Things to do in Kolkata
The city of Calcutta, now called Kolkata, was established by the British in 1690 and was the capital of British India until 1911. It is the proud intellectual capital of India, with a rich contemporary cultural life. The city retains some of India’s most striking colonial buildings, and is also home to the country’s first underground railway. Legend says that Kalikata is derived from the Bengali word Kalikshetra, meaning "Ground of the Goddess Kali." Some mach it to the Bengali words for lime (kali) and burnt shell (kata), since the area was noted for the manufacture of shell-lime.
Victoria Memorial
An attempt of the British to create a replica of Taj Mahal in the honour of the Queen, the Victoria Memorial is an imposing monument of glittering white marble in an oasis of green. Recognized as the symbol of Kolkata, this monument houses a museum displaying British memorabilia from the time of the Raj.
Indian Muesum
Travel back in time, witnessing the beautiful displays that dot the galleries and hallways when you are in Indian Museum in Kolkata. The six sections devoted to art, archeology, anthropology, geology, zoology and industry make this the largest museum in India and one of the largest museums in the world.
Dakshineshwar Temple
A dream inspired the construction of the Dakshineshwar Temple in Kolkata, a structure more than 100 ft high, built within a huge complex that also houses 12 shrines dedicated to Shiva and one to Radha-Krishna. With six temples on either side, a flight of steps goes down to the bathing ghat in the Hooghly.
Kalighat Temple
Kalighat was a Ghat sacred to Kali on the old course of the Hooghly river in the city of Calcutta. The name Calcutta is said to have been derived from the word Kalighat. The river over a period of time has moved away from the temple. The temple is now on the banks of a small canal called Adi Ganga which connects to the Hoogly.
Boat Ride in river Hooghly
The Hooghly River, also known as the Bhagirathi-Hoogly and Kati-Ganga Rivers, is one of the significant rivers in West Bengal. The stunning Hooghly River is the lifeline of Howrah. A distributory of the Ganges, Hooghly River forms the natural landscape of the city and offers the perfect spot for picnic or catching a stunning sunset.
Potter's Colony & Markets
Kumartuli is a famous locality in Kolkata, known for its traditional potters’ quarters. Since the year 1950, the locality has been in the business of sculpting high quality idols of Hindu deities. It is home to several talented potters who toil tirelessly to create clay idols. These idols are much sought after during the Durga Puja festival.
Best Hotels in Kolkata
The Oberoi Grand
Kolkata
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
The Rajbari Bawali
Kolkata
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Calcutta Bungalow
Kolkata
BOUTIQUE HOMESTAY, HERITAGE
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