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Fun & Entertainment
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Gardens
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The British had a penchant for creation of colossal monuments. The BBD Bagh area is witness to a similar structure created in one of the affluent zones of the city. ...
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The British had a penchant for creation of colossal monuments. The BBD Bagh area is witness to a similar structure created in one of the affluent zones of the city. Once the very seat of British Power, fondly remembered as the Dalhousie Square, it was later renamed after the three original writers (Binoy, Badal and Dinesh) who toiled in building. Established in the year 1880 the BBD Bagh building and the surrounding area is still remembered by the old timers as a British landmark.
The BBD bagh area is formed as a square and the wide area often witnesses surging business crowds during the morning and evening times. One can see groups gather around the open area and spend some leisurely time remembering former moments.
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Religious
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Kolkata is remembered as the “City of Joy” inspite of the prevailing scenario of a city bursting at seams due to overgrowth. The presence of numerous sanctimonious and pious places ...
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Kolkata is remembered as the “City of Joy” inspite of the prevailing scenario of a city bursting at seams due to overgrowth. The presence of numerous sanctimonious and pious places of worship generates the hope and optimism amongst the populace in the city. Belur Math is one such expanse which has been instrumental in creation of cult followers and worshippers who were guided by Shri Ramkrishna Paramhansa.
Symbolising the harmonious coexistence of various religions in India the Belur Math portrays edifices which resemble the general perception of a Hindu, Muslim and Christian place of worship. The Math is also the control center of Ramakrishna Mission. Open for visit from 0530– 1030hr and 1630– 1930hr daily, a visit to the Math is sure to bestow inner peace.
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Art & Museum
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Birla is a name which is associated with Industrial progress of India and the Birla group has not spared any efforts in presenting these achievements and providing an opportunity for ...
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Birla is a name which is associated with Industrial progress of India and the Birla group has not spared any efforts in presenting these achievements and providing an opportunity for the younger minds to experiment and understand the basic concepts of science. The Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, established in 1956 boasts of a wide spectrum of gallery and design work ranging from basic to advance science such as electronics, nuclear, communication as well as mining, iron etc.
The museum pro actively organizes film shows, games, sky watch sessions, fun filled learning sessions and a lot more. Various attractions as rabbit house, aquarium, aviary, bonsai, snake pits and an underground coal mine setup provide a deep insight into the field. The purpose of scientific awareness is innovatively achieved through generation of interest. The Museum can visited from 1000 -1730hr. Monday is the weekly off.
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Art & Museum
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A visit to a planetarium is sure to set the heart racing of any science enthusiast and even a believer of God. The vastness of our Universe and the captivating ...
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A visit to a planetarium is sure to set the heart racing of any science enthusiast and even a believer of God. The vastness of our Universe and the captivating creations of nature are to be seen to be believed. The Birla Planetarium constructed in 1962 provides an excellent opportunity for the locals and visitors to witness the glory of our Universe and try and understand our world and creation in layman’s language.
This planetarium presents a series of shows wherein numerous scientific theories and discoveries are displayed on the gigantic dome while the commentary in various Indian languages and English explains the intricate world of planets, galaxies, solar system, and life cycles of stars.
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Religious
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The Birla temples have become a landmark in cities where the temples have been erected. The creative architectural designs, liberal use of high cost raw material and aesthetic surroundings combine ...
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The Birla temples have become a landmark in cities where the temples have been erected. The creative architectural designs, liberal use of high cost raw material and aesthetic surroundings combine to form the pristine Birla temple, also known by the Hindu worshipers as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
Marbles slabs were used to adorn the surfaces of the temple. These slabs depict the teachings of Lord Krishna which were imparted to Arjuna during the Bhagavad-Gita epic. The temple has been built on a slightly higher ground and is beautifully decorated with lights thus making it a remarkable landmark of Kolkata. Temple timings are 0500-1500hr and 1700-2200hr.
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Gardens
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The most riveting sight of the Botanical Gardens in Kolkata is the huge canopy cover of a 200 year old Banyan tree. Situated on the western banks of river Hoogly ...
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The most riveting sight of the Botanical Gardens in Kolkata is the huge canopy cover of a 200 year old Banyan tree. Situated on the western banks of river Hoogly the Botanical Gardens were established in 1786 by the British officer Col. Kyd with an aim to create a central research and cultivation facility for crops and plantations from across the globe.
