1. ARCHARYA JAGADISH CHANDRA BOSE INDIAN BOTANIC GARDEN
Considered the largest and oldest in South East Asia, it was previously known as " Company Baggaan" or Company's Garden. Built in 1787, the garden was a brain child of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kyd. Sprawling across 273 acres, it is home to over 12000 trees and shrubs which are of about 1400 species. The prime attraction of the garden is the 200 year old banyan tree, one of the largest in the world.
2. DAKSHINESWAR KALI TEMPLE
The Dalshineswar Kali Temple on the eastern riverbank of Hooghly dates back to 1847-1855 . The shrine was constructed by Rani Rashmoni, on the site that was once a penance ground for Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Just 3 km from here, one can visit the famous Belur Math, the monastery of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. A boat ride to this temple is not to be missed.
3. EDEN GARDEN
The beautiful landscaped garden was dedicated and nominated after Mrs Eden, sister of former Governor General Lord Auckland. Nearby is the Eden Garden Stadium , one of the oldest and biggest cricket stadiums in the world. Famous as Lord's of Asia, the stadium, built in 1864 hosts many national & international matches.
4. KOLKATA MAIDAN
A heaven for sport lovers, the picturesque field on west Choweinghee Road serves as a big relief for the busy Kolkatans. Whether a foodie, a football player, a jogger or a cricket fanatic, the 400 hectare green Maidan is every localite's essential destination. From here, one can also get a glimpse of Fort William, Victoria Memorial and the Shaheed Minar.
5. BELUR MATH
Belur math, a magnificent temple was founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1899, it is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission, situated on the west bank of Hoogly River. This glorious edifice resembles a mosque, church and temple. Ramakrishna philosophy is based on the unity of all faiths.
6. HOWEAH BRIDGE
Also known as Rrabindra Setu, the Howrah Bridge on Hooghly River serve a regular passage to lakhs of vehicles and pedestrian. The cantilevered eight lane truss bridge was built in 1943 for the purpose to connect Kolkata and Howrah.
7. VICTORIA MEMORIAL HALL
One of the eminent and most visited monuments in Kolkata , the Victoria Memorial , dedicated to Queen Victoria , is 184 ft tall and is sprawled over an area of 64 acres. The memorial was later converted to a museum which provides a gallery to British period paintings , sculptures, maps , coins, stamps, textiles etc.The garden outside the building is a perfect place to hang around in the evenings.
8. SHAHEED MINAR
Known as " Octerloney Monument" , during the British era ,the beautiful white pillar was dedicate to Sir David Ochterlony's triumph during the Nepal in 1814-1816. Later , renamed as Shadeed Minar in 1969 , it honoured the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for Independence.
9. KALIGHAT TEMPLE
The two century old Kalighat is one of the 51 shaktipeeths of India. Legend has it that Goddess Sati's right toes fell here during the Mahatandava of Lord Siva. The temple finds a mention in Mansar Bhasan composed sometime in the 15th century. Near the temple is Nirmal Hriday - home for sick, dying and destitute, run by the Missionaries of Charity, once headed by Mother Teresa.
10. MARBLE PALACE
The neo classical 19th century marble mansion, takes one back to the traditional Bengali. Structured with tall Corinthian columns, balconies and inclined roofs, its pavilions show similarities with Chinese architecture. The 3 storied edifice houses a thakur dalan ( family temple) near the patio, a restaurant , a rock garden , a lake and a small zoo.
11. RABINDRA SADAN
Whether dance, drama , art poetry or literature, everything finds a platform in Rabindra Sadan. Named after the nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore, the complex was established in 1967. Inside the complex is Rabindan Sadan theatre- Nandan, Bangla Academy and Gaganendra Prodorshonshala. Apart from plays, dramas and stage shows , many film festivals are also organised here.
12. RABINDRA SAROVAR
Once called as Dhakuria Lake, the Rabindra Sarovar is an artificial water body which serves as a perfect picnic spot. Apart from the migratory birds, one can also visit the Rabindra Sarovar Football Stadium, Mukta Mancha - open air theatre and the Japanese Buddha Temple.
13. JAIN TEMPLE
In the north east of the city, stands a cluster of 4 jain temples. The main one, Prareshnath temple, is dedicated to Sri Sital Nathji , 10th of 24 path founders ( Tirthankars). It was built in 1867.
