Top 5 Places To Visit In Kolkata

Indian national Museum

The ninth oldest museum of the world, also known as ‘Jadughar’ is just few minutes’ walk from Park street metro station in Kolkata. The Indian Museum, largest in our country, was opened in the year 1814 and has been a centre of multidisciplinary activities ever since. With its finest collection of paintings, relics, Egyptian mummies, sculptures, fossils, ornaments, it is divided into six categories namely Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Economic. There is also a library and bookshop present within the museum premises. Indian Museum recently celebrated its bicentennial anniversary with great fervor in February 2014. With its splendid collection, the museum takes you back in time to witness our fascinating past.

Alipore zoo

The Zoological Garden of Alipore, also known as The Alipore Zoo is the oldest zoological park in India.Spread across 46.5 acres, the zoo has been opened to the general public since 1876 and attracts tourists, nature enthusiasts to explore the wildlife. The zoo is home to a variety of exotic animals like Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, White Tiger, Zebra, Antelope, Deer, various attractive birds like Macaws and Lorikeet, Swinhoe's Pheasant, Lady Amherst's Pheasant and Golden Pheasant, large birds like Ostrich, Emu, Hornbills and more. During the winter season, the Alipore Zoo also becomes the dwelling place of a few migratory birds.

Up gradation of the zoo, including the addition of new glass-walled enclosures and building of aviaries. The Alipore zoo is a must as a tourist place to visit in Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial, a white marbled structure, synonymous with the city of joy, is located in the heart ofKolkata, is a relic of the British rule in India. This is almost a replica of the Victoria Memorial in London and was built in memory of Queen Victoria to celebrate her 25 years of rule over India. The memorial is surrounded by a lush green and well-maintained garden and has numerous statues and sculptures in it. A sixteen-foot tall bronze statue of victory, mounted on ball bearings at the top of the memorial. Victoria Memorial looks marvelous, especially at night, when it is illuminated. The Sound and Light shows that take place in the evening are an added delight. The place is a must visit to feel the essence of the Victorian era in the modern day world.

South park street cemetery

The 18th-century non-church cemetery was opened in 1767 and is one of the earliest in the world. It is now a heritage site in Kolkata and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Most of the tombs in the South Park Street Cemetery are very attractive looking and draws tourists in large numbers. Some tombs have a mysterious while some have a soothing vibe. One such tomb is grave number 363 which is the oldest and belongs to some woman who never wished to reveal her name.

The location has also been featured in several Bengali and movies like Gorosthaney Sabdhan, based on a novel written by Satyajit Ray. This place has a melancholic charm that cannot be missed.

Prinsep ghat

It was used by the staff of the British Royals as a jetty for loading and unloading passengers and goods during the British rule. Located on the banks of River Hooghly, the majestic structure is located between Fort William and the Water Gate. Being one of those few buildings which have been maintained to their pre-independence aura with the magnificentHowrah Bridgein the background, it is a favorite amongst photographers especially for pre-wedding shoots. In between exploring the attraction, if one feels like grabbing a bite, there are several food kiosks.