Explore These Top 10 Kolkata Temples For A Scenic Retreat

A picture of Jain Swetamber Panchayati Temple (Burrabazar) at night in Kolkata.

Kolkata, a city filled with history and spirituality, has many enchanting temples. Known for their architectural beauty and serene surroundings, these Kolkata Temples offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustling life. With their rich heritage, these famous temples in Kolkata attract countless visitors seeking divine blessings and cultural insight. Each critical temple in Kolkata presents a unique spiritual experience, from ancient shrines to modern marvels. Let’s explore the top 10 temples that make Kolkata an exceptional destination for pilgrims and tourists.

Top 10 Temples In Kolkata For A scenic retreat.

1. Kalighat Kali Temple

A picture of ancient Kalighat Kali Temple, a prominent temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.

Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons

Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the temples most wished for in Kolkata and among the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fabulous temple in the city speaks myths as her toe fell here, making it a pilgrim destination in the country. Thousands of devotees enhance the temple atmosphere with its magnetic attraction daily. Kalighat’s architecture, festivals, and rituals attract the whole city. Visits to this place provide a direct glimpse into the spiritual hunger of Kolkata and some invaluable insight into the years of religious traditions it had nurtured.

Location: Kalighat, Kolkata
Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Sri Bal Hanuman Mandir

A picture of Sri Bal Hanuman Mandir, which is one of the best temples in Kolkata

Photo: ChanhNguyen / Pxhere / Image For Representation Only

Sri Bal Hanuman Mandir is another prominent temple in Kolkata that the devotees of Lord Hanuman worship. This temple is famous for its peaceful environment. Among the finest temples in Kolkata, it attracts devotees who search for solace and blessings from the deity. Devotees chant the Hanuman Chalisa here, which creates a solid devotional ambience. The grand celebration of Hanuman Jayanti is one of the prominent amongst the famous temples in Kolkata. People from all around the region crowd the temple to perform their pujas.

Location: Lake Market, Kolkata
Entry Fees: Free

3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple

A picture of Dakshineswar Kali Temple on the Hooghly River banks in Kolkata.

Photo: Ravi Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the popular temples in Kolkata, and it is famous for its spectacular riverside backdrop and spirituality. Famous in Kolkata, it was constructed in 1855 by the great Rani Rashmoni. This temple in Kolkata is that of Goddess Kali and the spiritual home of the legendary saint Paramahamsa Ramakrishna. Being strikingly beautiful and serene, this temple in Kolkata is the perfect place to have an idyllic retreat amidst scenic views.

Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata
Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: Discover The Iconic Bamni Waterfall Amidst The Lush Forest Of Bengal

4. Birla Mandir

A picture of Birla Mandir, which is one of the most holy temples in Kolkata.

Photo: Billjones94 / Wikimedia Commons

Birla Mandir is one of the important temples in Kolkata. It is a sacred place dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. This temple is very popular in Kolkata for its marble architecture. A significant number of tourists visit to view the architectural beauty of this temple. The designs incorporate traditional and modern architectural styles. It is a place to offer serenity in meditations and devotions. Among the prominent temples in Kolkata, Birla Mandir is undoubtedly dazzling during Janmashtami, when devotees flock to pray and celebrate.

Location: Ballygunge, Kolkata
Entry Fees: Free

5. ISKCON Temple

A picture of ISKCON Temple in Kolkata is a famous temple for devotion and spirituality.

Photo: Shekhark20 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

One of the important temples in Kolkata is the ISKCON Temple, a shrine to Lord Krishna. This international society is known for Krishna consciousness. So, among famous temples, it draws devotees and people interested in the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings. Prayers in the temple, chanting mantras, and a peaceful ambience make it one of the significant temples for those looking for spirituality in Kolkata. ISKCON Temple is a place of serenity and happiness, especially at festivals like Janmashtami.

Location: Minto Park, Kolkata
Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Couples

6. Pareshnath Jain Temple

A picture of Pareshnath Jain Temple, which is one of the top temples in Kolkata.

Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The most striking temples of Kolkata are situated at Pareshnath Jain Temple, dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankara Parshwanath. Constructed in 1867 by Ray Badridas Bahadur, this holy religious edifice is a masterwork of art, marvellously decorated with glass mosaics, marble detailing, and intricate mirrors. The whole structure consists of four significant shrines exhibiting the artistic heritage of Jain architecture. Among its other attractions, this famous temple in Kolkata boasts beautifully landscaped gardens with marble sculptures and fountains to create a peaceful environment where one can reflect.

Location: Badridas Temple Street, Kolkata
Entry Fees: Free

7. Mira Mandir

A picture of Mira Mandir, an important temple in Kolkata known for its devotion to Mirabai.

Photo: vaibhav_daf / Pxhere / Image For Representation Only

Mira Mandir is one of the lesser-known yet significant temples in Kolkata. It is dedicated to Mirabai, the poet-saint known for her single-minded devotion towards Lord Krishna. Among the famous temples in Kolkata, it is essential since it reflects the spirit of Bhakti well through its devotion-centred ambience. The simple architecture and serene environment of this ordinary temple in Kolkata attract devotees who come here to sing hymns, meditate, and seek connection with the teachings of Mirabai.

Location: Bhowanipore, Kolkata
Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: Bengal Natural History Museum

8. Taraknath Temple

A picture of the historic Taraknath Temple, which is one of the top temples in Kolkata.

Photo: Sankha Karfa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Tarkeshwar town is a place of worship, Taraknath Temple, located near Kolkata. Kolkata’s famous temple is an important one of Lord Shiva, where devotees from all over India come, especially during the sacred festival of Shivratri. This renowned temple in Kolkata speaks about the grand style of traditional Bengali architecture and holds a rustic charm with deep spiritual significance. This temple of Taraknath is one of the most respected in the region, and thousands of devotees throng each year to pay their respects and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Location: Tarkeshwar, near Kolkata
Entry Fees: Free

9. Lake Kalibari

A picture of Lake Kalibari, a serene and essential temple in Kolkata dedicated to Goddess Kali.

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Lake Kalibari is a quiet temple just off South Avenue in Kolkata. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is held dear by devotees in that neighbourhood. Even though this temple’s scale is lesser than that of other famous temples in Kolkata, it remains essential for those looking for peaceful moments and meditation. It is a simple lakefront temple among many other famous temples in Kolkata for whom spiritual solace has become an essential end. Such beautiful surroundings make pilgrims give their prayers because this calm environment, supported and enhanced by the lake, is a refreshing retreat for devotees.

Location: Southern Avenue, Kolkata
Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: Explore Himalayan Tibet Museum

10. Chinese Kali Temple

A picture of the Chinese Kali Temple in Kolkata, famous for blending Chinese and Hindu cultures.

Photo: Deejayrocks2 / Wikimedia Commons

Chinese Kali Temple is one of the unique temples in Kolkata, and it is the epitome of the beautiful blending of Chinese and Indian cultural traditions. One such famous temple in Kolkata lies in Tangra, known as Chinatown. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and has emerged as a symbol of the sublime cross-cultural oneness. Among the most important temples is the Chinese Kali Temple in Kolkata, from which devotees belong to Hinduism and Chinese people come to worship.

Location: Tangra, Kolkata
Entry Fees: Free

The temples in Kolkata are not just places of worship; they are a window into the city’s rich spiritual legacy. From the grandeur of Dakshineswar Kali Temple to the serene Lake Kalibari, these famous temples in Kolkata offer a retreat for peace and devotion. Visiting these famous temples in Kolkata gives a deeper understanding of its cultural essence. Make sure to include these essential temples in Kolkata in your itinerary for a memorable spiritual journey.

Cover Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The ideal time to visit temples in Kolkata is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is more relaxed and more comfortable for sightseeing—additionally, visiting during significant festivals like Kali Puja, and Durga Puja.
While there is no strict dress code, visitors are encouraged to wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious environment. Some temples may require you to remove your shoes before entering the sanctum.
Yes, many temples in Kolkata offer prasad to devotees, especially after special ceremonies or pujas. Devotees can consume it at the temple or take it home as a blessing.
Several guided tours in Kolkata cover famous temples, providing historical context and cultural insights.
Many temples have nearby vegetarian eateries or prasad stalls where visitors can enjoy traditional vegetarian meals or snacks, especially around Kalighat Kali Temple and Dakshineswar Kali Temple,

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month