14. NAKHODA MASJID
One of the renowned mosque of Kolkata , Nakhoda Masjid was built in 1926 by Abdar Rahim Osman. Its architecture resembles the monuments of Fatehpur Sikri. The colossal prayer hall can provide room for more than 10000 namazis at one time.
15. VIDYASAGAR SETU
Popular as second Hoogly Bridge , the suspension bridge was constructed in 1992. Constructed in 1992. Constructed over 22 years on an estimated cost of 3.88 billion rupees, the bridge provides passage to more than 85000 vehicles every day.
16. JORASANKO THAKURBARI
The brick red mansion of Jorasanko ' Thakurbari" was once the residence of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It was turned into a museum by Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1961. Special celebrations take place on the poet's birthday on the 25th day of Bengali month of Baisakh.
17. ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN
This zoo was a brainchild of L Schwendier,a member of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Built in 1875, the zoological garden has been a source of education, amusement and pleasure for the people of Kolkata and tourists who visit from all over the world.
18. MOTHER'S WAX MUSEUM KOLKATA
The country's first wax museum was set up in the satellite township of Rajarhat New Town in Kolkata which has 19 statues of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and film star Amitabh Bachchan. It features life like wax figures of icons and celebrities.
19. PARK STREET CEMETERY
The Park Street Cemetery was one of the earliest non church cemeteries in the world and probably the largest Christian cemetery outside Europe and Amerika in the 19th century. Opened in 1767, the cemetery was in use until about 1830 and is now a heritage site , protected by the archaeological survey of India ( ASI) . It was opened to relieve the pressure on the old burial ground in the heart of the city . The road leading to the cemetery came to be known as the Burial Ground Road but was subsequently renamed Park Street after the park around Vansittart's garden house. By 1785, the burial ground had been extended on the northern side of Park Street and by 1840 a vast new cemetery was opened to the east of the Lower Circular Road. The Europeans started to disuse it in 1790. It has been confirmed by a marble plaque which reads " south Park Street".
20. BIRLA MANDIR
The Birla Mandir was built by the " Birla Family", the famous industrialist family in India. Its construction began in 1970 and took 26 years to complete the indelible structure. Inaugurated on 21st of February, 1996 by Dr Karan Singh, the Pran Prathistha ceremony of the idols was done by Swami Chidananda Maharaj. It is dedicated to the consortium of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha.
21. FLOWER MARKET
Mullick Ghat Flower Market near the southeast end of Howrah Bridge is fascinatingly colourful virtually 24 hours a day. Many workers live in makeshift shacks, bathing in the river, while at around 7 am local wrestlers practice their art on a small caged area of sand set just back from the river.
22. ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
This Episcopal cathedral church was sponsored by Bishop Wilson and built in 1880 by Sir Edward Burne -Jones. Following an Anglican style of worship , the church is well known for its stained glass panels, carved benches and murals on wall. The meditation hall in the churchyard is a gift of peace from the dignitaries of Shantunuketan.
23. WRITERS' BUILDING
The huge red building on BBD Bagh also known as " Mahakaran "or the Secretariat , houses the office of the Chief Minister and more than 6000 administrative officers.
24. GURUSADAY MUSEUM
The Gurusaday Museum is a folk arts and crafts museum . The collection, with over 3000 artifacts include archaeological objects, deities, manuscripts , masks , musical instruments , paintings , textiles and woodwork.
25. VIVEKANANDA HOUSE
Ramakrishna Mission Swami Viveananda's Ancestral House and Cultural Centre is a museum and cultural centre, It is located at 3, Gourmohan Mukherjee Street , Beadon Street , Kolkata.
In this house, Swami Vivekananda ( then called Narendranath Datta) was born on 12 January 1863. It remained Vivekananda's home throughout his childhood and early youth. The cultural centre was inaugurated by the President of India A P.J Abdul Kalam.
26. TOWN HALL
Kolkata Town Hall in Roman Doric style, was built in 1813 by the architect and engineer Maj -Gen John Garstin ( 1756- 1820) with a fund of 700000 Rupees raised from a lottery to provide the Europeans with a place for social gatherings. The public could visit the ground floor hall to see statues and large size portrait paintings but they were not allowed access to the upper storey . Applications for the use of the upper storey were required to be made . In 1867, the Town Hall came under the custody of the Calcutta Municipality ( later the Kolkata Municipal Corporation) .In 1897, indiscriminate interference with the structure inevitably took its toll, but was stopped in 1998 by timely intervention.
