Places to visit in Kolkata
About Kolkata, City of Joy:
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of West Bengal state of India. The city is regarded as the cultural capital of the country. It is at the same time the financial capital of eastern India, a gateway to the far-flung areas of the region. The city, located on the east side of the river Hooghly, has a glorious past and an ever-blooming present. The metropolitan city of Kolkata is not just well-known for its roshogollas, mishit dohi, trams, Howrah Bridge and Victoria memorial, but also for its inexpensive nature. When compared to the other metro cities, Kolkata is said to be the most economical city. Maybe this is the reason it is called as the city of joy.
Once known as Calcutta, Kolkata (22°34′11′′N, 88°22′11′′E) is considered India’s cultural capital. It is a large metropolis that is renowned for being a cultural melting pot that embraces the new without putting the old at risk. This riverbank city of spirituality, music, literature, art, culture, heritage, and architectural treasures provides a variety of tourist attractions that all celebrate and honor its rich cultural legacy.
Cultural Heritage
Memorials
Known as the “lungs of Kolkata,” the Kolkata Maidan is a well-known tourist destination that is home to the Victoria Memorial, Shaheed Minar (“Tower of the Martyrs”), Eden Gardens, the 100,000-seat cricket amphitheater, and Fort William, the Indian Army’s Eastern Zone High Command. The Victoria Memorial, honoring Queen Victoria, the 19th-century ruler of Great Britain and Ireland as well as the Empress of British India, deserves particular attention among these. The British Royal family, the Mughal School, and the Company School are among the artworks housed within, along with historical artifacts such as the Nawab of Bengal’s throne, various lithographs, and important historical papers. Its wide grounds and architecture combine to make it a popular tourist destination.
Worship
Belur Math, located in the Howrah area on the western bank of the Hooghly and symbolizing the guru’s affection for the pupil, was established by Swami Vivekananda, who was a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Due to its excellent bus and train connections, the Math is easily accessible. The Ramakrishna Mission headquarters are located at the Math, along with a prayer hall, a monastery, and other temples. The Math’s architecture, which combines elements of mosque, church, and temple architecture, demonstrates Ramakrishna Paramhansa’s commitment to the idea of religious brotherhood.
Situated on the Maidan is the first Episcopal Church of the Orient, St. Paul’s Cathedral. The majestic building is an outstanding example of Indo-Gothic architecture. The cathedral’s main hall is enormous and has exquisitely carved oak pews. Magnificent artwork covers its eastern walls.
Devoted to the goddess Kali, the renowned Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the 51 Shakti “Peethas.” For adherents of Hinduism who worship Shiva and Durga/Kali/Shakti, it is a well-known pilgrimage place.
The Goddess Kali-focused Dakshineshwar shrine is another highly esteemed shrine. It is located north of Belur Math on the Ganges bank. This temple is linked to the devoted goddess worshipper Ramakrishna Paramhansa, as the location of the temple is thought to have served as his meditation site.