1. Victoria Memorial Hall

 

A significant landmark in the history of Indian architecture, Victoria Memorial Hall was built in 1921 in the memory of Queen Victoria to celebrate her 25 years of rule over the country. It reflects the Indo-Saracenic revival style with a blend of British, Islamic, Mughal, Egyptian, Venetian and Deccan styles of architecture.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Operational Hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Victoria Memorial Gallery)
• 5:30 AM to 6:15 PM (Gardens)
• Monday, the Victoria Memorial Gallery remains closed

Entry Fee:

• ₹ 20 per person for Indians
•  ₹ 200 per person for Foreigners
• Free entry for students and army personnel (in uniform)

Things to Do: Witness the architectural splendour that boasts of a scenic landscaped garden and visit the museum to check out antique objects dating back to the British rule

How to Reach: By road

 

2. Mother House

 

Established in 1950, the Mother House was built to serve the less fortunate and poorest of the poor. It is the Head Quarter of the Missionaries of Charity and offers an array of philanthropic services aided by volunteers and co-workers.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Operational Hours:

• Every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Remains closed on 22nd August, Easter Monday and 26th December

Entry Fee: Free of cost

Things to Do: Visit the small museum “Mother Teresa’s Life, Spirit and Message” that exhibits her minimal belongings like saree, crucifix, sandals, handwritten letters, etc.

How to Reach: By road

 

3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple

 

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, holds a spiritual as well as a socio-political history. This Hindu temple was founded by Rani Rashmoni in 1855 and is dedicated to Bhavatarini or Kali.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Operational Hours:

• October to March from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM
• April to September from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free of cost

Things to Do: Visit the temple in the early morning on Tuesdays and Saturdays. These days are  considered auspicious to offer prayers.

How to Reach: By road, train and metro

 

4. Eco-tourism Park

 

Located in a plush colony of Newtown, Eco Tourism Park is one of the amusement parks in kolkata, spread over an extensive area of 480 acres. It is divided into three parts- Ecological Zones including grasslands and wetlands, Urban Recreational Spaces, Theme Gardens and open spaces.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Operational Hours:

• Tuesday to Saturday from 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Monday remains closed

Entry Fee: ₹ 30 per person

Things to Do: Adventure sports including angling, boating, archery, zorbing, kayaking, trampoline, Shikara, etc., watching birds, and going for picnics

How to Reach: By road

 

5. Eden Gardens

The list of famous places in Kolkata is incomplete without the Eden Gardens, the oldest as well as the largest stadium in India and the third largest worldwide. Commonly known as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket”, the complex sprawls over 50 acres of lush green land, comprising a cricket stadium, indoor stadium, lakes, several gardens and a Burmese Pagoda.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year but during matches

Operational Hours: Every day from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Things to Do: Watch live cricket matches

How to Reach: By road