Kolkata Travel Guide: The Cultural Capital of India - Capital Cities of Indian States [West Bengal]

I was super excited when we planned a 4 days trip to Kolkata. It was a official trip for Vibha and I planned to explore the city on my own. As heard on various platforms, Kolkata is a very different city as compared to other Indian cities. Kolkata has strong history, great heritage, religious importance and unique culture. This posts shares some of the must do things in Kolkata City and main places to explore/visit.

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a city of contrasts — where colonial architecture stands alongside modern skyscrapers, tram rides meet metro lines, and where literature, art, music, and food define its heartbeat. Often called the City of Joy, Kolkata has been India’s cultural capital for centuries. It was also the capital of British India until 1911, leaving behind a legacy of grand monuments, wide boulevards, and intellectual hubs.

Kolkata has lot of beautiful buildings from british era and Victoria memorial is one of the most beautiful & popular place in the city. During our trip to Kolkata, we visited Victorial memorial twice - once in the morning and once in the evening, when whole building was well lit. This post shares about Victoria Memorial, it's lush green gardens and some of the interesting facts about this beautiful building & other places around.The Victoria Memorial is a huge marble building in Kolkata  (Calcutta) city of West Bengal, India. Victoria Memorialis dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria  and is now a museum and tourist destination and taken care of by Ministry of Culture. The Memorial is surrounded by grounds around Hooghly river  near Jawaharlal Nehru road.There are multiple gates for Victoria Memorial and the Memorial building is surrounding some water bodies & lush green lawns. We entered into the Victoria Memorial campus through main which is just front of the memorial.We turned towards left just after entering into the Victoria Memorial campus. There is a beautiful water body on the left side of the memorial, which offers great views of Victoria Memorial in water reflection.Different types of birds can be seen around lush green gardens of Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, but Cormorants were in abundance. Most of them were sitting around the edge of water body and it seems that campus has good amount of fish as well.The day we visited Victoria Memorial was being celebrated as National Tourism Day and entry to all monuments was free. Otherwise entry ticket for Victoria Memorial costs 10 rs and ticket for museum is extra,which is priced at 20 rs.Lot of folks come to Victoria Memorial for morning walk or jogging. There are monthly/yearly passes available for folks which cost 100 rs for month and 1000 rs for an year.Victoria Memorial opens at 10am in morning and closes at 5pm. Ticket counter closes at 5pm.  There are lot of maulshree trees around Victoria Memorial, which make the whole environment fragrant. Especially the other side of water body, which is full of trees and plants.These lions sitting on the entry makes the places grander.

This Kolkata Travel Guide explores must-see attractions, food trails, culture, shopping, nightlife, local experiences, and day trips — making it a perfect starting point for anyone planning a trip to this vibrant city.


Top Places to Visit in Kolkata

Kolkata has lot of beautiful buildings from british era and Victoria memorial is one of the most beautiful & popular place in the city. During our trip to Kolkata, we visited Victorial memorial twice - once in the morning and once in the evening, when whole building was well lit. This post shares about Victoria Memorial, it's lush green gardens and some of the interesting facts about this beautiful building & other places around.The Victoria Memorial is a huge marble building in Kolkata  (Calcutta) city of West Bengal, India. Victoria Memorialis dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria  and is now a museum and tourist destination and taken care of by Ministry of Culture. The Memorial is surrounded by grounds around Hooghly river  near Jawaharlal Nehru road.There are multiple gates for Victoria Memorial and the Memorial building is surrounding some water bodies & lush green lawns. We entered into the Victoria Memorial campus through main which is just front of the memorial.We turned towards left just after entering into the Victoria Memorial campus. There is a beautiful water body on the left side of the memorial, which offers great views of Victoria Memorial in water reflection.Different types of birds can be seen around lush green gardens of Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, but Cormorants were in abundance. Most of them were sitting around the edge of water body and it seems that campus has good amount of fish as well.The day we visited Victoria Memorial was being celebrated as National Tourism Day and entry to all monuments was free. Otherwise entry ticket for Victoria Memorial costs 10 rs and ticket for museum is extra,which is priced at 20 rs.Lot of folks come to Victoria Memorial for morning walk or jogging. There are monthly/yearly passes available for folks which cost 100 rs for month and 1000 rs for an year.Victoria Memorial opens at 10am in morning and closes at 5pm. Ticket counter closes at 5pm.  There are lot of maulshree trees around Victoria Memorial, which make the whole environment fragrant. Especially the other side of water body, which is full of trees and plants.These lions sitting on the entry makes the places grander.

