- Unity in Diversity
- Historical Monuments
- Religious Places
- Parks
Belur Math
Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897. Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, it features a unique architectural style that blends Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian elements, symbolizing unity among religions. The serene campus includes temples dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, built in 1855, is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is famous for its association with Sri Ramakrishna. The temple complex features 12 Shiva temples and a beautiful riverside setting along the Hooghly River. It attracts numerous devotees seeking blessings and spiritual solace.
Jorasanko Thakur Bari
Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the ancestral home of the Tagore family, located in the north of Kolkata. It is significant for its cultural heritage as the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore. The house has been converted into a museum showcasing the life and works of Tagore and his family, reflecting their contributions to literature and art.
Marble Palace
Constructed in 1855, the Marble Palace is an exquisite mansion known for its stunning architecture and extensive collection of art, including paintings by European masters. The palace is built in neoclassical style with marble from Italy and features lush gardens. It remains a private property but is open to visitors by prior appointment.
Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial is a grand marble structure built between 1906 and 1921, dedicated to Queen Victoria. It features a blend of British and Mughal architectural styles and is surrounded by lush gardens. The memorial houses a museum with a vast collection of artifacts related to the British Raj, making it a prominent cultural landmark in Kolkata.
Shaheed Minar
Shaheed Minar, originally known as the Ochterlony Monument, stands 48 meters tall and was established in 1848 to honor Major General Sir David Ochterlony. In 1969, it was renamed to commemorate Indian freedom fighters. The monument showcases a blend of Egyptian, Syrian, and Turkish architectural styles and serves as a significant site for political gatherings and rallies in Kolkata
Howrah Bridge
The Howrah Bridge, completed in 1943, is an iconic cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River. It connects Howrah and Kolkata and is one of the busiest bridges in the world. The bridge is an engineering marvel and serves as a vital transportation link while being a symbol of Kolkata's resilience.
The National Library
The National Library of India, located in Belvedere Estate, is the largest library in the country. Established in 1953, it houses millions of books and manuscripts across various languages. The library serves as a repository of knowledge and culture, offering resources for research and education.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Located on the bank of the Ganges, in Belur Math, the temple commissioned by Queen Rashmoni, was dedicated to Goddess Kali. Taking 8 years to be finally completed in 1855, the temple was built in the traditional ‘nava-ratna’ or nine spires style of Bengal architecture. The three-storey temple has a narrow verandah which serves as an audience-chamber, while the inner sanctum, houses Goddess Dakshina Kali.
St. Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral is a celebrated Christian shrine in the culturally rich city of Kolkata. Built between 1839 and 1847, it was the first Episcopal Church of the Orient. It was constructed under the patronage of Bishop Wilson and designed in an Indo-Gothic style. This cathedral covers an area about 247 feet long and 81 feet wide. The main hall consists of carved wooden pews and chair. It's multi-coloured artworks and stained glasses add to its architectural beauty.
Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India, dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is believed to be the site where the toe of Sati fell. The temple's architecture is simple yet striking, and it draws thousands of pilgrims daily who come to offer their prayers.
Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir, also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is a modern Hindu temple built in 1996. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and showcases intricate carvings and beautiful marble work. The temple is a popular place for worship and attracts visitors for its peaceful ambiance.
Nakhoda Masjid
Nakhoda Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Kolkata, completed in 1926. It features stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture with grand domes and minarets. The mosque serves as an important religious site for the Muslim community and is known for its vibrant atmosphere during prayers.
Eco Park
Nature and serenity are the two key elements of Eco Park. The 480-acre urban park showcases the rich natural and cultural heritage of Bengal with numerous themed areas like the Wildflower Meadow, Bamboo Forest, Fruits Garden, etc. Its amphitheatre, tea plantation and a water garden are unique highlights amidst the seemingly endless sights.
Sundarbans
A bit away from Kolkata, lies the Sundarbans, a UNESCO heritage site and the world’s largest delta. Its 2585 sq. kms forms the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India. Since 1966, this wildlife sanctuary has been home to over 400 Royal Bengal Tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer. Known for the biggest mangrove forests in the world, the Sundarbans provides a complete nature's circle to the tourist right from the Tigers to the roaring rivers and beautiful estuaries.