Things to Do in Kolkata, India

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Historical Landmarks

Kolkata is the capital city of India’s West Bengal State and has plenty of historical landmarks to explore. In addition, voyagers from across the globe come to Kolkata to discover the city’s rich culture, which can be experienced when visiting the city’s many historical landmarks.

In this article, we will delve into some of the most important historical sites in Kolkata, India:

Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial is one of Kolkata’s most iconic and beautiful historical landmarks, built between 1906 and 1921. Located close to the Hooghly River, it stands majestically at a 210 feet high white marble construction built to commemorate Queen Victoria. The monument was designed by Sir William Emerson, president of the British Institute of Architects, and its Indo-Saracenic style combines Mughal elements with classical European architecture.

Inside the monument is a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, and memorials associated with the British Raj in India. Each aspect of the building has been carefully designed to represent elements of Indian history and culture. Additionally, visitors can explore museums dedicated to military history and a wealth of rare artifacts displayed in numerous galleries throughout the area. Finally, several lush gardens provide visitors with tranquil spots to relax and enjoy this magnificent memorial’s exquisite atmosphere.

Indian Museum

The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the oldest and largest museum in India. Established in 1814, it remains one of the city’s most popular attractions, drawing visitors worldwide to explore its treasures. The museum houses several galleries with art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits.

Some of the highlights of the Indian Museum include a rare collection of fossils of prehistoric animals as well as other ancient items found in Bengal over some time, such as stone sculptures, bronzes, and coins. It is also home to some rare meteorites, including the oldest ones found in India, medieval arms and armor, old porcelain items from different countries in Asia, and ivory carvings. These are some culturally important artifacts, such as manuscripts written on palm leaves, paintings from various religions, and many examples of traditional jewelry-producing techniques.

The Indian Museum also houses a library comprising more than 40 thousand books covering almost all subjects related to natural history, archeology, and anthropology. It even has rare books belonging to the early 19th century that were used for exploring geology and zoology many moons ago! The beautiful architecture and its vast galleries make this museum an experience not easily forgotten.

Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge is one of India’s most famous landmarks, a floating cantilever bridge in Kolkata, West Bengal. Originally known as the ‘New Howrah Bridge,’ it is the busiest bridge in India, with over 150,000 vehicles passing through it daily.

Constructed in 1943 out of steel girders and wire rope to span the Hooghly River, its enormous arch spans 760 meters across two piers at each side. This iron icon was declared a national landmark by Indian Government in 2016.

The original bridge was replaced due to accelerated deterioration from corrosion and ships colliding with piers. The new bridge was designed by Sir Bradford Leslie and built with engineer Ralph Freeman’s help without causing any disruption to the heavy shipping traffic in this area.

Today this historical landmark stands tall and proud as a symbol of impressive engineering feats that have shaped Kolkata over decades. There is also an elegant pedestrian walkway constructed along one side of the iconic structure, where locals come for their early morning walks amidst stunning views of the bustling riverside cityscape below.

Religious Sites

Kolkata is an amazing city for people interested in exploring religious sites. From ancient temples to mosques to churches, there are plenty of sites to visit. This article will focus on the holy sites in Kolkata and why they are worth visiting. So let’s dive in and explore some of the most noteworthy religious sites in Kolkata:

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a major Hindu temple made of brick and located in Dakshineswar on the Eastern bank of the Hooghly. Constructed in 1847 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropic Hindu Zamindar (landowner) and long-time devotee of Kali, this temple has since become an important pilgrimage site for thousands of devotees from all over India.

Situated close to the Viaduct River, this temple complex is divided into 12 parts, including an Alipore with 12 distinct shrines dedicated to male deities; a large courtyard; a thousand-pillared hall; a shrine dedicated to Radha-Krishna; and the main temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali. Other significant temples within its premises include those devoted to Lord Shiva, Siddhi Ganesh Ji, Hanuman Ji, and other demigods.

An essential feature of this complex is the house where Sri Ramakrishna practiced spiritual austerity. He lived here with his guru Baba Vam Basu Ma, and spent nine long years here praying and meditating on the divine figure of Mother Kali. Devotees now flock to this place, offering their prayers in return for the well-being Mother Kali promised them if they came here with devotion and reverence.

The site also features unique religious rituals throughout the year, like Kirtans (devotional singing) held every morning and evening; Arati Puja held at midnight on Fridays during Sharad Poornima, and other daily pujas (prayer ceremonies). Dokhsa served during Navratri is also notable for its grandness and festive spirit, celebrated by thousands who pour into this holy complex during those days.