1. Victoria Memorial

A grand marble monument built in memory of Queen Victoria, it is one of Kolkata’s most iconic landmarks. Its museum holds paintings, manuscripts, and artifacts from the British era.


2. Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu)

A cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River, and one of the busiest in the world. The best way to experience it is by walking across at sunrise or sunset.

While travelling, I decide my own itinerary or follow the experts in the field or blogging or sensible media. The Beacon team was very helpful in exploring Kolkata in best way. Sohail suggested to go for early morning walk around Princep Ghat and this was one of the best experiences of Kolkata.I left from my hotel in Elgin and planned to take local bus to reach Babu Ghat. Buses were relatively empty in the morning and it was an interesting experience. This was going to Howrah from Elgin and was always on the move. It was hardly stopping to pick passengers. Driver used to press break for few seconds and then start when passenger is on board. This bus journey costed me 8 rs.I got down at Babu ghat. When you are facing Ganges at Babu Ghat, you see Howrah Bridge on the right and Vidyasagar Setu on the left. I headed towards Left and Princep ghat is on the same side.Above is the photograph of Princep ghat, which was relatively quiet as compared to other ghats I crossed. Babu Ghat and Pani Ghat had lot of pilgrims taking holy bath. Vidyasagar Setu is very close to the Princep Ghat.There is a nice walking area from Babu Ghat to Princep Ghat, through green landscapes and well paved path around the ghats. The whole stretch is well maintained and clean, although some of the views to Ganga were disappointing. I will be sharing more about that in a separate post soon, but overall this walk is very enjoyable and full of experiences.There is a railway track passing by this pathway and few local trains cross through this track. There is a railway station at Princep Ghat and I saw lot of folks waiting for the train there. I spent around 2 hours around these ghats and 2 trains crossed through this railway track.At almost every 150-200 meters you can see these beautiful boats parked around the ghats. They were gearing up for the day and few of the folks had already arrived who wanted to take a ride on ganges.Above is a photograph from Pani Ghat which comes on the way from Babu Ghat to Princep Ghat. This was most crowded ghat when I was walking through these ghats.During the walk I observed lot of old ships standing around the ghats and some of them seemed non-functional, although they looked beautiful :)Some of the folks were cooking food on these boats. Nt sure if these folks stay in these boats or something else, but noticed many of the such boats where folks were busy cooking something.If you are visiting Kolkata and love exploring the city in true sense, you would not want to miss this walk which exposes you to different experiences which are difficult to find in other parts of the country.


While travelling, I decide my own itinerary or follow the experts in the field or blogging or sensible media. The Beacon team was very helpful in exploring Kolkata in best way. Sohail suggested to go for early morning walk around Princep Ghat and this was one of the best experiences of Kolkata.I left from my hotel in Elgin and planned to take local bus to reach Babu Ghat. Buses were relatively empty in the morning and it was an interesting experience. This was going to Howrah from Elgin and was always on the move. It was hardly stopping to pick passengers. Driver used to press break for few seconds and then start when passenger is on board. This bus journey costed me 8 rs.I got down at Babu ghat. When you are facing Ganges at Babu Ghat, you see Howrah Bridge on the right and Vidyasagar Setu on the left. I headed towards Left and Princep ghat is on the same side.Above is the photograph of Princep ghat, which was relatively quiet as compared to other ghats I crossed. Babu Ghat and Pani Ghat had lot of pilgrims taking holy bath. Vidyasagar Setu is very close to the Princep Ghat.There is a nice walking area from Babu Ghat to Princep Ghat, through green landscapes and well paved path around the ghats. The whole stretch is well maintained and clean, although some of the views to Ganga were disappointing. I will be sharing more about that in a separate post soon, but overall this walk is very enjoyable and full of experiences.There is a railway track passing by this pathway and few local trains cross through this track. There is a railway station at Princep Ghat and I saw lot of folks waiting for the train there. I spent around 2 hours around these ghats and 2 trains crossed through this railway track.At almost every 150-200 meters you can see these beautiful boats parked around the ghats. They were gearing up for the day and few of the folks had already arrived who wanted to take a ride on ganges.Above is a photograph from Pani Ghat which comes on the way from Babu Ghat to Princep Ghat. This was most crowded ghat when I was walking through these ghats.During the walk I observed lot of old ships standing around the ghats and some of them seemed non-functional, although they looked beautiful :)Some of the folks were cooking food on these boats. Nt sure if these folks stay in these boats or something else, but noticed many of the such boats where folks were busy cooking something.If you are visiting Kolkata and love exploring the city in true sense, you would not want to miss this walk which exposes you to different experiences which are difficult to find in other parts of the country.

