1
Malik Ghat Flower Market
Malik Ghat Flower Market is the largest flower markets in Asia and located near the famous Howrah Bridge on the Hooghly River at the Mallik Ghat. The Flower Market was built in the year 1855. Starting as early as 03:30 am in the morning. Here you will see a picture of vigour, life, vibrancy.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge commissioned in 1943 over the Hooghly River. The bridge was originally named the New Howrah Bridge, because it replaced a pontoon bridge at the same location linking the two cities of Howrah and Kolkata (Calcutta). On 14 June 1965 it was renamed Rabindra Setu after the great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, who was the first Indian and Asian Nobel laureate. The bridge is one of four on the Hooghly River and is a famous symbol of Kolkata and West Bengal. It is the busiest cantilever bridge in the world. The third-longest cantilever bridge at the time of its construction, the Howrah Bridge is currently the sixth-longest bridge of its type in the world. The bridge does not have nuts and bolts, but was formed by riveting the whole structure. It consumed 26,500 tons of steel, out of which 23,000 tons of high-tensile alloy steel, known as Tiscrom, were supplied by Tata Steel. It is still popularly known as the Howrah Bridge.
Duration: 15 minutes
3
Mother House
Mother House is a holy place and reverence for those who are searching for a more meaningful existence. It was established by the Blessed Mother Teresa in 1950 with the purpose of selfless service to mankind and to uplift the plagued humanity towards the path of salvation. After Mother Teresa left her mortal body in 1997, she was laid to rest in a tomb inside the house where she lived and served. The site of the tomb is very simple yet it exudes enormous amount of benign and pure vibration that fills the heart with gratitude and peace. Situated amidst noise and crowd, Mothers tomb is a true reflection of her life which contemplated the example of soulful and mindful meditation. Attached with the building, a small museum named ‘Mother Teresa’s Life, Spirit and Message’ displays Mother Teresa’s worn sandals, battered enamel dinner-bowl, sari, crucifix, rosary, a few handwritten letters and spiritual exhortations. The ‘Mother’s room’ is preserved in all its simplicity with a crown-of-thorns above her modest camp-bed.
Duration: 30 minutes
4
Parashnath Jain Temple
Parshwanath Temple is a Jain temple at Badridas Temple Street and a major tourist attraction in Kolkata (Calcutta), India. The temple was built by a Jain named Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim in 1867. The temple is dedicated to Parshwanath, who was the 23rd Jain Tirthankar, and he is worshipped by the Jains, and this is one of the most important Jain temples in Kolkata. The deity of Lord Shitalnathji is seated in the sanctum sanctorum, and his diamond-studded forehead is a major attraction for the visitors. There is a lamp, which burns with ghee inside the sanctum sanctorum, which has been continuously burning ever since the initiation of the temple since 1867. The lamp bears silent testimony to the contemporary world since ages and it is wonderful to acknowledge the mysticism associated with.
The Temple has displays of exquisite designs and it is an impressive structure consisting of mirror-inlaid pillars and windows that have made of stained glass. The interiors of the temple are splendidly beautiful, along with the outdoors, which are surrounded with many beautifully colored flower gardens and fountains. There is a small stream flowing through it, which also has amazing variety of flowers all around it. The fountains look brilliant when water gushes out of them in perfect harmonization. A well-maintained reservoir, adds up to the surrounding beauty. Colorful fishes swarm the surface of the glistening water at the slightest hint of food grains. The floor of the temple is elaborately paved with marble that gives it a solemn look and also a mark of purity. The temple exhibits extraordinary artistic tendencies that are visible in the whole pattern of the decoration of the interiors and the exteriors. One can also find the paintings of renowned painter Ganesh Muskare, adorning the walls, which enthralls the visitor. Chandeliers or Jhar Battis are another feature that makes the interiors sparkle and lends the extra shimmer to the serenity of the temple. The interiors of the temple are lavishly decorated with high quality mirrors and glasses. The quintessential Jain temple chandeliers (Jhar Battis) decorate the ceilings adding beauty to the top. The floor is intricately paved with marble and embellished with exquisite floral designs that provide a classy look to this colossal architecture. The Temple gateway is splendidly eye-catching.
Duration: 30 minutes
5
Kumartuli
Kumartuli is a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata. The city is renowned for its sculpting prowess, which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them.