Kalighat Kali Temple

Kalighat Kali Temple, in Kolkata, India, is one of India’s most famous Hindu temples and can be found near the banks of the Hooghly River. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, who Hindus believe to be one manifestation of the goddess Shakti.

Kalighat has been an important pilgrimage center since ancient times. It is believed that parts of Sati Devi’s corpse fell here when Shiva was carrying her body around after she self-immolated out of grief for her husband’s death. She was therefore considered a greater deity than Shiva himself, and for centuries Hindus have been coming here to proclaim their devotion and seek blessings from Kali.

The main temple complex consists of two shrines: the old shrine, or “nashta mandir,” dedicated to Chandi Devi, and a larger shrine known as “maha mandir,” dedicated to Maa Kalighat. The complex also houses several small temples, including one for Chitraratha (Lord Vishnu). Inside, it is possible to find artifacts associated with Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesha, as well as offerings related to rituals involving Kali worship.

The temple also hosts many festivals throughout the year, such as:

  • Rath Yatra (Festival of Chariots)
  • Bhagabati Puja (prayer dedicated specifically to Maa Bhagabati)
  • Poush Mela (harvest festival)

Pilgrims come here seeking auspiciousness – making it an extraordinary place!

Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is an essential and well-visited religious site in Kolkata, India. As its name suggests, the church was built in 1847 and is dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle. This popular attraction was consecrated by Bishop Daniel Wilson in the year 1851 and boasted Gothic-style architecture and impressive stained glass windows.

Other features include:

  • Ornately carved doorways.
  • Historic murals.
  • A majestic tower made of white marble containing three bells of different sizes.
  • A beautiful garden with plants and sculptures to explore.

Visitors can also wander through nearby lawns and gardens for peaceful moments away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In addition, St. Paul’s Cathedral is open to visitors every day from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm (closed Fridays) for those wishing to explore or pay tribute to its religious significance.

Parks and Gardens

Kolkata is a vibrant and culturally rich city with many parks and gardens to explore. From the more well-known parks, such as the historic and iconic Victoria Memorial, to lesser-known ones, such as Zoological Garden, Kolkata has something for everyone.

In this section, we will explore the various parks and gardens Kolkata has to offer:

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden of Kolkata is situated on the city’s western side and is home to various flora and fauna. It has become one of the most popular attractions in Kolkata due to its serene beauty, lush green foliage, and abundant birdlife. The garden spans 250 acres in area and contains over 12,000 species. Colonel Robert Kyd established it in 1786, and today features a diverse range of trees and plants from many different countries.

The garden is an important source of botanical research due to its collection of rare specimens. In addition, it hosts various events throughout the year, including music performances, theatre performances, flower shows, art exhibitions, and educational talks.

Visitors expect an exciting mix of diverse floral displays with over 2000 species from Central Asia, China, North Africa, and South America. The garden has something for everyone; children will have plenty to keep them entertained with its lake featuring swans & ducks and playgrounds to explore. It is an ideal spot for those looking to relax surrounded by nature or capture photographs illustrating the breathtaking backdrop against which Kolkata exists.

Rabindra Sarovar

Rabindra Sarovar is a popular and iconic Kolkata park in the southern part of the city. The Park is a haven of serenity and beauty, established in memory of Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore. Spread over 79 hectares, Rabindra Sarovar contains 24 artificial lakes which attract migratory birds from different parts of the world and act as a habitat for several species of aquatic flora and fauna.

Visitors can also explore beautiful gardens featuring various varieties of trees, plants, flowers, herbs, and medicinal shrubs inside the Park.

Apart from these attractions, Rabindra Sarovar offers some recreational facilities such as:

  • Boating services in its two main lakes
  • Theme parks for children
  • Walking pathways for visitors to enjoy nature’s beauty at their convenience

The Park also has religious sites, like temples dedicated to prophets Radha Krishna and Shiva-Parvati. People can also visit the open-air theatre Vidyasagar Mancha here, which is used for year-round cultural events and sports activities.

Rabindra Sarovar is an oasis of peace and timelessness within bustling Kolkata city!

Eco Park

An eco-park is an area of land or water set aside for recreational, scientific, conservation, or educational use. Eco parks typically incorporate a range of natural habitats and are often designed to accommodate a wide variety of wildlife. The focus of an eco-park is usually on preserving nature in a sustainable and accessible manner.