3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this riverside temple is associated with Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Its serene ghats and spiritual aura draw thousands of visitors.


4. Kalighat Temple

Another powerful Shakti Peeth, this temple is deeply spiritual and culturally significant.


5. Indian Museum

India’s oldest and largest museum (founded in 1814), showcasing fossils, mummies, sculptures, and rare manuscripts.


Ohh, I loved these yellow beauties of Kolkata city. They are awesome and pocket friendly. Most of them run on meter, so no scope of cheating. Just be confident and just say the name of place where you want to go. Most of the drivers won't say no, unless the place is very remote.

6. Marble Palace

A 19th-century mansion still inhabited by the descendants of Raja Rajendra Mullick, featuring Western sculptures, chandeliers, and rare paintings.


A Historical Odyssey: The genesis of St. Paul's Cathedral traces back to 1839 when its foundation stone was reverently laid. A testament to unwavering devotion, the cathedral was consecrated in 1847, after eight years of meticulous craftsmanship. The artistic vision of William Nairn Forbes, a military engineer, breathed life into this architectural gem under the vigilant eye of Major William Wilson. The cathedral's architectural style is a harmonious fusion of Indo-Gothic elements, seamlessly blending the mystique of Gothic Revival with a dash of indigenous inspiration.

7. Park Street

Known as the street that never sleeps, it’s lined with heritage restaurants, pubs, cafes, and colonial-era buildings.

👉 Travellingcamera’s streets & cityscapes


On last day of our Kolkata, we planned to visit Jorasanko Thakur bari, the place where Rabindra Nath Tagore  lived and now a brilliant museum having collection of his art-work, literature, photographs, paintings of cultural exchanges. I was not sure if it's worth visiting the place but it has lot more to offer apart from the beautiful haveli and the museum. Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the house in which the poet and first non-European Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore was born. It is also the place where he spent most of his childhood and did some important meetings. We took Metro from Elgin to Girish Park and walked to Jorasanko Thakur bari. Metro is most convenient way to reach this place if you are around Metro station. Otherwise, this area is prone to traffic jams, which we experienced when we planned to take taxi to return back. As we get down at Girish Park, cross the road and walk towards the main gate which takes you to Jorasanko Thakur bari. Anyone around this area would guide you easily, but you need to clearly remember the whole name of the place - 'Jorasanko Thakur bari'. If you only say Thakurbari, you may lead to wrong place. Tourists enjoying their reads while listening to Rabindra music. You would really enjoy the place if you have time, 2-3 hours. This place has lot to explore and know about Rabindra Nath Tagore, his work, family and influence in different countries and culture. But even if you have just 1 hr, that enough to get inspired and appreciate the kind of work he has done many decades ago. Jorasanko Thakur bari is located at a peacful place, although you have to cross through some of the busiest lanes of Kolkata. But you enter the campus of Jorasanko Thakur bari, you feel the peace and there is a sudden change. Green landscapes around vibrant haveli makes it more special. There is an entry ticket for the museum and it costs 10 rs per person, which is very reasonable. The way this place is maintained is awesome. Every hall and exhibition gallery is air conditioned and clean. They have appointed folks at different parts of the museum to ensure that visitors follow the right path and there are no unwanted elements inside. This place shows the grandness of Tagore's family but more than that it shows the great work he has done. He was into different types of art-forms and his work at Jorasanko Thakur bari is very inspiring for someone who has creative inclinations.The museum is huge and needs time to explore it well. We had to catch the train on same day, so didn't have option to stay back for long. Here is the main road near Jorasanko Thakur bari. It's empty because I waited for that and vehicles are behind me because of red-light :). After we took taxi, we spent 35 minutes on same road. Then we were regretting that we should have taken the Metro to go back.Vibha and I loved visiting this place and while coming out to the main road, we used hand-pulled Rickshaw. This is one thing we wanted to do in Kolkata.

