30 Tourist Places In Kolkata That Need To Be On Your Postcards From This City

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'Kolkata, tumi o hetey dekho Kolkata', by Anupam Roy, is a song that encompasses what Kolkata is about, believes in, creates, and makes. Since the beginning, the city has acted as an epicentre of events and has shaped history in such a manner that it attracts tourists from all over the world throughout the year. Kolkata is always ready to welcome you with open arms, sandesh, mishti doi, luchi, and torkari, regardless of whether you've lived here since you were a kid or this is your first time here.

If a Kolkata trip is on your cards or you need a little convincing to visit the city of joy, then this list of top tourist places in Kolkata will help you! 

Divulge In History At Victoria Memorial

Amidst the extensive beauty of Victoria Memorial, your heart is caught between surprise and nostalgia as you gaze at this architecture, which is as magnificent as the first time you saw it, whether you are a tourist or a native of this city. The memorial was constructed in honour of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). Its remarkable construction is a fascinating fusion of Mughal and European design that is eye-catching. The museum inside the building has a comprehensive collection of photographs and oil paintings chronicling Kolkata's history during British control, as well as a graphic chronology of the monument itself. The Victoria Memorial Hall grounds host Light & Sound (Son-et-Lumière) performances every evening.

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM. Closed on Mondays. 

Entry: INR 50 for Indian nationals; INR 150 for foreign nationals

Contact: 033 2223 1890

Website: victoriamemorial-cal.org

LBB Tip: There are horse carriage rides just outside the premises. They range between INR 500 to INR 1,700. Don't forget to capture this monument, it is 'postcard Calcutta' at its finest. 

Appreciate The Beauty Of Howrah Bridge

The Howrah Bridge, which has represented the City of Joy since the beginning of time, is inextricably linked to Kolkata. It is the sixth-longest suspended span cantilever bridge in the world and is a miracle of early Bengali architecture and engineering. Are you familiar with the scene in every Kolkata-based movie where the camera simply moves up from the car throughout the montage to capture the Howrah Bridge's design elements? Yeah, that's exactly how you'll feel on the bridge. It has been 76 years since the Howrah Bridge was built, witnessing many events over the years, including World War II. This bridge serves as the primary gateway to the remainder of the state and is typically crossed by everyone arriving in Kolkata. Officially, it was renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965 in honour of Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned poet and Nobel Prize laureate. Approximately 97 metres wide and 705 metres long, it has eight lanes. It is the busiest cantilever bridge in the world, with about 1.5 lakh pedestrians and two lakh cars using it daily.

Timing: Open 24 hours

Take A Spiritual Tour Of Belur Math

Go to Belur Math, where Ramakrishna Math and Mission are headquartered. Belur Math is a representation of peace and trust that transcends all boundaries. Along with learning about the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, you can also see the amalgamation of various religions and civilisations here. Belur Math Temple is among India's most exquisite and distinctive temples. It is a reflection of Swami Vivekananda's ideal of a single, universal faith. The walls are embellished with Islamic calligraphy or Christian art themes. White marble from Makrana and red sandstone from Rajasthan were used to build the temple. A marble statue of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, created by a Bengali artist named Gopeshwar Pal, is perched on a lotus pedestal in the hall. The museum is housed in a two-storey structure that was once Swami Vivekananda's home. The museum features six exhibits that illustrate the various stages and facets of these notable figures.

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM and 4 PM - 9 PM.

Entry: Free

Contact: 91-33-2654-5700 / 5701 / 5702 / 5703 / 5391 / 8494 / 9581 / 9681

Website: belurmath.org

LBB Tip: From Kolkata or Howrah, Belur Math is conveniently reachable by road or ferry. 

Offer Your Prayers At Dakhineshwar Temple

Honoured as a symbol of heavenly strength and cultural legacy, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Maa Bhabatarini Dakshineswar, a manifestation of Kali. The idol is made of black stone and shows Goddess Kali standing on top of a recumbent Lord Shiva. The peace between Kali and Shiva is symbolised by the twelve miniature Shiva temples that are organised in a row within the temple complex. The compound also features a Radha-Krishna temple, highlighting the devotional attributes of Vaishnavism. One of India's most venerated Hindu temples, it is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River and is an exquisite representation of Navaratna (nine-spired) architecture, uniting ancient history with spiritual significance. Its deep spiritual importance is further enhanced by its conformity to Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa's teachings. 

