Kolkata (Calcutta) is a joyful city is a capital of the West Bengal state, based on the Eastern edge of India. This is also one of the most densely populated cities in India of all the religions having any things to do in Kolkata.
This vibrant city that runs along the banks of the river Ganga is also known for its extraordinary culture. a large part of his culture is passed on with it’s delicious “Rosh Gulla”, “mishti doi” and the love for fish.
Kolkata also stands for its literature and politics. There are many fun places which reflect the history and culture of this city. And hence for the soulful epitome of religion, love, secret, respect, enthusiasm and definitely some amazing sweet tenderness gives the nickname of “City Of Joy”.
If you planning a tour to Kolkata here we suggest you must experience some of these best things to do in Kolkata and discover the reasons behind unfaltering smiles of the people living here.
So, first of all, let’s uncover some attractive places to visit in Kolkata.
10 Popular Things to do in Kolkata
- Kalighat Kali Temple
- Kumortuli
- New Market
- South Park Street Cemetry
- Park Street
- Victoria Memorial Hall
- Indian Museum
- Howrah Bridge
- Bengali Food
- Eden Garden
- Science City
1. Kalighat Kali Temple
This temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali (the dark mother) situated on the bank of Ganga. This temple is one of the most visited and sacred tourist places in Kolkata.
This temple is also known for its animal (particularly goat) sacrifices, which although outlawed still performed regularly inside its enclosure to appease the blood-drinking goddess. On the opposite of the main temple, there are 12 Shiva temples, where devotees pour water from Ganga to the shiva ling.
This temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and Hindu devotees every day. Walking to the temple, you’ll pass through a street that’s packed on both sides with shops that sell religious items.
Suggested Read: 5 Famous Temples In India: Country’s Orthodox Religious Sites
2. Kumortuli
Kumortuli is a place situated in northern Kolkata. Kumor-tuli stands for “potter locality”(Kumor stands for potter and Tuli stands for locality), is over 300 years old.
This particular place is mostly famous for idol making. At this place, potters make Hindu god and goddess idols for the whole year. From August to October, potters are busy to make the idol of Hindu Goddess Durga. Many outsiders gather up here to witness idol making at the time of Durga Puja.
If someone wants to capture moments from Kumortuli in his camera specially buy a pass of worth 50 rupees with validation of 1 year, they don’t charge for mobile photography.
3. New Market
Explore the Sir Stuart Hogg Market, which is more commonly referred to just as New Market is one of the top things to do in Kolkata. In this market, you can buy everything from clothes to cold cuts to spices. And hence it is one of the popular tourist places in Kolkata.
The real beauty of this market is the chaotic action that surrounds the market on all sides.
New Market is the Kolkata’s oldest and most well-known market, it was built by the British in 1874.
Delicious restaurants, stalls of Kolkata street food, pushcart transporters and swarms of people are a few interesting things to observe.
4. South Park Street Cemetery
If you are brave by heart and likes silence, South Park Cemetry is your place. This is a pleasant and calm place to sit or explore tombs from 80 century or maybe even before that time.
Some said that the cemetery was set up in 1767 and include around 1,600 tombs, and now it is a protected heritage site. If the weeping trees and the moss-covered tombs of South Park Street Cemetry aren’t already scary enough, the occasional squawk of crow will make things a little Freaker!
Some people have witnessed mysterious activity in the cemetery, but I never did. So if you get in this place it might get an exciting experience.
5. Park Street
If you are looking for things to do in Kolkata, then shopping is one of them. Park Street is famous for its entertainment, restaurants, and prominent historical landmarks including old colonial mansions.
Some of the best things to buy from Park Street include sweets, jute craft items, terracotta structures, traditional sarees, tea, paper mache masks, Dokra, and more. But the main thing is to buy here is books. you will get all types of books and stationery items. It’s pro known as the book market of Kolkata.
Other than shopping, at this place, you can truly witness the grand Christmas celebrations. the famous Old Coffee House serves the Coffee and bun with the same authenticity since the time of British rule and till now.
6. Victoria Memorial Hall
Victoria Memorial is a nailing white building that was built in 1921 and currently standing as a museum, named after Queen Victoria of the U.K (United Kingdom).
When you enter this place, you’ll feel like you’ve been landed in Europe. The iconic building in Kolkata is dedicated to Queen Victoria of the U.K. who is also referred to as the Empress of India.
It is 54 meters high and a perfect tourist place to know the story behind its construction. Perhaps you will get to have fun in the beautiful garden of this venture with local vendors selling snacks.
7. Indian Museum
This is one of the most significant, and the first museum to be founded in India. this is a lovably old-fashioned place that fills a large colonnaded palace ranged around a central lawn.
The huge Indian Museum has collections and galleries spanning many different subjects.
Like archeology, art, geology, and even an exhibition on Egypt (and a mummy) can be found in the museum.
On weekends, the museum can be pretty packed – so either go early to avoid the crowds or just enjoy it with the crowds.
8. Howrah Bridge
This bridge is 705m-long, an archetype for the art of engineering, and abstraction of shiny steel cantilevers and rivets, which serves as a carriageway of nonstop human and motorized traffic across the Hoogly river.
This Bridge (officially called Rabindra Setu, after renowned Bengali Poet Rabindra Nath Tagore) crosses the Hoogly River to link Kolkata with its twin city of Howrah on the other side.
Howrah Bridge has a single span without any pylons connecting it to the river bed, and it is one of the longest bridges of its type in the world. Near the Howrah Bridge, on the bank of the river Ganga, you will get the launch(a type of boat ride) which will sail on the water and cross the bridge from under it.
Visiting this bridge is one of the best things to do in Kolkata at night.
9. Bengali Food
Kolkata is worldwide famous for its sweets. Right from Rosh Gulla to Mishti Doi, Kathi roll to other street food, this place has a lot to offer.
You must also try these dishes
- Puchkaa/ Golgappa/ Panipuri/ Gupchup/ Paani Batasha
- Raj Bhog
- Sondesh/ Sandesh (sweet)
- Maach Bhaat (non-veg)
- Singhara and Aaloo chop
- Jhal Muri
- Aaloo Posto-Dal-Bhaat
- Arsalan’s Biryani (non-veg)
- Streetside Kolkata style Chowmin and Egg-Rolls.
If you are a foodie, then you are going to love this city. So, when you visit Kolkata must taste all the various items.
10. Eden Garden
Eden garden is a cricket stadium in Kolkata, established in 1864 with a capacity of 68000.
It is currently one of the largest cricket stadium in India. Eden garden has witnessed many historical events.
Although a cricket stadium, it has occasionally organized football matches too. This is also one of the best places to visit in Kolkata being a sports lover.
11. Science City
Science City in Kolkata is the largest hub for the science center in India. Science City was established in 1997. There are more than a lakh people visiting this place each and every day.
There you can see many interesting and scientific phenomena on display right in front of you. They also have an artificial dino world just like Jurrasic park.
They do have an entry ticket of 60 rupees.
Conclusion
Kolkata is a very peaceful, cultural and historical city of India. Here you can enjoy historical places and street food.
So, if you are planning a journey then Kolkata is the best place to explore.
When you go for a tour of this beautiful state, Throughout the state, you will find many interesting things to do, and this place has some awesome natural wonders. Here in treknova all we do is just keep you updated with wanderlust stuff from all around the world.
So I hope this blog and information will help you to organize your trip and enjoy it without any stressful situation. Thank you for reading this and please share your experience with us.
Suggested Next Read: Places to Visit In North India: Hill Station Hub Of The Country