Thus the scrumptious Assam and Darjeeling teas trace their roots to this garden. Apart from the regular Indian species it is also possible to be amongst some rare breeds straight from the Amazon and Congo basins, Brazil, Sumatra as well as Java. The grand sight of soaring Mahogany trees, enchanting and natural Orchid House and the glorious Cuban Palms is a memory of a lifetime.
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Miscellaneous
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The British rule of over two centuries has left many indelible marks on the city of Kolkata, The Royal Calcutta Turf Club or the Race Course is one of them. ...
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The British rule of over two centuries has left many indelible marks on the city of Kolkata, The Royal Calcutta Turf Club or the Race Course is one of them. Ranked as one of the best Race Courses in India the RCTC plays host to horse races during weekends during Jul-September and November- Mar seasons. Situated at the heart of the city near the Victoria memorial the RCTC is an unmistakable sight for any tourist.
Since its inception in 1819 the Royal Turf Club has also been the center of attraction for Polo lovers for its regular Polo matches. The construction of the stands and galleries as well as the traditions followed by the Club remind one of the erstwhile British era.
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Gardens
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Long association with the British enables Kolkata to boast of numerous locations remembered due to their association with certain individuals, like the Eden Gardens. The garden, as the name suggests, ...
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Long association with the British enables Kolkata to boast of numerous locations remembered due to their association with certain individuals, like the Eden Gardens. The garden, as the name suggests, is where two sisters (one of them named Eden) related to the Governor of Auckland, spend hours during their leisurely strolls. The cricket stadium built next to the garden is also aptly named after the garden.
Considered to be the largest cricket stadium in the world the Eden Gardens boast of a capacity of 1,20,000. Witnessing a cricket match at Eden Gardens jam packed with spectators is any cricket lover’s dream come true. The mammoth score board and the flood lights just add to the cricket zing. One may get a glimpse of the stadium upon request to the chowkidar, otherwise entry is restricted to the stadium. The adjoining garden can visited from 0900-2000hr daily. Also try and visit the Mohun Bagan football club nearby.
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Historical
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Apart from being the British stronghold Kolkata has also been the main center for Indian Army operations post independence. The majestic Fort William constructed in 1781 in the honour of ...
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Apart from being the British stronghold Kolkata has also been the main center for Indian Army operations post independence. The majestic Fort William constructed in 1781 in the honour of King William –III is the nerve centre of these Eastern operations of Indian Army, being the Eastern Army Command. Situated on the picturesque banks of the Hoogly the Fort has been a witness to many bloodbaths and historical moments.
Constructed in an octagonal shape the fort houses the famous St. Peter’s Church constructed in 1928. The association with Armies has provided the fort with accommodation, offices and recreation and training facilities such as swimming pool, movie hall, boxing stadium as well a firing range. Being under the stronghold of the Indian Army the entry to the fort is restricted.
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Art & Museum
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The Gurusaday Museum is a fine example of how the culturally active and artful Bengalis have managed to keep their arts and culture alive even through the turmoil. Complete with ...
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The Gurusaday Museum is a fine example of how the culturally active and artful Bengalis have managed to keep their arts and culture alive even through the turmoil. Complete with a rich collection of art forms depicting social traditions, religious practices, social issues and nature the museum is an amusing dwelling.
Situated at a distance of 18 Km from the city the museum was created in 1961 and opened to public in 1963. The Gurusaday Dutt Folk Art Society is presently in charge of the maintenance and upkeep of the museum.
The museum boasts of a collection of over 5000 unique and innovative exhibits of arts and crafts of Bengal.
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Architectural
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It is not often that a certain landmark becomes the very identity of the entire city. The Howrah Bridge or the Rabindra Setu, also termed as the gateway of Kolkata, ...
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It is not often that a certain landmark becomes the very identity of the entire city. The Howrah Bridge or the Rabindra Setu, also termed as the gateway of Kolkata, is one such structure which due to its grandeur and majestic appeal has been the face of Kolkata for over a century. Constructed on the river Hoogly, the bridge connects the city to the Howrah district and effectively the Eastern part of the country.
This steel structure is 705m long and boasts of 8 lanes collectively 97m wide. Reportedly over one lakh different vehicles and 2 million commuters traverse the bridge to either direction every day. The ships and boats often enter the Kolkata harbor after traveling under the bridge. Recently it has been illuminated and is a sight to behold during evenings.
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Art & Museum
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Want to see an Egyptian mummy and dinosaur remains in person. Welcome to the iNdian museum, the house of various wonderful and awe inspiring discoveries and excavations undertaken by mankind. ...