8. College Street (Boi Para)

Asia’s largest second-hand book market. A paradise for bibliophiles, and home to the legendary Indian Coffee House.


Situated amidst the vibrant urban tapestry of Kolkata, the Birla Planetarium emerges as a guiding star of celestial intrigue. Officially known as the Birla Institute of Fundamental Research, this planetarium has remained a haven for astronomy enthusiasts and inquisitive minds for many years. In this blog, we will embark on a journey to uncover the marvels of the Birla Planetarium in Kolkata, and unravel why it continues to captivate individuals of all ages.

9. Mother House

The headquarters of Missionaries of Charity, where Mother Teresa lived and worked.


Architectural Elegance: The Birla Planetarium is not just an observatory; it stands as a testament to modern architectural brilliance. Its distinctive design, a harmonious fusion of Indian and Western architectural motifs, beckons visitors with its magnificence. The dome-shaped structure mirrors the night sky, adding an aura of mystique to the building itself.    Cutting-Edge Technology: What sets the Birla Planetarium apart is its cutting-edge equipment. The Zeiss Mark-IV projector, a German marvel, can replicate the night sky with unparalleled precision. Visitors are transported to faraway galaxies, constellations, and planets, immersing themselves in the vast cosmos right from their seats.    Educational Outreach: Beyond its aesthetic and technological prowess, the Birla Planetarium serves as an epicenter for science education. It hosts an array of interactive programs and workshops, catering to students and adults alike. These engaging sessions offer a deeper insight into astronomy, making it an ideal destination for school outings and family visits.

10. Science City

A fun, interactive space perfect for families with kids.



Food in Kolkata

Kolkata is a food lover’s dream with its mix of Bengali, Mughlai, Chinese, and street food flavors:

  • Rosogolla & Sandesh – Bengal’s iconic sweets.

  • Macher Jhol – A staple fish curry with rice.

  • Kathi Rolls – Kolkata’s street food invention, best at Nizam’s in New Market.

  • Puchka (Pani Puri) – Tangy and spicy, with a Bengali twist.

  • Mughlai Paratha, Telebhaja, and Chowmein – Popular evening snacks.

  • Chinese Food at Tiretta Bazaar – A taste of the city’s old Chinese community.

When in Kolkata, it's must to try out various food options around the city and whatever we tried in 4 days, Zeeshan was the best place and this post shares more about the place and why we loved it so much.One of our friends took us to Zeeshan, which is located near Park Circus area. It's a two storey restaurant in a busy market, which serves brilliant biryanis and various non-veg delicacies.We ordered 3 Mutton Biryanis. Each portion is enough for one person. It's a place full of Biryani with one piece of mutton, egg and potato each. This is first time, I saw full egg and Potato in mutton biryani. I really loved the biryanis. out of 3 plates, I had 1.5 and other 1.5 was shared by Vibha & Roy.Unlike North India, you don't get raita with Biryani. Apart from Biryani, we ordered a mutton kosha and few kebabs. We had enough time to enjoy the food and that's very important when you visit a place like Zeeshan to enjoy food.The photograph above is showing pot of phirni stocked in refrigerator.  When we were full, Roy suggested us to try Phirni at Zeeshan and this was first time I realized that how phirni looks like.Our phirni pot looked like this within few minutes :) . It's served in earthen pot and the cover on the top is also an earthen pot.The top floor of Zeeshan has completely different decor than what you see on ground floor. It's air conditioned part of the restaurant and it seems that service tax is added only if you have meal on the upper part. If you have to get a parcel, people take it from the counter on ground floor.Above photograph shows the ground floor of Zeeshan and the counter on top right. We also got stuff packed, which was picked from this counter.All the preparations happening in the kitchen look awesome. It felt like I should come here again before we come back to Delhi, but we couldn't manage that.After our meal, we walked around the place and found this little pan shop.We highly recommend to visit Zeeshan if you are visiting Kolkata and love mutton Biryani. Zeeshan is the place for people who love no-veg food.
  • Kolkata Biryani

