Kolkata, previously Calcutta, is a metropolis like no other. The epicenter of Bengali culture, literature and heritage, Kolkata is also India’s culture capital in many ways. A city with the essence of a village, Kolkata exudes music, art, historical and cultural vibes in every corner of the city. It’s a great city to live, and also to explore at slow pace. As a traveller, if you are wondering how to explore the quintessential charm of the city of joy, here I’m sharing the best places in Kolkata one must visit.
Have you noticed the recent growth in number of people visiting West Bengal and especially Kolkata? Basically, it’s driven by the iconic Durga Puja getting a tag of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. Since then, there has been a consistent flow of tourists from abroad and also domestic tourists. But of course, Kolkata is not all about Durga Puja. A cultural hotspot in India, and a bustling city with a colonial heritage, Kolkata is among India’s most vibrant destinations.
{For more such culture-rich destinations, check out: Kullu Dussehra (Himachal) ||| Kasar Devi (Uttarakhand)}
Kolkata: A Brief Timeline
Though Kolkata as a city has its origin in the erstwhile British India, it has grown significantly since then. A modern cityscape and skyscrapers have come along in recent times. However, Kolkata still retains its colonial heritage and the old world charm. Just in case, you are interested in history, here’s a little chronology of the city of joy.
Days of insignificance:
- Though the history of the area dates back to the Maurya period (4th-2nd BCE), little is in the records
- Before the British landed here in 1690, the area consisted of three villages- Kalikata (a fishers’ village), Sutanati (a weavers’ village) and Gobindapur (mixed population); it came under the Nawab of Bengal within Mughal jurisdiction.
- An agent of the East India Company– Job Charnok bought the area from the Nawab in 1698.
Becoming a center of eminence:
- The Company established Fort William (1712) there, which later (1772) came to be known as ‘Calcutta’ and became the Head Quarters of the Company’s operations in India.
- The way we now know the city is perhaps the result of Lord Wellesley’s (Governor general of Fort William) developmental works between 1798 and 1805
- It remained the capital of British Raj in India till 1911-12 when they shifted to New Delhi.
- From 1912- 1947, it became the capital of Bengal (east and west together).
- In the post-independence period, it became the capital city of the state of West Bengal.
Best Places in Kolkata to Explore
Over the years, I have visited Kolkata tens of times, and loved the experience each time. Initially, its grandeur as a city and the colonial heritage appealed to me. However, on subsequent visits, I explored the nooks and corners of Kolkata beyond what travellers consider the best places. Exploring these not-so-touristy places introduced me to the real Kolkata. {To read my feelings and experiences of the city, read: Oriental charm of Kolkata}. Now, let me shift to the core of this article: the best places in Kolkata to visit.
Though Kolkata is a huge metropolis, most of the best places of interest in Kolkata are spread around an area between the Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial Hall (in Hasting). So, it’s relatively convenient to explore Kolkata in 2-3 days. For convenience, let’s divide the best places in Kolkata into five sections- iconic landmarks, cultural hotspots, religious sites, markets, and other notable places.
{For more such Indian heritage-rich cities in India, do read: Mumbai (Maharashtra) ||| Agra (Uttar Pradesh)}
Best Places in Kolkata for Heritage Hunters
1. Victoria Memorial Hall
Built between 1906-1921 by Lord Curzon in honour of Queen Victoria, this is undoubtedly the most beautiful monument adorning Kolkata skyline. The white marble building built in Indo-Saracenic architectural style stands in all its glory to this date.
It remains crowded with tourists all the time. So, keep enough time on hand while visiting. Morning hours are better for photography (especially the front side). However, we got good pictures during the sunset from the backside of the monument. The large green space around the monument is also worth spending hours. Undoubtedly, this gorgeous monument is among the best places to visit in Kolkata.
2. Howrah Bridge
In my childhood, there were two pictures hung in our living room; they were of two bridges! One, the Tower Bridge (London) and the other, Howrah Bridge of Kolkata. I don’t know who put them up there, my father or my grand father? In any case, it caught my imagination, and I used to think that must see them for real one day. Now that I have seen them both, I can easily say that they were worth putting up there.
Some bridges are more than just bridges. They are masterpieces of human creativity, not just bland work of engineering. Furthermore, they become part of a city’s folklore and social life. Remember the Ashok Kumar- Madhubala starer 1958-movie ‘Howrah Bridge‘? The bridge is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Kolkata, even more than the beautiful Victoria Memorial.
The iconic bridge over the Hooghly river first opened in 1943 as the third longest bridge (705 mt) in the world; now stands at 6th. Trivia: Its first name was New Hooghly Bridge; name changed to Rabindra Setu in 1965; but still people call it Howrah Bridge. For its historic value and aesthetic design it counts among the best places to visit in Kolkata. To have the best panoramic view, one can head to the Mullick Ghat.