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3:30 PM -7:30 PM

Entry: Free

Contact: 033 2564 5222

Website: www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org

LBB Tip: If you take the metro train to Dakhineshwar Temple, you will be able to take a stroll on the skywalk which directly leads you within the temple premises. The skywalk is a very Instagrammable spot.

Attend A Sunday Mass At St.Paul's Cathedral

St.Paul's Cathedral's Indo-Gothic architecture and enormous dimensions will astound you. Built by William Narin Forbes, it is regarded as the largest church in the City of Joy and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia, and it is dedicated to Paul the Apostle. Bishop Daniel Wilson, Sir John Paxton Norman, and Arthur William Garnett were among the notable individuals interred here. With its stunning stained-glass windows, lofty spires, and well-kept garden, this church is a favourite among religious travellers and photographers. It also boasts a sizable library. Constructed between 1839 and 1847, it comprises a strikingly expansive nave and a west window with stained glass by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, a master of the Pre-Raphaelite style. On Christmas Eve, hundreds of people swarm St.Paul's, which to this day, remains one of the first cathedrals constructed outside of the United Kingdom, to attend midnight Mass.

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Contact: 033-22232802

Facebook: St.Paul's Cathedral, Kolkata 

LBB Tip: You are not allowed to take photographs within the building. You can click pictures outside.

Get Digging At Indian Museum

India's largest and oldest important museum, this property is charmingly old-fashioned and occupies a sizable colonnaded palace surrounded by a central garden. Over 1,00,000 objects from a variety of human knowledge domains, including art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology, and economic botany, are shown in its 35 galleries. 2,000-year-old sculptures such as the opulent Bharhut Gateway, authentic Egyptian mummies, and strange jars containing pickled human embryos are all there. There is a huge whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling, and we discovered 37 different types of opium in a room that resembled a wizard's library. And there are also seven kilograms of rings and bangles in the stomach of a gigantic crocodile!

The Asiatic Society of Bengal, a group of academics and novices who wished to gather and conserve India's natural and cultural history, founded it in 1814. In 1878, the museum relocated to its current location after first occupying the Asiatic Society building. Walter B. Granville, who also designed the GPO and the Calcutta High Court, created the museum building. Exhibitions, talks, workshops, publications, and outreach initiatives are just a few of the events and activities that the museum hosts.

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Entry: INR 75 per person

Contact: 033 2252 1790

Website: indianmuseumkolkata.org

LBB Tip: Avoid weekends, it gets heavily crowded. If you want to click photographs, you will need special permission. Do not carry huge backpacks as they are not allowed.

Walk Through Marble Palace

Lord Minto christened Marble Palace, a whimsically designed nineteenth-century palace in North Kolkata. Situated at 46 Muktaram Babu Street in Chorbagan, this extremely palatial home captures the lavishness and magnificence of 19th-century Calcutta. You will need a permit from the West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau at BBD Bag, Kolkata, 24 hours before the visit. Because of its marble floors and wall panels, which are made entirely of 126 varieties of vibrant Italian marble that were shipped across the ocean, the mansion is well-known. Lion statues are scattered throughout the grounds, some standing guard and others sound asleep. They are accompanied by sculptures of Gautam Buddha, Hindu pantheon gods, the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, and even Christopher Columbus! A modestly sized statue of Raja Rajendra Mullick himself is also situated next to the entrance. The lawn is covered with seating areas, occasionally complemented by tables with striking marble tops. The aviary continues to house a variety of exotic species, including pelicans, hornbills, and toucans.

A gloomy Billiard Room with two tables, statues, and vases is now accessible through a side door; the focal point is a gorgeous Japanese bronze vase. There is a phonograph, a bronze bust, and a huge wooden monument in a room devoted to Queen Victoria nearby. Marble candlestands, an interesting floor, and what might be India's first piano make the music room shimmer. The area is dotted with mythological and historical statues. The mansion's odd yet magnificent blend of Bengali, Oriental, and Neoclassical styles is visible outside in the courtyard. And of course, there is more and beyond for anyone who loves art and history. 

