Tourist Attractions in Kolkata, India

Kolkata, one of the major cities of India, was the most populous city in India until a few years ago and is referred to as the "most Indian" city in the country. The third-largest city in India, it is a daily festival of human existence, simultaneously aristocratic and miserable, cultured and uncultured, while being both glamorous and decrepit. Kolkata easily evokes images of human suffering in one's mind, although this city is not a complete representation of this 330-year-old metropolis.

Kolkata is considered the cultural and artistic capital of India. Although poverty is certainly visible, its self-sustaining middle class drives the city's core machine. It is an emerging culture that lives between its thousand-year-old residents and the Bengali authenticity and vibrancy, which has evolved in its large colonial-era clubs.

As the former capital of India, Kolkata retains a feast of colonial-era architecture that harmonizes with the new urban outskirts and suburbs with air-conditioned shopping centers, making it an ideal place to experience the delicate yet complex Bengali cuisine.

Compared to other Indian metropolises, it is more friendly, a city where you can visit easily and with peace of mind. We seize the opportunity to share with you, the enthusiasts of India's rainbow cities, some of the must-see attractions in the tourism section.

History of Kolkata
After its establishment in Mumbai, the British East India Company entered Kolkata in 1690 and began creating a base for itself, starting with the construction of Fort William in 1702. In 1772, Kolkata was declared the capital of British India, a status it held until the British decided to move the capital to Delhi in 1911.

The city's prosperity and cosmopolitan atmosphere led to an influx of Chinese immigrants starting in the late 18th century when they worked in the city's ports. This continued throughout the 19th century as they fled the effects of war in China.

Kolkata played a central role in the social and religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, which originated here and spread across India. During this time, Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali poet, became famous as the first non-European Nobel laureate in literature and composed the Indian national anthem. Kolkata began to grow rapidly with industrialization from the 1850s, but after the British departure, problems began. Power shortages and political actions caused damage to the city's infrastructure. Fortunately, government reforms in the 1990s brought economic improvement.

However, the Chinese community was not as fortunate. Although Kolkata had a Chinatown, its population significantly decreased after facing opposition from local residents. Still, the reputation of the Bengalis for their creative thinking, love of discussion and debate, remained.

Climate of Kolkata
Kolkata has an extremely hot and humid climate during the summer and is cool and dry in the winter. The weather in April and May is unbearable, and the city should not be visited during these months.

The city's temperature can exceed 40°C (104°F) during the day and rarely drops below 30°C (86°F) at night. The humidity level is also uncomfortably high. The best time to visit Kolkata is from November to February, after the monsoon season, when the weather is at its coolest, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 12°C (77°F to 54°F).

In Kolkata, the climate is generally warm, with winter lasting for a short period, during which temperatures can drop below 10°C (50°F). On the other hand, the maximum temperature during the year almost reaches 40°C (104°F). The city's attractions always have visitors, but this influx intensifies during the summer and winter seasons. To travel to the city and visit its tourist spots, you can use various means of transport such as buses, trains, boats, cycle-rickshaws, trams, and taxis.

Introduction to Kolkata's Attractions in India

Kolkata is a city located in India, which holds the second position in terms of city size in India. This city is the capital of West Bengal and has a long history. It is renowned as the cultural hub of the country, being the birthplace of Nobel Prize winners, poets, writers, and actors. In this virtual tour, we will introduce the must-see attractions in Kolkata.

The Writers' Building: This building once served as the office for the East India Company scribes and was managed by the office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal. It is considered one of the city’s cultural and historical landmarks, and we highly recommend a visit.
The National Library of Kolkata: This library is the largest library in India and Kolkata, with a collection of 202 million books. It gathers, publishes, and preserves printed materials produced in India.
The Science City of Kolkata: As mentioned earlier, the city is known for its scientific, cultural, and literary significance. It is home to the largest scientific center in Kolkata and India, featuring a freshwater aquarium, Evolution Park, Earth Exploration Hall, Dream Theatre, and a marine center.
The Victoria Memorial Building: This marble structure, built in honor of Queen Victoria, is one of Kolkata's grand marble buildings. It now serves as a historical museum that blends Mughal and English architectural elements.
Indian Museum: This museum houses an invaluable collection of Mughal paintings, bones, fossils, jewelry, and armor. It is considered one of the oldest and largest museums in the world and India.
Tagore Family House: The home of the Tagore family and their ancestors, including Rabindranath Tagore, is named "Jorasanko Thakur Bari" and is now the Tagore Museum of Kolkata.
St. Paul's Cathedral: Part of the Anglican Church, this cathedral is a historical and religious site in Kolkata. Visiting this building will offer insights into its rich history and architecture.
Fort William: Located on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, Fort William is made of mortar and brick and is surrounded by a large square that serves as the city’s largest park. It offers stunning views.
Birla Mandir: Built by the Birla family using sandstone and marble, this temple boasts unique and striking architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Radha and is an architectural marvel.
The Marble Palace of Kolkata: This palace is one of the most luxurious residences in the city, famous for its marble floors and walls. Inside, you will find numerous Western sculptures, Victorian furniture, and paintings.
The Belur Math Temple: A unique religious and spiritual site, this temple combines Islamic, Hindu, and Christian architectural styles, symbolizing the unity of these three major religions. It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and located on the western bank of the Hooghly River.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River near Dakshineswar, this temple is one of Kolkata’s most famous and revered.
Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge): Originally known as Howrah Bridge, this bridge connects Kolkata and Howrah, symbolizing the city. The Hooghly River is home to two bridges, with Rabindra Setu being the most famous.
The Eden Gardens: Kolkata's beautiful gardens with picturesque views are among the city’s top attractions. They provide both aesthetic appeal and a serene atmosphere. Eden Gardens is also home to one of the world's most famous cricket clubs. The large park is another green space in Kolkata.
South Kolkata's Park Street Cemetery: This cemetery is one of the oldest and largest Christian cemeteries in India. It is located at Mother Teresa's residence and is the resting place of many prominent figures, including Elizabeth Barwell, William Jones, and Rose Aylmer.
Ajanta Caves: These ancient caves, which date back to the 2nd century BC, are filled with Buddhist manuscripts and are an extremely sacred site for Hindus. There are 30 caves in total, each shrouded in mystery. Entering these caves gives you the feeling of standing beside Buddha. The area is also covered by forests, adding to its mystique.
Jaisalmer of Kolkata: If you're visiting Kolkata, make sure to visit Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City," located in the Thar Desert. Though it may seem intimidating at first due to its yellow sandstone structures, the city is beautiful and full of attractions once you get up close.
St. Paul's Cathedral: St. Paul’s Cathedral is a major Anglican cathedral in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, renowned for its Gothic architecture. Dedicated to Saint Paul, it is the seat of the Bishop of Kolkata. The foundation stone was laid in 1839, and the building was completed in 1847. It is the largest cathedral in Kolkata and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia. It was also the first new cathedral outside the British Empire. Located on Cathedral Road in the "Island of Attractions," it was constructed to accommodate the growing European population in Kolkata in the 1800s.