Top 9 tourist attractions in Kolkta, India
Kolkata, India, is known for its culture, history, art, literature, music, and theatre. Apart from being the capital of West Bengal, Kolkata is also one of the most important cities in India, with a great number of tourist attractions that visitors can explore. From ancient temples to bustling markets and grand monuments, Kolkata has something for everyone. Here is a list of the top 9 tourist attractions in Kolkata that tourists should visit:
1. Victoria Memorial
The beautiful marble Victoria Memorial is a massive building that was built in 1921 to honour Queen Victoria. Today, it is a museum that houses several exhibitions and artwork, including artefacts and photographs from the British Raj. The surrounding gardens are also a great spot to relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the city.
2. Howrah Bridge
The iconic, brilliantly lit Howrah Bridge is one of the most famous symbols of Kolkata. Built in 1943, it is a cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River and is used by more than 150,000 people daily. The bridge is a popular tourist attraction, and a great place to take a stroll and admire the views of the river.
3. Kali Ghat
The Kali Ghat is a sacred Hindu temple where devotees come to pray and seek blessings from the goddess Kali. The temple is an important pilgrimage site in Kolkata, and attracts many visitors from across India. The stone steps leading to the temple offer a unique and memorable experience to the tourists.
4. Botanical Garden
The Indian Botanical Garden is a beautiful, sprawling garden that was established in 1786. It is home to a wide variety of trees, plants, and flowers, and also houses a large banyan tree. The vast expanse of the garden is a delight to explore and is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.
5. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is another popular Hindu temple of the goddess Kali that is located on the banks of the Hooghly river. The temple complex is quite immense and features a grand quadrangle surrounded by 12 other small temples. It is an important pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of devotees and visitors alike.
6. Old Chinatown
Kolkata’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in India and is full of history and culture. The narrow streets are lined with traditional Chinese shops and restaurants that offer some of the best Chinese cuisine in the city. It is also a great place to explore and shop for unique souvenirs.
7. Marble Palace
The Marble Palace is a grand mansion built in 1835 by a wealthy heir of the Mukherjee family. It is filled with beautiful marble sculptures, paintings, and furniture. The palace is a must-see for history and art buffs as it offers an insight into the grandeur of the past.
8. Kalighat Temple
The Kalighat Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Hinduism in India. It is an ancient temple built in honour of the goddess Devi Kali and is visited by thousands of devotees every day. The temple is often crowded, making it a unique and vibrant experience for the tourists.
9. Indian Museum
The Indian Museum is the oldest museum in India and houses a wide range of artefacts from different periods of history. It is a great place to explore the Indian culture and learn about its history. The museum also has a library, an art gallery, and a wax museum.
Kolkata is a great destination for tourists and these top 9 tourist attractions are just a few of the many that the city has to offer. The city is full of culture, art, literature, music, and history, and promises to give the visitors a unique and memorable experience. So, if you are planning to travel to Kolkata, make sure to include these attractions in your itinerary.
