Kolkata, home of art, culture, terracotta, and more

Are you planning to visit Kolkata for the first time? You can follow a panoramic itinerary to experience the best of Kolkata on your trip. Here is the list of places that one needs to bookmark if one wishes to get a glimpse of the city in its most crude and organic form.

The cultural diaspora has contributed a lot in shaping the entire Kolkata region that we see today. The rich architecture of this place speaks volumes as far as ancient colonization is concerned. This is easily reflected in the colossal structure that stands tall in the heart of the city that is Victoria Memorial. This place is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria and is the largest monument in monarchial history. A quaint tour of the place is sure to transport you back to the Victorian era and you can feel the beauty of the place to bits. This is also one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Kolkata. The monument turned museum is surely a place that you cannot dare to miss as a part of your Kolkata excursion.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Yet another touristy but sacred place nestled among other architectural marvels is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. This sanctified space is a must-visit for Pilgrims who throngs the place for blessings from the presiding deity in the temple. The Adishakti Kalika is there to bless devotees from far-off lands and the temple is situated near the banks of the Hooghly river. The glorious architecture of this temple is nothing that you should miss and is a must-visit site on your sightseeing itinerary.

Eden Gardens

A stroll around one of the large-scale 19th-century Cricket grounds, Eden Gardens is a galvanic spot in the city where you can spend your day leisurely. The current capacity of the stadium is set at 66000 and it is referred to as the home of Indian cricket. Moreover, it has a history of hosting major international matches in competitions such as the World Cup, World 20-20, and Asia Cup.

Birla Planetarium

If Astronomy is your field of interest then a visit to the famed Birla Planetarium is a must that you cannot dare to miss. Birla Planetarium is the largest planetarium in India and the second largest in the world. It holds several astronomical shows and the entry fee is quite nominal. Science and Astronomy enthusiasts will find this place quite catchy and alluring at the same time.

Kolkata has everything for everyone which is why a single visit to the city is not satisfying for a first-timer to submerge in the rich culture of the place whether it is the architectural galore or food. The delectable cuisine of Kolkata is lip-smackingly delicious, some of the famous things that you can try in the heart of the city are Macher Jhol, Kolkata Biryani, Kosha Mangsho, Chelo Kebab, Shukto, Mochar Ghonto, etc.

Market scene

Kolkata is home to various famous markets only to find things peculiar to this place. From an array of terracotta items to conch shell bangles, there are various things that you can find in Kolkata’s market. For the best shopping experience, one can bookmark the following markets in their to-do list: New Market for every need, College Street (a heaven for Bibliophiles), Hatibagan market ( a place for cotton and silk sarees), etc. You can shop for terracotta artifacts, sarees, Kantha embroidery products, Shantiniketan, and Jute products.