20 Best Places to Visit in Kolkata
Widely popular as the "City of Joy", Kolkata truly captures its real essence. The city exudes hospitality, warmth, and a sense of euphoria, upholding a perfect juxtaposition between the old and the modern world. It is defined as an archive of colonial heritage with a dense convergent flux of diverse ethnicities.
So, if your next trip is to India's city of culture, do not miss out on hill stations near Kolkata to explore all the colours of life.
What Are the Top Tourist Places in Kolkata?
1. Victoria Memorial Hall
A significant landmark in the history of Indian architecture, Victoria Memorial Hall was built in 1921 in the memory of Queen Victoria to celebrate her 25 years of rule over the country. It reflects the Indo-Saracenic revival style with a blend of British, Islamic, Mughal, Egyptian, Venetian and Deccan styles of architecture.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Operational Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Victoria Memorial Gallery)
- 5:30 AM to 6:15 PM (Gardens)
- Monday, the Victoria Memorial Gallery remains closed
Entry Fee:
- ₹ 20 per person for Indians
- ₹ 200 per person for Foreigners
- Free entry for students and army personnel (in uniform)
Things to Do: Witness the architectural splendour that boasts of a scenic landscaped garden and visit the museum to check out antique objects dating back to the British rule
How to Reach: By road
2. Mother House
Established in 1950, the Mother House was built to serve the less fortunate and poorest of the poor. It is the Head Quarter of the Missionaries of Charity and offers an array of philanthropic services aided by volunteers and co-workers.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours:
- Every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Remains closed on 22nd August, Easter Monday and 26th December
Entry Fee: Free of cost
Things to Do: Visit the small museum "Mother Teresa's Life, Spirit and Message" that exhibits her minimal belongings like saree, crucifix, sandals, handwritten letters, etc.
How to Reach: By road
3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, holds a spiritual as well as a socio-political history. This Hindu temple was founded by Rani Rashmoni in 1855 and is dedicated to Bhavatarini or Kali.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours:
- October to March from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- April to September from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free of cost
Things to Do: Visit the temple in the early morning on Tuesdays and Saturdays. These days are considered auspicious to offer prayers.
How to Reach: By road, train and metro
4. Eco-tourism Park
Located in a plush colony of Newtown, Eco Tourism Park is one of the amusement parks in kolkata, spread over an extensive area of 480 acres. It is divided into three parts- Ecological Zones including grasslands and wetlands, Urban Recreational Spaces, Theme Gardens and open spaces.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Operational Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday from 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Monday remains closed
Entry Fee: ₹ 30 per person
Things to Do: Adventure sports including angling, boating, archery, zorbing, kayaking, trampoline, Shikara, etc., watching birds, and going for picnics
How to Reach: By road
5. Eden Gardens
The list of famous places in Kolkata is incomplete without the Eden Gardens, the oldest as well as the largest stadium in India and the third largest worldwide. Commonly known as the "Mecca of Indian Cricket", the complex sprawls over 50 acres of lush green land, comprising a cricket stadium, indoor stadium, lakes, several gardens and a Burmese Pagoda.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year but during matches
Operational Hours: Every day from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do: Watch live cricket matches
How to Reach: By road
6. Science City
Science City, established on 1st July 1997, is the largest science centre in India conceptualised to popularise science. It is a unit of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) undertaken by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, except for Holi
Operational Hours: Every day from 9 AM to 8 PM
Entry Fee: ₹ 60 per person
Things to Do: Enjoy the rides and watch 3D science shows
How to Reach: By road
7. Prinsep Ghat
If you are looking for a peaceful retreat, visit Prinsep Ghat, one of the beautiful places in Kolkata. Built in 1841 on the bank of the Hooghly River and designed by W. Fitzgerald, this majestic structure reflects Greek and Gothic architecture styles.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours: Whole day