Most of the artisans living in the north Kolkata neighbourhoods dwindled in numbers or even vanished, as they were pushed out of the area in the late nineteenth century by the invasion from Burrabazar. In addition, Marwari businessmen virtually flushed out others from many north Kolkata localities. The potters of Kumortuli, who fashioned the clay from the river beside their home into pots to be sold at Sutanuti Bazar (later Burrabazar), managed to survive in the area. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.
Duration: 30 minutes
6
College Street (Boi Para)
College Street is a 1.5 km long street in central Kolkata. Its name derives from the presence of many schools and colleges (Calcutta University, Presidency University, The Sanskrit College, Hindu School, Hare School to name a few). Housing many centres of intellectual activity especially the Indian Coffee House, a café that has attracted the city's intelligentsia for decades. Kolkata’s historic College Street is India’s largest book market, lending it the endearing nickname Boi Para–”Book Town.”
The College Street is most famous for its small and big bookstores, which gives it the nickname Boi Para (Colony of Books). People from whole city and different parts of the state gathers here for their books. The street is also dotted with countless very small book kiosks which sell new and old books. An article in the journal Smithsonian described College Street as a half-mile of bookshops and bookstalls spilling over onto the pavement, carrying first editions, pamphlets, paperbacks in every Indian language, with more than a fair smattering of books in and out of print from France, Germany, Russia and England. One can buy rare books at throw-away prices and extensive bargaining take place.
Duration: 30 minutes
7
St. John's Church
St. John's Church, originally a cathedral, was among the first public buildings erected by the East India Company after Kolkata became the effective capital of British India. It is located at the North-Western corner of Raj Bhavan, and served as the Anglican Cathedral of Calcutta till 1847, when the see was transferred to St. Paul's Cathedral. Construction of the building, modelled on St Martin-in-the-Fields of London, started in 1784 and was completed in 1787. It is the third oldest church in the city, next to the Armenian and the Old Mission Church.
The land for the St. John's Church was donated by the Maharaja Nabo Kishen Bahadur, the founder of the Shovabazar Raj Family. The foundation stone was laid by Warren Hastings, the Governor General of India on 6 April 1784. Two marble plaques at the entrance mark the two historic events.
The church is a large square structure in the Neoclassical architectural style. A stone spire 174 ft tall is its most distinctive feature. The spire holds a giant clock, which is wound every day.
Duration: 30 minutes
8
Victoria Memorial Hall
The Victoria Memorial is a large marble building in Kolkata which was built between 1906 and 1921. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and is now a museum and tourist destination under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. The memorial lies on the Maidan (grounds) by the bank of the Hooghly River.
The Prince of Wales, later King George V, laid the foundation stone on 4 January 1906, and it was formally opened to the public in 1921.
9
Fort William
Fort William is a historic landmark located in the city of Kolkata, India. The fort was built during the British rule in India in the late 18th century and served as the headquarters of the British East India Company.
The fort is named after King William III of England and was built to protect the British interests in the region. The fort has played a significant role in the history of Kolkata, and its walls have witnessed many important events, including the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Fort William Kolkata is not only a historic landmark but also a popular tourist attraction in the city. The fort is surrounded by a large open area known as the Maidan, which is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The Maidan is home to many other historic monuments and buildings, such as the Victoria Memorial and the Shahid Minar, making it an ideal spot for tourists to explore the city's cultural heritage.
10
Maidan
Maidan is a large urban park located in the heart of Kolkata, India. The park covers over 5 square kilometers and is an iconic landmark in the city, known for its beautiful greenery and historic significance.
The Maidan was created during the British rule in India and was originally used as a parade ground for military exercises. Over time, it has transformed into a beautiful park, with trees and gardens providing a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city.
Maidan is not only a historic landmark but also a popular tourist attraction in the city. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park and enjoy its beautiful surroundings. The park is also home to many historic monuments and buildings, such as the Victoria Memorial, the Fort William and the Shahid Minar, which are must-visit places for history buffs.
This is also a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, with many sporting facilities, including cricket grounds, football fields, and horse racing tracks.
11
The Race Course in Kolkata, India, is a historic landmark that has been an integral part of the city's cultural heritage for over a century. This was built during the British rule in India and is one of the oldest racecourses in the country.
The Kolkata Racecourse is spread over 240 acres and has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The first horse racing event in Kolkata was held in 1819, and since then, the racecourse has been a hub of activity for horse racing enthusiasts.
Apart from horse racing, the Kolkata Racecourse is also a popular destination for other sporting events, such as polo. The racecourse is surrounded by lush greenery, which provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors to relax and unwind.
