Kolkata, also known as the “City of Joy,” is rich in relics from the British Raj period, when Victorian-style architecture was popular. The city is well-known for its history, people, food, music, and literature. Visit these historical sites in Kolkata, which are important to the city’s tourism, to feel the allure of its architectural splendour.
While the city of joy has many attractions, you should start your vacation by visiting its historical sites.
These Places will tell you The Real History of Kolkata
Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial, located in the heart of Kolkata, was built in Queen Victoria’s honour to commemorate her 25 years as India’s queen. It is one of Kolkata’s most well-known historical sites, spanning 57 acres and housing 21 lush green gardens, 28,394 artefacts, and 3,900 works of art. The elaborate memorial is not only a reminder of British rule in India, but it is also an outstanding example of cutting-edge design.
Fort William
The magnificent Fort William is one of Kolkata’s most well-known historical sites. The fort, which covers 70.9 acres and is named after King William III, was built in 1696. The exterior of the building is covered in meticulous stonework that took up to ten years to complete. Fort William, now owned by the Indian Army, can house up to 10,000 soldiers.
Howrah Bridge
The Howrah Bridge, the most visible landmark in the City of Joy, is approximately 1500 feet long and 71 feet wide. It is one of Kolkata’s most well-known historical sites, standing majestically over the Hooghly River. The Rabindra Setu, which has eight traffic lanes, also accommodates bicycles and pedestrians. The Bridge is a massive steel structure and one of the world’s longest cantilever bridges. It is one of the busiest due to the daily traffic of more than 100,000 automobiles and numerous pedestrians. The fact that this bridge was built entirely with rivets and not a single nut or bolt distinguishes it.
Belur Math
There are several significant historical sites in Kolkata, but Belur Math is the most well-known. Swami Vivekananda constructed it on the west bank of the Hooghly River. It is a pilgrimage site as well as the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The temple is famous for its beautiful architecture, which expertly and beautifully combines Hindu, Christian, and Islamic symbols as a symbol of religious harmony.
Marble Palace
The Marble Palace in North Kolkata, which was built in the nineteenth century, is one of India’s best renovated royal family residences. This massive estate, one of Kolkata’s most popular historical sites, is home to exquisite statues, elegant glassware, and spectacular paintings by renowned British Raj artists.
Tagore House
The Jorasanko Thakur Bari, also known as Tagore’s House, is a popular historical site in Kolkata for those who are interested in both history and Bengali literature. Around 700 paintings are on display in Rabindranath Tagore’s former home, which has been converted into a museum. The museum also houses three distinct galleries, manuscripts, books, and other historical items.
Indian Museum
One of the significant historical sites near Kolkata is the Indian Museum, the ninth-oldest museum in the world and the largest in India. It displays some of the finest historical artefacts, including Egyptian mummies, sacred Buddha artefacts, and modern paintings, and is popularly known as “Jadughar.” The Indian Museum also houses some of the most spectacular collections of jewellery, fossils, skeletons, antiques, armour, and breathtaking Mughal masterpieces.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is well-known for its architectural beauty as well as its heritage aura. Dakshineswar, a shrine to Goddess Bhavatarani, a reincarnation of Goddess Kali, is located on the Hooghly River’s eastern bank. It is widely assumed that the Goddess would guide her devotees along the path to emancipation and help them find forgiveness.
Of course, each historic building in Kolkata is connected to a fascinating historical fact. The Writers Building also has the intriguing characteristic of being known as Kolkata’s first three-story building. The building’s name comes from its former use as a residence for the East Indian Company’s young writers. This building, also referred to as “Mahakarn,” was built in 1690. Here are kept all of the West Bengali government’s important records and papers. It is without a doubt one of Kolkata’s most well-known historical sites.
Town Hall
Town Hall is the finest illustration of colonial design in the entire city. This structure is not only lovely to look at, but it also has historical significance. Town Hall was the site of some of the most important conferences and meetings during the British era. Everyone can see images of these meetings on the walls. There is no doubt that Indian culture has been influenced by the Doric architectural style.
Writers Building
Conclusion
In addition to the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, yellow cabs, oppressive heat, and the crowds of people, Kolkata has a lot to offer. The vibrant city of Kolkata begs to be experienced rather than just seen.