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do: Boating and watching the enchanting sunsets over the Hooghly River, enjoying local street foods from the food stalls, and walks in the early morning and evening
How to Reach: By road and train
8. Rabindra Sarovar
Named after the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, this is the second largest water body in the city. In the winters, several exotic birds like pin-tailed snipe, brahminy starling, brown-breasted flycatcher etc., migrate here from Siberia and Russia.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours: Every day from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do: Recreational activities such as rowing, kayaking, etc., watching birds, and walking along the lake
How to Reach: By road, train and metro
9. Jain Swetamber Dadajika Temple
Pareshnath Temple comprises four temples dedicated to the 10th Tirthankara Sitalnath, 8th Tirthankara Chandraprabha, 24th Tirthankara Mahavir, and the last one has the footprints of Jain Saint Jin Dutt Kushal Suri. Among these, the main temple, set up by Rai Badridas Bahadur, is dedicated to the 10th Tirthankara Sithalnath and dates back to 1867.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours: Every day from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Things to Do: Witness the architectural masterpiece and experience the peaceful environment
How to Reach: By road
10. M.P. Birla Planetarium
If you are looking for unique places to visit in Kolkata, do not miss out on M.P. Birla Planetarium, the largest planetarium in India and the second largest in Asia. The design of this space gallery agrees with the Buddhist Stupa. During the shows, live lectures are delivered to impart exciting facts and offer visitors to interact with industry experts.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours:
- Every day from 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM
- (Show Timings) English: 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM; Bengali: 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM; Hindi: 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM
- Special shows on Sundays and Holidays: 10:30 AM in Hindi and 11:30 AM in Bengali
Entry Fee:
- ₹ 100 per person (General)
- ₹ 40 per person for students in a group of 25 or more
Things to Do: Watch shows like 'New View of Solar System', 'Our Universe', 'Zodiac Signs and Stars' and 'Journey of Antarctic' in English, Bengali or Hindi on the advanced Carl Zeiss Hybrid Projection System
How to Reach: By road and metro
11. Jorasanko Thakur Bari
Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the ancestral home of the first Asian Nobel Laureate, Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore. Built in 1785 in north Kolkata, the house is over 35,000 square metres. To celebrate the centenary ceremony of Tagore, the then Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru set up Rabindra Bharati Museum.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, especially on the 9th May (Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary) and Holi
Operational Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Mondays remain closed
- (Light and Sound Show Timings)
- Bengali: 6:00 PM - 6:40 PM (November to January)
- English: 7:00 PM - 7:40 PM (November to January)
- Bengali: 7:00 PM - 7:40 PM (February to June)
- English: 8:00 PM - 8:40 PM (February to June)
Entry Fee: ₹ 10 per person for Indian students
- ₹ 20 per person for Indian adults
- Free entry for physically challenged visitors, street children and students up to 5th standard
- ₹ 20 per person for students (SAARC)
- ₹ 30 per person for adults (SAARC)
- ₹ 100 per person for students (foreigners)
- ₹ 150 per person for adults (foreigners)
- ₹ 50 camera charges
Things to Do: Visit the museum to learn about Tagore and his exemplary works
How to Reach: By road and metro
12. Kolkata Zoo and Zoological Garden
The next on the list of best places to visit in Kolkata is the Kolkata Zoo or Alipore Zoological Gardens. Established in 1876, it is the oldest formally stated zoo in India and one of the busiest tourist places in Kolkata. The 46.5 acres of land is home to hundreds of indigenous reptiles, birds, and mammals, a few of which are over 140 years old.
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Operational Hours:
- Every day from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Ticket Counter Timings)
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Garden Timings)
- 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Aquarium Timings)
- Thursdays remain closed except from 15th December to 31st January, when the zoo is open for 7 days. However, the zoo will stay open on any public holiday on a Thursday but closed the next day.
