner soul.
- Best Time to visit: 06:30 am to 11:30 pm (Morning)
- 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm (Evening)
- Entry Fee: Free
4. Park Street
Just as New York’s Broadway hums with theatre and Paris’s Champs-Elysees exudes elegance, Park Street is a pulsating thoroughfare in the heart of Kolkata that weaves its own enchantment. From bustling eateries to late-night revelry, this iconic street celebrates history, culture, and modernity.
The earliest known name of Park Street was Badamtala due to the number of Almond trees along it, badam being the Hindi name for almonds. It was in the late 18th century when it became known as Burial Ground Road with the area housing several cemeteries, including the South Park Street Cemetery and the North Park Street Cemetery (now replaced by a school). Sir Elijah Impey, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in Calcutta, owned the only house in the area and it was surrounded by a deer park – the park thus lending its name to this vibrant street. Over time, it transformed into a hub of life, culture, and celebration.
- Best Time to visit: 24*7
- Entry Fee: N/A
5. Alipore Museum
The Alipore Central Correctional Home is a national historic landmark located in the heart of Kolkata. This 116 year old building, along with the Presidency Jail, is on the Grade I list of heritage sites of Kolkata. Constructed in 1906, and spread over 15.2 acres, this colonial era institution abuts Tolly’s Nullah and can be identified easily with its characteristic brick-red walls. Within the premises one can spot the Alipore Jail Press Building, the central watchtower, over a dozen buildings which served as prison cells and wards, and the Alipore Jail Hospital building. Notable freedom fighters who were incarcerated here include Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Chittaranjan Das, Dinesh Gupta, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy to name a few. It served as a correctional home till 2019 when the inmates were shifted to Baruipur, on the outskirts of Kolkata. From being a silent witness to the brutalities inflicted on the freedom fighters of the country, the Alipore Central Correctional Home is now transformed as a memorial and museum to honour the sacrifice of those who fought for the independence of India.
- Best Time to visit: 12:00 pm to 06:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: Rs 30
6. Adi Bhutnath Temple
The Bhootnath Temple, located in between Ahiritola Ghat and Nimtola Mohasasan in Kolkata has been a sanctuary of spiritual tranquility for centuries. The sacred atmosphere within it’s walls is heightened by the tradition of Bhasam Arati, a ritual that has been faithfully observed for an impressive span of 300 years. This centuries-old practice not only symbolizes devotion but also serves as a living link to the temple’s enduring heritage. If you want to touch Mahadev you must go before 5 pm.
- Best Time to visit: 6:00 am to 08:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: N/A
7. BAPS, Shri Swaminarayn Mandir
Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual Hindu organization with its roots in the Vedas. It was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) in the late 18th century and established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951). Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, the BAPS reaches out far and wide to address the spiritual, moral and social challenges and issues we face in our world. Its strength lies in the purity of its nature and purpose. BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. This is done by mass motivation and individual attention, through elevating projects for all, irrespective of class, creed, colour or country. Its universal work through a worldwide network of over 3,300 centers has received many national and international awards and affiliation with the United Nations. Today, a million or more Swaminarayan followers begin their day with puja and meditation, lead upright, honest lives and donate regular hours in serving others. No Alcohol, No Addictions, No Adultery, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind are their five lifetime vows. Such pure morality and spirituality forms the foundation of the humanitarian services performed by BAPS.
- Best Time to visit: 07:30 am to 12:00 pm (Morning)
- 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm (Evening)
- Entry Fee: N/A
8. Nicco Park
Nicco Park is the first & largest Amusement Park in Eastern India with 48 different Rides & Attractions, a Water Park, and a Bowling Alley. Food Court serves different varieties of food – Indian, Chinese, South Indian, and a range of fast-food items.
- Best Time to visit: 10:30 AM to 06:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 500-1200
9. Howrah Bridge
An iconic landmark in Kolkata, the Howrah Bridge is a huge steel bridge over the Hooghly River. It is considered to be one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. Also known as Rabindra Setu, it connects Howrah and Kolkata. It carries 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians daily.
- Best Time to visit: Evening
- Entry Fees: N/A
10. Science City
In the eastern corner of India lies Science City Kolkata – the subcontinent’s largest science center where curiosity knows no bounds. Sprawling across 49.6 acres, this pioneering institution has been igniting minds since 1997. Step into the Dynamotion Hall and be amazed by mind-bending optical illusions, journey through the universe’s scale in Powers of Ten, or observe aquatic life in 26 specialized tanks. Watch butterflies emerge in the Live Butterfly Enclave, or be mesmerized by the NOAA-created Science On a Sphere system’s immersive shows. Journey to the Earth Exploration Hall’s unique two-story hemispheric structure, where a massive split globe reveals our planet’s secrets through cutting-edge multimedia displays. Space enthusiasts will marvel at the Space Theatre’s Helios Star Ball planetarium, while thrill-seekers can experience virtual space flights in the Time Machine simulator. Outside, the Science Park transforms nature into an open-air classroom, complete with a Gravity Coaster, Monorail Cycle, and challenging maze. The 2016 Science Exploration Hall addition brings emerging technologies, life’s evolution, and India’s scientific heritage to life, while the Grand Theater – eastern India’s largest auditorium – hosts spectacular scientific and cultural events.
- Best Time to visit: 10:00 AM TO 07:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 90
So, let your worries about travel melt in thin air and make the most of your visit to Kolkata in the comfort of your favorite Downtown Studioz self-drive car rental.