Considered the largest and oldest in South East Asia, it was previously known as " Company Baggaan" or Company's Garden. Built in 1787, the garden was a brain child of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kyd. Sprawling across 273 acres, it is home to over 12000 trees and shrubs which are of about 1400 species. The prime attraction of the garden is the 200 year old banyan tree, one of the largest in the world.
2. DAKSHINESWAR KALI TEMPLE
The Dalshineswar Kali Temple on the eastern riverbank of Hooghly dates back to 1847-1855 . The shrine was constructed by Rani Rashmoni, on the site that was once a penance ground for Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Just 3 km from here, one can visit the famous Belur Math, the monastery of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. A boat ride to this temple is not to be missed.
3. EDEN GARDEN
The beautiful landscaped garden was dedicated and nominated after Mrs Eden, sister of former Governor General Lord Auckland. Nearby is the Eden Garden Stadium , one of the oldest and biggest cricket stadiums in the world. Famous as Lord's of Asia, the stadium, built in 1864 hosts many national & international matches.
4. KOLKATA MAIDAN
A heaven for sport lovers, the picturesque field on west Choweinghee Road serves as a big relief for the busy Kolkatans. Whether a foodie, a football player, a jogger or a cricket fanatic, the 400 hectare green Maidan is every localite's essential destination. From here, one can also get a glimpse of Fort William, Victoria Memorial and the Shaheed Minar.
5. BELUR MATH
Belur math, a magnificent temple was founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1899, it is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission, situated on the west bank of Hoogly River. This glorious edifice resembles a mosque, church and temple. Ramakrishna philosophy is based on the unity of all faiths.
6. HOWEAH BRIDGE
Also known as Rrabindra Setu, the Howrah Bridge on Hooghly River serve a regular passage to lakhs of vehicles and pedestrian. The cantilevered eight lane truss bridge was built in 1943 for the purpose to connect Kolkata and Howrah.
7. VICTORIA MEMORIAL HALL
One of the eminent and most visited monuments in Kolkata , the Victoria Memorial , dedicated to Queen Victoria , is 184 ft tall and is sprawled over an area of 64 acres. The memorial was later converted to a museum which provides a gallery to British period paintings , sculptures, maps , coins, stamps, textiles etc.The garden outside the building is a perfect place to hang around in the evenings.
8. SHAHEED MINAR
Known as " Octerloney Monument" , during the British era ,the beautiful white pillar was dedicate to Sir David Ochterlony's triumph during the Nepal in 1814-1816. Later , renamed as Shadeed Minar in 1969 , it honoured the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for Independence.
9. KALIGHAT TEMPLE
The two century old Kalighat is one of the 51 shaktipeeths of India. Legend has it that Goddess Sati's right toes fell here during the Mahatandava of Lord Siva. The temple finds a mention in Mansar Bhasan composed sometime in the 15th century. Near the temple is Nirmal Hriday - home for sick, dying and destitute, run by the Missionaries of Charity, once headed by Mother Teresa.
10. MARBLE PALACE
The neo classical 19th century marble mansion, takes one back to the traditional Bengali. Structured with tall Corinthian columns, balconies and inclined roofs, its pavilions show similarities with Chinese architecture. The 3 storied edifice houses a thakur dalan ( family temple) near the patio, a restaurant , a rock garden , a lake and a small zoo.
11. RABINDRA SADAN
Whether dance, drama , art poetry or literature, everything finds a platform in Rabindra Sadan. Named after the nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore, the complex was established in 1967. Inside the complex is Rabindan Sadan theatre- Nandan, Bangla Academy and Gaganendra Prodorshonshala. Apart from plays, dramas and stage shows , many film festivals are also organised here.
12. RABINDRA SAROVAR
Once called as Dhakuria Lake, the Rabindra Sarovar is an artificial water body which serves as a perfect picnic spot. Apart from the migratory birds, one can also visit the Rabindra Sarovar Football Stadium, Mukta Mancha - open air theatre and the Japanese Buddha Temple.
13. JAIN TEMPLE
In the north east of the city, stands a cluster of 4 jain temples. The main one, Prareshnath temple, is dedicated to Sri Sital Nathji , 10th of 24 path founders ( Tirthankars). It was built in 1867.
