Victoria Memorial
Discover the splendour of colonial architecture at the Victoria Memorial, a striking white marble palace in the heart of Kolkata. To dodge the crowds, consider visiting right after it opens at 10 am. The surrounding gardens are a popular spot for locals to relax with friends and family, especially on crisp winter days or summer evenings. Inside, the main complex houses an array of artefacts from the colonial era and exhibits about the life of Queen Victoria.
Dakhineshwar Kali Temple and Belur Math
Seek the blessings of Kali at Dakhineshwar, a temple built on the banks of the Ganga river. The temple complex is spread out and reverberates the powerful energy of the Goddess. Sit on the riverbank after your worship bask in the cool river breeze and ground yourself for this is one of the places in the bustling city where you can find moments of peace. Later catch a ferry and head on to Belur Math on the other side of the river. It was constructed in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda and dedicated to his teacher Ramakrishna.
Howrah Bridge
Kolkata tourism is driven by pictures of the Howrah Bridge. Hence, it would be disheartening to leave your trip incomplete by missing out on the famous bridge. The bridge connects the busy city to Howrah railway station and is of thus great importance to the city. The bridge is often crowded with vehicles but do not fret. Take a leisurely stroll in the early hours of the day and enjoy the views of the Hooghly River.
Alternatively, a ferry ride also poses as an excellent option for you can cruise along the river while enjoying the rustic and busy views of the Howrah Bridge and Kolkata.
Indian Museum
Visit the Indian Museum, the largest in India, founded in 1814. It houses a vast collection of antiquities from different centuries. The collection includes historically significant items such as fossils, paintings, armour, and sculptures. The museum is divided into six sections for easy navigation and encourages visitors to engage with sections that interest them the most.
Park Street
Explore Kolkata's iconic Park Street which is also known as 'the street that never sleeps'. This is the best place in Kolkata to experience the city's nightlife as it is a haven for foodies, shopaholics, and party-goes. One can start their morning with breakfast at the infamous Flurys and their night at one of the gorgeous rooftop bars on this street.
College Street
Explore the world's largest second-hand book market at College Street also known as Boi Para by the locals. Be prepared to find rare editions, academic textbooks, classics, and literary gems in the shops on this street. It is a significant place for literature enthusiasts since Bengali authors and artists like Rabindranath Tagore and Satyajit Ray frequented this area. If this is not inspiring enough to visit this place, the famous Coffee House established in 1917 still stands tall in the area today. It is the meet-up spot for college students, artists, and political activists.