Kolkata- the indian city rich in heritage and discoveries

23.03. 2020.

Kolkata or Calcutta (named like this by British Emperors) will probably by many of you come in mind if I mention Mother Theresa but do you know that other significant citizens made Kolkata the soul of art, culture and discovery? Among them are Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Subash Chandra Bose as well as many names of Bollywood industry.

Did you know that Kolkata was once the capital of India during the British Empire? Now it’s the capital of the indian state West Bengal. Hooghly river which is one brench of Ganges represents this City of joys, not like I first thought Holy river. Though filled with hustle and bustle of city life, Kolkata is actually full of pleasant atmosphere of flower garlands and city vendors, nice statues and sweets that characterize Bengal.

See also: 10 amazing solo female destinations in India

See also: New Delhi & its 5 exquisite places

Victoria Memorial- the royal heritage in Kolkata

This elegant bulding made from white marble is dedicated to the queen Victoria and the british influence in the vast scale of years. 25 years has queen Victoria reigned India starting from 1876 and the Memorial is opened in 1921. Museum and the gardens amaze with sculptures and rare paintings of famous european artists, with the peace and the history involved. Not only british style is involved into existence of Victoria Memorial, but also Mughal with the influences of Venetian, Islamic, Egyptian style under the hand of William Emerson Light and Sound shows at Victoria Memorial represent one more attraction.

Entree fee is 500 rupies for foreigners, and for Indians 30 rupies.

Amazing sites close to the Victoria Memorial

Indian Museum as one of the largest in India covers a large collection of paintings, historical heritage including fossils and skeletons, library with more than 50 000 books, textile and decorative products. It’s situated in the close proximity.

Birla Planetarium stands just across Victoria Memorial with its fascinating shows of the Universe.

Park Street is the main boulevard destined for shopping.

Eden garden as the large cricket stadium is only few minutes away also, it’s one of the most popular tourist places in Kolkata.

Botanical Garden of Kolkata & its stunning Banyan Tree

Botanical garden of Kolkata or Acarya Jagadish Chandra Bosse Botanical Garden is the largest botanical gardens of India, the most known for the Great Banyan Tree. What an amazement! It represents many trees linked together through interwined brenches, rather than one single tree. Originally from India, this tree is said to be more 250 years old. Gives fruit with the taste of fig, even sweeter.

Botanical garden holds many rare plants and trees among which: a vast collection of orchids, palms, bamboos. Giant water lilies are here, all kind of cactuses and mango trees, double coconuts, bread fruit tree and many, many more. Even the viewpoint of the river.

The only downside is that’s quite away by public transport, but from the main train station Howrah it’s one hour by bus.

Agricultural society of India is the large research centre with thousands of fruits and flowers at its promenades. Annual flower show is happening at the beginning of January, another one in the beginning of February, the Rose show is going on also in the beginning of January.

Science City- the fascinating museum in Kolkata

Science City is one of the famous attractions in Kolkata, inaugurated in 1997. Not only in Kolkata, it’s one of the largest and most comprehensive science museums in India but of the world also. Hey, why I didn’t go? But, you always have to leave something for another time. You can explore here:

Centre of illusions, Fresh Aquarium, Butterfly Garden, Earth exploration hall, Space Odyssey (including the Time machine), Maritime centre, Evolution of Life. In the majestic Science Park you can discover Musical Fountain, Cable Cars, Road Train, Caterpillar Ride, Butterfly nursery and much more.
Entry fee is 60 INR.

Lake Gardens

Lake gardens are enveloped in greenery around a big lake and many varieties of plants and trees. You can even watch some cricket on the small field. It’s specially visited by local couples and children playing games.

Kalighat Kali temple is the majestic structure dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.

Eco Park & Seven Wonders of The World in Kolkata

Eco park with seven wonders of the world I saw on my way to the airport from the bus. Among many other attractions here you can wonder Egypt Pyramids, Christ the Redeemer, Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, Sphinx, City of Petra, Eiffel Tower, Colloseum. Incredible, isn’t it?

Other attractions in Kolkata

There are many more attractions in Kolkata like Marble palace, Howrah bridge at night, Nicco park, St. Paul Cathedral whatever is your taste. Also you can find many, many sellers of the flower garlands.

Many times have I made indian delicious sweets and I was so surprised that I haven’t seen it anywhere but in Bengal. What an amazement!

Where to stay

At Kolkata there are not many hostels or budget options. I stayed at Bubble Beds, a hostel with triple beds near Lake gardens but it was still a place to meet interesting people. I would recommend this place as it offers a lot in the very spacious area. On my return back I stayed in one ashram.

Final thoughts

I didn’t come to explore Kolkata but I wanted to see it. I saw it in the bigger volume only when leaving. Kolkata will not leave you disappointed and it’s also easy to navigate around. More than that, you’ll have some reason to return because Kolkata is rooted into indian lifestyle and history, into what India offers to you.