Kolkata has been the cynosure of the travelling world since a long time back. Described as the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata always has always been bursting forth with culture and traditions that attract huge crowds of visitors from all over the world. As a student, Kolkata has in stock various iconic places that are either architectural marvels or educationally enriching. Here goes, top 10 places to visit in Kolkata as a student.
Top 10 Places to Visit as a Student in Kolkata 2019
First Place you must visit in kolkata
The Victoria Memorial
Built in memoriam of Queen Victoria, Victoria Memorial, Kolkata was built between 1902-1921 at the suggestion of the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon who wanted to celebrate the grandness of the legacy that Queen Victoria had left behind. It has now been converted into a museum and a popular tourist destination under the care of The Ministry of Culture. Spread across 57 acres of land, the Victoria Memorial Hall houses works of art from all over the world which include famous works of Emily Eden and Abanindranath Tagore. The Hall has 25 galleries in total that showcase works of various themes like the life of Queen Victoria and her son, the freedom fighters of India, unseen and rare photos clicked by British officials while documenting India and many more. The Calcutta Gallery, in memoriam of the visual spectacles provided by Kolkata was inaugurated in 1992. The monument even has a large garden that is maintained by a team of 21 gardeners. Victoria memorial with its grandeur and collection of art pieces is a must visit for any student who have an interest in the line.
Second Place you must visit in kolkata
The Birla Planetarium
The Birla Planetarium or popularly known as ‘Tara Mandal’, Kolkata is the largest planetarium of Asia and the second-largest in the world. It is a circular white structure that is built loosely on the structure of the Sanchi Stupa in Ranchi. The Planetarium was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. With its several shows in various languages; the planetarium tries to dispel the erroneous rumours that surround space and to propagate awareness among young astronomers and amateurs of India. They host sky shows in order to bring out to the audience the grand affair that the celestial night sky is. The Planetarium in association with the Amateur Astronomers Association holds events like astro-photography, evening sky-watching sessions and many more.
Third Place you must visit in kolkata
Howrah Bridge
Kolkata’s most iconic landmark, the Howrah Bridge is a bridge that connects the two cities of Kolkata and Howrah and serves as the gateway to the ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata. Built in 1943 by the ruling British Government, the bridge over the Hooghly River was originally named ‘New Howrah Bridge’ and was later renamed as the ‘Rabindra Setu’ after the renowned Bengali Nobel Laurate, Rabindranath Tagore in 1965. It is considered to be an engineering marvel and one of the busiest bridges in the world. The bridge is known for its no-nuts-and-bolts fame and its constant presence in the culture of West Bengal. The bridge has been showcased in a number of regional films like
Fourth Place you must visit in kolkata
The Indian Museum
The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the oldest multi-purpose museum not only in India but also in the Asia-Pacific region. The foundation of the Museum in 1914 by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, started a wave that culminated into the building and maintenance of hundreds of other museums in India. The origin and the evolution of the museum is one of the most important events in the history of India that shaped the culture and heritage of India. It is widely believed that the inception of this museum acts as the boundary that marks the end of the medieval period and the beginning of the modern era in India. The museum which was initially known as the “Asiatic Society Museum” later came to be known as the “Imperial Museum” and much later on as the “Indian Museum”. The museum is now more familiar by the name of ‘Jadughar’ or ‘Ajabghar’ among the visitors. From the very first days of the Asiatic Museum, this institution has been giving its services to the people of India as an epitome of the art and culture of India. The role of Indian Museum sees the socio-cultural harmony between the Museum and the society. As a consequence, the museum has developed into the largest institution of its kind of the country portraying the legacy and pride of the nation.
Fifth Place you must visit in kolkata
The St. Paul’s Cathedral
The St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata is the first Episcopal church in eastern India. It is an Anglican cathedral of the northern part of India and built according to the Gothic Revival Style, it is considered to be an architectural feat. The church was built in 1847 by Bishop Wilson. The structure of the cathedral resembles that of “Bell Harry” tower of the Canterbury Cathedral and the Norwich Cathedral situated in England. Flanked by trees on every side, the cathedral boasts of a serene ambience that appropriately compliments the visual grandness that the cathedral offers. The St. Paul’s Cathedral offers a one of a kind spiritual experience that a student looks for.
Sixth Place you must visit in kolkata
The Mother House
The Mother House, in Ripon Street Kolkata was established by Saint Mother Teresa in order to help the needy selflessly and to help humanity in achieving salvation. In 1997, when Mother left earth, she was buried in the premises of the House where she had sacrificed her whole life to mankind. The premise also contains of a small museum (Mother Teresa’s Life, Spirit and Message) dedicated to Mother Teresa and houses objects that were used by her personally. The tranquil atmosphere of the House and the activities surrounding it gives anyone visiting it a sense of calm and purpose. The House is a must-visit for any student who wishes to learn about Mother Teresa and her legacy.
Seventh Place you must visit in kolkata
The Science City
A one of a kind science attraction, the Science City is the home to an engaging environment of science and technology. It was developed by the National Council of Science Museums in 1997 and it is the largest science centre in the subcontinent of India. Currently it managed by the NCSM, Ministry of Culture and the Government of India. Science City through its various props and enthusiastic guided shows tries to inculcate in the audience of all ages, the ways of science. Interactive sessions on different topics of science are held daily. The structure is a must visit for any individual who is keen on garnering knowledge about the scientific world.
Eighth Place you must visit in kolkata
Thakur Bari
Thakur Bari, Kolkata is the ancestral home to the famous Tagore family. It is currently situated inside the campus of the Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata. The place is famous for having seen the first ever Asian noble, laurate Rabindranath Tagore, spend his childhood days there. The House was built on the land provided by the Sett family of Burrabazar. To keep intact its old charm, the house has been restored to its original form and currently serves as the ‘Tagore Museum’ for Kolkata. The Museum showcases the way of life that the Tagores lived and its involvement with the Bengal Renaissance and The Brahmo Samaj. The University along with its students still arrange cultural events in order to commemorate the Tagore family and their legacy.
Ninth Place you must visit in kolkata
Zoological Garden
The Alipore Zoological Garden, Kolkata is the oldest formally stated zoological garden in India. The zoo was the home to ‘Adawaita’, an Aldabra giant tortoise that was supposed to have lived for 250 years before it died in 2006. The zoo with its huge collection of animals and indigenous species attracts a huge crowd around the year.
Tenth Place you must visit in kolkata
Oxford Bookstore
The paradise for any booklover, the Oxford Bookstore on Park Street, Kolkata. It serves the best ambience one could ask for reading books. To top it up, the bookstore is paired with a café upstairs that lets you relax and read a book at the same time.
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