Best Places in Kolkata for Culture Vultures
3. Jorasanko Thakur Bari
Rabindranath Tagore (1861- 1941) was not only the greatest poet from modern India, but was also a philosopher, painter, composer, playwright and social reformer. In my college days, I was most influenced by his philosophies on universalism, shunning nationalism. So definitely, it counts among my best places to visit in Kolkata.
On one of my trips to Kolkata, I visited Tagore’s house- Jorasanko Thakur Bari (built 1758), and spent some good time in its premises. Within its premises, a section houses a museum; it’s quite impressive. The visit felt like pilgrimage to me. Walking around the large house and seeing the pictures from his life was a surreal experience.
4. Kumartuli / Kumortuli
Perhaps the biggest attractions of Kolkata’s Durga Puja are the Durga idols adorning the hundreds of Puja pandals across the city. So, where are these idols made? Just on the eve of Durga Puja, all roads lead to this artisans’ (potters) colony- Kumartuli, originally Kumar tolly (kumar meaning potter; tolly meaning colony).
As I reached there on a Sunday afternoon, there was an uneasy silence in an otherwise crowded city. Didn’t know why. However, on peeking inside modest workshops of the artisans, I found many of them engaged in the job that they know the best- idol making/ sculpting. They transform the clay that they bring from the nearby Hooghly river into divinity by their sheer imagination and fine skills. If you love art and craft, this must be in your list of best places to visit in Kolkata.
5. Nandan- Rabindra Sadan complex
Nandan (estd. 1985) and Rabindra Sadan (estd. 1961) have been Kolkata’s most happening theater, film and cultural centers, situated beside each other. When we visited the complex on the eve of Saraswati Puja, it was abuzz with the young and the old alike. It was such a pleasant experience to see families and youth throng the place, hang out, perform, and express themselves in the campus.
Best Places in Kolkata for Spiritual Seekers
6. Kalighat Kali Temple
Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India, this Kali temple is quite important among Hindus. Legend has it that Sati‘s right foot had fallen at the spot. Though temple has ancient origins (not known), the temple in its current form (estd. 1809) is credited (disputed) to Santosh Roy Chowdhury.
7. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
It’s difficult to say whether Dakshineswar Kali temple is famous for Ramakrishna Paramahansa or the other way round. Whatever it is, to be in Kolkata and not visiting the old temple is not a good idea. Built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni in typical Bengali Navaratna architectural style, and situated on the bank of Hooghly river, it offers a visual interest as well.
When I reached there at 1 PM, it was closed; so, I had to be content with an outer view only. The opening hours are: 6.00- 12.30 hrs; and 15.00-20.30 hrs.
8. Belur Math
Closely associated with the Dakshineswar temple is Belur Math, just on the other side of Hooghly river. When Swami Vivekananada met Ramakrishna Paramahansa for the first time, he neither liked his ideas nor his demeanor. However, in course of time, he became so enamored by his personality that he became Ramakrishna’s biggest disciple!
Later in 1938, he established Belur Math as head quarters of Ramakrishna Mission (estd. 1897) to propagate Hindu philosophy. They focus more on spiritual aspects rather than rituals. Together with Kalibari, Belur Math is surely among the best places to visit in Kolkata.
9. St. Paul’s Cathedral
Built in 1847 in Indo-Gothic architectural style, it’s one of the most beautiful churches in India. With nicely curated gardens, the campus looks lovely. Moreover, a number of attractions of Kolkata are at a walkable distance; Victoria Memorial, Rabindra Sadan, Nandan and Birla Planetarium.
Some other important sites of religious importance in Kolkata are: Nakhoda Masjid ||| Tipu Sultan Masjid.
Best Places in Kolkata for Shoppers and Foodies
Kolkata is a shopper’s paradise. It has everything that you want, and at a price that you would love. Some of the most popular (and my favorite) markets to visit are:
10. Park Street:
Kolkata’s numero uno high street since the British era, Park Street is the go-to destination for food, shopping and partying. Originally known as the Burial Ground Road (because of the cemeteries), later got its name from the deer park that used to be there in the late 18th century. Today people associate it with the famous hotel The Park that came up in 1967.
Apart from the Park Street, are are a few other interesting and popular market places:
- College Street: For books. India’s largest book market, and world’s second largest second-hand book market. Surely a great place for book lovers. And when you drop after shopping, look for the famous Indian Coffee House to observe the quintessential Bengali Adda (chatting groups) in action.
- Mullick Ghat Flower Market: Asia’s largest flower market. A very interesting place for treating your eyes and nose. Must visit early in the morning.
- New Market: Not that new; in fact, it’s in operation from the British period! A big retail market for your everyday needs- from needles to clothes.
- Some other interesting market places: Bara bazaar (mainly wholesale market) | Gariahaat market | Old China Town (Tiretti Bazaar) | Hatibagan market | South City Mall | Quest Mall | City Center Mall.
Myriad Other Interesting Places
11. Eden Gardens
Cricket is almost a religion in India, and watching a cricket match at the Eden Gardens is like a pilgrimage for a cricket lover. Established in 1864, the Eden Gardens is India’s answer to the MCG in Australia and the Lords in England.
