A city filled with inspirations, Kolkata is the capital of the Indian State of West Bengal. The city is known for its rich culture and heritage and is one of the most prominent tourist destinations of India. Aptly named as the “City of Joy”, Kolkata is one of the liveliest cities of India. The city is crowded with people and remains active all throughout, which makes the travelers to the place feel enigmatic. The city celebrates the festival of Durga Puja with grandeur and zest, which attracts the tourists from various parts of the World. The city was once the headquarters of the British Government and thus occupies a prominent place in the history of India. In addition, this city gave birth to several poets, artists, authors and many prominent personalities who brought a lot of name and fame to the nation. The city houses several travel places of tourist interest. Some of famous travel destinations for India Travellers are listed below.
Victoria Memorial
One of the most popular attractions on the city and a major landmark is Victoria Memorial. Built in 1921, this monument was designed by Sir William Emerson, a famous architect from the then British Empire. Sprawling over an area of 64 acres of land, the Victoria Memorial is surrounded by a well maintained landscaped garden. It is one of the biggest museums that houses antique artifacts from different parts of the World. The museum puts on display a huge collection of European oil and watercolour paintings of celebrated painters like Johann Zoffany, Charles D'oyly, William Simpson, Thomas Hickey, Emily Eden and several others besides paintings by renowned Indian artists, lithographs, rare books, manuscripts, , stamps of different places, sculptures, and arms and armors used during the pre-independence era in India.
Kalighat
Built in the year 1890 by a Brahmin landlord named Sabarna Roy Choudhury, the Kalighat Temple is devoted to Goddess Kali. The old temple was in a small hut, which was built by King Manasingha. This is one of the most revered places for the Hindus and several pilgrims from all over the nation visits this temple to seek blessings of the Goddess. It is also a Shakti Pith and according to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the finger of Sati fell in this place.
Eden Gardens
One of India’s oldest cricket stadiums, the Eden Gardens of Kolkata, which has been a spectator some of the brilliant matches and performances by the cricketers of the World is one of the most popular tourist attraction of the city. This stadium is regarded as one of the premium stadiums in the world and is also known as the “Lords of Asia”. Eden Gardens is the second largest stadium in the world that has a seating capacity of 120,000 spectators. The 1st, first – class match that was played at this stadium was in 1917 to 1918.
Howrah Bridge
The fourth busiest plank bridge of the World, situated on the River Hooghly and connects the western bank of Kolkata to the eastern bank of Howrah, Howrah Bridge is one of the famous tourist attractions of the city. This bridge is considered as the lifeline of the city and offers an enthralling view of the river. The bridge which handles a regular traffic of roughly 60,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians, also known as Rabindra Setu after Rabindranath Tagore.
Belur Math
Built in the honor of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Belur Math is the International head quarters of Ramakrishna Mission. The Math was conceptualized and designed by Swami Vivekananda, which features the Ramkrishna Sarada Mandir. This is the place where Swami Vivekananda resided and took his last breath on 4th July, 1902. A monument has been built to venerate the great Saint withing the Math premises on the bank of River Hooghly. The rooms where he resided have now been transformed into a museum that puts on display the clothes and articles used by Swamiji. Regular prayers and spiritual teachings through religious songs and recitation are conducted in the shrines of the Math, which is open for all.
Victoria Memorial
One of the most popular attractions on the city and a major landmark is Victoria Memorial. Built in 1921, this monument was designed by Sir William Emerson, a famous architect from the then British Empire. Sprawling over an area of 64 acres of land, the Victoria Memorial is surrounded by a well maintained landscaped garden. It is one of the biggest museums that houses antique artifacts from different parts of the World. The museum puts on display a huge collection of European oil and watercolour paintings of celebrated painters like Johann Zoffany, Charles D'oyly, William Simpson, Thomas Hickey, Emily Eden and several others besides paintings by renowned Indian artists, lithographs, rare books, manuscripts, , stamps of different places, sculptures, and arms and armors used during the pre-independence era in India.
Kalighat
Built in the year 1890 by a Brahmin landlord named Sabarna Roy Choudhury, the Kalighat Temple is devoted to Goddess Kali. The old temple was in a small hut, which was built by King Manasingha. This is one of the most revered places for the Hindus and several pilgrims from all over the nation visits this temple to seek blessings of the Goddess. It is also a Shakti Pith and according to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the finger of Sati fell in this place.
Eden Gardens
One of India’s oldest cricket stadiums, the Eden Gardens of Kolkata, which has been a spectator some of the brilliant matches and performances by the cricketers of the World is one of the most popular tourist attraction of the city. This stadium is regarded as one of the premium stadiums in the world and is also known as the “Lords of Asia”. Eden Gardens is the second largest stadium in the world that has a seating capacity of 120,000 spectators. The 1st, first – class match that was played at this stadium was in 1917 to 1918.
Howrah Bridge
The fourth busiest plank bridge of the World, situated on the River Hooghly and connects the western bank of Kolkata to the eastern bank of Howrah, Howrah Bridge is one of the famous tourist attractions of the city. This bridge is considered as the lifeline of the city and offers an enthralling view of the river. The bridge which handles a regular traffic of roughly 60,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians, also known as Rabindra Setu after Rabindranath Tagore.
Belur Math
Built in the honor of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Belur Math is the International head quarters of Ramakrishna Mission. The Math was conceptualized and designed by Swami Vivekananda, which features the Ramkrishna Sarada Mandir. This is the place where Swami Vivekananda resided and took his last breath on 4th July, 1902. A monument has been built to venerate the great Saint withing the Math premises on the bank of River Hooghly. The rooms where he resided have now been transformed into a museum that puts on display the clothes and articles used by Swamiji. Regular prayers and spiritual teachings through religious songs and recitation are conducted in the shrines of the Math, which is open for all.
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