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: 10 AM - 4 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Entry: Free

Feel Tagore Come Alive At Jorasanko Thakurbari

The major events of Rabindranath Tagore's life have been artfully preserved and showcased at this expansive mansion, which is now a museum. Its windows are radiant green and red, and its interior design is stunning. The Tagore family's role in the Bengal Renaissance is expertly shown in the museum. Make sure to visit Jorasanko Thakur Bari on Pochishe Boishakh, which is Tagore's birthday, and Baishe Shravan, which is the anniversary of his death. A number of the mansion's portions have been classified based on his international travels. 

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timing: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Price: INR 20 per person

How To Reach: The nearest metro station is Girish Park metro station. You can also book Ola/Uber services. There are public buses that drive towards the Thakurbari.

Admire Nakhoda Masjid

Visit Kolkata's largest mosque, Nakhoda Masjid, on Zakariya Street near Burrabazar, as well as the Rabindra Sarani crossing near the market. The Nakhoda Mosque, Kolkata's major and largest mosque, was built in 1926 and can accommodate 10,000 worshippers. With its elaborate exterior and green-roofed domes, minars (Indian turrets), and minarets, this massive red-sandstone structure, which is situated in Kolkata's Chitpur neighbourhood, is reminiscent of India's Fatehpur Sikri architectural style. Particularly for those fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, Zakariya street food comes to life.

What to eat where: Devour the suta kabab from Adam Kabab Shop for some “oomph!” Dilshad Laziz Kabab offers dahi and malai kabab, and you should also try a plate of chicken special kabab from Al Baik, beef boti roll from New Lucknow Hotel, beef chaanp and phirni from Bombay Hotel, haleem from Sufia, falooda and lassi from Taskeen. Lastly, if you still have some space in your full stomach, get the Afghani chicken from Dilli 6 and battisi halwa from Haji Allauddin Sweets.

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 11 AM - 9 PM

Entry: Free

Watch Sunsets And Sunrises At Princep Ghat

Known for its Greek and Gothic inlay, the grand Prinsep Ghat is located on the banks of the River Hooghly. Many history and architecture aficionados are drawn to Princep Ghat by its grandeur, but residents also visit to take in the regal aura. Take in the fresh air while strolling along the riverbanks and enjoy the sunrise or sunset with the breathtaking Howrah Bridge in the backdrop. Throughout the British Empire, the crew of the British Royal used it as a jetty to load and offload passengers and cargo. The ghat, located between Fort William and the Water Gate, is a popular stop for tourists who are visiting these landmarks. Prinsep Ghat is one of the few locations that has undergone renovations to maintain the ambience from before independence. It is a popular spot for photographers, especially those doing pre-wedding portraits. Numerous food stalls with mouthwatering regional specialities are available to get a snack while exploring the site.

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Timings: 6 AM - 10 PM

Entry: Free

Take Post-Card Worthy Photos At Sovabazar Rajbari

One of the most well-known zamindars of old Kolkata, Raja Naba Krishna Deb, constructed this magnificent structure in the 1730s. It is supported by Tuscan pillars and has an expansive courtyard. With its centuries-old Durga Puja, this castle is one of Kolkata's main attractions. Gaddas, hookahs, antique chandeliers, ancient memorabilia such as mirrors that Queen Victoria gave to the raja, and fake gas lamps are just a few of the items that will give you a sense of the magnificence of a bygone period. This mansion, which has entertained people like Warren Hastings and Sir Robert Clive, will make you feel like a king or queen. If you are in town during Durga Puja, you can't miss out on visiting these pandals and, most importantly, paying a visit to this particular iconic Rajbari.

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Timings: 6 AM - 10 PM

Entry: Free

Contact: 075959 85168

LBB Tip: You can rent this palace for INR 60,000 and above, depending on the time and demand for weddings. It is recommended you book it a year in advance.

Take A Break By Rabindra Sarovar Lake

Located in South Kolkata, Rabindra Sarovar is a soothing, verdant area renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and clean air. Encircled by ancient trees and tiny islands, it's a well-liked location for strolls. There are 119 acres of flora surrounding the 73-acre lake. Because of its ecological significance, this lake, which is home to fish, birds, and other wildlife, was designated a national lake in 1997. It has developed into a location where people can go to connect with nature over time. Security personnel and fences have been installed to keep it safe. You can run, walk, jog, swim, row, or just do nothing at the lake any time of the day!

