Kolkata city of joy

Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta) is not only an important city of India but is also popular for its historical background and its present architectures.

Not only has it emerged into a beautiful city but also into a city full of inspirations.The climate, of the former capital of India, being moderate always favors the stay of the tourists who come.  If we want to enjoy the city then some amount of planning is required like how to come to the city, where to stay , which guides to hire which routes to take etc but once all that is decided or arranged , the rest is on us
.As the seat of British power between the 18^th – 19^th century, Calcutta has long enthralled travelers from far-flung countries all over the world. Centuries later, and armed with a new name, ‘Kolkata’ is busy and bustling. But if you care to look beyond the cacophony of noise and heat, this enigmatic city could give you a whole gamut of experience unlike anywhere in India. For, this is the place of the first Episcopal Church (St. Paul’s cathedral) and the largest science hub (Science city) in Asia. It is where the world renowned Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore was born. Two of the holiest Kali temples in India (Kalighat and Dakhineswar) and the famous Belur Math find pride of place here.

Some memorable places in Kolkata are Fort William, Birla Planetarium, Victoria Memorial, Eden Garden, Howrah Bridge, Botanical Garden, The Saheed Minar, Writers Building and Marble Palace. Each place has its own features and is unique in its own way. Fort William is located on the banks of the river Hooghly and is named after the King Williams III of England. It was built in order to gain protection from the Muslim invaders. Presently it is a military area and permissions are required to enter the fort and see it. Similarly the Victoria Memorial is a grand architectural miracle. It was established in 1921 and is a museum at present. In fact it is considered as the finest museum of Kolkata. Next comes the Birla Planetarium which is largest museum of Asia. Consisting of sophisticated instruments and interactive art galleries this place teaches us a lot about the galaxy and planets stars etc.

Jorasanko Thakurbari

This is the famous Indian thakurbari where famous poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore was born. It is located in Dwarakanath Tagore lane off chitpur road. If you want to find out about the great poet and his work, there couldn’t be a better place than RabindraBharati museum located inside the Thakurbari except for Shantiniketan (built by Kabi Guru himself) at Birbhum district in West Bengal. The museum has three galleries – one solely dedicated to Tagore and his extraordinary range of work, while the other two focuses on Tagore family and the stalwarts of Bengal Renaissance. Best time to visit Thakurbari is on May 7th when the place gets all decked up every year to celebrate the poet’s birthday.

St Paul’s Cathedral

Saint Paul’s cathedral is the first Episcopal church of Asia and situated at the southern tip of the Maidan adjacent to Victoria Memorial on the cathedral road. St. Paul’s Cathedral stands witness to a time full of European artistic splendor and supremacy. The St. Paul’s Cathedral is perhaps one of the finest examples of Indo-Gothic architecture in India, with its large stained-glass windows, pointed arches and two Florentine frescoes. Set on a vast tract of land and surrounded by well-manicured lawns and ancient trees, the largest cathedral in Kolkata is an oasis of peace in this otherwise busy world. The inside is just as awesome with some exquisite mural paintings based on the life and work of the great Saint. It bathes in holy glow as thousands attend to the midnight mass every year before the Christmas and the New Year.

Marble palace

It is truly extraordinary of Raja RajendralalMullick, a zamindar in Bengal, to build such a jaw-dropping marble architecture way back in 1840 and, that too, dedicate it to arts! Located at MuktaramBabu Street on C.R. Avenue, Marble Palace is believed to preserve some original works of world renowned painters like Peter Paul Rubens and Sir Joshua Reynolds. But the biggest USP is its fluted columns and sculptures of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the Buddha and Hindu Gods all in one places.

Nicco Park

If you are planning a day out with your family or friends, Nicco Park would be your best choice. While variety of rides (Cave ride, Water Coaster, Flying Saucer, Pirate Ship, etc.) ensure that children remain engaged, adults can spend a relaxing day stretching out on its vast green or just strolling around. There is also a food park to satiate your hunger with delicious South Indian, North Indian, Bengali or Chinese fast food options.

Kalighat Temple

The age-old Kalighat temple might have been in Kolkata since the Gupta period, though there is nothing to substantiate it. But the fact that it is one of the 51^stPeeths of the Goddess Kali makes it one of the holiest places and evokes the deepest devotion from pilgrims across India. For those who want to make a special offering to the mother Goddess, Thursdays and Saturdays are the days to visit. Otherwise the temple is open on all days.

Nandan

Awefully located behind RabindraSadan (prominent Bengali cultural center and auditorium), is the state-of-the art cine complex where movie lovers in Eastern India celebrate the biggest movie festival – the Kolkata Film Festival. What you may not know is, Nandan is also a popular hang-out zone for budding artists, intellectuals, lovers or just anyone who has an opinion about something! For students of film and media studies, checking out the Satyajit Ray Film Archive or browsing through the well-stocked library at the Ritwik Memorial Library (for cinematic research) could be very rewarding.

Science city, Kolkata

Situated along the Eastern Bypass, is the Science City of Kolkata, hailed as the largest science hub of the Indian subcontinent. But you don’t need to be a science buff to enjoy this place! The ambiance is cool and attractive with well-maintained flower beds and lawns. But the biggest crowd-puller is the Space Odessey which houses a sprawling space theatre. But don’t forget to drop in at the other attractions – Maritime Centre (an impressive two-storied building that replicates a ship), Dynamotion Hall or taking a theme tour of the evolution park. You would be surprised just how fast time flies by when you are in this amazing place.

Kolkata Race Course

Since 1819, Kolkata Race Course at Hastings has been one of the largest and prime destinations for horse racing in India. Maintained by the Royal Turf Club, it includes five racing tracks, polo grounds, a golf course and a lake. During racing season, the atmosphere in the 30,000 capacity galleries crackles with excitement as members and non-members from all walks of life (from dressed-up celebrities and industrialists to college students in their jeans and tees) rub shoulders with each other and bet on their favorite horses. Though it’s open on all days, visiting on any racing day is all that more fun. Undoubtedly, December is considered as the best time to visit the race course, not just for the cool climate but also for the sheer number of racing events geared up for the season.

Victoria Memorial

The stately monument is as much part of Kolkata as Tajmahal is to Delhi (Agra). Its closeness with the Taj made Victoria Memorial known as the “Taj of the Raj.” Surrounded by acres of lush garden, Victorial Memorial with its Italian Renaissance style architecture is still mesmerizing, especially on moon-lit nights. If you are interested in royal portraits (Queen Victoria and others), the Royal Gallery housed inside the monument is where you should head for. But the gallery which draws the most footfalls is a recent addition – the Calcutta Gallery. It has some beautiful paintings that give glimpses of life in British era –‘White Town’ and ‘Black town.

Belur Math

Belur Math is one of the finest examples of modern temples architecture, a perfect blend of mosque, church and temple in India. It was founded by Swami Vivekananda in the memory of Ramakrishna Paramahansa. It’s inspired on Swamiji’s philosophy of universal brotherhood. The place has great historical significance – Vivekananda spent his last years over here. Add to this, the tranquility of its surroundings with the view of the river Ganges gently caressing the temple garden in the early morning sun. One can easily imagine Vivekananda in deep meditation under one of the ancient trees in the beautiful monastery. Open on all days: 6:30 am-11 am and then 3:30 am-7:00 pm; Photography is prohibited here.