👉 Travellingcamera’s food journeys


West Bengal is a state in eastern India that is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant festivals. One of the most important festivals celebrated in West Bengal is Durga Puja, which is a grand celebration of the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Durga Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across the state, but the celebrations in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, are particularly special.

Art, Culture & Festivals in Kolkata

  • Durga Puja: Kolkata’s biggest festival — with artistic pandals, idols, cultural programs, and food stalls.

  • Literary & Artistic Hub: Kolkata Book Fair, Dover Lane Music Festival, and Nandan (cinema hub).

  • Performing Arts: Theatre at Academy of Fine Arts, Rabindra Sadan, and live classical music.

  • Art Galleries: Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Academy of Fine Arts.


When we were in Kolkata Sohail from 'The Beacon' took us on Night tour of the city and ourfirst stop was Kolkata's famous Doodh-Fanta. The name is not thatexciting but both  Vibha and I were excited to try new thing in thecity. This post shares more about Doodh(Milk)-Fanta of Kolkata.From Bikers Cafe,we drove to Balwant Singh Dhaba, Bhawanipur. It was around 10:30pm andthere was huge queue of cars outside the dhaba. There were lot of folkson the road who were taking order. While sitting in the car, we alsoordered a Doodh-Fanta. After few minutes, we were given a jug of Doodh-Fanta and few bhats (earthen cups). Sohail served us the drink in Kulhad(bhat) . After first sip, I realized that it is very different than what I imagined. A cold mild with a very different flavor and in orange color. Definitely Fanta was not the prominent flavor, which I liked. Milk has subtle fruity taste with very nice flavor. It seems, no one knowns the recipe. I would say that drink was not very impressive. It's not like I would crave for it, but it's not bad at all. A nice drink and probably you would fall in love if you drink it more often. It takes time to develop taste for any drink. After having 3 cups of Doodh-Fanta, we went out to check the place and they were also selling tea. There were lot of people around the counter to get token for tea. I loved the environment around this street - lot of cars parked and people enjoying Doodh-Fanta and services in car. Few discussions about Doodh-Fanta on Facebook - Later on Sohail told us about 7 such places in Kolkata where you get a very different experience of food/drinks. Check out their link to know more about '7 places in Kolkata where you will find the quirkiest foods'.

Nightlife in Kolkata

Kolkata’s nightlife blends heritage charm with modern buzz:

  • Park Street: Pubs, jazz clubs, and iconic restaurants like Moulin Rouge, Trincas, and Olypub.

  • Rooftop Cafes: Overlooking the Hooghly and Victoria Memorial.

  • Live Music: From jazz to Sufi, Kolkata’s evenings are filled with rhythm.

  • Adda Culture: Local gatherings at coffee houses and tea stalls late into the night.


 

Shopping in Kolkata

  • New Market (Hogg Market): A one-stop destination for clothes, accessories, and household items.

  • Gariahat Market: Sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts.

  • Dakshinapan Shopping Complex: Handicrafts and artifacts from across India.

  • Kumartuli: Idol-makers’ colony where Durga idols are crafted.

