Kolkata is one of the gorgeous city of India that has plenty of tourist attractions that you must visit on your vacation. To explore all the major places to visit in Kolkata you should know about the best time to visit this beautiful city. For experiencing pleasant weather and attending a plethora of enticing festivals, you should visit this city during the autumn and winter seasonal. Plan your visit between October and February and get ready to have a blast on your vacation.
1. Fort William
Situated on the eastern banks of Hooghly river, Fort Williams is a huge building from the colonial era that has served multiple purposes till date. It is one of the few Kolkata points of interest which is a must-visit place during your Kolkata sightseeing tour. Known as the ‘black hole of Calcutta’, this place was once a temporary jail where prisoners were hauled, but now it serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Command.
2. Tagore’s House
Known as the ‘Jorasanko Thakur Bari’, Tagore’s house is one of the most important historical places in Kolkata. The former residence of India’s most renowned literaries, Rabindranath Tagore, is now converted into a museum which houses a photo gallery, fascinating paintings, and Tagore’s literary works.
3. Mother House
Also known as the Missionaries of Charity, Mother House was established by Mother Teresa in 1950 as a religious assembly. The primary aim for the Sisters of the house is to provide free services to the sick, the poor, drug addicts, physically and mentally challenged individuals, victims of natural calamities, orphans, and even run schools to educate street children. Today, the institution has several branches running all over the world to follow the same practices of selfless devotion and serve those in need. The most intriguing part of the house for visitors is the tomb of Mother Teresa. Located alongside this tomb is also an exhibition displaying her life’s work and her personal belongings like sarees, sandals, and her bag, which makes this one of the most unique places to visit in Kolkata.
4. Sundarbans
The most famous Kolkata tourist spot, Sunderbans is one of the natural wonders of the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sunderbans is a part of the world’s largest delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. It is also the largest tiger reserve and national park in India. Other than wildlife, the Sunderbans are an epitome of breathtaking natural beauty and the most surreal landscapes which make them one of the best places to visit in Kolkata for couples.
5. Botanical Gardens
Located along the western banks of River Ganga, Botanical Garden is a 273-acre garden known for its extensive floral diversity. Housing more than 12,000 different species of plants, it is one of the most beautiful places to see in Kolkata for travelers who wish to witness the mesmerizing beauty of nature.
6. Alipore Zoo
The Alipore Zoo is also sometimes called the Calcutta Zoo or the Zoological Garden of Alipore. It is India’s oldest ever zoological park and surely one of the best places to visit in South Kolkata. Attracting wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the country, it is immensely popular for once being the home of the ‘Adwaita’, the 250-year old Aldabra giant tortoise that had died in 2006. The many exotic animals living here include the Royal Bengal Tigers, white tigers, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, zebras, antelopes, and deer. Apart from these animals, the park is also home to bird species like Macaws, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, Lorikeets, Lady Amherst’s Pheasants, Ostriches, Emus, Hornbills, and even the Sarus Cranes that migrate here during winters. A sheer delight for families traveling to Kolkata, this park and its numerous wild animals always manage to bring a smile on the faces of youngsters and children.
7. Science City Kolkata
Take some time to visit the architectural wonder of the Science City, which is the largest science centre throughout India. Housing a Space Odyssey, Dynamotion, Evolution Park Theme Tour, Maritime Centre, and Earth Exploration Hall, it is one of the best Kolkata tourist places in terms of technology, and architecture.
8. Eden Gardens
Eden garden is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata. This cricket stadium is well-maintained and attracts cricket lovers from across the world. Located in B B D Bagh area, near the State Secretariat and Calcutta High Court, it was commissioned by the Governor-General Auckland in the year 1864. Among the most popular tourist places in Kolkata, this magnificent stadium has an overall capacity of 66,349 people, which makes it the second largest stadium in the world.
9. Shobhabazar Rajbari
Shobhabazar Rajbari is among the popular tourist places in Kolkata. It is the palace of the Shobhabazar royal family. Its founder was Raja Nabakrishna Deb who established Rajbari in 1772. It features a saat-mahala house extended to a large central courtyard. The unique architecture of this Bari attracts thousands of visitors to this spot and make it an interesting excursion to be explored while holidaying in Kolkata.
10. National Library
For all the book lovers and nerds out there, there are some of the best places to see in Kolkata. The National Library being one of those. This Library is home to some of the treasured write ups that are ancient, are out of print, or the ones that an individual simply fail to locate in the present days. The fragrance of old books amalgamated with the new ones makes this destination a heaven on earth for the bookworms. One can find an extensive variety of reading material in this library ranging from monographs and manuscripts to Indian books and language books.
You must plan your holiday to Kolkata right away and witness the charm of this literary hub. Explore some of the best places to visit in Kolkata during your vacation. Know of any more places one can visit in this city? Let us know in the comments below.