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Want to see an Egyptian mummy and dinosaur remains in person. Welcome to the iNdian museum, the house of various wonderful and awe inspiring discoveries and excavations undertaken by mankind. Considered as one of the oldest and largest museum of the country the Indian museum and its 60 galleries are replete with a dazzling collection of geographical, archaeological, textile and botanical objects.
The museum inaugurated in 1875 presents a strong influence of in Italian architecture. Be prepared to be stunned by the skeletal remains straight from the sites from Mohenjodaro and Harappa, Buddhist stupa, various rare antiques, and a big collection of meteorites. Open on all weekdays except Mondays the museum is open from 100-1900hr.
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Wildlife
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The land of Bengal has been blessed with natural resources and scenic beauty. The abundance of nature and efforts to preserve it are visible at places such as the Jaldapara ...
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The land of Bengal has been blessed with natural resources and scenic beauty. The abundance of nature and efforts to preserve it are visible at places such as the Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary, located near the city. Spread over an area of 25 square kilometers, the sanctuary boasts of a huge congregation of exotic animals such as the one horned Rhino, Indian elephants, barking as well as spotted deer.
The drive to the sanctuary is so full of life and greenery (green plateaus, tea gardens, sloping fields etc) that one is primed to spend a lifetime at the place. What more, the sanctuary also provides an opportunity to watch some of the most exotic species of birds such as the Crested and Pallas’s fishing eagles, partridges as well as the Jungle fowl alongwith the pythons, deadly cobras and monitor lizards.
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Art & Museum
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The love and affection showered by the first Prime Minister of India Jawahar Nehru was equally reciprocated by the children of the country. The construction of Shishu Bhawan in 1972 ...
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The love and affection showered by the first Prime Minister of India Jawahar Nehru was equally reciprocated by the children of the country. The construction of Shishu Bhawan in 1972 was a step initiated to carry forward the legacy of the great leader and provide a platform for the budding artists and children to assemble and exchange artistic views.
The museum is a mini paradise for kids and presents a humongous massive and an amazing collection of dolls from across the globe. Open from 1300-1900 hr daily, except Mondays, the Museum is a must visit especially for the sake of the little ones.
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Architectural
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Bengal is the land of thinkers, philosophers and artists. One of the all time great poet, author and thinker Rabindranath Tagore hailed from the lands of Bengal and the area ...
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Bengal is the land of thinkers, philosophers and artists. One of the all time great poet, author and thinker Rabindranath Tagore hailed from the lands of Bengal and the area where he and his family resided in their ancestral house is known as the Jorasanko Thakurbari or House of the Thakur/ Tagore. Built in the 18th century by Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, the grandfather of Rabindranath Tagore the palace has now been converted into a mini museum cum exhibit hall.
Special light and sound shows enthrall the audiences and also provide an insight into to the great Noble laureate’s life. The shows are conducted from Nov-Jan from 1800-1900hr and 1830-1930hr during Feb-Oct. Closed on Mondays as well as Thursdays the Bari charges a nominal fee for entry.
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Religious
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The first reaction of watching a Kali protima (idol) is that of fear for the hot headed Godesses is known to be ruthless and unforgiving to the wayward. The Kali ...
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The first reaction of watching a Kali protima (idol) is that of fear for the hot headed Godesses is known to be ruthless and unforgiving to the wayward. The Kali temple situated on the banks of Hoogly river is visited by millions of devotees to seek blessings of the Deity. If one enters the sanctum sanctorum with the usual image he/she is due for a shock for the idol is only that of the head and tongue of the Goddess.
The story goes that the deity approached an artist in dreams and ordered construction of her idol which had to be completed in one night however the artist could only complete the present portion and only that portion is placed in the sanctorum. The temple is believed to be over 200 years old and is open on all days from 0500-100hr and 1400-2330hr.
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Religious
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The Kali Temple is situated on the banks of Hoogly where the Kali Ghat has been constructed in order to provide facility for the worshippers to cleanse themselves with the ...
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The Kali Temple is situated on the banks of Hoogly where the Kali Ghat has been constructed in order to provide facility for the worshippers to cleanse themselves with the waters of Holy Ganges. The Ghat with numerous steps and special platforms for washing feet and taking bath is abounding with crowd everyday at all the times.
The Ghat is laced with shops and mini vendors selling their wares which are mostly religious symbols and icons. A word of caution though; bewares of the touts who promise early darshan upon small payment and later fleece gullible crowds. Darshan through regular lines is the best and peaceful option. Further the nearby red light area activities sometimes spill over to the temple zone and it is better if the darshan and visit are completed by 2100hr.
