Plan Your Travel To Kolkata
Places To Visit In Kolkata
Genesis Art Gallery
Genesis Art Gallery is situated on the Middleton Street in Kolkata and has been popular for more than 30 years now for its exhibitions and displays on contemporary arts. Besides the Indian artists, the gallery also encourages international talent and art works. Among the most prominent names of the gallery are Rameshwa Broota, Suhas Roy, and Sunil Das.
Gitanjali Sports Complex
Located at Kasba in Kolkata, Gitanjali Sports Complex is the newly established stadium in the city. Running for a length of 57.5 metres, the stadium has a massive seating space for 4000 people. Besides, it has a separate area for indoor games and a gymnasium.
Harrington Street Arts Centre
Harrington Street Arts Centre is situated on the Ho Chi Minh Sarani Road in Kolkata and is also known as the resource centre for diverse art forms. The gallery specializes in curating and presenting the artworks of contemporary artists both local and international.
Hooghly Riverfront
The very picturesque Hooghly Riverfront is situated along two banks of River Hooghly in West Bengal- Kolkata in the East and Howrah on the West. The mighty river offers mesmerising sunrise and sunset views. After the beautification of the East promenade in 2011, the spot has become a major tourist attraction.
Howrah Bridge
An iconic landmark of Kolkata, Howrah Bridge is a massive steel bridge constructed over the Hooghly River. It is considered to be among the longest cantilever bridges in the world. Also known as Rabindra Setu, it connects Howrah and Kolkata. It carries daily traffic of over 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians and is as historic as it is grand. The opulence of the bridge, however, comes alive in the night time as it is all lit up. You can also take a ferry ride as it runs between Kolkata and Howrah, from the launch ghat. The view of the city from the ferry, especially in the night, is priceless, to say the least.
Howrah Bridge was the third-longest cantilever bridge at the time of its construction, but now it is the sixth-longest one of its types. It was renamed as Rabindra Setu on June 14, 1965, after the name of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It spreads about 1500 ft over the Hooghly River and is 71 ft wide. There is a total of 8 lanes of strand road, bicycles, and pedestrians. What makes this bridge unique is the fact that it was built without a single nut or bolt and is held together by rivets.
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Indian Museum
The ninth oldest museum of the world and largest in India, the Indian Museum is located in the city of joy - Kolkata. The foundation stone of the Indian Museum was laid down in the year 1814 and has been a centre of multidisciplinary activities ever since. Popularly known as 'Jadughar', it has the finest collection of contemporary paintings, sacred relics of Buddha, Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures. In addition to these, the Indian Museum boasts of some of the most exquisite collections of ornaments, fossils, skeletons, antiques, armours, and stunning Mughal paintings.
Presently, the museum has 35 galleries which have been divided into six categories namely Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Economic Botany. For those inquisitive about history, there is also a library and bookshop present within the museum premises. Indian Museum recently celebrated its bicentennial anniversary with great fervour in February 2014. With its splendid collection, the museum takes you back in time to witness our fascinating past.
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ISKCON Kolkata
ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple is a highly spiritual place for the devotees. The temple is also called Sri Sri Radha Govind Mandir and mainly focuses on spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna. It is not restricted to any one particular religion as such and welcomes enthusiasts or people interested in learning about these teachings with open arms. The temple is a serene complex that houses beautifully ornamented idols of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna. The complex is very well maintained and provides for a serene atmosphere for devotees to soak in the heavenly vibes of the deities.
ISKCON was founded by A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966 in New York to open up the world to the valuable teachings of Lord Krishna based on the sacred Hindu scriptures of Bhagwad Geeta and Bhagwad Purana. This spiritual path introduces people to the Sanatana Dharma and Vedic Culture and helps them live a stress-free life. Visitors can also enjoy a 100% vegetarian sattvic meal that is prepared by the volunteers in clean and hygienic conditions. Most of the devotees visit the temple to clear their minds of endless chatter and to purify their souls through the chanting of the 'Hare Rama' mantra. To witness the vibe when the mantra is chanted by all the devotees is a surreal experience.
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Janus Art Gallery
Situated on the Upen Banerjee Road in Kolkata, Janus Art Gallery is a unique gallery featuring collections from 'Old Master' meaning the old-age artists, line paintings, abstract paintings, contemporary paintings and sculptures. It also promotes the young and budding artists and the gallery can only be visited on prior appointment.
Jhargram
Jhargram is small city located in the state of West Bengal with a rich historical and cultural background. Surrounded by dense forests this place is mystical. A perfect place to spend few days in the lap of nature surrounded by friendly tribal population, you are bound to be mesmerized not only by its picturesque beauty but by the gregarious people who inhabit this place. The chirpings of birds will make your heart swell with happiness and you will feel as if you are in paradise.
Etymology
Jhargram was founded by Sarveshwar Singh of the Chauhan clan of Rajputs from Fatehpur Sikri in Rajputana. He became the king and called his capital Jhargram. Jhargram means a forest village circumscribed by canals and walls. The locals call it Ugal.
Biodiversity
Jhargram is a place where humans live in harmony with the flora and fauna without any disturbance. The place is full of beautiful and thick trees and medicinal plants. A number of birds including some of the rare and migratory birds can be seen perched on these trees. The dense forests is home of many species like bear, peacock, rabbits.
Places to Visit
1. Chilkigarh Kanak Durga Temple
15 km away from Jhargram lays an ancient temple believed to be built in 1348. The temple was later reconstructed. The temple is surrounded by verdant trees and you will be able to easily spot monkeys around this place, so be careful. A serene river flows here namely Dulung River making the whole place pious.