Eco parks can be found worldwide, from local parks to more enormous nature reserves and global initiatives such as the United Nations-backed Global Environment Facility. These natural areas may have varying levels of development, ranging from minimal intervention and management to complete recreation facilities such as camping grounds and biking trails.

In addition to providing spaces for leisure activities, eco parks can help promote better environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation by:

  • Demonstrating efficient use of resources
  • Engaging visitors with education about ecosystems
  • Creating robust internships or jobs for local economies

By protecting critical habitats – like vulnerable wetlands or declining species – these regions strive toward long-term sustainability goals that enable people to enjoy their natural surroundings without compromising the environment’s health into the future.

Shopping

Kolkata, India, offers a variety of shopping experiences, from traditional street markets to high-end malls. So whether you are looking for souvenirs, local art, designer clothes, or electronics, Kolkata has something to offer everyone.

In this section, you’ll find our recommendations for the best places to shop in Kolkata:

New Market

New Market, also known as Hiland Park, is located in Kolkata, India, and is one of the city’s largest and most popular markets. It offers various merchandise ranging from clothes to electronics to furniture. Over 2,000 stalls provide multiple goods and services at competitive prices. This market stretches over several blocks, so shoppers can take their time and explore all available options. With its range of products and variety of retailers, New Market is worth visiting when shopping in Kolkata.

Stores often offer discounts that attract bargain hunters from around the city. Many stores also provide complimentary snacks for customers to enjoy while they shop. Some unique items that can be found in this market include Indian handicrafts, handmade jewelry, and fabrics from local artisans. It is also an excellent place for tourists who want to experience traditional Indian culture by engaging with local vendors as they buy souvenirs or everyday essentials. New Market offers something for everyone!

South City Mall

South City Mall is a shopping center renowned for its various stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall offers something to suit every taste and budget, with high-end boutique stores and major international brands providing shoppers with a comprehensive range of products. Cafes, bars, diners, and fast-food joints offer an array of culinary choices. In addition to the dining area, two full-service spas offer massages, facials, and other treatments.

Shoppers can also enjoy a range of leisure activities at South City Mall, including:

  • Movie theaters
  • Bowling alleys
  • An impressive arcade offering the latest in virtual reality gaming experiences
  • Mini golf courses
  • Playgrounds for children to explore their creative side
  • An expansive 650-meter running track allows athletes for physical activity or jogging sessions around the premises.

It is easy to spend a day shopping or relaxing at this bustling metropolitan mall that offers something for everybody!

Kumortuli

Kumortuli is a traditional pottery district in Kolkata, India, where clay idols for Durga Puja (the biggest festival of West Bengal) are handcrafted by local artisans. Shopping in Kumortuli is an exciting experience as tourists can buy clay idols made by multiple generations of experienced craftsmen at competitive prices.

Shopaholics will be surprised to find out that Kumortuli comprises a variety of other stores that offer not only different kinds of handicrafts and pottery but also ethnic apparel and jewelry. From the traditional red and white cotton sarees with decorative patterns to sterling silver maang tikka, Kumortuli offers visitors all sorts of souvenirs to take home.

In addition to shopping, travelers should explore all the fascinating alleys surrounding the stores in Kumortuli. Here one can appreciate fascinating street art and stories about history and culture passed down from ancient times. Most areas are artistically decorated for the Durga Puja celebration this time, so it’s a great place for picture-taking!

Food and Drinks

Kolkata is known for its signature street food, like jhalmuri, puchkas, and telebhaja. It also has an exciting range of drinks, such as the popular masala chai and lassi. If you’re looking for drinks, you can also try lassi with added flavors like mango, honey, or saffron.

Let’s take a look at what you can expect from the food and drinks of Kolkata:

Biryani

Biryani is a popular Indian dish relished for centuries, originating in the Indian subcontinent. Biryani is a delicious combination served hot or cold, consisting of rice, vegetables, or meat and a mixture of spices.

In Kolkata, biryani is widely consumed by both locals and tourists alike. However, the specialty of the city lies in its fish biryani. Eating fish curry can be quite an experience as you navigate complex flavors in every bite. Apart from serving as a single-dish meal, this local delicacy makes kati rolls – famous wrap sandwiches widely available at most street-side food stalls across the city.

