Are you the one who is looking forward to exploring the unique places in Kolkata but is confused about where to get started? Well, this blog is your place to embark on your journey. Kolkata often called the ‘City of Joy’ has been the land of diverse culture and rich heritage. Being one of the bustling metropolitan cities, Kolkata has emerged as a cosmopolitan city that has a multitude of cultural nuggets to offer. Within the pages ahead, we will be traversing through the rich memory lane of the city by discovering the most unique places to visit in Kolkata. So, fasten your seatbelts while we explore through the glimpses of the rich tapestry of Kolkata.
Kolkata: A City where Modernity jumps with Joy
Renowned as a ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata has been the converging point for culture, innovation, and history. Being the capital of West Bengal, the city has a history that is rooted back to the colonial era and perpetuates to weave the rich tapestry of significant history it is cradle to.
Moreover, the city is also home to some of the most prominent figures including Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Making it a land of literature and theater valuing rich heritage. The city is also known for conducting the biggest art fair for theater and literature to promote and encourage artists all around the corner.
8 Unique places to visit in Kolkata
1. Victoria Memorial
If you wish to begin your journey to walk down memory lane, the corridors of Victoria Museum is in unique places to visit in Kolkata . This iconic monument is a testament to the historical significance rooting back to the British era. Built in the colonial period, the monument was created to give tribute to Queen Victoria in 1921.
With the backdrop of lush green, the spectacular feature of the monument is that it is made of makrana marble. This makes it a pleasant place for those who love gazing at the architecture of an alluring white monument. Its feature of being a monument cum museum makes it one of the unique places to visit as the monument has a museum within sharing the history of the ruling period. The sources collected in the museum are a good glimpse of erudition. Preserving the cultural legacy, Victoria Memorial stands as the rich heritage of Kolkata.
2. Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge is a gateway to Kolkata making it one of the first things one could have a glimpse of in the city that’s why it is in unique places to visit in Kolkata. Howrah Bridge is the symbolization of one of the most marvelous architectural works done in the history of India. It stands as a testament to the phenomenal engineer intellect put in, linking the twin city of Kolkata, ie., Howrah.
However, seen as a mode of transportation, the Howrah Bridge is more than a mere structure. The bridge in itself is of great significance which shows more about the spirit of the city. One could enjoy their day at Howrah Bridge by spending some quality time sitting near the ghats, staying on a river cruise, or having a ride on a ferry.
3. Indian Museum
Indian Museum is a treasure trove for everyone who passionately loves diving deeper into the world of history. Being one of the oldest museums in India, the Indian Museum is strikingly different from the things it has amassed. The museum has a good collection of artifacts like mummies, coins, paintings, sculptures, scripts, antiques, skeletons, etc. It also has textiles, fossils, armour, etc. which are still intact.
Moreover, the museum deals with various sections like anthropology, geology, zoology, and archaeology.
Being a door to the past, the Indian museum is an indelible mark signifying the history of India dating back to the millennials. Also, it is one of the top 9 old museums in the world. Making this a marvelous cultural institution, it is a unique hub that is a must-visit in Kolkata.
4. Rabindra Sarobar
Named after the Nobel prize laureate Rabindranath Tagore who belonged to the soil of Kolkata. This is an artificial lake which is also called Dhakuria Lake and is settled in the southern part of the city. Being the largest manmade lake in the city, it has flourished over 73 acres. It is prominent for the serenity it provides nestled in the lap of mother nature.
Rabindra Sarobar is heaven for everyone who loves bird gazing and beholding the family of plants and trees. This place is home to the flora whose belt is growing thinner with the modernity. The lake is surrounded by some kinds of trees that are not easily spotted. Moreover, one can even enjoy boating or go with relishing food at nearby stalls or simply go on a brisk walk.
5. Botanical Garden
Also called as Botanic Garden or Calcutta Botanical Garden. The Botanical Garden is one of the largest and oldest botanical gardens ever created in India. Located at Hooghly River near Kolkata, it is a place of true beauty. Unlike other gardens, this place serves as a habitat for rare and endangered species of plants. Flourishing for around 273 kg, the place is covered with shrubs, creepers, palms, orchids, and exotic plants.
The top attraction of this place is that it is rooted in the Great Banyan Tree. The tree is considered one of the largest and oldest in India. Also, it is distinct as the second most expensive tree. This makes this place a common place for all the tourists to visit. Moreover, not only a visiting spot, this place is also a place to conduct scientific research. Thus, making it one of the unique places to visit in Kolkata.
6. St.Paul’s Cathedral
If visiting Victoria Memorial, don’t miss watching the cathedral nearby . St.Paul’s Cathedral is one of the biggest churches in Kolkata and the first Episcopal church in Asia that why it is counted in unique places to visit in Kolkata. This cognates the cathedral as a place with historical significance for being first in itself during colonial times, outside Great Britain. The architecture of the cathedral is a unique blend of neo-gothic style and Indo-Gothic style which makes it a good reason for everyone who loves to behold architecture.
Moreover, the cathedral has some beautiful carved-out sculptures which give a majestic vibe all around. Another striking feature is that this monument has become the beacon of cultural values as it allows visitors from all walks of life to offer prayers. During Christmas, the whole monument is adorned with lights which makes it a source of illumination. Also, you can book a trip here with the benefit of visiting Birla Planetarium and Victoria Memorial as they all are lined up in the same lane.
7. Birla Planetarium
Birla Planetarium is in unique places to visit in Kolkata that offers one of the richest star gazing options which makes it noteworthy to be called a unique place to visit in Kolkata. It is one of the largest Planetariums in Asia and the second largest in the world. This place is for everyone who loves watching and knowing about space, stars, and galaxies. It is renowned as a place for science buffs who are curious to demystify the secrets of the hemisphere.
Some extraordinary feature of the place is that it provides a 360° state of the art experience. It has over 500 recliners and a large rounded gallery. It even gives a virtual reality tour in languages like English, Hindi, and Bengali which are all about constellations, space, stars, and planets.
8. Science City
Being one its own kind, during the time of inauguration, Science City was the first center to be opened in Kolkata. It is the science center and exhibition area which is visited by a large number of passerby, locals and tourists. The science city is a fantastic science museum to visit for the one who wishes to quench their thirst for knowledge.
The Science City conducts exhibitions, fun games, science programmes 3d and many more. Excitingly, the museum transfers you to the world of dinosaurs with its unique dinosaur world. Also, the museum has an aquarium within which is habitat to some rare aquatic species.
*Cherry on the cake
Your visit to the unique places in Kolkata is incomplete without relishing and sipping the cuisines. Kolkata is well-known for the diverse delectables it offers. So go on visiting the places while simultaneously enjoying the delights. We recommend you take walks at places with the best street food including
- Park Street
- Esplanade
- Bara Bazar
- Vardaan Market
- Hindustan Park.
Summing up
In the heart of this cosmopolitan city, Kolkata stands out for having its character, culture, and spirit. While this blog throws life on eight unique places to visit in Kolkata, the city has a plethora more options which it offers. Welcoming with its array of beautiful visiting places, Kolkata has always emerged as a haven for tourists and never lost the spark despite the hustle and bustle.
What we have offered through this blog is only the scratch from the surface of the multitude of places the city upholds. The more you explore, the more you will encounter that Kolkata is called the City of Joy for a reason!
Also see – Places to visit in Jaipur at night
3 Responses