The Top 24 Things To Do And See In Kolkata

The Victoria Memorial, built between 1906 and 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria following her death in 1901, is perhaps among the most known in Kolkata. Combining a variety of architectural styles—predominantly Indian and British, but also supplemented by Egyptian, Venetian and Mughal influences—this white marble structure is among the most evident remnants of the city’s colonial past. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

The Marble Palace was built by a Bengali merchant Raja Rajendra Mullick, whose family members still reside here. With a Neoclassical style, this incredible building is made up of 26 varieties of Italian marbles. This mansion is one of the most elegant and best conserved houses in Kolkata. Although the interior of the Marble Palace consists of Victorian furniture and western modifications, the outdoor decor stays true to its Bengali roots, with the traditional open courtyards and a place of worship that is strictly accessed by family members only. In addition to the palace, visitors can enjoy the garden with lawns, a rock garden, a lake and a small zoo as well.

“One is never too old to learn” should be the motto of the Science City of Kolkata, one of the finest and largest science centres in India, established by the National Council of Science Museum. Science City encourages learning in the most entertaining manner; with interactive exhibits, 3D theatre experiences and a hi-tech motion stimulator, Science City is one of the most frequently visited sites in Kolkata and a favourite place for people of all ages.

The Sundarban National Park is a treat for travelers who love adventure and wildlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove belt, translating to ‘beautiful forest’ in Bengali. Visitors get to witness the sensational wonders of local flora and fauna, including royal white Bengal tigers, salt-water crocodiles and colorful breed of birds and reptiles and many other endangered species that have made the Sunderban Forests their home. With a skilful and knowledgeable guide, Sundarban trekking gives travelers one of the most memorable times of their lives, closely connected them to the natural habitat of the untamed.

“Hearts to love and hands to serve,” said Mother Teresa, and to this day people from all around the world visit the Missionaries of Charity to give love with nothing in return but a peaceful mind and a happy heart. The Mother Teresa House is a must-visit for learning the ideologies and taking a closer look at how Mother Teresa lived. Adjacent to the large tomb of Mother Teresa is a museum that displays the sandals and the drape she wore, the bowl she ate in and also consists of a room display of the place where Mother Teresa worked and slept, left in the same state it was when she was alive.

As peculiar as it might sound, the South Park Street Cemetery, is a burial ground well known for being a pleasant spot for a relaxing stroll. Although at times a little eerie, with grand Gothic-style tombs adorned with pillars, and facades of burial tombs engraved with Hindu symbols, Park Street Cemetery offers beautiful scenery and a sense of history and intrigue, perfect for spending a unique afternoon.

Until 9am, all that the streets of Kolkata normally have to offer are morning birds migrating across the pastel sky, bright yellow cabs crawling along, and cats purring away. However, tucked away in a picturesque corner of Kolkata is the Terreti Market, a bustling, lively spot, even in the early hours. The market is a hidden treasure of Kolkata, and is best known for its extraordinary street food, in particular its Chinese dishes. One of the most memorable moments for any traveller in Kolkata is doubtless roaming from stall to stall, exploring all the different delicacies on offer.

Kumortuli is an incredible destination for the artistically and culturally inclined. Traditionally Kolkata’s pottery district, today the craft still thrives, with the area not only providing the majority of the clay idols depicting Hindu gods and goddesses to the surrounding areas, but also to numerous countries around the world. The workshops are fascinating, with idols made from scratch out of clay, before being painted beautiful, jewel-bright colours. Look out for shops where the products are on sale – they make excellent and unique souvenirs.

Looking upward towards the sky from your vehicle, Howrah Bridge looks like the outline of a brilliantly cut diamond. Howrah Bridge is constructed without any nuts and bolts, and is one of the busiest bridges globally, as well as the third longest cantilever bridge in the world. It connects Hawrah and Kolkata. On visiting Kolkata, driving across the Howrah Bridge over the Hooghly River is an enjoyable ride and a great way of enjoying this remarkable feat of engineering.

