Places to visit in Kolkata – List of Best Tourist Places in Kolkata Tourist Places Attractions, Sightseeing,  Things to Do – BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square), Belur ghat, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Botanical garden, Howrah Bridge, St. Paul Cathedral, Indian Museum, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Gurusaday Museum, Nehru Children Museum, Academy of Fine Arts, Asiatic Society, NICCO Park, Science City, Fort William, Portuguese Cathedral, Academy of Indian Coins & History.

Tourist Places to visit in Kolkata (Calcutta) :

(Distance given are from BBD Bagh or Dalhousie Square)

BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square)

Dalhousie Square (renamed Benoy Badal Dinesh Bagh after the three martyr of Bengal) was created in the heart of the imperial capital of Calcutta.The tank in the centre, fed by natural springs, is said to have supplied Charnock with drinking water. Historical buildings surround the square. The northern side is occupied by Writer’s Building. To the East are commercial Houses and the West Bengal Government Tourist Bureau(3/2,BBD Bagh East Tel:2485168/5917).On the Southern side is Raj Bhawan, residence of the Governor. Beside that are the state legislative Assembly House and the Calcutta High Court. St. John’s Cathedral, close to Raj Bhawan is imposing white-doomed General Post-office, next to which is the Reserve Bank Of India Building. Netaji Subhash Road is the centre of the onetime commercial houses which today flourish in Indian hands. Lyon’s range stock Exchange, behind Clive Street, is worth a visit for a glimpse of the frenzied dealing in shares, periodically erupting onto the street. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kolkata (calcutta).

Belur Ghat

16.5 km.2 km from Dakshineswar across the Ganga, Bulue Math is the international headquarters of RamKrishna Mission. Founded in 1889 by Swami Vivekananda,disciple of the 19th century saint Sri RamKrishna. The Belur Math shrine represents a church, mosque and temple when viewed from different angles. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kolkata (calcutta).
Timing:0630-1200 hrs,1530-1830 hrs. daily.

 

 

 

 

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

20 km. Near Belur Math on the other(Calcutta) side of the Hooghly (Gaga) river, it is famous for its association with Ramkrishna who achieved spritiual vision here.This temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1847.The 12 spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva . Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kolkata (calcutta).

 

 

 

 

Botanical Garden

20 km. Founded in 1787 by the East India Company, the main attraction of the 273 acre garden being the banyan tree, largest in the world. Also rows of mahogany trees, an avenue of Royal Cuban palms and an orchid House. Visitors may drive across the bridge and through Howrah, the industrial extention of Calcutta or take ferry from Chandpal or Tekta Ghats to the gardens. Timing:0900-1700 hrs.

Howrah Bridge

5 km. A major landmark ,now so much a part of the city that Calcutta is inconceivable without it. Over 2,590 metric tonnes of high tensile street make up this unique cantilever bridge that joins the main Railway Station (for Calcutta) and the industrial city of Howrah with the city of Calcutta. Opened in 1943 replacing a former pontoon bridge, it is today one of the busiest bridges in the world. There are eight vehicular ways and two footpaths on this bridge on the river Hooghly. As you circle the town by air or come in by train at Howrah Station, the bridge dominates. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kolkata (calcutta).

St.Paul Cathedral

3 km. Adjacent and in contrast to the contour of the planetarium is the Gothic steeple of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The communion plate was presented by Queen Victoria. The interior has exquisite scripture scenes. Of interest is the western window. The candlelight service on Christmas eve is a moving experience.

Indian Museum

2 km. Popularly known as Jadu ghar (Magic House),this is the premier national connection in the subcontinent. The building is colonnaded Italian and surrounds an open grassed area. Apart from the geological, zoological, botanical and anthropological galleries, there are outstanding archaeological galleries,there are outstanding archaeological exhibits. To the South of the entrance vestibule is Bharhut gallery, reconstructed remains of the Buddhist Stupa(180 BC) moved from Bharut in central India; bas-relief on stone representing scenes from the Jataka tales. Also ancient sculptural pieces from Sanchi, Gandhara, Amravati, Sarnath and later medieval sculpture from even as far as Java and Cambodia.
Timing:1015-1630 hrs. Monday Closed.

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum

A minicoal mine is the main attraction .The galleries have working models in popular science, motive power, mining, metals, petroleum, electricity, communication and electronics.
Timing:0900-1700 hrs.

Gurusaday Museum

15 km. On Diamond Harbour Road, the museum has a small but rich collection of the folk arts and crafts on undivided Bengal. Collection of over 2,000 iems.Highlights are the Kalighat Pats, Jorano pats (scroll painting) and exquisite kantha quilts, a thrift needlecraft of rural Bengal, wood carving and terra-cotta panels.
Timing:1000-1700 hrs.
Closed on thrusday

Nehru Children Museum

On Chowringhee, this modern museum house miniature models in clay that depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. On each window there is a brief description of the scene in English.

Academy Of Fine Arts

Site of Visual arts and Bengali theatre. Permanent galleries include medieval Bengali and Indian miniature paintings, textile and excellent specimens of old hand-woven Daccai and Baluchari saris. A Jamini Rpy collection and Desmond Doig’s pen and ink sketches of Calcutta’s nostalgic landmark, are also on view. The Rabindra gallery contains paintings and manuscripts of the great man of letters. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kolkata (calcutta).

Asiatic Society

The first modern museum in Asia. The society started a public museum in 1814.Paintings by Chinnery, Daniells and others, engravings and prints depict the city in late 18th and 19th century. A few pieces of sculpture include an image of Brahma(12th century). The Dalai Lama presented some beautiful tankhas. The barhut Asokan Rock Edict(BC 240) in Pali written in the Brahmi script is one of the most important exhibits. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kolkata (calcutta).

 

 

NICCO Park

Opened in 1991,Nicco Park is the first amusement park of Calcutta,9 km from the city. There are attractions for children.

Science City

On Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Science City is an area of knowledge and adventure. Science City has Space Theatre, Space Flight, Dinosaurs Alive, Dynamotion, Life in water, a world of insects and reptiles, walkthrough Aviay, Butterfly corner, Convention Centre, Four Seminar Halls and 4 halls, Mini Auditorium, Musical Fountain and many others.
Timing:1000-2200 hrs.

Fort William

This was named after king William III of England. In the fort is a church, market, post and telegraph office, cinema, swimming pool, boxing stadium, football and firing range.

Portuguese Cathedral

Founded in 1797,the building cost for the Potuguese Cathedral was borne by two Portuguese noblemen. The entrance leading to the portico is paved with gravestones. Behind the altar are figures of Maddona and Child. Below lie remains of the first archbishop od Calcutta.

Academy Of Indian Coins & History

Located at 361/B, Rabondra Sarani, the academy houses a comprehensive gallery of ancient Indian coins. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kolkata (calcutta). Open every week from 1100-1300 hrs.

 

More Tourist Places to Visit in West Bengal