👉 Travellingcamera’s handicrafts & shopping trails


When we were in Kolkata Sohail from 'The Beacon' took us on Night tour of the city and ourfirst stop was Kolkata's famous Doodh-Fanta. The name is not thatexciting but both  Vibha and I were excited to try new thing in thecity. This post shares more about Doodh(Milk)-Fanta of Kolkata.From Bikers Cafe,we drove to Balwant Singh Dhaba, Bhawanipur. It was around 10:30pm andthere was huge queue of cars outside the dhaba. There were lot of folkson the road who were taking order. While sitting in the car, we alsoordered a Doodh-Fanta. After few minutes, we were given a jug of Doodh-Fanta and few bhats (earthen cups). Sohail served us the drink in Kulhad(bhat) . After first sip, I realized that it is very different than what I imagined. A cold mild with a very different flavor and in orange color. Definitely Fanta was not the prominent flavor, which I liked. Milk has subtle fruity taste with very nice flavor. It seems, no one knowns the recipe. I would say that drink was not very impressive. It's not like I would crave for it, but it's not bad at all. A nice drink and probably you would fall in love if you drink it more often. It takes time to develop taste for any drink. After having 3 cups of Doodh-Fanta, we went out to check the place and they were also selling tea. There were lot of people around the counter to get token for tea. I loved the environment around this street - lot of cars parked and people enjoying Doodh-Fanta and services in car. Few discussions about Doodh-Fanta on Facebook - Later on Sohail told us about 7 such places in Kolkata where you get a very different experience of food/drinks. Check out their link to know more about '7 places in Kolkata where you will find the quirkiest foods'.

Local Life in Kolkata

  • Morning: Rabindra Sangeet in parks, chai in clay cups, joggers at Maidan.

  • Day: Street markets bustling, students filling coffee houses, office goers rushing.

  • Evening: Families on the Hooghly ghats, food lovers exploring puchka stalls.

  • Essence: A city that lives by adda (casual chats), books, food, and festivals.

👉 Travellingcamera’s street photography


What's the deal with Trams of Kolkata and why this is one of the top recommended experiences in West Bengal?

Excursions Around Kolkata


On last day of our Kolkata, we planned to visit Jorasanko Thakur bari, the place where Rabindra Nath Tagore  lived and now a brilliant museum having collection of his art-work, literature, photographs, paintings of cultural exchanges. I was not sure if it's worth visiting the place but it has lot more to offer apart from the beautiful haveli and the museum. Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the house in which the poet and first non-European Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore was born. It is also the place where he spent most of his childhood and did some important meetings. We took Metro from Elgin to Girish Park and walked to Jorasanko Thakur bari. Metro is most convenient way to reach this place if you are around Metro station. Otherwise, this area is prone to traffic jams, which we experienced when we planned to take taxi to return back. As we get down at Girish Park, cross the road and walk towards the main gate which takes you to Jorasanko Thakur bari. Anyone around this area would guide you easily, but you need to clearly remember the whole name of the place - 'Jorasanko Thakur bari'. If you only say Thakurbari, you may lead to wrong place. Tourists enjoying their reads while listening to Rabindra music. You would really enjoy the place if you have time, 2-3 hours. This place has lot to explore and know about Rabindra Nath Tagore, his work, family and influence in different countries and culture. But even if you have just 1 hr, that enough to get inspired and appreciate the kind of work he has done many decades ago. Jorasanko Thakur bari is located at a peacful place, although you have to cross through some of the busiest lanes of Kolkata. But you enter the campus of Jorasanko Thakur bari, you feel the peace and there is a sudden change. Green landscapes around vibrant haveli makes it more special. There is an entry ticket for the museum and it costs 10 rs per person, which is very reasonable. The way this place is maintained is awesome. Every hall and exhibition gallery is air conditioned and clean. They have appointed folks at different parts of the museum to ensure that visitors follow the right path and there are no unwanted elements inside. This place shows the grandness of Tagore's family but more than that it shows the great work he has done. He was into different types of art-forms and his work at Jorasanko Thakur bari is very inspiring for someone who has creative inclinations.The museum is huge and needs time to explore it well. We had to catch the train on same day, so didn't have option to stay back for long. Here is the main road near Jorasanko Thakur bari. It's empty because I waited for that and vehicles are behind me because of red-light :). After we took taxi, we spent 35 minutes on same road. Then we were regretting that we should have taken the Metro to go back.Vibha and I loved visiting this place and while coming out to the main road, we used hand-pulled Rickshaw. This is one thing we wanted to do in Kolkata.

