Tourist Destinations in Kolkata: A Complete Travel Guide

Tourist Destinations in Kolkata: A Complete Travel Guide

Kolkata, the “city of joy,” was once the capital of British India in 1911. It was an essential business hub of trade and culture and is today one of the country’s renowned tourist destinations.

We all have heard of the city’s historical charm and cultural vibrancy, but have you wondered what makes this city more special? The city of joy offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern attractions, making it one of the best cities to visit in India.

Whether you love to dig history, are a food lover, or are someone looking for a family-friendly outing, the tourist place Kolkata has something special for everyone. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly River, Kolkata was home to the Indian independence movement aimed at putting an end to British rule in India. This is the spirit that defines the city as a place of revolutionaries and intellectuals. The tourist place Kolkata is also regarded as the cultural capital of India, having bred generations of philosophers, poets, film producers, and Nobel Prize winners.

Let us take a virtual tour of India’s third-biggest city, exploring its vivid, hectic, and chaotic streets brimming with creativity and life. It is a city created with a beautiful juxtaposition of the old colonial era charm and the modern hipster culture thriving among the city’s millennial and Gen Z residents.

Kolkata is a tourist destination and one of the oldest ports in India. Every corner of the city has a story to tell. Join us if you want to discover the echoes of history through a close lens.

A joyous visit to the Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial is an exemplary monument that stands to pay tribute to Queen Victoria. It is a must-visit tourist place in Kolkata that is a symbol of the rich history of the city and a timeless marvel located in Kolkata. Built during the British reign, the memorial exudes British and Mughal charm through its intricate architecture. Located amidst the expansive Maidan, visiting this white marble structure will be an immersive experience, allowing you to dive into the colonial era and witness a treasure full of artworks, sculptures, paintings, artefacts, and more.

Visiting Victoria Memorial will not only be an architectural experience but also a journey demonstrating history, culture, and natural beauty. Begin your journey strolling through the past and present, capture picture-perfect moments, and end your day by enjoying an evening walk through the serene gardens, serving as a beautiful backdrop to this architectural marvel.

A drive through the Howrah Bridge

The popular Howrah Bridge, built over the Hooghly River, is one of the world’s busiest cantilever bridges. It connects Kolkata to its twin city, Howrah. Although a bridge, it is unique in its design and architecture. It is a bustling landmark known for its picturesque views of the city and is also one of the famous tourist places in Kolkata.

To make the most of your visit to the Howrah Bridge, take a ferry ride in the evening. The bridge looks the most stunning with lights. It is a breathtaking sight to behold when the bridge comes nearer and nearer, and you sail under it. Another way to witness the beauty of Howrah Bridge is by taking a drive or stroll across the length of the bridge. But remember, it is a busy bridge, and make sure you visit the bridge when there is minimum traffic.

You can witness the magnificent bridge without even getting close to it. There are ample restaurants and eateries in Kolkata that we built keeping in mind the view of the Howrah Bridge. You need to find these places and book yourself a cosy table overlooking the architectural marvel from a distance.

The divine landmark of Dakshineshwar Kali Temple

Beyond the borders of Kolkata’s tourist attractions, on one shore of the Hooghly River, stands a beautiful brick-and-mortar sonnet. Resting in a quiet, green patch of land, the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is an ochre yellow edifice drawing thousands of devotees into its embrace.

It is said that Rani Rashmoni built this temple dedicated to Goddess Kali as she desired to create a place of spirituality and peace for all. Half of the land on which the temple was constructed belonged to a Christian, and the other half was a Muslim burial ground. The queen acquired the land and built a temple, bringing together the faiths of multiple communities. Thus, besides Hindus, people of other castes, creeds, and religions are welcome to offer their prayers with open arms and hearts.

The temple is also closely associated with Shri Shri Thakur Ramakrishna Paramhansa because of his 30 years of service to it. During those years, Ramkrishna Paramhansa brought both fame and pilgrims to the temple.

To make the most of your visit to the temple, try to visit during the morning or evening aarti and immerse yourself in its spiritual grandeur. To find solace in its surroundings, try to explore the riverbank by taking a stroll along its shores.