Entry Fee:
- ₹ 10 per person for Children up to 5 years
- ₹ 30 per person for Visitors above 5 years of age on Saturdays, Sundays & Government holidays
- ₹ 25 per person for Visitors above 5 years of age on other days
- ₹ 5 per person for Aquarium
Things to Do: Check out some of the exotic animals and fish and go for picnics with friends and family
How to Reach: By road
13. Indian Museum
Founded in 1814, the Indian Museum is the largest museum in India and the 9th oldest worldwide. This 3-storied palatial structure resembled Italian architectural style and was designed by one of the finest architects, Walter B Grawille.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours:
- March to November from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- December to February from 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Closed on Republic Day, Holi, Independence Day, Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday, Dussehra, Diwali and Eid-ul-Fitr
Entry Fee:
- ₹ 50 for adults
- ₹ 20 for children above 5 years old
- ₹ 500 for foreign tourists
Things to Do: Check out some of the rarest collections of different civilisations
How to Reach: By road and metro
14. South Park Street Cemetery
Add South Park Street Cemetery to your best places to visit in Kolkata bucket list to enjoy a peaceful ambience even at the heart of the city. It is an 18th-century non-church and among the earliest cemeteries in the world. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, this heritage site attracts hundreds of locals and tourists due to its soothing vibe.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours: Every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do: Experience the melancholic charm while exploring the tombs
How to Reach: By road
15. St. Paul's Cathedral Church
St. Paul's Cathedral Church resembles the famous Norwich Cathedral of England, a magnificent representation of the gothic architectural marvel. Inside the church, you will see unusually high ceilings, murals and paintings, and carved pews on the walls.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, especially during Christmas and New Year
Operational Hours:
- Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do: Sit and pray for as long as you want and spend some tranquil time
How to Reach: By road and metro
16. Netaji Bhawan
Kolkata played a crucial role in the Indian Independence Movement and was home to one of the most influential freedom fighters Subash Chandra Bose, lovingly called Netaji. To remember him, Sarat Chandra Bose, Netaji's brother, contributed to their ancestral house to transform it into a memorial hall and museum named Netaji Bhawan.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Mondays remain closed
- Ticket counter closes at 4:15 PM
Entry Fee:
- ₹ 2 for children
- ₹ 5 for adults
Things to Do: Get transported back into the days of the Indian freedom movement
How to Reach: By road and metro
17. Marble Palace
The winding lanes of north Kolkata exhibit one of the best places to visit in Kolkata, a colossal structure of the 19th century called the Marble Palace. It is the emblem of Bengal renaissance and modernity.
Built by a wealthy merchant and an ardent collector of masterpiece artworks from places visited by Raja Rajendra Mullick, this palatial mansion melds traditional Bengali ethos with Western style.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours:
- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Mondays and Thursdays remain closed
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do: Watch the exquisite artworks on exhibit
How to Reach: By road and metro
18. Kalighat Temple
Kalighat Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths on earth. It is dedicated to the Goddess of Kali, whose idol does not resemble the usual idols of the Goddess. The idol is made of sandstone, featuring 3 big eyes and a long tongue made of gold.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do: Pray to Goddess Kali and visit Natmandir, Jor Bangla, Harkath tala, Sasthi Tala, Kundapukur, Radha-Krishna Temple and Makuleshwar Mahadev Temple
How to Reach: By road and metro
19. National Library
Recognised for its most extensive collection of books across India, the National Library preserves, collects and broadcasts all printed material ever produced. It is home to more than 22.70 lakh books, 86,000 maps and 3,200 manuscripts across various Indian and foreign languages.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours:
- Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do: Explore the largest library in the country to read some of the rarest writings and manuscripts
How to Reach: By road
20. Nakhoda Mosque
You should not miss out on the largest mosque and one of the most magnificent structures of the city Nakhoda Mosque when in Kolkata. Built in 1926 by a Kutch dweller Abdar Rahim Osman, the mosque can accommodate 10,000 devotees for prayers. Inside the mosque are 25 small pillars, each 100ft tall. It is made of elegant granite of Tolepur, and the gateway resembles the Buland Darwaza of Fatepur Sikri.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Operational Hours: Every day from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do: Offer Namaz and taste the mouth-watering local foods in the market near the mosque
How to Reach: By road and metro
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 10 best places to visit near Kolkata?
The top 10 places to visit near Kolkata are- Barrackpore, Bardhaman, Henry's Island, Bishnupur, Santiniketan, Murshidabad, Sundarbans, Kurseong, Darjeeling, and Jaldapara National Park.
When is the best time to visit Kolkata?
The best time to visit Kolkata is between October and February. During this time, the city decks up for several festivals. Some of them include Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Kolkata Book Fair, Christmas and many more.