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: 5 AM - 7 PM

Entry: Free

Watch A Cricket Match At Eden Gardens

Also known as the home of Indian cricket, it is the country's oldest stadium and also the largest in terms of capacity. After renovations before the 2011 World Cup, it can currently hold about 68,000 people. Although cricket is the primary use of the stadium, football has occasionally been played there as well. It is the Indian cricket ground that has played host to the most international matches. It is currently home to the Kolkata Knight Riders of the IPL and the local Bengal Cricket Team.

Famous matches played here: When India met England in a Test match in January 1934, it was the first game ever played at the Eden Gardens. The 1987 World Cup final, which was the second location to hold the WC final, is among the more well-known games played thus far. In addition, it hosted the 1996 World Cup semifinal and the 2016 T20 World Cup final, which was won by the West Indies following an amazing attack in the last over in which Carlos "Remember the name" Brathwaite hit four sixes in four balls off Ben Stokes.

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timing: 9 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

LBB Tip: You will not be allowed to enter the Eden grounds during match seasons like IPL or the World Cup without a valid ticket. 

Dine At The Top Of The World At Biswa Bangla Gate

How about an eagle's eye view of the City of Joy from a hanging restaurant? Situated at a height of 55 meters, this oval-shaped hanging eatery is a distinctive addition to the city's many architectural wonders. Biswa Bangla Gate is home to Cafe Ekante, which is big on flavour and quality of dining. Watch the sunset with a cup of chai, some momos, and some fish and chips!

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 PM - 4 PM and 7 PM - 10 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Price: INR 300

Visit Burrabazar For All Your Needs

If this is your first visit to the city, you must visit the lanes of Burra Bazar—India’s largest wholesale market. An estimated 50,000 buyers and dealers visit the market every day. The majority of lanes and by-lanes, aside from the arterial route, are only eight feet wide and unbelievably crowded with cars and people vying for space. Based on the commodities it deals in, Burra Bazar is separated into highly specialised sub-markets, such as Dhotipatti, Fancypatti, Tulapatti, Chinipatti, etc. Other divisions include Kothi, Chowk, and Katra. Each katra (market) is associated with a specific item. In Burra Bazar, there are roughly twenty-five katras.

What to buy where: The Satyanarayan AC Market provides comfortable shopping and ethnic clothing, Kalakar and Bastalla Streets offer colourful sarees, and the Bagri Market sells wedding fare and imitation jewellery. Canning Street is a stationery paradise, Amartalla Street is packed with toys, and Cotton Street is stocked with an endless array of fake sarees. Ezra and Pollock Streets add electric things and fairy lights to your life, while Chitpur and Strand Road handle everything from kitchenware to industrial tools. While the rickshaws, sellers, and patrons move in a hectic yet charming pace, Jorashanko gives your cuisine spice.

Timings: 10 AM - 9 PM. Closed on Sundays.

How to Reach: You can take the metro to Mahatma Gandhi Road or Chandni Chowk, then walk. You can also ride various buses to the Burra Bazar station.

Pro Tip: This guide is everything you need to shop at this market. 

Spend A Day At Eco Park

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Kolkata and all across India is the eco-parks. This eco park in Newtown, Rajarhat, hosts the seven wonders of the world, the Japanese Forest, lovely gardens, and much more. You can spend an hour on a boat excursion here. You may rent a bicycle and even ride a toy train. The park occupies 480 acres and is encircled by a 104-acre body of water with an island in the centre. Furthermore, there is a bamboo garden, an herb garden, a butterfly garden, and a rose garden. The Eco Island, which can be reached only by bridge, is another fantastic location for parties or relaxation. The park changes with the lights at night, producing a mystical ambiance. Adventure sports like rock climbing and zip-lining, as well as kid-friendly activities, are all there!

Google Rating: 4.5

Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM

Entry fee: INR 30 for entry, INR 150 to INR 300 for boat rides, and INR 50 to INR 200 for other activities.

LBB Tip: Please enter through Gate 3, not Gate 2, if you plan to see the seven wonders.

Enjoy A Jazz Night At Trincas

Trincas remains a long-standing moniker that only recently started to honour its jazz past once more. From singer Pam Craine to saxophonists Braz Gonsalves, Benny Rozario, pianist Louiz Banks, and subsequently Usha Uthup, to today's experimentalists such as the Bodhisattwa Trio, Shonai, Srinjoy Ghatak, and others, Kolkata has served as a proving ground for many. Trincas' Weekend Jazz Lunches, with their unique cushioned velvet backdrop on stage, are reintroducing jazz culture, according to the venue's third-generation owner, Anand Puri. By 1969, it had been gradually transformed into a restaurant and a club, showcasing jazz music at a period when the genre was gaining popularity in the United States. Even now, Trincas is always booked out when jazz music reverberates within the walls of this iconic bar.

