Kolkata, earlier known as Calcutta, was the capital of
British India. Now it is the capital of West Bangal state and culture capital
of India. Kolkata is also noted for its revolutionary history, ranging from the
Indian struggle for independence to the leftist Naxalite and trade-union
movements. Kolkata’s contribution towards art and literature is unequalled. It
has been a home to many prominent people like, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar
Chandra Vidyasagar, Rabindranath Tagore, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami
Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Subhas Chandra Bose, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Satyajit
Ray, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar, etc…
Mine was a very short trip to Kolkata for three days, including
one full day work and onward-return journey in rest two days. So I tried to visit
as many places as could in this short plan of time.
Victoria Memorial
Hall
The Victoria Memorial Hall is a magnificent marble monument.
Representing the majestic British architecture, Victoria Memorial Hall stands
today, as a veritable icon of the city of Kolkata. It was envisaged by Lord
Curzon, the Viceroy of British India, as a memorial to the deceased Queen
Victoria.
Free guided tours are offered through the museum galleries. So
it is recommended to check the timing of tour, garden and gallery in advance
and plan the visit accordingly.
Park Street
Park Street is one of the happening places in Kolkata that
is located in the center of the city. It is said that the Park Street never
sleeps and is always bustling with activities. It is one of the major hangout
places in Kolkata. It arrays with many multi-cuisine restaurants, pubs, discs,
luxury hotels, shops, schools and colleges and offices. I think what Connaught
Place is to Delhi, Park Street is to Kolkata.
Howrah Bridge
Located over the Hooghly (Ganga) river, Howrah Bridge (or
the Rabindra Setu) is the main connection between Howrah and Kolkata. It is a
cantilever bridge and is regarded as one of the busiest ones among them. The
Howrah Bridge is one of the most popular bridges of India and has been shown in
many movies. It is also known as the gateway of Kolkata. Because of its
magnificence and majestic charm it has been the face of Kolkata for over a
century.
Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens is also known as "Lords of Asia". It
is India’s largest cricket stadium and the third largest stadium in the world,
just after Melbourne and ANZ Stadium in Australia. In the cricket loving
country India, nobody needs any introduction of Eden Gardens.
Shaheed Minar
The Shaheed Minar, formerly known as the Ochterlony Monument,
is a monument that was erected in 1828 in memory of Major-general Sir David
Ochterlony, commander of the British East India Company, to commemorate both
his successful defense of Delhi against the Marathas in 1804 and the victory of
the East India Company’s armed forces over the Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese
War. The monument was constructed in his memory. The Saheed Minar has political
and historical significance in Indian history as many political meetings were held
on this ground near to this monument.
However the place is not maintained well. Today the place is
in total mess. Encroached by hawkers and myriad homeless people. Visit to
Shaheed Minar can be skipped or it can be viewed from a distance from the road itself.
Prinsep Ghat
Prinsep Ghat, located on the banks of the river Hooghly, is
a majestic structure famous for its Gothic inlays. With the magnificent Howrah
Bridge in the background, watching the sunrise or sunset and taking a long walk
on the banks of the river are some of the preferred recreation. The Palladian
porch, which is the major attraction in Princep Ghat, was built in memory of
the eminent orientalist James Prinsep.
Kalighat Temple
Kalighat Temple, one of the 51
Shakti Peethas of India,
is one of the most visited Kali temples in India. The spot is where the toes of
Sati's right foot fell during Shiva's Rudra Taandav Nritya. Kalighat was a Ghat
(landing stage) sacred to Kali on the old course of the the Hooghly river in
the city of Calcutta. The name Calcutta is said to have been derived from the
word Kalighat. The river over a period of time has moved away from the temple.
The temple is now on the banks of a small canal called Adi Ganga which connects
to the Hoogly.
Belur Math
Belur Muth is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and
Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa. The entire campus of the headquarters is popularly known as ‘Belur
Math’. Sprawling over forty acres of
land on the western bank of the river Hooghly (Ganga), the place is an hour’s
drive from Kolkata city center. It is one of the noteworthy establishments in
Kolkata. Belur Math is exhibiting Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs as a
symbol of unity of all religions.
While going to Dakshineswar Kali Temple from Belur Math, or
vice versa, taking ferry ride is highly recommended. It is a cheap, hassle free
and fast option and cool breeze of the Ganga is added advantage.
Dakshineswar Kali
Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu temple located in
Dakshineswar near Kolkata. Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River,
the presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali, meaning,
'She who liberates her devotees from the ocean of existence i.e. Saṃsāra'. The
temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a devotee of
Kali. The temple is famous for its association with Ramakrishna.
It is one of the best temples I have visited so far. I only
wish the temple compound was cleaner and people don’t litter such a beautiful
place.
Some other places I could have visited, if I had another day
or two
- Indian Museum
- Fort William
- Science city
- Rabindra Sarovar
- Nicco Park
- Sundarbans
Tips:
- Try to explore all means transportation in
Kolkata; like Metro, Bus, Ferry, taxi, etc… It will not only save some money but
will also save precious time
- Use your bargaining skills for shopping and taxi
fares
- If you have time then try visit some places at
night as well. Some of the monuments look even better at night due to elegant
lighting
- Checkout timings of Belur Math and Dakshineswar Temple
before planning the visit
