Are you planning to visit Kolkata? Are you visiting there for the first time? Check out this article to get information about the sightseeing places, the best time to visit and some interesting facts.
Kolkata, one of the metropolitan city of nation is an abode to cultural festivals. It was earlier called Calcutta and served as India’s capital from 1773 to 1911. English and Bengali are the official languages being spoken here by most people. Kolkata has a typical tropical climate. If you are planning to visit Kolkata, then you can visit here between October to March.
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What are the places to visit here?
Some of the major attractions of Kolkata which a traveler must try are:
Howrah Bridge
This iconic bridge is hanging just beside Howrah Railway station. It was opened on 3 February 1943 for the public. On 14 June 1965, the running government changed its name to Rabindra Setu. The bridge spans over 705 metres in length and accommodates daily traffic of nearly 1 lakh vehicles. Passing away through this bridge is free.
Victoria Memorial
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This is a large marble monument built-in memory of Queen Victoria (1819-1901). In 1921, this Memorial was built. As of now, this memorial is transformed into Museum and open for the public except on Mondays. You can reach here through nearest Metro station ‘Maidan’. And the entry ticket to explore Victoria Memorial is only INR 20.
Belur Math
Belur Math is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission. Ramakrishna Paramhansa was an Indian Yogi and mystic who was also the ‘Guru’ of Swami Vivekananda. You will also notice Swami Vivekananda temple just beside Belur Math. Both the temples are located on the shore of the Hooghly river. The architecture of Belur Math is just awesome. To reach here, you can board a bus from the Howrah railway station.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
This famous Hindu temple is located few kilometers from Belur Math on the other side of the Hooghly river. This temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in the year 1855 and dedicated to ‘Bhavatarini Kali’. To reach here, you can board a ferry from Belur Math Ferry Service which takes only INR 10 for each person.
Science City
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This science center is the largest science park in the Indian subcontinent opened in 1997. In this science park, regular science shows like ‘3D Theater’, ‘Time Machine, ‘Science on a Sphere, ‘Space Theatre’ are carried out. These shows have their charges while the entry fee is only INR 40. This park remains open all days from 9 AM to 8 PM. There is a Science City Bus stop just near Science City.
Nicco Park
This is an amusement park in Kolkata where you can spend your weekend with family and friends. Different kinds of rides are available here like River Cave, Sky Diver ride, Water Chute, Cable Car, Roller Coaster, Toy Train, Family Carousel, and much more. The entry fee to get inside is INR 200 that will include 11 free rides. For getting entry to Main Park of Nicco Park, you will have to spend about INR 400. The park remains open from 10:30 AM to 8 PM on all days of the week. You cannot get entry into Nicco Park after 5 PM. Nicco Park has a bus stop just beside it.
Zoological Garden Alipore
This large Zoological Garden of Kolkata is located in the Alipore area of this city. This zoological garden is just a few kilometers from Victoria Memorial. The entry fee to this zoological garden is INR 20 and you can reach here by boarding a bus to Alipur Zoo Bus Stop.
When to visit Kolkata?
The Autumn and Winter seasons are considered the best season to visit here. So, if you are planning to visit here then book a ticket between October to March month.
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How to reach Kolkata?
Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is located in Kolkata which has regular flights to major airports in India.
Train: Howrah railway station is the primary railway station of Kolkata. Other stations are Sealdah and Santragachi.
Road: Kolkata is well connected to nearby cities Kolkata. Regular state government and private buses are available from here.
Interesting facts about Kolkata
- Kolkata is the only city in India to have Tram transport. So, whenever you visit Kolkata, you must enjoy Tram.
- Hand-pulled Rickshaw’s that are pulled by men are also functioning here since British era.
- City buses in Kolkata often have source and destination names in Bengali or English. You will rarely find Hindi or any other regional language content written on Kolkata city buses. So, better to use apps that translate text to your language by capturing image.
