Top Things to do in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Top Restaurants in Kolkata (Calcutta)
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Things to do in Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
This former British colonial stronghold boasts evidence of over two millennia of habitation, with ornate, architecturally diverse buildings, ranging from crumbing ruins to Victorian treasures. Home to lively festivals and a vibrant artistic community, clamorous markets and packed temples, this city is crowded and polluted, but ultimately invigorating.
Restaurants in Kolkata (Calcutta)
1. Metcalfe Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By atulya_sinha - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Metcalfe Hall was built in the mid 19th century in honour of Charles Metcalfe, officiating Governor General of India in 1835-36, who later served as Governor General of Canada. The building was designed by C.K.Robinson in classical Greek style and is noted for its colonnades supported by massive Corinthian columns. Initially, this building was used as a public library. The books collected here eventually formed the nucleus of the National Library, now located in Alipore. In the 20th century, the condition of the building gradually deteriorated and its main entrance towards Strand Road was sealed off. Its ground floor was being used by the Asiatic Society, while the first floor was occupied by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It was declared a protected monument in 1992. It reopened as a museum in 2019 after extensive restoration. My wife and I visited the Metcalfe Hall Museum as a part of a guided walk recently. Some highlights: a) An exhibition on the works of Satyajit Ray can be seen on the ground floor b) A small gallery has large blow ups of iconic buildings and structures of Kolkata, such as Howrah Bridge and the High Court c) Another small gallery displays photos of the process of restoration of the building d) They offer a short, but memorable, video showing finger puppetry on the theme of Kolkata e) An exquisite wooden staircase, with well-preserved posters of bygone days displayed around it, takes you to the upper floor f) A full sized wooden boat is on display on the first floor (it must have been a challenge to transport it there!) g) Videos of Kolkata are projected on muslin screens on the first floor h) One can see some exceptional photos of Kolkata over the years, clicked by well-known photographers i) Some arts & handicrafts of Bengal, such as “Shola” are on display j) There is a nice view of Strand Road and the river beyond it from the windows of the first floor gallery k) There is a small room adorned with a hand-drawn rickshaw on the ground floor, where visitors can leave notes expressing their thoughts on Kolkata The building has been painstakingly restored and the exhibits have been carefully selected. There is no entry fee. Metcalfe Hall is certainly worth a visit for both residents of and visitors to the city.
2. College Street (Boi Para)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 817 reviews
Reviewed By SaswataM10
People need to come and visit this place to see how big a book market can be. You can also find old and rare books alongside the footpath. This part of Kolkata is also very chaotic, due to presence of hand pulled rickshaws and paddled vans. Presence of Six colleges (Medical College, IISWBM, Calcutta University, Presidency University, Sanskrit College, Jain College) & Three schools (Hindu School - The earlier Hindu college, Hare School, Sanskrit School) represent most of the chaos and also the customer base of this book market. This market is also, the biggest book market, in Asia (in all likelihood).
3. Sishu Bhavan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
4. Dacca Kali Bari
5. Mother House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,580 reviews
Reviewed By debabrata707 - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
If you visit in Kolkata you must visit to Mother House which is associated with Mother Theresa.Last month I have visited the same.This is one of the peaceful place in Kolkata.
6. Park Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,082 reviews
Reviewed By UPSINHA - Patna, India
If you are of upper class or upper middle class person and love good food, Modern type Pubs , good Restaurant and elite Cloths and not want conventional crowd This is place for you ... British era Buildings and some European touch architectures Many colleges Xavier and Loreto Asiatic society Good Hotel to stay The Park Lots of good Food high end restaurants Fine dining , fast food giants McDonald’s available For Good standard cloths lots of showroom and Designer boutiques Good Pubs also available for Night Life This place has historically value and name changes many times from Burial Ground Road to Part Street and now Mother Teresa sarani but the FEEL of the area is maintained You can enjoy here with your Family If nothing to buy just window shopping and feeling the old era within you Highly recommended place
7. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,925 reviews
Reviewed By Khagio1
Very peaceful quite place and taking a bath of the ganga in the holy place of Maa Kali , if you are in Kolkata please visit this place a holy place , recommended
8. Sri Aurobindo Bhawan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By neelamlegal - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Birth place of the great freedom fighter sri Aurbindo who started a spiritual community and the ashram is dedicated to the community. The place hosts a library, reading room,cultural setup etc. The place also organizes meditation classes and other spiritual activities. The place houses the samadhi or resting place of Sri Aurbindo Ghosh. The surrondings are beautiful and full of peace, big trees and beautifully maintained garden adds to the beauty.
9. Sri Sarada Devi Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
10. Shree Aadi Bhootnath Mandir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By ankan146 - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
also known as kamn poorti mahadev near burning ghat nimtala . every year 31st dec night long kirtan bhajan programme done. shivratri,and sawan special occasions. camphor arti space inside temple.(buy frm shop) 1st arti morning conducted with funeral pyres bhasm .exept monday all days afternoon 1pm to4pm closed .near ganga ,very calm peaceful.temple.big bel inside garbhgriha/ silver sandal kept near AKHAND JYOTI ROOM blesing by priest on special request .EVENING SRINGAR DAILY WITH SEPArate murti.placed . nearby mota mahadev (10-12 feet height ) temple and durga and kali temples .and anand mayi mata temples .(vote helpful if liked )
