Kolkata, also known as the "City of Joy," is a vibrant and cultural city in India. Here are some places you can visit in Kolkata-
1. Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial is a magnificent white marble building located in the heart of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It was built between 1906 and 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria and is now a museum and tourist attraction.
The Victoria Memorial was designed by William Emerson, a British architect who drew inspiration from the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The building stands on 64 acres of land and is surrounded by lush gardens.
The Royal Gallery displays oil paintings and portraits of British monarchs and Indian rulers, while the National Leaders Gallery showcases the contributions of Indian leaders to the independence movement. The Calcutta Gallery displays a collection of photographs and artifacts that depict the history and culture of Kolkata.
The Victoria Memorial is also known for its Sound and Light Show, which takes place every evening and tells the story of Kolkata's history and the Victoria Memorial's role in it.
2. Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge is a famous landmark in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is a cantilever bridge that spans over the Hooghly River, connecting the cities of Kolkata and Howrah. It is one of the busiest bridges in the world, with an estimated traffic of around 100,000 vehicles and pedestrians crossing it every day.
The Howrah Bridge was originally constructed in 1943, replacing a pontoon bridge that was built in 1874. The bridge is made of steel and is supported by two massive pillars on either side of the river. It has a length of 705 meters and a width of 71 feet.
One of the unique features of the Howrah Bridge is that it has no nuts and bolts, and was constructed entirely by riveting. The bridge is also known for its engineering marvel and architectural beauty.
3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located in Dakshineswar near Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and devotee of Goddess Kali.
The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. It has a large courtyard, surrounded by 12 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Radha-Krishna, and other deities.
The main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and it houses a beautiful idol of the goddess in her fierce form, with four arms and a garland of skulls around her neck. The idol is made of black stone and is decorated with gold and silver ornaments.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of devotees every day, especially during the festival of Kali Puja. The temple is open from early morning till late in the evening, and visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple premises.
The temple is also surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are perfect for a peaceful walk and meditation. The temple is located on the banks of the Hooghly River, and visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the scenic views of the river and the temple from a distance.
4. Belur Math
Belur Math is a spiritual and cultural center located in Belur, West Bengal, India. It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, which is a worldwide spiritual organization founded by Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
Belur Math was founded in 1899 and is dedicated to the principles of Vedanta, which teaches the unity of all religions and the oneness of the soul and God. The campus of Belur Math is spread over 40 acres and comprises several temples, prayer halls, museums, and libraries.
The main temple of Belur Math is the temple of Sri Ramakrishna, which houses the sacred relics of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The temple is a beautiful example of traditional Indian temple architecture, with intricate carvings and decorations.
The campus also includes several other temples dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and other saints and deities. Visitors can attend the daily prayers and rituals performed at these temples.
Belur Math also has a museum and library that houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, photographs, and artifacts related to the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda.
5. Indian Museum
The Indian Museum is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, and is one of the oldest and largest museums in the country. It was founded in 1814 by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, and its collection includes rare artifacts, fossils, and specimens from various fields of science, art, and archaeology.
The museum is spread over several galleries, each dedicated to a specific area of study. The galleries include the Archaeological Gallery, which displays the archaeological finds from ancient India, the Art Gallery, which showcases a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks, and the Anthropological Gallery, which displays the cultural and social diversity of the different regions of India.
The museum also has a Botanical Gallery, a Zoological Gallery, a Geological Gallery, and a Numismatic Gallery, each showcasing rare and unique specimens and artifacts related to their respective fields.
One of the highlights of the Indian Museum is the Egyptian mummy, which is on display in the Egyptian Gallery. The mummy was acquired by the museum in the early 20th century and is one of the few mummies on display in India.
Written By - Soumi Chatterjee
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