12
Raj Bhavan
Raj Bhavan in Kolkata is a magnificent mansion located in the heart of the city that has served as the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal since the colonial era. The mansion's stunning architecture, spacious gardens, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for tourists.
Constructed in 1803, Raj Bhavan was initially known as the Government House and served as the residence of the Governor-General of India. It was designed by the famous British architect, Captain Charles Wyatt, and is an excellent example of the neo-classical architectural style.
After India gained independence in 1947, the mansion became the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal. It has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, but the mansion's original architecture and design have been preserved.
The mansion's gardens are equally impressive, covering an area of more than 50 acres and containing numerous rare trees, flowers, and plants.
13
St. Andrew's Church is a historic landmark located in the heart of Kolkata, India. The church was built in the early 19th century during the British rule in India, and it has since been an integral part of the city's history and culture.
The church was built in 1818 by the Scottish community in Kolkata, and it is one of the oldest churches in the city. St. Andrew's Church is a fine example of the Gothic Revival architecture of the time and is adorned with beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate carvings.
14
The High Court of Kolkata, also known as the Calcutta High Court, is one of the oldest and most significant courts in India. Established in 1862, the court has played a crucial role in shaping the legal history of the country and is a popular tourist destination for visitors interested in Kolkata's historical and cultural heritage.
The High Court building is an architectural masterpiece, designed by the British architect Walter Granville in the neo-Gothic style. The building's imposing façade and intricate detailing make it a landmark of the city's skyline. The court's interiors are equally impressive, with stunning stained glass windows, marble floors, and ornate woodwork.
The High Court has played a vital role in shaping the legal history of India. Many significant cases have been tried in the court, including landmark decisions on issues like civil rights, property law, and constitutional law.
15
Writers' Building
Writers' Building located in the heart of the city, is a historic landmark that has witnessed the transformation of Kolkata over the centuries. The building's architecture is a blend of Gothic, Baroque and Roman styles, making it an architectural marvel.
Constructed in 1777, the Writers' Building was initially meant to serve as the office of the clerks of the East India Company. The building was named 'Writers' Building' because of the writers, or clerks, who used to work there. Over the years, the building underwent several renovations and expansions, and by the early 19th century, it had become the administrative headquarters of the British Raj in Kolkata.
Today, Writers' Building is home to the West Bengal Government Secretariat, but it remains a significant historical and cultural landmark of Kolkata. The building's impressive facade, with its imposing columns and arched windows, is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and its colonial past.
16
Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens Stadium is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Kolkata, India. The Eden Gardens Stadium is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world and has hosted several high-profile cricket matches, including the final of the 1987 and 1996 Cricket World Cup.
The stadium was originally built in 1864 as a venue for horse racing, but it was later converted into a cricket stadium in 1934. Today, the stadium has a seating capacity of 1,00,000 and is one of the most popular cricket venues in the world.
Eden Gardens Stadium is also home to the Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the most popular teams in the Indian Premier League. The team has won two IPL titles and has a massive following in Kolkata and across India.
The stadium's surroundings are equally impressive, with the lush greenery of the Eden Gardens providing a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
17
Shaheed Minar
Shaheed Minar also known as the Ochterlony Monument, is a historic monument located in the heart of Kolkata, India. The monument was constructed in 1828 in memory of Sir David Ochterlony, a British general who served in India.
Over the years, the Shaheed Minar has come to represent more than just a monument to a British general. It has become a cultural landmark and a symbol of Kolkata's rich history and heritage.
Visitors to the Shaheed Minar can climb the 218 steps to the top of the monument and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. From the top, visitors can see the entire cityscape, including other famous landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge.
The monument's base is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict various scenes from Indian mythology and history. The Shaheed Minar is also surrounded by a beautiful garden, making it a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city.
18
General Post Office
The General Post Office also known as the GPO, is a historic landmark located in the heart of Kolkata, India. The building was constructed in the 1860s and is one of the most recognizable structures in the city.
The GPO was initially constructed to meet the growing demand for postal services in the city. Today, the building serves as the central hub for postal services in Kolkata and is an essential part of the city's infrastructure.
The GPO is an excellent example of colonial architecture, with its high ceilings, grand arches, and marble floors. The building's façade is also adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, which add to its grandeur. The building's beautiful architecture and historic significance attract visitors from all over the world who come to witness the grandeur of the building and learn about its rich history.
