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One of the most beautiful cities in India, Kolkata is also known as the ‘City of Joy.’The city is a blend of culture, history, and modernity. From excellent colonial architecture, and tranquil landscapes filled with rivers to the festive season, places to visit in Kolkata offer an ideal blend of beauty and culture. From the grandeur of the Victoria Memorial to the spiritual tranquillity of Kalighat Temple, the bustling streets of New Market to the quiet reverence of Howrah Bridge, the city invites you to explore its diversity.
10 Places To Visit In Kolkata
Here’s a curated top-picked list of ten places to visit in Kolkata and make your trip to West Bengal memorable.
1. Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial, a magnificent structure in Kolkata crafted entirely from white marble, is one of the most visited monuments in India. It was constructed from 1906 to 1921 as a tribute to Queen Victoria, featuring a combination of British and Mughal architectural elements as a symbol of the colonised history of India. The memorial is surrounded by lush gardens, reflecting fountains and pools and beautifully carved statues.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
2. Howrah Bridge
Photo: Chinmaykp25 / Wikimedia Commons
The Howrah Bridge, an architectural wonder across the Hooghly River, is one of the most popular attractions of Kolkata. Constructed in 1943, this cantilever bridge is one of the longest bridges in the world experiencing a heavy inflow of daily traffic. This magnificent bridge is made without nut or bolt templates, the testament and the tenacity of engineering. The Howrah Bridge is more than a geographical structure, being featured in many films and books.
Timings: Open 24/7
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
3. Indian Museum
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1814, The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the oldest in India, featuring a vast collection of antique historical and cultural pieces among other exhibits. It displays fossils, archaeological articles, paintings of the Mughal Era and Buddhist relics, making a perfect integrational museum. One of the most treasured collections or exhibits within the museum is the Madonna, a 4,000-year-old mummy from Egypt, old currencies, and some remains of the Lord Buddha.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
4. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Photo: Nikkul / Wikimedia Commons
Dakshineswar Kali Temple situated at the banks of river Hooghly in Kolkata serves as a temple for Goddess Kali. Dated back to 1855, Rani Rashmoni a well-known social reformer and a strong devotee to Goddess Kali built the temple which now serves as a testament to great archaeological and historical value. It is famous for its beautiful nine-spired (navaratna) architectural style, which has 12 smaller temples of Lord Shiva and is a calm place for worshippers.
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM, 3 PM – 9 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
5. Kalighat Mandir
Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons
Kalighat Mandir, situated in Kolkata, is one of the most ancient and worshipped temples built to worship Goddess Kali making it one of the most prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites. It is supposed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India making it very significant. According to legends, it is believed to be the place where the toes of the goddess fell. The idol of goddess Kali in the temple is unique and different from other temples of goddess Kali since it features her idol with a protruding gold-plated tongue and expressive eyes.
Timings: 5 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
6. St Paul’s Cathedral
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and historical churches which is a fantastic example of Gothic Revival architecture. This cathedral dome was completed in 1847 and is renowned for its tall spire and several stained glass windows, the cathedral also possesses a calm atmosphere attracting tourists as well as believers. The cathedral is enabled by picture esteemed murals, memorial tablets, elaborately sculpted cloisters and others embracing the sense of sight rather than an architectural envelope.
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM, 3 PM – 6 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
7. Birla Planetarium
Photo: Avrajyoti Mitra / Wikimedia Commons
Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is one of the largest and most well-known planetariums in Asia and takes its visitors on an unforgettable journey into space and astronomy. Established in 1963, the planetarium has an impressive dome structure enclosing a sophisticated presentation system arrayed for the enjoyment of skygazers filled with educational content exploring the celestial wonders and the universe’s unknowns. Locally known as the “Taramandal,” it offers shows in several languages every day, catering for the youngest spectators of complicated astrophysics.
Timings: 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
8. Park Street
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Kolkata’s ‘Food and Entertainment Street’, more commonly known as Park Street, is one of the most vibrant corridors packed with a plethora of history, culture, and activity. This stretch of road, peppered with colonial-style buildings, possesses some of the most renowned and legendary restaurants, pubs and cafes such as the yesteryear famed Flurys and Peter Cat. Park Street has been a favoured location since the Victorian era and its nightlife is unrivalled.
Timings: Open 24/7
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours (varies by interest)
9. Science City
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Science City in Kolkata is an entertaining science and technology museum famous for its interactive displays and educational endeavours. Established in 1997, this centre is an interesting combination of education and amusement, with the Space Odyssey, a 3D cinema, and the Evolution Park depicting the early traces and history of life on Earth. The Earth Exploratorium Hall and Maritime Centre within the museum also engage the visitors with their interactive activities and displays.
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
10. Marble Palace Mansion
Photo: Swarnasubarna26 / Wikimedia Commons
The Marble Palace Mansion in Kolkata is an impressive and beautiful private residential property built in 1835. It was constructed for Raja Rajendra Mullick, a very prosperous Bengali businessman and patron of the arts. The palatial house is considered the finest example of neoclassical architecture in Kolkata with extravagant use of marble within the interiors. Visitors can also find a huge collection of Western statues, Victorian-style furniture, Belgian cut glass, and paintings by European and Indian artists.
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (Closed Mondays & Thursdays)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Visiting Kolkata for a serene vacation is an amazing experience. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a foodie, or a culture seeker, these places to visit Kolkata have something to captivate your imagination. Don’t miss out on its colonial architecture, its literary heritage, and the chance to enjoy iconic local dishes like paturi, macher jhol, and mishti. Plan your trip with TripXL for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Debnathsonu1996 / Wikimedia Commons