14. NAKHODA MASJID
One of the renowned mosque of Kolkata , Nakhoda Masjid was built in 1926 by Abdar Rahim Osman. Its architecture resembles the monuments of Fatehpur Sikri. The colossal prayer hall can provide room for more than 10000 namazis at one time.
15. VIDYASAGAR SETU
Popular as second Hoogly Bridge , the suspension bridge was constructed in 1992. Constructed in 1992. Constructed over 22 years on an estimated cost of 3.88 billion rupees, the bridge provides passage to more than 85000 vehicles every day.
16. JORASANKO THAKURBARI
The brick red mansion of Jorasanko ' Thakurbari" was once the residence of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It was turned into a museum by Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1961. Special celebrations take place on the poet's birthday on the 25th day of Bengali month of Baisakh.
17. ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN
This zoo was a brainchild of L Schwendier,a member of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Built in 1875, the zoological garden has been a source of education, amusement and pleasure for the people of Kolkata and tourists who visit from all over the world.
18. MOTHER'S WAX MUSEUM KOLKATA
The country's first wax museum was set up in the satellite township of Rajarhat New Town in Kolkata which has 19 statues of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and film star Amitabh Bachchan. It features life like wax figures of icons and celebrities.
19. PARK STREET CEMETERY
The Park Street Cemetery was one of the earliest non church cemeteries in the world and probably the largest Christian cemetery outside Europe and Amerika in the 19th century. Opened in 1767, the cemetery was in use until about 1830 and is now a heritage site , protected by the archaeological survey of India ( ASI) . It was opened to relieve the pressure on the old burial ground in the heart of the city . The road leading to the cemetery came to be known as the Burial Ground Road but was subsequently renamed Park Street after the park around Vansittart's garden house. By 1785, the burial ground had been extended on the northern side of Park Street and by 1840 a vast new cemetery was opened to the east of the Lower Circular Road. The Europeans started to disuse it in 1790. It has been confirmed by a marble plaque which reads " south Park Street".
20. BIRLA MANDIR
The Birla Mandir was built by the " Birla Family", the famous industrialist family in India. Its construction began in 1970 and took 26 years to complete the indelible structure. Inaugurated on 21st of February, 1996 by Dr Karan Singh, the Pran Prathistha ceremony of the idols was done by Swami Chidananda Maharaj. It is dedicated to the consortium of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha.
21. FLOWER MARKET
Mullick Ghat Flower Market near the southeast end of Howrah Bridge is fascinatingly colourful virtually 24 hours a day. Many workers live in makeshift shacks, bathing in the river, while at around 7 am local wrestlers practice their art on a small caged area of sand set just back from the river.
22. ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
This Episcopal cathedral church was sponsored by Bishop Wilson and built in 1880 by Sir Edward Burne -Jones. Following an Anglican style of worship , the church is well known for its stained glass panels, carved benches and murals on wall. The meditation hall in the churchyard is a gift of peace from the dignitaries of Shantunuketan.
23. WRITERS' BUILDING
The huge red building on BBD Bagh also known as " Mahakaran "or the Secretariat , houses the office of the Chief Minister and more than 6000 administrative officers.
24. GURUSADAY MUSEUM
The Gurusaday Museum is a folk arts and crafts museum . The collection, with over 3000 artifacts include archaeological objects, deities, manuscripts , masks , musical instruments , paintings , textiles and woodwork.
25. VIVEKANANDA HOUSE
Ramakrishna Mission Swami Viveananda's Ancestral House and Cultural Centre is a museum and cultural centre, It is located at 3, Gourmohan Mukherjee Street , Beadon Street , Kolkata.
In this house, Swami Vivekananda ( then called Narendranath Datta) was born on 12 January 1863. It remained Vivekananda's home throughout his childhood and early youth. The cultural centre was inaugurated by the President of India A P.J Abdul Kalam.
26. TOWN HALL
Kolkata Town Hall in Roman Doric style, was built in 1813 by the architect and engineer Maj -Gen John Garstin ( 1756- 1820) with a fund of 700000 Rupees raised from a lottery to provide the Europeans with a place for social gatherings. The public could visit the ground floor hall to see statues and large size portrait paintings but they were not allowed access to the upper storey . Applications for the use of the upper storey were required to be made . In 1867, the Town Hall came under the custody of the Calcutta Municipality ( later the Kolkata Municipal Corporation) .In 1897, indiscriminate interference with the structure inevitably took its toll, but was stopped in 1998 by timely intervention.
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