Other than fish biryani, one can try:

  • Chicken biryani cooked with freshly ground spices.
  • Vegetable Hyderabadi dum ki biryani geared towards vegetarians.
  • Litti chokka, where small round pieces of dough are stuffed with spicy lentil mix and served with traditional offerings like curd (yogurt) and ghee (clarified butter).
  • Hyderabadi bagara khichdi is made from lentils and mung beans tossed in tamarind for that tangy flavor – a perfect accompaniment to any Biryani Rice.
  • Kolkata’s Shikampur biryani comes with chunks of bone-in mutton pieces marinated overnight in yogurt before being cooked over charcoal dum style.
  • Khatti Daal has mashed rice marinated overnight before it gets added to tempering made of onions, garlic slivers & chili powder – finally garnished with coriander leaves.
  • Kashmiri Yakhni Pulao consists of aromatic long-grain saffron rice cooked together with yogurt & spices for ultimate flavor!
  • Mutton Rezala Biryani, where fatty cuts of mutton are slow-cooked in clarified butter, giving it a delectable taste.
  • Ruby Kahari Biryani is made from basmati rice flavored subtly with Kashmir saffron & has a sweet undertone due to the addition of warm spiced fruit juices!
  • Lucknow’s classic Awadhi cuisine Tunday Kababi Haleem Pulao: slow-cooked haleem glorified & flavored with cool minty yogurt sauce!
  • Apple Phirni Biryani: pulav flavored with loads of cardamom & cinnamon powder & sweetened apples layered over it.

So what are you waiting for? Head down to your nearest restaurant today – time to dig into some succulent biryanis!

Street Food

Kolkata is one of the most iconic cities in India, famous for its rich culinary culture. From traditional Bengali fare to delicious street food, the city’s vibrant and diverse foodscape can be explored through its wide range of eateries. Street food in Kolkata is a melting pot of flavors and dishes inspired by various cultures and regions.

Some popular street foods in Kolkata include puchka (AKA pani puri), kathi roll, jhalmuri (spicy snack made out of puffed rice), luchi-aloor dom (deep fried flatbread with potato curry), and dahi vada (fried lentil balls accompanied by yogurt). You can also find tasty sandwiches loaded with potato or chicken cutlets, delicious chaat items like bhelpuri, ragda patties served with tangy sauce, momos filled with veg or non-veg stuffing, steaming dosas with coconut chutney and sambar, savory Chowmein combos, Chinese bhel, and many more delicious options.

Apart from these famous dishes, you can also indulge in some delectable hot/cold snacks such as:

  • Coffee/tea/lacchi (sugarcane juice) is served with burning coal to keep it warm during winter.
  • Laddoos are made either out of winter flowers or flavored jaggery.
  • Different types of risotto like veg khichuri.
  • Churmur (churmu).
  • Various fried items stuffed inside pithas, such as coconut.

If you want to experience Kolkata’s street food culture, you won’t be disappointed! There are plenty of options to choose from – something for everyone!

Local Drinks

Kolkata, India, is renowned for its culinary scene that offers various local drinks. Unfortunately, there’s such an abundance of flavors that it can be hard to choose – but here are some you should try when visiting Kolkata:

  • Lassi: This chilled dairy-based beverage is trendy and can be found at many street stalls in Kolkata. It’s generally made with yogurt and combined with spices, sweeteners like sugar or honey, and other ingredients such as saffron or cardamom for flavoring.
  • Chaa: Chaa is a tea prepared the Indian way with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, which add flavor and aroma to the beverage and anti-oxidants. It’s generally served in small earthenware cups but can also be enjoyed in clay mugs to give it a unique flavor!
  • Chaachh: This classic drink is buttermilk spiced with salt, chili powder, pepper, and other seasonings. It’s the perfect accompaniment to South Indian food! It’s light on the stomach and aids digestion too.
  • Jal Jeera: Jal Jeera is a refreshing beverage made from roasted cumin seeds mixed with citric extracts like lemon juice or tamarind paste to give it an extra tangy kick. Ginger, mint leaves, or coriander seeds may also be added for a different flavor. A pinch of black rock salt provides this drink with balance too!
  • Kulsoom Falooda: This indulgent treat combines sweet flavors like saffron syrup with rose water essence for a delicious dessert-like drink any day! Kulsoom falooda is one of the most popular drinks offered in Kolkata kiosks during summer months due to its cooling effects – it even contains pieces of basil seed, known for its cooling powers!

With all these choices available, why not try all these delicious local drinks? So get ready to explore the unique culture of India right here in Kolkata through its delicious beverages!