It held the first test match between India and England way back in 1934, and since then it has become Indian cricket’s most iconic venue. It used to be the largest stadium in India till recently when the largest stadium in the world came up in Ahmedabad.
12. Prinsep Ghat:
Named after the memorial of Anglo-Indian scholar James Prinsep, today this Ghat is the most popular place in Kolkata to watch the sunset over Hooghly river with the Vidyasagar Setu in the backdrop. The 2-km long riverfront from Prinsep Ghat to Babughat is an amazing place to spend an evening: boating, river watching and gorging on street food.
On one of our trips, we wanted to go on a boat ride during sunset, but it was too crowded! (because of Saraswati Puja). But we did thoroughly enjoy the sunset, and took some really good pictures. In fact, it’s among the best places in Kolkata for photography. While walking around, we didn’t forget to have our favorite phuchkas (paani puri) there.
- Apart from the Prinsep Ghat, Kolkata has a number of nature hotspots as well. For someone who loves green spaces, and parks, here is a list of a few popular spots in Kolkata. The Maidan | Hindustan Park | Eco Park | Botanical Garden | Elliot Park | Rabindra Sarobar | Alipore Zoological Garden | Millennium Park.
Beyond the best places in Kolkata:
If you have the time, Kolkata has a number of other interesting places to explore. Though the list is long, let me put down a few for one’s convenience.
- Writers’ Building: A major landmark in Kolkata, built in 1780 for the clerks (writers) of the British government, today serves as the secretariate for the government of West Bengal.
- South Park Cemetery: A Christian burial ground established in 1767.
- Marble Palace Mansion: A private palace built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick | Still remains a private residency | One needs permission to enter, 24 hours in advance from the Tourism Information Bureau | Photography prohibited.
- Mother House: Missionaries of Charity, established by St. Mother Teresa.
- Shobhabazara Rajbari: The former residency of the royalty of Shobhabazar.
- Birla Planetarium: Oldest and largest planetarium in Asia, and the second largest in the world!
- Fort William: The fort built in 1696 by the British East India Company. Under the control of Indian Army now. Public access is restricted. But if there is a way, I would love to see it for once.
- Indian Museum: It’s the largest museum in India, and Asia | The oldest museum in India, and 9th oldest in the world.
- Science City: The largest Science Center in Asia.
Kolkata: Travel Tips
When to visit:
- For pleasant weather: November to February (so called winter in Kolkata!)
- For festivities: October (Durga Puja); but it will be too crowded to explore other places/ things
How to reach:
Being a metropolis, it’s easy to reach. So, I needn’t write much in this section!
Where to stay:
- Budget hotel suggestions: Hotel Radiant ||| The Lake hotel ||| Hotel Transit Express ||| Roland Hotel ||| Itsy by Treebo ||| Fab Hotel Eros 211 ||| Glassotel.
- Hostels: City Central ||| Bombay Backpackers ||| Moustache Offbeat Kolkata ||| Bubble Beds.
How to get around:
- Local buses are frequent, and cheap. But as a newcomer, one would struggle to get the routes right!
- Auto-rickshaws are not that common. So, yellow taxis are the best way to commute small distances
- For some routes, Kolkata metro is a good option
- Trams are too slow, and infrequent
- Hand-pulled rickshaws are good within narrow lanes, if you find it difficult to walk.
Where/ what to eat:
- Traditional Bengali cuisine: Oh! Calcutta ||| 6 Ballygunje Place ||| Koshe Kosha
- Mughlai/ Non-veg: Arsalan ||| Zeeshan ||| Aminia ||| Mocambo ||| Peter Cat
- Bakery/ Confectionary/ Cafe: Flurys ||| Mitra ||| Indian Caffee House ||| Nahoum and sons
- Street food: Decker’s lane ||| Kusum Rolls ||| Nizam’s (Katho roll) ||| Russell Street Puchkawala
- Bengali sweets: Vien ||| Bhim Chandra Nag ||| Shree Hari Mistanna Bhandar ||| Ganguram Sweets ||| Balram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick
- For more, here’s nice collection: 31 Kolkata Restaurants.
Concluding Remarks
Born and brough in a small rural town, Kolkata was the first experience of a metropolis for me. So, I would always have fond memories of the city. During my first few trips, I hardly ventured beyond the touristic places. However, as I travelled more and got acquainted with the city’s intrinsic nature, I liked it more and started exploring Kolkata beyond the conventional best places. Observing the people and cultural heritage of Kolkata made me fall in love with this city of joy.
For a first timer, I would suggest planning for at least three to four days to visit the best places in Kolkata. But a regular visitor must go beyond the best places, and explore the old world charm of Kolkata in its streets and corners. You will find the sweetest people and the most knowledgeable people at the coffee shops and tea corners. Kolkata is as much about its cityscape as its people and culture. It’s not possible that you stay here 2 days and don’t love it!
For more information, do reach out to us. Thanks for patient reading.
Leave a Reply