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Timings: 11:30 AM - 11:45 PM

Price: INR 1,600 for two

Must Try: Cinnamon Apple Julep, LIIT, Caramel custard

Instagram: @trincasrestaurant

LBB Tip: If you're lucky, you might even see Usha Uthup perform live! 

Pro Tip: Explore more such jazz bars here

Breakfast At Flurys

Also called "Queen of Park Street," Flurys serves the best view of Park Street with a side of English breakfast in Kolkata. Flurys originally had been established as an old English tearoom by Mr. and Mrs. J. Flurys in 1927. Well-known around the world for its rich, creamy cookies, puddings, and pastries, decades later, the restaurant is still as well-liked, featuring chandeliers, fancy furniture, and pastel colours that evoke the atmosphere of European tea salons. 

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Must-Try: Chicken al greque and creamy penne pasta, English breakfast

Timings: 6 AM - 11 PM

Price: INR 1000 onwards

Instagram: @flurysindia

Enrich Your Bargaining Skills At Gariahat Market

Gariahat is the place to go if you want shoes, purses, kurtis, and sarees at prices that will make you wonder about everything. Shopkeepers? Elite bargainers. Kolkata shopping that's affordable? This is the location. You will still get to shop for items at INR 10, INR 20, and beyond. Do not miss out on the Gariahat Chess Club. It is located directly beneath the flyover and is classified as a heritage spot. From novice to expert, all kinds of players are welcome. First-time guests are allowed to play without restriction, but if you want to visit frequently, you can become a member by paying a small fee of INR 500 annually. There are 13 tables with laminated chessboards in the space.

Google Rating: 4/5

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM. Closed on Sundays

Soak In The Nostalgia At New Market

This entire market established the groundwork for being loud about local and thrifting before it became a fashion trend. Located on Lindsay Street, next to Free School Street, is the New Market, previously Sir Stuart Hogg Market. New Market is still the center of Kolkata's shopping scene. The market will be filled with summer outfits, sunglasses, bags, shoes, beach and boho outfits, decor collections, and other items that will also be affordable alternatives to luxury labels. But if shopping sounds strenuous, then you will appreciate the numerous vintage stores this lane hosts, from vinyl stores to old cinema theatres.

Google Rating: 4/5

Timings: 10 AM–8 PM. Closed on Saturdays

Buy All Your Books At College Street

With its lanes of used books, rare first editions, and ageless classics arranged at a stretch of 900 metres, College Street is nothing short of a bookworm's utopia. Being the biggest used book market in the world, it's for people who love the smell of old books and the excitement of finding a good deal. Once you've stuffed your tote full of books, only to be added to your TBR, the famous Indian Coffee House awaits you. A dreamer, a thinker, or just someone who amasses more books than they can read, College Street is your safe house.

Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM. Closed on Sundays.

LBB Tip: Keep an eye out because you can be defrauded over a book you don't know much about. Know the names of significant distributors who will give you substantial discounts.

Say Hello To Fur Babies, Cats And More At Galiff Street

The state's oldest pet market, located on Kolkata's Galiff Street, attracts over 40,000 visitors on weekends alone. Every Sunday, it opens from early in the morning until late in the afternoon. Pedigree breeds include canines like the Pug and Bull Mastiff, birds like parrots and cockatiels, a unique assortment of fresh and marine aquarium fish, and even flowers. The original pet market was at Hatibagan, but due to the sudden influx of a huge crowd, it was shifted to Galiff Street.

Timings: 7 AM - 3 PM

Get A Sugar Rush From Nahoum & Sons

Nahoum's would be Kolkata's sweet spot if there were one. Established in 1902 by Baghdadi Jew Nahoum Israel Mordecai, who used to sell his baked goods door-to-door, this 121-year-old New Market treasure has stood the test of time. Along with Middle Eastern and Jewish sweets like baklava and challah bread, Nahoum's introduced Western sweets like brownies and cream puffs. Queues for their Plum Cake are longer than a Durga Puja pandal line, making it the undisputed Christmas king. Don't stop there, though; you must try the renowned macarons, chicken patties, lemon tarts, rum balls, Black Forest pastries, Madeira cake, and kakas (caraway cookies). 

