Kolkata often referred to as a “City of Joy”, has certainly preserved its old-life charm while embracing the fast-paced lifestyle and modern-day developments. It’s the city that has preserved as gold what is old. So don’t be surprised if people choose weekend shows and drama theatres than films in multiplexes. From libraries, museums, and monuments to cricket matches and football fever Kolkata will have you get into your element and enjoy every moment of your stay in the city.
But don’t be fooled by your “old charm” perception of the city as Kolkata has plenty of nightclubs and other entertainment options for every age and generation. If you are considering flying down to the city of joy or have already booked Chennai to Kolkata flight then here are 5 places in Kolkata to see on your visit.
- Victoria Memorial
Built during the 19th century a large marble building dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, Victoria Memorial has become a popular tourist destination in Kolkata. Transformed into a mesmerizing museum, you will be reminded of the Taj Mahal within your first glance at Victoria Memorial. This is as the architecture of the building reminisces the design of the Taj Mahal with its domed chattris, terrace, high portals, and corner towers.
Victoria Memorial is itself a sight to see and the large garden surrounding it elevates the mood and soothes the senses of tourists visiting the memorial.
- Indian Museum
Are you the one for vintage sculptures and historical artifacts? If so, you should visit the Indian Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in the country to date. Built-in 1814, the museum houses some of the finest collections of historical artifacts. Want a sneak peek into the museum collection? Inside the museum, you will get to see some of the priceless assets of a 4000-old Egyptian mummy and some of the amazing sculptures on the life of Gautam Buddha. You wouldn’t want to miss this experience before you leave for your Kolkata to Pune flight.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
The first-ever episcopal church of the Eastern world, St. Paul’s Catedral is one of the most popular historical places in Kolkata. The church stands 247 feet tall and 81 feet wide. While the building feels humongous from the outside the interior of the church boasts gothic architecture. This is one of the historical places you should not miss during your trip to Kolkata.
- Jorasanko Thakur Bari
Kolkata is as famous for people as it is for places. We cannot miss the mentions of Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Theresa, Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, Falguni Roy, and Amartya Sen. Jorasanko Thakur Bari, for this reason, becomes a must-visit sight in Kolkata, especially for avid literature lovers.
The place is an ancestral home of noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The house was built on the land donated to the laureate’s grandfather Dwarkanath Tagore. It is the place where Rabindranath Tagore was born, spent most of his childhood, and his last days before his demise.
The ancestral Tagore house is transformed into a museum housing collection of his books, manuscripts, and antique items from Rabindranath Tagore’s life.
- Howrah Bridge
Now, we are sure you must have heard of the place at least once in your life. Completed in 1943 and renamed “Rabindra Setu” in 1965 the cantilever bridge stands tall and strong on the river Hooghly shouldering traffic of 10,000 vehicles and more than 150,000 pedestrians every day. Visiting probably the busiest cantilever bridge before you head to the airport for your Kolkata to Bangalore flight will be a mesmerizing see-off from the city of joy.
This is only the start of your travel bucket list in Kolkata. Get into your travel bug element and go out and explore and you will find the city of joy has more to its charm than you can think of.