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Historical
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Considered as is one of the most amazing collection of art the Marble palace situated near the Chorbagan area of North Kolkata is a must visit for any art lover. ...
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Considered as is one of the most amazing collection of art the Marble palace situated near the Chorbagan area of North Kolkata is a must visit for any art lover. Constructed in 1835 by Rajendra Mallick the Marble Palace is an art gallery, depicting history in arts, photographs, oil paintings and beautiful sculptures.
The star attractions of the Marble Palace are undoubtedly the collection of masterpieces by Reuben and the paintings by various renowned international artists such as Reynolds, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Moreover the Marble Palace also boasts of a Zoo with different rare birds and animals.
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Religious
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The Land of Bengal has been a mute witness to many fights for supremacy. The fight between the Muslim rulers and the British is one of them. The telltale signs ...
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The Land of Bengal has been a mute witness to many fights for supremacy. The fight between the Muslim rulers and the British is one of them. The telltale signs of Muslim dominance come in the form of the Nakhoda Mosque, which considered as one of the biggest mosques in India. Initially though, a small construction, it was later restructured in 1926 by Abdar Rahim Osman, a rich merchant from Kutch. The mosque boasts of a similar structure to that of the tomb of Akbar at Sikandra.
The mosque can comfortably hold a capacity crowd of 10,000 men during weekly and special prayers. The doorways are based on the designs of Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri while the granite used for the construction was specially brought from Tolepur.
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Fun & Entertainment
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Religious
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The multifarious yet united outlook of the city of Kolkata is evident from the variety of places of worship which have coexisted since centuries. The Parashnath Jain Temple located at ...
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The multifarious yet united outlook of the city of Kolkata is evident from the variety of places of worship which have coexisted since centuries. The Parashnath Jain Temple located at the northeast of the city of Kolkata is one such example. The temple has been standing proudly since its construction in 1867 by Ray Badridas Bahadur, an art connoisseur.
The temple adorned by beautiful mirrors arrangements and colored stones fixed on the walls. The Parashnath Jain temple also plays host to a small museum which holds few memorabilia of Jainism and literature regarding the religion. The temple surroundings have been decorated using stained glass, marble floor and exquisite European style statues in the adjoining garden.
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Beaches, Lakes & Falls
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The Rabindra Sarovar or the erstwhile Dhakuri Lake is a magnificent artificial water body spread over an area of approximately 75 acres. Situated in South Kolkata near the Salt Lake ...
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The Rabindra Sarovar or the erstwhile Dhakuri Lake is a magnificent artificial water body spread over an area of approximately 75 acres. Situated in South Kolkata near the Salt Lake city the Rabindra Sarovar has fast developed as a favourite picnic spot for nature lovers. Facilities like boating swimming as well fishing (seasonal) are available at the lake.
The onset of winters brings the great visitors to Kolkata alongwith the beautiful weather. Migratory birds from Siberian as well as the other Russian regions shift their bases to the century old trees surrounding the lake. The lake surroundings have been beautified by cultivating greenery and also by providing various recreational facilities for children and grownups alike viz. gardens, Kid’s park, auditorium etc.
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Fun & Entertainment
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Art & Museum
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The Sabarna Roy Choudhary family is one of the well known families of Bengal since many centuries and it was logical that their rich heritage was aptly preserved and displayed ...
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The Sabarna Roy Choudhary family is one of the well known families of Bengal since many centuries and it was logical that their rich heritage was aptly preserved and displayed through the Sabarna Sangrahashala, a museum designed, developed and maintained by Sabarrna Roy Choudhary Paribar Parishad. The museum boasts of a grand collection rare articles and historical documents dating back to 18th century.
The reading room is full of old books and documents which hold wealth of information regarding Bengal and India as well. Numerous antic articles such as the metal Hookah (1878 make) candle stand (1795) and a grinding wheel (1845) adorn the museum alongwith the star attraction which is a huge earthen rice pot with a capacity of 240kgs of grain dating 1843.
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Art & Museum
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If you ever visit Kolkata and skip the Science City then your family, especially children are bound to hold a grudge against you for life. This amazing place has been ...
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If you ever visit Kolkata and skip the Science City then your family, especially children are bound to hold a grudge against you for life. This amazing place has been so well conceptualized and created that it takes at least 6-8 hours to be completely satiated by what it offers. On offer are 3-D movies, Fish eye projected I-MAX movies, train rides, Space station tour, Creepy crawler section, excellent garden for kids as well as a Naval Ship structured museum.
Open on all weekdays except Mondays the Science city is one place to get lost in the cycle of evolution with roaring dinosaurs, mammoths, sabre tooths and many other Jurassic life size creatures. Hold your breath all these activities can be undertaken within a budget of Rs 100/- per head, just make sure that you reach early so that you don’t regret the lack of time for not being able to do justice to each section.
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Architectural
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Kolkata and Durga Puja are inseparable. The joy, excitement and enthusiasm oozes out of Kolkata during the festival which was initiated by a mass organized Puja in Shobhabajar Rajbari in ...
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Kolkata and Durga Puja are inseparable. The joy, excitement and enthusiasm oozes out of Kolkata during the festival which was initiated by a mass organized Puja in Shobhabajar Rajbari in honor of Governor Lord Clive in 1757. The puja was meant to be a celebration marking the victory of British in the Battle of Plassey.
Siraj-ud-daulah was defeated, however he managed to destroy the only church in Calcutta. The people of the city decided to dedicate the Puja to all British friends of the East India Company. Initially the puja was conducted by some of the wealthy merchants and Landlords of Calcutta, however with time the Durga Puja has become a festival of the commoners.
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Religious
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The strong presence of Christianity is felt in Kolkata through the presence of churches and the world famous “Missionaries of Charities” of Mother Teresa. The St Paul’s Cathedral is one ...
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The strong presence of Christianity is felt in Kolkata through the presence of churches and the world famous “Missionaries of Charities” of Mother Teresa. The St Paul’s Cathedral is one such monument which was constructed in 1847 and still stands tall. Situated at the heart of the city near Vitoria Memorial the Cathedral draws many eyeballs mainly due to its Indo-Gothic design and remarkable beautiful architecture.
Renovated and repaired after structural damage the cathedral has withstood numerous natural as well man made calamities. The 201ft high church has intricate art work and murals on its walls while the stained glass painting on west window warrants special mention.
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Fun & Entertainment
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Gardens
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Miscellaneous
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Tollygunge Club is an all in one club which is based in a place called Tollygunj or simply Tolly. The club is famous for the variety of facilities which it ...
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Tollygunge Club is an all in one club which is based in a place called Tollygunj or simply Tolly. The club is famous for the variety of facilities which it offers. This club situated at southern Kolkata boasts of a 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, squash courts, billiards and pool, recreation and health club, mini indoor as well as a an Olympic size outdoor swimming pool, Equestrian specialties etc.
The location of an Ayurvedic spa near the Club is an added bonus for the regulars to the club. The club itself is located in a scenic environment and the club interiors are mesmerizing with picturesque locations, greenery and an amusing mix of flora and fauna received from Australian as well as South American continent.
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Architectural
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Every city has a central location which is a mute spectator to its growth and prosperity. The Town Hall of Kolkata has been a vibrant participant in all major activities ...
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Every city has a central location which is a mute spectator to its growth and prosperity. The Town Hall of Kolkata has been a vibrant participant in all major activities of the city since last two centuries. Constructed in 1813 using wood and bricks, the Town Hall stands in the illustrious company of the Assembly House. The 25 feet high ground floor has an intricate network of numerous small rooms and a central marble hall.
Town Hall displays Palladian Neo-classical Doric style architecture and has been used as the Town Court House as well as the office of Public Services Commission. Numerous community meetings and social gatherings have been organized in front of the town hall of Kolkata.
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Architectural
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An everlasting impression one carries from Kolkata is the shining white Victoria memorial surrounded by lush greenery and wide roads. Conceptualised and created by Sir William Emerson – President, British ...
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An everlasting impression one carries from Kolkata is the shining white Victoria memorial surrounded by lush greenery and wide roads. Conceptualised and created by Sir William Emerson – President, British institute of Architects in 1921 the Victoria Memorial provides an idea of how the riches plundered from India were splurged on pleasing the Royal family. This memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria provides an insight into Indian History right from the arrival of British to the Independence era.
Amazing paintings and photographs by British officers unfold an Indian subcontinent hitherto unknown to many of us. The photographs and sculptures of numerous historic figures also adorn this museum spread over an area of 64 acres. Watch out for an exact replica of a busy Kolkata street from the 18th century. Be sure to reach the memorial prior to 1600hr in order to enjoy the contents for the museum guards are pretty strict about the closing timings of 1800hr. A special light show is also presented at 1930 hr daily except Mondays.
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