Best Time to Visit Kolkata

  • October–February: Best weather, coinciding with Durga Puja and cultural events.

  • March–June: Hot and humid, but vibrant with festivals like Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year).

  • July–September: Monsoon rains add charm but can be tricky for sightseeing.


What's the deal with Trams of Kolkata and why this is one of the top recommended experiences in West Bengal?

How to Reach Kolkata

  • By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport connects globally.

  • By Rail: Howrah and Sealdah stations are among India’s busiest.

  • By Road: Well-connected highways to Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar.


On last day of our Kolkata, we planned to visit Jorasanko Thakur bari, the place where Rabindra Nath Tagore  lived and now a brilliant museum having collection of his art-work, literature, photographs, paintings of cultural exchanges. I was not sure if it's worth visiting the place but it has lot more to offer apart from the beautiful haveli and the museum. Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the house in which the poet and first non-European Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore was born. It is also the place where he spent most of his childhood and did some important meetings. We took Metro from Elgin to Girish Park and walked to Jorasanko Thakur bari. Metro is most convenient way to reach this place if you are around Metro station. Otherwise, this area is prone to traffic jams, which we experienced when we planned to take taxi to return back. As we get down at Girish Park, cross the road and walk towards the main gate which takes you to Jorasanko Thakur bari. Anyone around this area would guide you easily, but you need to clearly remember the whole name of the place - 'Jorasanko Thakur bari'. If you only say Thakurbari, you may lead to wrong place. Tourists enjoying their reads while listening to Rabindra music. You would really enjoy the place if you have time, 2-3 hours. This place has lot to explore and know about Rabindra Nath Tagore, his work, family and influence in different countries and culture. But even if you have just 1 hr, that enough to get inspired and appreciate the kind of work he has done many decades ago. Jorasanko Thakur bari is located at a peacful place, although you have to cross through some of the busiest lanes of Kolkata. But you enter the campus of Jorasanko Thakur bari, you feel the peace and there is a sudden change. Green landscapes around vibrant haveli makes it more special. There is an entry ticket for the museum and it costs 10 rs per person, which is very reasonable. The way this place is maintained is awesome. Every hall and exhibition gallery is air conditioned and clean. They have appointed folks at different parts of the museum to ensure that visitors follow the right path and there are no unwanted elements inside. This place shows the grandness of Tagore's family but more than that it shows the great work he has done. He was into different types of art-forms and his work at Jorasanko Thakur bari is very inspiring for someone who has creative inclinations.The museum is huge and needs time to explore it well. We had to catch the train on same day, so didn't have option to stay back for long. Here is the main road near Jorasanko Thakur bari. It's empty because I waited for that and vehicles are behind me because of red-light :). After we took taxi, we spent 35 minutes on same road. Then we were regretting that we should have taken the Metro to go back.Vibha and I loved visiting this place and while coming out to the main road, we used hand-pulled Rickshaw. This is one thing we wanted to do in Kolkata.

Stay Options in Kolkata

  • Luxury: The Oberoi Grand, Taj Bengal, ITC Sonar.

  • Mid-range: Kenilworth Hotel, The Peerless Inn.

  • Budget: Guesthouses in Park Street and Sudder Street.