A walk down the lanes of history with the Indian Museum

Have you grown up with the concept that museums are stuffy places with a pall of gloom all around, and these places are only perfect for school students trooping in for their excursions or history projects? Well, it is time to change this perspective by visiting the Indian Museum in Kolkata.

It is the oldest museum in India and the ninth oldest in the world. Spread across 900 square meters, the museum houses 35 different galleries. As you enter the premises, you are welcomed by magnificent and stately white pillars. Enter those hallowed halls, and you will see the history of magic unfold as you turn the pages of each gallery.

Along with the contents of the museum, the museum awes its visitors with the symmetry of its construction and the grandeur of its entire architectural concept. Trust us, it is a good spot for taking photographs as well.

When in Kolkata, visit the Indian Museum, which acts as a link between socio-cultural harmony in society. The museum is popular for Egyptian mummy artefacts and some of the rare paintings from the Mughal era. If you are travelling with kids, it will be a fun yet educational experience for them. This tourist place, Kolkata, awes you and lets you time travel to places you would never imagine visiting in your life.

Listen to the echoes of the city at the Marble Palace.

Built by a philanthropist in the 19^th century, Marble Palace is a palatial building housing Kolkata’s rich echoes. The palace was built using 126 types of marble brought from different parts of the world. It has a painting room, reception hall, Thakur Dalan, billiards room, and sculpture room. Open courtyards have always been integral to Kolkata’s architectural design, and the Marble Palace has embraced this feature very well.

Different rooms in the palace have various collections, sculptures, and antique furniture on display. Some of the famous sculptures depict famous figures, including Apollo, Praxiteles, Moses, Phidias, Diana, and Venus. The Palace also has a private space that is the residence of the Mullick Family. Still, if you take a guided tour, the guide will take you through this tourist place in Kolkata, letting you dive into insights into the history, background, and collection housed within.

An admirable tour of the Science City

After soaking your senses in Kolkata’s spiritual, intellectual, architectural, and spiritual places, we come to an interesting place known as Science City. If you are planning to travel to Kolkata with your kids, Science City deserves a spot on your itinerary. Let us tell you why.

The Science Centre and the Convention Centre make up the Science City of Kolkata. Spread across 50 acres, it is the best place for little and big explorers. For example, a part of the Science City is devoted to the amazing aquatic world. It has tanks that are home to some of the rarest fishes and other marine creatures.

The complex of the Science City is segregated into five thematic halls: Dynamotion Hall (which has an interactive display offering ways to learn about the laws of physical science), Space Odyssey (space theatre, 3D theatre, time machine, and mirror magic), Nautical Centre (which has interactive exhibitions and ship models), Earth Exploration Hall (a two-story, hemispherical structure educating guests about the environment of the earth), and Science Park (which offers an outdoor educational experience).

Visit Science City with your family and enjoy hands-on experiments and 3D shows. It is a perfect tourist destination in Kolkata for families and science explorers.

A visit to the iconic Park Street in Kolkata

Park Street is a bustling hub in Kolkata, inviting tourists and travellers with open arms and hearts. If you want to catch the actual vibe of Kolkata, Park Street is a perfect place to spend an evening.

Popularly known as a ‘street that never sleeps,’ Park Street stretches from Chowringhee Road in the southeastern direction to Park Circus Crossing. As you step in, you will be welcomed by a street lined with pubs, restaurants, and several other interesting things. It is one of the best places to hang out with friends to experience the vibrant nightlife of Kolkata grooving on live music performances by local musicians.

Park Street also offers an excellent opportunity for shopping, as the street is dotted with shopkeepers selling various types of souvenirs you can take home for your loved ones. The street is also home to some of the popular food joints in Kolkata, and you can relish some of the local delicacies here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Kolkata hails as a place that teleports you to the old British Raj. Being a former capital of British India, it has secured many of the relics of those times: the colonial architecture, the palaces, and the bustling bazaars. Take a deep dive into the history of India along with some unique cultural experiences like Durga Puja, visiting iconic landmarks, and a peaceful walk around the shores of Hooghly.

If you are planning a trip to visit tourist places in Kolkata, let Tripventure help you prepare a perfect itinerary to visit the ‘city of joy.’. We look forward to hearing from you.

Image Reference: Freepik

Disclaimer: All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product, and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.