Marble is a material known for its strength, resilience, and elegance – qualities that make it an excellent flooring option to enhance any space. Plus, it’s simple to maintain and can withstand even extreme weather conditions!
Kolkata offers numerous attractions that make the city worth exploring for tourists, such as the Birla Planetarium, Indian Museum, and Marble Palace.
Birla Planetarium
Birla Planetarium in Kolkata, West Bengal, is an astronomical center dedicated to studying celestial bodies and increasing India’s astronomical knowledge. They host seminars and workshops related to this field and publish journals and books related to astronomy.
Planetarium of Birla Education Trust was one of Asia’s earliest and largest planetariums. Opened to the public on 2 July 1963 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru – India’s first prime minister – its architecture reflects the Sanchi Stupa.
The Planetarium is well known for its audio-visual shows in English, Hindi, and Bengali. These programs include ‘Zodiac Signs and Stars”, “Journey to Antarctica,” and “New View of Solar System,” with one specially-curated show on cosmic collisions as well.
Indian Museum
The Indian Museum is one of the country’s oldest and largest museums. Established by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1814, it houses cultural and natural artifacts from India’s history in six distinct categories – art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, and zoology.
The museum offers an incredible collection of fossils and specimens, ancient armor and ornaments, ancient armories, Mughal paintings, Egyptian artifacts, and stunning Mughal artworks that showcase some of its treasures. Additionally, exhibitions and events take place here regularly.
The Indian Museum, conveniently situated in central Kolkata, can be easily reached via metro or bus. Park Street metro station is within a short walking distance, while buses and minibusses stop directly outside its entrance on Lindsay Street. Any history or culture fan should visit this fascinating institution, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, which provides an accredited framework to guarantee that it remains continually improving and fulfilling its mission.
Marble Palace
The Marble Palace in Kolkata is an incredible mansion boasting an exceptional collection of antique artifacts. Nestled within Chorbagan, this singular piece of art boasts gilded walls, classical statue imitations, and Venetian crystal chandeliers, as well as two famous paintings by Rubens: “The Marriage of St Catherine and “The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian.”
This nineteenth-century stately home, designed in neoclassical architectural style, boasts open courtyards and Thakur Dalan Temple for worshipping purposes. Additionally, a private menagerie consists of rock gardens, lawns, lakes, and even a small zoo to provide ample room for wildlife.
The palace is open to visitors, although some areas remain occupied by its owners. Entrance is free, but permits must be obtained from the West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau located in BBD Bag in Kolkata before you visit. It is suggested to visit on weekdays when crowds will be lower.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Architecture enthusiasts looking for something special should stop by St Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata. Its impressive structure takes you back to colonial days while housing some important tombs like those belonging to Admiral Lord Nelson and Duke Wellington – plus, this church looks particularly beautiful when illuminated at Christmas!
Guided tours of the cathedral provide an excellent way to gain more insight into its history and significance, from architectural details and tomb stories to limited-time exhibits that explore its storied past. Nonreligious visitors should consider visiting; you’ll find plenty of things to see here, including Wren’s Great Model Library and Saint Paul’s Golden Pillar!
Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, one of its main tourist attractions, stands out as an exceptional piece of architecture. Constructed between 1906 and 1921 in marble to remember Queen Victoria’s reign over India, this impressive structure can be found at 1 Queen’s Way Maidan Kolkata 700071.
The Taj Mahal inspires the Victoria Memorial with its central dome, octagonal-domed chapters, four subsidiaries, high portals, and domed corner towers. It features a 16-foot tall statue of the Angel of Victory on its central dome and sculptures representing Art, Architecture, and Charity on its central dome; additionally, it has symbolic representations of Prudence, Motherhood, and Learning over its North Porch.
The Memorial’s sprawling gardens boast lush lawns and blooms of every hue and season. A 13-tonne bronze fairy stands atop its central dome; many believe she moves in response to wind gusts, yet no one has ever witnessed her move!
Fort William
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is an epicenter for culture with an extensive past, home to one of India’s first Metro systems and an abundance of cricket madness.
Visit historic spots throughout the city, such as the Victoria Memorial, an elaborate white marble structure erected to honor Queen Victoria and now operating as a museum. It stands on lush grounds near Fort William and St. Paul’s Cathedral and makes a fantastic stopover on your tour of historic places in Glasgow.
Kolkata is also well known for its artistic activities and was home to Rabindranath Tagore’s birth. Park Street hosts The Tagore Library, which houses rare books and manuscripts; every January, it also serves as the venue for the Kolkata Book Fair & International Literary Festival.
Park Street
Park Street in Kolkata’s south side is famed for its fine restaurants and pubs. This area also has several parks and gardens – providing the ideal place for relaxation and unwinding. Park Street enjoys high footfall numbers and provides convenient transport links between different parts of the city.
Science City in Kolkata is one of the premier destinations for those interested in science and technology, offering engaging activities and exhibits for visitors of all ages. Best yet, admission is entirely free!
Park Street station provides an easy transfer between Red and Green lines, boasts numerous trash cans, and an attractive map on its central mezzanine – unlike most downtown stations on the T.
Chowringhee
Chowringhee (JL Nehru Road) is one of the best-known neighborhoods in Kolkata, known for its bustling hub of boutiques, hotels, and malls, as well as popular pubs and restaurants that attract locals and visitors alike.
There are various food, juice, and chai carts on the sidewalks from which you can obtain delectable sugarcane and mousambi juice. These carts attract young people as an excellent place for socialization and bonding.
Chowranginath Road was given its unique moniker after an ancient saint of India named Chowranginath settled his ashram here. Once known as Pilgrim Road and Road to Kalighat due to its proximity with Kalighat temple – both Shaktipeeths – its current name came after decades of colonial rule; even today, this street remains an icon of prestige and power.
Prinsep Ghat
Prinsep Ghat provides an ideal retreat from Kolkata’s hustle and bustle, suitable for spending an evening or day watching sunrise or sunset with loved ones. Boat rides along Hoogly River are popular here, too, if hunger strikes; plenty of street stalls offer delicious Jhal-muri and Pani-Puri snacks nearby!
This ghat is named in honor of James Prinsep, an Anglo-Indian scholar who deciphered Asoka’s rock edicts. It has become popular with photographers looking for pre-wedding shoot locations.
Prinsep Ghat in Kolkata is one of the few restored ghats that has maintained its pre-independence ambiance, making it an unforgettable visit. With beautiful architecture and stunning views of the 2nd Hoogly Bridge behind, Prinsep’s restoration makes this destination worth seeing during any visit to Kolkata – open all day and accessible even by wheelchair users!
Aquatica Water Park
Water parks offer a fantastic way to have fun in this vibrant city if you are seeking the ideal way to escape Kolkata’s scorching summer heat. Perfect for families and couples of all ages, water parks have rides to keep visitors amused for hours!
This park was inspired by the vibrant colors and incredible flora of the South Sea Islands, where crystal-blue rivers wind their way through hidden grottoes to refreshing waterfalls while playful dolphins such as Commerson’s dolphins and vibrant macaws roam freely.
The park offers activities and water slides suitable for people of all ages, making it a family-friendly destination. Plus, the largest aquarium in Eastern India resides within it; visitors should stop by and experience its wonders! You can even go for a boat ride here.
