5 things you have to see in kolkata

5 things you have to see in kolkata

Kolkata (Calcutta) is a city located in the West Bengal state, on the Eastern edge of India. It is a huge city that teems with never ending streams of honking traffic, businesses, restaurants and street food, and a share of attractions.

I had an incredible 2 week visit to Kolkata and was able to explore the city and visit quite a few interesting places. Known as the “City of Joy,” here are a few of the top things to do in Kolkata!

1. Mother Teresa House (Above)

Mother Teresa, an Albanian Roman Catholic missionary, did a lot of her work in India, especially right in the heart of Kolkata. Her former home and charity in Kolkata is now known as the Motherhouse, and inside the modest mission is Mother Teresa’s tomb.

After paying respect, you can walk through a small museum that displays a few of her personal belongings, and proceed to go up a flight of stairs to view into the room where Mother Teresa sat at her desk and wrote letters, prayed, and lived.

Price – Free

2. South Park Street Cemetery

Looking for one of the spookiest things to do in Kolkata? Head on over to the South Park Street Cemetery. Right off the busy (and loud) Park street, I was surprised how quiet and peaceful it was within this decaying ancient cemetery. The cemetery was set up in 1767 and includes around 1,600 tombs.

If the weeping trees and the moss covered tombs aren’t already scary enough, the occasional squawk of a crow will make things a little freakier!

Price – Free, but they’ll ask for an official donation – I gave 30 INR

3. Victoria Memorial Hall

Rather than being in West Bengali, when visiting the Victoria Memorial Hall, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. The iconic structure in Kolkata is dedicated to Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom who is also referred to as the Empress of India.

Along with its British and European architecture, the hall also includes some Mughal Indian design elements. Victoria Memorial is 103 meters in length, 69 meters wide, and 56 meters high.

Victoria Memorial is now open to the public for its surrounding gardens and interior museum.

Price – 8 INR for garden

4.The Marble Palace

The Marble Palace was built by a Bengali merchant Raja Rajendra Mullick, whose family members still reside here. With a Neoclassical style, this incredible building is made up of 26 varieties of Italian marbles. This mansion is one of the most elegant and best conserved houses in Kolkata.

Although the interior of the Marble Palace consists of Victorian furniture and western modifications, the outdoor decor stays true to its Bengali roots, with the traditional open courtyards and a place of worship that is strictly accessed by family members only.

In addition to the palace, visitors can enjoy the garden with lawns, a rock garden, a lake and a small zoo as well.

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Watch out for: A 24-hour prior permit to enter the Marble Palace

5.Science City

“One is never too old to learn” should be the motto of the Science City of Kolkata, one of the finest and largest science centres in India, established by the National Council of Science Museum. Science City encourages learning in the most entertaining manner; with interactive exhibits, 3D theatre experiences and a hi-tech motion stimulator, Science City is one of the most frequently visited sites in Kolkata and a favourite place for people of all ages.

Price: Budget

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm