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Tourist Places in Kolkata (Calcutta) |
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| Tuesday, 18 March 2008 | |
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History
of Kolkata
Kolkata is
reminiscent of its past glory during the British rule and stands out as one of
the most quintessential cities that has a perfect blend of the modernity and
old heritage going hand in hand. The tourist attractions in Kolkata remind us
the yesteryears when the British used to rule the nation and Victoria Memorial
is the apt instance of it. This is one of the most magnificent tourist
attractions in Kolkata that is still having its old charm and grandeur. Howrah
Bridge is another instance that is a perfect instance of extreme engineering
that awe-inspires the visitors from the different parts of the world to pay a
visit to this lovely city.
There is a
Kali temple at Kalighat which is also one of the tourist attractions in Kolkata
and is visited by a large number of Kali devotees from the different parts of
the country. If a legend is to be believed then Kolkata has derived its name
from this temple. One will also come across St.Paul's Cathedral, the first
Episcopal Cathedral Church to be erected in the eastern world Chowringhee Road.
Belurmath about 10 km. from Kolkata is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math,
which houses more than 100 centers in India and abroad.
Birla
Planetarium is one of the largest in Asia built after the Buddhist stupa at
Sanchi. One can also see a large variety of the animals at the Alipore
Zoological Garden which is located opposite of the National Library at
Belvedere Road as one of the important tourist attractions in Kolkata. There is
also a cricket stadium which is famous all over the world "Eden Gardens
Stadium". The writers of the East India Company who used to reside in the
Writers Building which is also one of the major tourist attractions in Kolkata.
The journey to Kolkata is not mere a journey but a spiritual, cultural and a
journey of entertainment fore the tourists who visit here.
Tuorist Places in Kolkata
Victoria Memorial
One of the major Calcutta Tourist Attractions is Victoria Memorial.Located at
1, Queensway, Calcutta-700 016, the Memorial was founded in 1906 A.D. and
opened in 1921 A.D. The Cupolas were completed in 1935 A.D. It is a
two-storeyed edifice and enclosed within the marble walls of this elegant domed
and minaretted monument is India's finest tribute to the memory of the
British Raj. It is a repository of
the British relics. The museum has amongits exhibits a statue of Queen
Victoria, pictures and documents.There is a harmonic blending of the
Renaissance and Saracenic Schools of architecture. The dome is surmounted with
a tall revolving figure of victory.
Birla Planetarium
It is a fine planetarium, one of the largest in Asia, built after the Buddhist
stupa at Sanchi. Inaugurated on 29th September, 1962, it is located at the
crossing of Chowringhee and Theatre road and an important tourist attraction.
The diameter in the center is 82 ft. An hourly show is held daily from 12:30.
Dakshineswar
Dakshineswar one of Calcutta's
Tourist Attraction is 12 km. from Calcutta and 3 km. from Belur Math across the
river Ganga. On the bank of the river is a beautiful navaratna temple (with
nine towers), dedicated to Bhabatarini (Goddess Kali). It was built by Rani
Rashmoni and this temple is associated with the great religious prophet, Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahansa. There are 12 Siva temples and a temple of Radhakrishna
at Dakshineswar.
Belurmath
About 10 km. from Calcutta, Belurmath is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math.
It has more than 100 centres in India and abroad. The main temple dedicated to
Sri Ramakrishna is magnificent for its architectural splendor. Vivekananda
temple has been built in memory of Swami Vivekananda.
Botanical
Gardens
Spread over an area of 273 acres on the west bank of Ganga, Indian Botanical garden or familiarly known as Botanical Gardens, is the largest of
its kind in
Tagore House
At 6/4 Dwarkanath Tagore lane, Calcutta - 7, originally built around 1784 A.D.
by Nilmoni Tagore, Tagore House was later added to a group of houses. The
building constructed by Tagore's predecessors, was renovated by Dwarkanath,
grandfather of Rabindranath, around 1830 A.D. The house has a central courtyard
around an arched 'pujamandap' for staging dramas. The great poet Rabindranath
was born here on 9th May, 1861 A.D. The Rabindra Bharati University and Museum
are housed in these buildings. Tagore House is one of the important Calcutta
Tourist Attractions.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Another of Calcutta's Tourist Attraction is the first Episcopal Cathedral
church to be erected in the eastern world, located at 95, Chowringhee Road,
Calcutta - 20. The design and plan were made by Major General W.N. Forbes of
the Bengal Engineers. The style of architecture is Indo-Gothic. The
ornamentation, both interior and exterior of the cathedral, is in the finest 'tradition
of Yorkminster'. The first foundation stone was laid in 1839 and was finally
completed in 1847. The sanctuary has a beautiful altarpiece which is adorned
with panels of coloured pictograph depicting the life history of St, Paul.
Kalighat
Legend has it that Calcutta gains its name from 'Kalighat', where there is a
celebrated temple dedicated to Kali, with sweeping curved roof derived from
traditional wood and bamboo construction typical of Bengal. Millions worship at
her shrine.
Alipore
Zoological Garden
Located opposite to the National Library at Belvedere Road, it is popularly called
Chidiakhana. The Zoological Garden was opened in 1875 by the Prince of Wales
and is spread over an area of 41 acres. It isa popular spot especially during
the winter months.
Indian Museum
Indian Museum is another important Calcutta Tourist Attraction. Founded in 1814
by Danish botanist Nathaniel Wallich, the Indian Museum is the largest museum
of India. Exhibiting a huge collection of geological, anthropological and
zoological discoveries of India and abroad, as well as the arts and
architecture from prehistoric times to that of modern times, it is aptlycalled
"Jadughar", the house of marvels.
Shahid Minar
This 48m tower at Maidan, built in 1828, was formerly called Sir Ochterlony's
Monument. Named after Sir David Ochterlony who led the British forces to
victory in the Nepalese wars, it was renamed as the Shahid Minar in memory of
India's martyred freedom fighters. The monument combines three distinctive styles
the base of the monument is Egyptian,
the column Syrian and the crown isa Turkish cupola. Calcutta's main bus
terminus is at the base of Shahid Minar.
Raj
Bhavan or the Governor's house
Raj Bhavan was the former official residence of the Viceroys of British India
when Calcutta was the capital of the country. Built in 1803 by Governor General
Marquis of Wellesley, there are six gates in all-upon four sides. It is
probably the largest residence in Calcutta with 137 rooms and is considered a
major Calcutta Tourist Attraction.
Royal Calcutta Turf Club
Situated at 11 Russell Street, Cal-71, it is one of the largest race courses in
the nation. The club celebrated 150 years in 1997.
Writers' Building
Writers' Building at BBD Bag North, Calcutta-1 is a massive
red building in the northern side of the Dalhousie square. Originally
constructed in 1770 and modified after a century, it housed the writers (junior
servants) of the East India Company. Presently it is the West Bengal Government
secretariat.
The
Marble Palace
The Marble Palace locatedat 45, Muktaram
BabuStreet, Calcutta-7 is one of the several residences of Calcutta's aristocrat
families. Floors of this palace are covered with variants of marble specially
imported from Italy.Built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Nath Mullick,it has a
collection ofOriental and Western artifacts.
Parasnath
Jain Temple
The Parasnath Jain Temple is at 29 Badridas Temple Street, Calcutta-4. There
are four temples. Built in 1867 it is dedicated to Lord Sital Nath, the 10th of
the 24 Jain Tirthankaras (Prophets). There is a multi-pinaccled tower above the
main shrine, a triple storied gate-house, ornamental stone works on pillars,
and railings with filigree works besidesartistic statues inthe garden.
Science
City
Science City at JBS Haldane Avenue
and E.M. By Pass Crossing, Calcutta-46 can be approached from the crossing of
the Park Circus Connector and the EMBP. Science city is a popular Calcutta
Tourist Attraction. This complex houses a convention center, a space theater
and several other science exhibits. It is one of the most modern architectural
buildings in Calcutta.
New Market
New Market at 19,Lindsey Street,
Calcutta - 13 formally known as The Sir Stuart Hogg Market was named after
Calcutta's first Municipal Commissioner. Opened in 1874, it is a shopper's
paradise. A section of it was destroyed by fire but a new annex has been added
to the complex. The area has several large showrooms and two other market
complexes - the Shreeram Arcade and the Treasure Island.
Eden Gardens
This 19th century Eden garden with
its many groves, walks, ponds and pagodas is named after Viceroy Lord
Auckland's sister, Emily Edens. Today's Eden Gardens is the massive Ranji
Cricket Stadium. The stadium with a capacity of 90,000 is one of the world's
top cricketing stadiums. The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indoor stadium is also
in this complex.
Nicco
Park
Set up in 40 acres of sprawling greenery,
Nicco Park is one of the biggest amusement parks of the country. Situated in
the north eastern fringes of the city in Salt Lake, it is popularly known as
Jheel Meel. The amusement park offers wholesome fun for children aswell as
adults through various adventure rides.There are variety of rides, the Toy
Train, Cable Car, Tilt-a-Whirl, Water Chute, Water Coaster, Flying Saucer,
Pirate Ship and Moonraker being the popular ones. The Cave Ride is the latest
addition and is the only of its kind in this part of the world. It is one of
great attractions for tourists.
Nehru
Children's Museum
Nehru Children's Museum is a
paradise for every child. The exhibits that spread over four floors is a
treasure house for children. It is a joy to watch children mesmerised with the
world of epics, world of science, dolls in national costumes of different
countries, puppets depicting Ramayana and Mahabharata and various other galleries.
Built in 1972, Nehru Children's Museum is one of the hottest tourist spots of
Kolkata.
GPO
GPO, the General Post Office of
Calcutta, designed by Walter B.Grenville was built in 1864.It is an imposing
structure with a high domed roof and tall ionic-corinthian pillars. It is also
the site of the Black Hole of Calcutta. GPO is the chief post office of West
Bengal and adjacent to it is a red brick museum built in 1884 that displays
range of artefacts and stamps.
Star Theatre
Built in 1883 in Beadon Street which
was later moved to Cornwallis Street, Star Theatre was one of the first Bengali
theatre which is now situated in Central Avenue. It was the place where the
first motion pictures in Bengal, made by Hira Lal Sen were screened. It is one
of tourist spots of Kolkata.
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