Places to Visit in Kolkata; Let the City of Joy Mesmerize You

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In addition to the yummy roshogullas and bountiful bookstores, Kolkata is more fun than you could have ever expected.  Every street, every alley, of this beautiful city has a story to tell. With vibrant streets and chirpy people who are always ready to help you, Kolkata is one of the best cities you can ever go to escape from the reality. There are many places to visit in Kolkata, each of which will take you to a different dimension. Besides the visual treat, Kolkata is a heaven for all the foodies. Right from the main course to desserts, the Bengali food menu will surprise you with its crazy inventions. Like this food was not sufficient, the street food of Kolkata will transcend you to a world of your own. Your trip to Kolkata, in short, is a trip to the paradise of India!

Here is a list of best places to visit in Kolkata

1. Let the Stunning Victoria Memorial Overwhelm you

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Home to more than 28,000 artifacts and 3,000 beautiful paintings, the Victoria Memorial is a large space spread over 57 acres of land with more than 20 lush green meadows. Without any second thoughts, Victoria Memorial is one of the best places to visit to visit in Kolkata. This white marble architectural beauty was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. It plays host to more than 20 lakh visitors every year!

• Distance from Airport: The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the closest to Victoria Memorial You can reach the place in 1-1.5 hours approximately from the airport.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Victoria Memorial is generally during the daytime, as you would be able to appreciate the beauty of the white marble.
• Must Try: Try to get a good look at all the arts on display.
• How much Time to Spend:    You can roughly spend 1-2 hours to get a look at all the paintings and artefacts.
• Operating Hours: This museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day.
• Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 50-100 approximately for two people.
• Trip Advisor Rating:5/5

This beautiful white monument situated in the heart of Kolkata is an epitome of beauty. Make sure you visit it to get a glimpse of its amazing architecture.

2. Get awed by the Royal Fort William

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Often known as the place which was a temporary jail for the prisoners in the past, this place is referred to as the ‘black hole of Calcutta’. However, now it is the headquarters of the Eastern Command and is one of the famous tourist spots in Kolkata. Situated on the glistening Hooghly River’s eastern banks, this is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kolkata.

• Distance from Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the closest to this place. It will take you around 1 hour approximately to reach Fort Williams from the airport.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this place is generally during the mornings, as you can get a better view of the entire place.
• Must Try: Make sure you gather all the information about this place’s history. It is very intriguing and will keep you occupied for a long time.
• How much Time to Spend:  You can spend a maximum of one hour in this place.
• Operating Hours: This is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm every day.
• Approximate cost: The entry into this fort is for free of cost.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

This beautiful fort in Kolkata is worth all the acclaim. Make sure you get a glimpse of this beauty!

3. Take a walk down Memory Lane on the Howrah Bridge

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 Your trip to Kolkata can never be complete without spending time at the Howrah Bridge. The oldest and the busiest bridge of Kolkata, Howrah Bridge, is also known as the Harbour Bridge of India. This beautiful bridge stands on the glistening waters of river Hooghly and acts as a connection between Howrah and Kolkata.

• Distance from Airport: The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the closest to Howrah Bridge. It will take you around 40-50 minutes to reach this place from the airport.
• Best Time to Visit: This best time to visit Howrah Bridge is during the sunsets. The sunset from this point in Kolkata is the most beautiful view you can witness in the entire city of Kolkata.
• Must Try: Try the street food of Kolkata on your way to Howrah Bridge.
• How much Time to Spend:  You can spend as much time as you want.
• Operating Hours: This bridge is open 24/7 unless there are bad weather conditions.
• Approximate cost: There is no entry fee for this place.
• Trip Advisor Rating:5/5

This trip to the most famous bridge in India is worth all the hype!

4. Explore the beautiful Sundarbans – among the top places to visit in Kolkata

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 Home to the largest Tiger Reserve in India, Sundarbands are listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also a part of the largest delta every formed by the unison of Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Meghna. This famous tourist spot in Kolkata is an epitome of beauty. Enter the Sunderbans and lose yourselves in the mystical beauty of these lands.