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: 9:30 AM - 8:30 PM. Closed on Saturdays.

Price: INR 200 for two

Taste A Sandesh From Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy

Mid-day sweet cravings? Indulge in some norom pakh sandesh from Nukur Sweets. Since its inception in 1896, this iconic establishment has been a beloved part of the city's culinary heritage, serving authentic Bengali mishti (sweets). What sets Nakur Chandra & Co. apart is its unwavering dedication to preserving and presenting the essence of traditional Bengali sweets. These sweets are made with traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every bite has the distinct flavour of Bengal.

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 7 AM - 10 PM

Contact: 094324 94423

Explore Mullick Ghat Flower Market

Mullick Ghat is more than just a flower market. Scattered throughout the Hooghly, this century-old market is a blaze of colour comparable to Vrindavan's phoolon wali Holi. This is indeed Asia's largest wholesale flower market tucked away beneath the Howrah Bridge, where marigolds heap like gold and roses fill the air with poetry. And Coachella flower crowns? It was first done by Mullick Ghat. 

Timing: 6 AM - 7:30 PM

Eat At Campari

Need a little boost of energy before, during, or after shopping? For the rolls and Bengali munchies, go to Campari. There is always a queue as this establishment has been in Kolkata for more than 40 years and is well-known for its deep-fried cutlets and egg chicken rolls.

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Timing: 4 PM - 9 PM

Price: INR 150 for two people

Breathe In The Smell Of Books At Golpark Second Hand Bookstores

Beyond the hustle and bustle of College Street, South Kolkata has its own Boi Para, where old books find new homes stretching from Golpark to Gariahat. This is a place my mum and I have been going to, and I bought my first Barbie picture book here! A wealth of beloved classics, lost bestsellers, history, sports, and literature in Bengali and English can be found at these pavement stalls. The fading ink and dog-eared pages hold the voices of previous readers, just waiting to be found again. 

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM

Pro Tip: The Boi Para also has antique Bengali magazines featuring stories by Sukumar Ray and Saradindu Bandopadhyay. You can visit more such unique bookstores in Kolkata here

Visit Kalighat Temple

West Bengal has a number of beautiful temples dedicated to goddesses, and the famous Kalighat Temple is proof. It is dedicated to the bloodthirsty warrior goddess Kali. It is also the home to a Shakti Peetha. It is located in Kalighat near Chittaranjan Park. 

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Timing: 5 AM - 2 PM and 5 PM - 10:30 PM 

Entry: Free. INR 300 if you do not want to wait in line

Learn The Art Of Idol Making At Kumortoli

The sensation of seeing a sunset or sunrise is indescribable, especially when you have the Ganga flowing by. Kumortoli ghat is also the ghat for deity and idol creators, and it feels as serene as a soft Bengali love ballad playing in the background if you go there early in the morning. Also called potua para (potter's quarter), this lane is a labyrinth of streets with over 500 workshops that make the idols of Durga Ma for Durga Puja. Although the potters there make idols of many Gods and Goddesses throughout the year, the best time to visit is around Durga and Kali Puja. Interestingly, the statues here are made from clay from the Ganges River (Hooghly). During Durga Puja, they immerse the statues in the river. So, the statue goes through a full cycle, and Hindus believe the Goddess has returned to her essence. Hatkhola is the place where this lane is located.

Timing: Kumortoli is open around the clock. 

Watch A Football Match At Salt Lake Stadium

Popularly known as the Mecca of Indian football, the Salt Lake Stadium was constructed in 1984. Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, another name for Salt Lake Stadium, was once the second-largest stadium in the world without a racecourse. The current spectator capacity stands at 85,000 after the stadium underwent a makeover before hosting the U-17 FIFA World Cup. The Stadel, a boutique hotel beneath the stadium ramps, lends a distinct ambiance. It's a prime example of creative space use and the ideal place for football fans to stay while visiting. If you really want to see the spirit of football, make sure to purchase football tickets on BookMyShow and Insider. There are multiple matches that will be played by Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan FC at Salt Lake Stadium against other ISL teams that you can book tickets for as well. 

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timing: Open for 24 hours

Contact: 033 2225 2378

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