2. Sabitri Mandir
At a distance of 3 km from Jhargram, a splendid temple built around 350 year ago is situated. The temple has intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. A lot of devotees come to pray and seek blessings in the temple.
3. Kendua
10 km from Jhargram there is a quaint village with the name Kendua. The village is a famous spot for bird watching. The village is replete with lush green trees amongst which birds are live and hide. A lot of migratory birds also migrate to this place and can be seen. The locals are very friendly and make sure you interact with some of them to get the essence of this place.
4. Medicinal Plant Garden
Known as Amlachoti Medicinal Plant Garden by the locals, this medicinal plant garden is filled with a number of plants that are used as medicines to treat people. The place is covered by trees and plants including trees full of fruits and a lot of plants that cure deadly diseases. It is the best place to spend some time around nature.
5. Ketki Falls
A beautiful waterfall named Ketki lies in the picturesque beauty of Jhargram. The fall is replete with water and the gushing of water provides the travelers with a spectacular view.
6. Tribal Museum
Tribal Museum in Jhargram is a must visit place to explore and learn about the tribal that lived in and around this place. The museum is full of artistic and interesting things that will leave you awestruck. The rich history and culture can be seen in the museum through various artifacts.
7. Rabindra Park
Rabindra Park will provide you with the best of both worlds as it is a park in which a restaurant exists. This an ideal place to spend some quiet time amidst nature eating scrumptious food. The place is full of lush green trees and blooming flowers.
8. Jhargram Palace
Located at a distance of mere 3 km, Jhargram Palace used to be the home of the king of Jhargram. The Palace has grand and spacious with 10 rooms and 3 dormitories. The best part is that it if you want to feel like a king, you can stay here and get the royal treatment.
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9. Jhargram Mini Zoo
Do not let the name fool you. The mini zoo is actually spread over a vast area with an entire section dedicated to deers calling it ‘Deer Park’. There are plenty of birds and animals to see which are well kept and healthy. Snakes, peacocks, bears, crocodile and black rabbits are among the few species that can be seen here.
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10. Chilkigarh Raj Palace
Once an affluent palace now lies dilapidated and empty. Chilkigarh Raj Palace is a must visit because even though in ruins this place is nothing less in beauty. The place houses two temples which are popular among devotees.
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11. Dulung River
A pristine river flows through Jhargram which is sacred to the tribal. The place is tranquil with water flowing softly surrounded by trees and greenery. You can even enjoy tea while sitting near the banks from a quaint tea stall that is situated along the banks. This is the best place to spend some peaceful time and relax.
Things to Do
1. Bird Watching
The dense forests in Jhargram provide a habitat for many birds. A lot of migratory birds also visit this place and make the forests their home. The trees are full of colourful birds chirping which can easily be spotted.
2. Photography
Take photo walks in the forest to capture the picturesque beauty of nature. The photographs will later fill you with nostalgia and remind you of the serene moments you spend around nature.
Fairs and Festivals
Tusu
This is a harvest festival celebrated during winter in the latter days of Poush (January-February). Harvest songs are sung and Goddess Tusu is prayed to seek blessings. A competition of cockfighting is organized and the festival is celebrated with joy.
Baha
Celebrated during the spring season in the months of April and May, this festival is celebrated on the advent of spring when flowers bloom and trees turn lush green. Places are cleaned to purge them of impurities and four cocks are sacrificed. This three day celebration is filled with joy.
Bandhu
Celebrated during August and September is festival is associated with the harvest of rice. Princess of Kashipur who later became the Goddess of Crops is prayed to. Songs are sung by women in praise of her and people seek blessings from her.
Indra Puja
Continuing for four centuries, this festival is celebrated before Durga Puja. Lord Indra is worshipped to thank him for good harvest, rainfall and crops. The festival is celebrated with grand offerings and rituals.
Durga Puja
Celebrated in the Bengali month of Aswin, this festival is full of celebrations and festivities. The idol of Goddess Durga is prayed to and then immersed in water. A lot of rituals and celebrations follow after that.
Badna
Celebrated on the day of Kartik Amavasya in the month of November, this festival is celebrated for animals. Animals help people in daily life and act as companion. The five day celebration is filled with lively rituals and joy.Jhargram with all its scenic beauty and charms is a wonderful place to take a vacation and unwind. The palaces, forests with its flora and fauna, temples and waterfalls make the place serene and tranquil. Make sure to explore the place fully and take the best memories with you while visiting this amazing place.
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Jorasanko Thakur Bari
The Bengali name for the House of the Thakurs, the Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the ancestral home of the Tagore family that is located in Jorasanko, in the north of Kolkata in West Bengal in India. This is an enjoyable and exciting place to visit, especially for lovers of history and Bengali literature. The 700 paintings that are exhibited in this ancestral home especially capture the attention of the visitors. What enthrals them, even more, is the self-composed invite of Rabindranath Tagore's wedding. The museum also houses three different galleries, manuscripts, books and other antique items.
All know the contributions of Rabindranath Tagore to the world of literature, and it is in this house that this exceptional poet was born and where he spent most of his life and then left for his heavenly abode. This ancestral home was built in the year 1784, and now houses the Rabindra Bharati Museum, which is commonly known as Jorasankho Thakurbari in the local language. The Rabindra Bharti University is also located in proximity to the Jorasanko Thakur Bari, and the university was started with the purpose of imparting quality education to the students. Detailed knowledge about the first Non-European Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, can be obtained when one decides to visit the Jorasanko Thakur Bari. And then, of course, the chance to explore the history and lifestyle of such an eminent personality who has greatly shaped the literature that we know today is indeed unparalleled. This is precisely why the Jorasanko Thakur Bari should be on the top of your list of places to visit while in Kolkata!
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