• Distance from Airport: The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the closest to Sunderbans. The Sunderbans will take a three-hour drive from the airport.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Sundarbans is during rainy seasons, as the entire area and the greenery is lit up.
• Must Try: Try and spot some tigers in the Tiger Reserve.
• How much Time to Spend:  You can spend as much time as you want. However, the ideal time would be 3-4 hours minus the time required to travel. So you need to allow an entire day for this trip.
• Operating Hours: The Sundarbans are open from 8 am to 6 pm every day.
• Approximate cost: The entry fee for the Sunderbans is INR 30-40 for two adults approximately.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

The Sunderbans are extremely beautiful and the most suggestable place to visit on your trip to Kolkata. Our Kolkata tour packages are the best way to explore the city.

Must Read: Explore The Paradise Of Street Food In Kolkata

5. Admire the Intricate Architecture of the St. Paul’s Cathedral

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If you want to go for a small religious ride over the streets of Kolkata, then this is the perfect place for you. A close ensemble to the Norwich Cathedral, St. Paul’s Cathedral is sheer perfection with that little Indian touch. It is mainly praised for its Gothic style of architecture and the beautiful walls that reflect sunshine right back at you.

• Distance from Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the closest airport to the church. It will take you around 30-40 minutes to reach the place from the airport.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this church is during the morning hours. Especially on Sundays.
• Must Try: Make sure you spend ample time in noticing the beauty of its architecture.
• How much Time to Spend:  You can roughly spend around 1-2 hours to admire this beauty.
• Operating Hours: This church is open from 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm every day.
• Approximate cost: There is no entry fee for this church
• Trip Advisor Rating:5/5

If you are an ardent fan of architecture, then this is the perfect place for you!

6. Spend some time staring at the stars in the Birla Planetarium

Constructed in a circular shape, depicting the Buddisht and Sanchi Stupa architecture styles, this Planetarium is one of the most famous places to visit in Kolkata. This is mainly known for its sky show which is screened every day. This exhibit displays several aspects of the mystical astronomy, engaging myths, and various other things about the night sky which you might not even know. This is a beautiful experience that you should not miss.

• Distance from Airport: The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the closest to this. It will roughly take you 40-50 minutes to reach the place from the airport.
• Best Time to Visit: There is no best time to visit this place, you can go anywhere and get the most of it.
• Must Try: Don’t miss out on the sky show.
• How much Time to Spend:  You can spend 1-2 hours in the planetarium, and then head over to grab few snacks.
• Operating Hours: It is open from 11 am to 7 pm.
• Approximate cost: The entry fee for the Birla Planetarium is INR 80-100 for two people approximately.
• Trip Advisor Rating:5/5

If you love getting a look at the stars and the night sky, and if you want to know in detail about it, make sure you visit this place.

7. Visit the holiest place of the city, the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple

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 Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple in the Dakshineshwar town of Kolkata is a very popular pilgrimage site in eastern India and amongst best places to visit in Kolkata. Apart from being a holy site, this place is also an architectural marvel on the grounds of detailing and true Indian architecture. It is one of the most significant temples in Kolkata and is a masterpiece in itself. You should add this place to your list of places to visit in Kolkata if you are a religious person. Even if you are not one, make it a point to pay a visit to this temple to get a look at the beautiful Indian architecture.

• Distance from Airport: The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is the closest airport to this place. It will take you roughly 30-40 minutes to reach this place from the airport.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this place is during the mornings when the sunlight falls on the beautiful walls of this majestic temple.
• Must Try: Give attention to the beautiful detailing of this place.
• How much Time to Spend:  You can spend as much time as you wish to. However, it will take you around 1-2 hours only for travelling, so make sure you allow an entire day for this trip.
• Operating Hours: It is open from 6 am to 12:30 pm and 3 pm to 8:30 pm every day.
• Approximate cost: There is no charge for entry in this temple.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5
• Conclusion: This is one of the holiest places in Kolkata, and you must visit it if you are a religious person. Home to Goddess Kali, this temple is believed to be very powerful with a lot of positive vibrations that will make your day cheerful and happy. So make sure you don’t miss out on this beautiful place!

