Top Attractions in Kolkata

Kolkata is a fascinating destination, one that you won’t want to miss out on if you want to travel the world. One of the many reasons is the city's very rich, cultural heritage and history.

It’s also known for being one of the top birthplaces for literacy. Kolkata has produced several well-known writers and poets, including Rabindranath Tagore, with several festivals held to celebrate these icons.

If you want to start planning your trip to Kolkata, this is your guide to the city's top attractions to help you gain insight into what makes the city so special. 

If you are visiting Kolkata then you’ll want to immerse yourself in its rich, cultural history. Some of the must-visit sites, if you want the best experience, include the Howrah Bridge and the Victoria Memorial.

If you want to sample street food, consider Punchka, Kathi Rolls and Jhal Muri. Kolkata is known for skewered meat, puffed rice snacks and hollow puris with tangy tamarind and chilli, with street food being the best way for you to get the full experience.

With so much to see and do, it’s safe to say that Kolkata is one of the finest places to visit if you want to truly immerse yourself in the culture of India, and the rich historical ties it has to offer.

There are several historical landmarks in Kolkata, some of them include:

The Victoria Memorial is a marble structure that is dedicated to the famous Queen Victoria. It was constructed in the early 1900s by Sir William Emerson and blends both Indian and British architectural styles. It’s made out of Makrana marble, with a number of other statues scattered throughout the grounds.

Another interesting attraction would be the Howrah Bridge. The bridge spans 705 metres and it’s currently listed as being one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. It’s vital to the local transportation network and even though it is made out of steel, it has a very distinctive silhouette. It’s known by the locals as a symbol of the city, showcasing its resilience and spirit at all times.

The Indian Museum was founded in 1814, and it's home to a number of exciting exhibits. The museum is known for hosting a number of Indian paintings, with a range of decorative art. You also have a lot of artefacts and contemporary work. The Natural History selection has a huge range of fossils, taxidermy animals and minerals too. If you have a keen interest in the historical side of Kolkata, then you won’t want to miss out on this attraction.

Kolkata is also known for being home to a number of religious sites. One of them would be the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. 

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu temple which can be found on the Hooghly River. It was built in the 19th century by Rani Rashmoni, who was a very wealthy landowner at the time.

One thing to take note of with the temple is that it helps to showcase a mixture of North Indian architectural styles. It has several intricate carvings and several spires tower over, helping to showcase its unique construction.

The temple is also known for having a spiritual significance. It’s associated with several saints, including Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He helped to shape the spiritual landscape of India, making it what it is today.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is full of stunning glass windows, with a stunning facade. It’s heavily inspired by Gothic architecture but at the same time, it has a strong Indian presence. It has been home to a number of historical events over the years, with the inside of the cathedral showcasing sculptures, intricate woodwork and stunning murals.

The Nakhoda Mosque is known for having grand domes as well as very intricate tile work. The main dome is very impressive but if you look around it, you will notice that it is also surrounded by a number of smaller domes, which help to make the structure. The mosque can house thousands of worshippers, so it is an integral part of the culture.

Birla Mandir’s architecture tends to revolve around impressive stonework and intricate carvings. With white marble and stunning designs, this is not just a place of worship. It’s known for hosting a number of cultural events, including community gatherings and festivals.

Belur Math is a complex temple that showcases a number of different architectural styles. There are notable Islamic, Christian and Hindu influences, which all help to showcase the nature of the religion. This is a place of pilgrimage too, for those who follow Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna.

There are several scenic parks you can visit during your time in Kolkata. These parks in Kolkata provide an opportunity to relax and unwind.

Maidan is one of the biggest parks in the area. It has lots of open fields and several recreational areas. It’s a hub for sports too, so if you’re a fan of cricket, football or even tennis, or rugby, you’ll be able to play here without restriction. 

Millennium Park offers a lot of scenic views, including the stunning city skyline. It’s a pleasant spot for walks and there are also several photography opportunities as well. When you take into account the walking paths and children’s play areas, you’ll soon see that it is a top destination for those who have kids.

The Botanical Gardens cover 14,000 square metres. The garden has a huge array of plant species, with several tropical plants and herbs. If you’ve got a keen interest in botany then this is one place you won’t want to miss out on.

The Eco Tourism Park spans over 480 acres. The park has a huge number of gardens and wetlands, with a huge lake. This helps to create a diverse environment for fauna and flora. On top of this, there are a number of activities that you can participate in. As a visitor, you can explore the gardens and you can also visit the butterfly area. This is home to a number of native species, so you can take in everything.

There are several cultural experiences that you can take part in if you are visiting Kolkata. 

Kolkata is known for having a huge range of street food. Some of the top options include crispy wafers, chickpeas and other savoury snacks. You can expect the food to be topped with a range of chutneys and spices, so you can make the most out of your culinary experience.

Rabindra Sadan often hosts a number of performances, including music concerts, plays and cultural festivals. The auditorium in the area has great acoustics too, so if you want to make the most out of your time, you can do so with ease by simply going to see a show. 

The Kolkata Book Fair is known for having a lot of different books, in many languages. Some of them include Hindi, English and Bengali. Publishers also have several stalls which offer discounts on special editions.

There are several different attractions you can see in Kolkata, some of them include:

Mother House is where you’ll find the tomb of Mother Teresa. Visitors can go there to pay all of their respects and it is also a place of reflection and remembrance.  It’s a small museum that helps to showcase her mission and her life too, not to mention that it covers all of the work that she did for charity.

The East Kolkata Wetlands are home to a wide range of flora and fauna. There are also a lot of different bird species, along with many types of fish. If you are an avid bird watcher then you will love this attraction.

One of the best things about Science City is that it has a lot of hands-on exhibits. They cover a number of disciplines including space science and biology. There’s also the dome theatre, which has 2D and 3D shows that revolve around science, space and nature.

The Acropolis Mall has just about everything you could ever want. There are several dining options, including cafes and casual restaurants. If you want to embrace entertainment then you will find a multiplex cinema that shows all of the latest Bollywood films.

Booking a Kolkata hotel close to the city's best attractions will ensure you enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay.

The Novotel Kolkata is a great option, as it has a lot of contemporary charm along with a range of suites. You will find 293 rooms there, with access to recreational facilities including a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa, plus onsite bars and restaurants.

You also have the ibis Kolkata Rajarhat. This hotel is modern with a striking exterior. It’s suited to both businesses as well as leisure travellers. With 189 contemporary rooms and a restaurant that offers a range of culinary dishes, this is one you won’t want to overlook.

As for getting around, some of the best transportation routes include you riding the bus or the train. Local networks are often the best way for you to get around, not to mention that it is also a very good way for you to explore the local surroundings. Although you can book a hire car, it’s nice to take the stress out of getting around, so keep that in mind if you can.

If you want to visit Kolkata then you should know that the best times range from October to March. The weather during this time is cool and comfortable, with temperatures that range from 15°C to 25°C.

If you travel during October, then you may also be able to capitalise on the festival season. Visiting during the Durga Puja event helps you to gain valuable insight into the cultural experiences the city has to offer, as it comes alive with performances, celebrations and decorations.

Kolkata is home to a huge range of diverse attractions. If you have a keen interest in cultural attractions or if you want to have a lot of different entertainment options, Kolkata will have something to offer. Start planning your trip by booking a stay in a Kolkata hotel.