👉 Travellingcamera’s hotel reviews


On last day of our Kolkata, we planned to visit Jorasanko Thakur bari, the place where Rabindra Nath Tagore  lived and now a brilliant museum having collection of his art-work, literature, photographs, paintings of cultural exchanges. I was not sure if it's worth visiting the place but it has lot more to offer apart from the beautiful haveli and the museum. Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the house in which the poet and first non-European Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore was born. It is also the place where he spent most of his childhood and did some important meetings. We took Metro from Elgin to Girish Park and walked to Jorasanko Thakur bari. Metro is most convenient way to reach this place if you are around Metro station. Otherwise, this area is prone to traffic jams, which we experienced when we planned to take taxi to return back. As we get down at Girish Park, cross the road and walk towards the main gate which takes you to Jorasanko Thakur bari. Anyone around this area would guide you easily, but you need to clearly remember the whole name of the place - 'Jorasanko Thakur bari'. If you only say Thakurbari, you may lead to wrong place. Tourists enjoying their reads while listening to Rabindra music. You would really enjoy the place if you have time, 2-3 hours. This place has lot to explore and know about Rabindra Nath Tagore, his work, family and influence in different countries and culture. But even if you have just 1 hr, that enough to get inspired and appreciate the kind of work he has done many decades ago. Jorasanko Thakur bari is located at a peacful place, although you have to cross through some of the busiest lanes of Kolkata. But you enter the campus of Jorasanko Thakur bari, you feel the peace and there is a sudden change. Green landscapes around vibrant haveli makes it more special. There is an entry ticket for the museum and it costs 10 rs per person, which is very reasonable. The way this place is maintained is awesome. Every hall and exhibition gallery is air conditioned and clean. They have appointed folks at different parts of the museum to ensure that visitors follow the right path and there are no unwanted elements inside. This place shows the grandness of Tagore's family but more than that it shows the great work he has done. He was into different types of art-forms and his work at Jorasanko Thakur bari is very inspiring for someone who has creative inclinations.The museum is huge and needs time to explore it well. We had to catch the train on same day, so didn't have option to stay back for long. Here is the main road near Jorasanko Thakur bari. It's empty because I waited for that and vehicles are behind me because of red-light :). After we took taxi, we spent 35 minutes on same road. Then we were regretting that we should have taken the Metro to go back.Vibha and I loved visiting this place and while coming out to the main road, we used hand-pulled Rickshaw. This is one thing we wanted to do in Kolkata.

Why Visit Kolkata?

Kolkata is more than a city — it’s an emotion, defined by literature, art, festivals, food, and warm people. From the grandeur of Victoria Memorial to the spirituality of Kalighat, from tram rides to boat cruises on the Hooghly, and from puchkas to rosogollas, Kolkata promises a cultural immersion like no other.

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Kolkata has lot of beautiful buildings from british era and Victoria memorial is one of the most beautiful & popular place in the city. During our trip to Kolkata, we visited Victorial memorial twice - once in the morning and once in the evening, when whole building was well lit. This post shares about Victoria Memorial, it's lush green gardens and some of the interesting facts about this beautiful building & other places around.The Victoria Memorial is a huge marble building in Kolkata  (Calcutta) city of West Bengal, India. Victoria Memorialis dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria  and is now a museum and tourist destination and taken care of by Ministry of Culture. The Memorial is surrounded by grounds around Hooghly river  near Jawaharlal Nehru road.There are multiple gates for Victoria Memorial and the Memorial building is surrounding some water bodies & lush green lawns. We entered into the Victoria Memorial campus through main which is just front of the memorial.We turned towards left just after entering into the Victoria Memorial campus. There is a beautiful water body on the left side of the memorial, which offers great views of Victoria Memorial in water reflection.Different types of birds can be seen around lush green gardens of Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, but Cormorants were in abundance. Most of them were sitting around the edge of water body and it seems that campus has good amount of fish as well.The day we visited Victoria Memorial was being celebrated as National Tourism Day and entry to all monuments was free. Otherwise entry ticket for Victoria Memorial costs 10 rs and ticket for museum is extra,which is priced at 20 rs.Lot of folks come to Victoria Memorial for morning walk or jogging. There are monthly/yearly passes available for folks which cost 100 rs for month and 1000 rs for an year.Victoria Memorial opens at 10am in morning and closes at 5pm. Ticket counter closes at 5pm.  There are lot of maulshree trees around Victoria Memorial, which make the whole environment fragrant. Especially the other side of water body, which is full of trees and plants.These lions sitting on the entry makes the places grander.
Victoria Memorial - Kolkata's mammoth marble structure (West Bengal, India)









































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