Rich with historic, cultural, social and political significance, the Maidan is Kolkata’s largest urban park. An important center of political activity during India’s independence struggle against the British, the well-maintained green lawns are dotted with various historic monuments, including the Shaheed Minar and Eden Gardens—the world’s second-largest cricket stadium. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

The tall, white tower of Shaheed Minar is hard to miss amidst the bright-green Brigade ground, otherwise known as Shaheed Minar Maidan. Shaheed Minar was initially built as a tribute for Major General Sir David Ochterlony, commander of the British East India Company in 1804, however, it was rededicated in the memory of the martyrs of the Indian freedom movement in 1969. Its new name, Shaheed Maidan, translates to ‘Martyrs Monument’. The monument is a mix of architectural styles, with its foundation being Egyptian, the column Syrian, and the dome Turkish. It has a balcony, which gives a panoramic view of the charming city of Kolkata.

The most charming sight to come across when traveling through Kolkata are the dainty trams. Many are charmingly rusty, while even the new ones still maintain that vintage essence that makes the tram the signature icon of Kolkata. A leisurely ride on a street car through the time-honored city is must-do before leaving Kolkata.

This bustling and colorful flower market at the foot of the Howrah Bridge is every bit worth a visit. One of the city’s most rewarding people-watching destinations, you will find unimaginably huge quantities of fresh and local flowers being traded throughout the day—from the opening time of 5 am until almost midnight. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

The ancestral home of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore—one of the most important figures in Bengali and Indian literature—this museum in the city’s historic north is a must-visit destination for literary and history enthusiasts. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Considered to be the world’s second-largest used book market, College Street is an immensely rewarding site for book lovers to visit. From rare books to unique editions, the treasures within this vast book market are many and a gentle reminder of the city’s past as an intellectual and literary hub. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

This historic outlet of the Indian Coffee House chain was once the gathering place of intellectuals and artists, including Satyajit Ray, Amartya Sen, Mrinal Sen, and Aparna Sen, and it’s still revered as the most potent remnant of its coffee house culture. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

This deeply historic building, currently home to the State Government of West Bengal, was built in 1777 to house junior servants of the British East India Company. The Writers’ Building has since stood witness to centuries of political and cultural change and development in the city. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Kolkata’s famous potters’ colony, the only one left of its once flourishing artisan colonies, is an almost surreal sight with narrow lanes flagged by seemingly endless shops where sculptors work on a variety of terracotta figures. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Home to numerous famous sari stores, the Gariahat Market is among the city’s prime destinations for fashion enthusiasts. You will also find traders in all sorts of other items, from shoes and clothing accessories to textiles and fresh produce, at this historic market. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Kolkata’s Armenian community may be dwindling in size compared to bygone centuries, but this historic church built in 1724 is a testament to the community’s irreplaceable legacy in the city’s journey. One of Kolkata’s oldest surviving churches, it was preceded by yet another Armenian church built in 1688, which was tragically destroyed in a fire. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Dating to 1820, the Nam Soon Church is the oldest surviving Chinese temple used by the city’s Chinese-Indian population today. With rich architecture, deep historic significance and unique cultural heritage, this is a must-visit destination for all visitors to Kolkata. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

This stunning gothic cathedral, constructed in 1847 to accommodate Calcutta’s growing European community at the time, is the largest in Kolkata. With stained-glass windows, turrets and all sorts of intricate architectural details, St. Paul’s is also one of the city’s most beautiful cathedrals. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Constructed in the mid-18th century by Mir Jafar Ali Khan, the Nawab of the province of Bengal, this stunning structure today houses the National Library of India, the largest library in the country by volume. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar

Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, this deeply historic temple was built in its current form in 1809—though a previous temple structure has been found in records from as early as the 15th century. Among the prime highlights is an idol of Kali made from black stone; it features multiple arms, three eyes, and a protruding tongue made of real gold. Recommended by Sridevi Nambiar