Places to visit near Kolkata for a Quick Weekend Getaway!

Are you done with all the Kolkata tourist spots? Then don’t worry, because there are a lot of tourist places near Kolkata that are sure to grab your attention. This joyful city not only has a lot of things to do within the town, but a lot of places around it to keep you entertained. Ranging from beautiful resorts to hangout spots, all these places are less than 50 km away from the city of joy, making a perfect weekend getaway. Here is a list of places to visit near Kolkata:

1. Vedic Village Resort in Rajarhat:

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This five-star rated luxury village is well-known for its ambiance and the facilities. One of the most romantic places in Kolkata, the Vedic Village Resort offers a wide variety of activities to perform; like indoor sports, air hockey, pool games, and a lot of others.

• Distance from the city: This Village resort is approximately 25-26 km away from the city, and it will take you 1-1.5 hours approximately to reach there.
• Best Time to Visit: Monsoons would be the ideal time to visit this place.
• Tripadvisor rating: 4/5

2. The Diamond Harbour: Amongst Best Places to Visit in Kolkata

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Situated at the point where the river Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal, the Diamond Harbour is one of the places to visit near Kolkata, that attracts tourists. Enlisted as one of the famous tourist places near Kolkata, it offers a boat ride that will showcase a different side of the city.

• Distance from the city: It is approximately 57-58 km away from the city, and it will take you 2-3 hours approximately to reach there.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning rides are the best at the Diamond Harbour.
• Tripadvisor rating:5 /5

3. The beautiful Sunderbans:

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One of the best places to visit near Kolkata, the Sunderbans bears the world’s largest single block of mangrove forests. Apart from the forests, it also bears a river delta, one wonderful tiger reserve and some lovely resorts that make it one of the famous tourist places near Kolkata.

• Distance from the city: It is approximately 97-98 km away from the city, and it will take you 4-4.5 hours approximately to reach there.
• Best Time to Visit: Monsoon is the perfect season to pay a visit to this place, to capture nature at its best.
• Tripadvisor rating:5 /5

4. Tranquil lands of Frasergunj: One of the best places to visit in Kolkata

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Located very close to the Mohana, Frasergunj is one of the most charming places to visit near Kolkata. It offers an amazing experience of true peace on its lands, making it one of the most sought-after tourist places near Kolkata.

• Distance from the city: It is approximately 124-125 km away from the city, and it will take you 3-4 hours approximately to reach there.
• Best Time to Visit: Evenings at the beach in Frasergunj is the perfect time to enjoy the pure tranquillity.
• Tripadvisor rating: 4 /5

FAQs about Places to Visit in Kolkata:

1. What are the places in Kolkata that should be visited by Architecture enthusiasts?

 There are many places in Kolkata which are known especially for their beautiful architecture. However, here is a list of places you shouldn’t miss in terms of their beautiful architecture:

• Indian Museum
• Prinsep Ghat
• Belur Math
• Science City Kolkata
• Birla Planetarium

2. What are the best historical places to visit in Kolkata?

 Victoria Memorial, Marble Palace, Tagore’s House, Howrah Bridge, and Fort William are some of the best historic places that you should visit in Kolkata.

3. What is the best way to roam around in the city?

 Kolkata cabs can get a bit expensive, so always opt for public transport. Their buses, metros, and tuk-tuks are unarguably the most comfortable ways to travel around the city at lower prices. You can also opt for taxis depending upon your need.

4. What is the best time to visit Kolkata?

Kolkata is at its best during the period from October to March. The weather is perfect and extremely pleasant which makes it ideal for sightseeing. There will also be many festivals that will be going on in the city during this period, which makes it the best time to visit the city.

5. What is the best street food you can have in Kolkata?

Street food is like the soul of Kolkata. When you visit this place, make sure you try the puchkas, churmur, ghugni chat, jhalmuri, keemar doi bora, kathi rolls, channar jilipi, aloo kabli, and telebhaja.

Now that you know the best places to visit in Kolkata, check our Kolkata tour packages for a memorable experience in the city.