Kolkata is well known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling markets, but there are also countless historical places you should visit while there. From Ballal Sen’s city ruins to its magnificent Indian Museum – Kolkata truly boasts no lack of historical landmarks that you should see!
Writers Building was originally used by British civil servants during British rule as a junior servant building. Now serving as West Bengal’s secretariat building.
Shaheed Minar
The Shaheed Minar was first constructed as the Ochterlony Monument in 1828 to honor Major-general Sir David Ochterlony of the British East India Company’s army, who led them to victory in multiple battles. Later renamed in 1969 in commemoration of all those who sacrificed themselves during India’s independence movement; its design incorporates Egyptian styles while its column displays Syrian and Turkish architectural features.
Belur Math was built by Swami Vivekananda during the late 1800s and is an iconic religious and historic landmark worth seeing. Renowned for its spiritual practices and majestic beauty, this temple attracts visitors from across India.
Rabindra Bharati Museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in Rabindranath Tagore’s teachings. With three large galleries showcasing Tagore family members like Debendranath and Abanindranath as well as an exhibition about Bengal Renaissance, it provides visitors with an insightful journey.
Indian Museum
The Indian Museum, situated in New Market area, is the ninth-oldest Museum of its kind worldwide and holds a vast collection of paintings, artifacts, fossils and rare items.
The museum boasts an incredible variety of artifacts from antiquity, such as the second-century-BC Bharhut gate, Egyptian mummy, Buddha’s ashes and intricately carved Asoka Pillar among many other exhibits. Additionally, its enormous zoological section led to the establishment of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in 1916 and then Anthropological Survey of India (ASI) in 1945.
Visits to the Indian Museum are a fantastic way to gain an appreciation of Kolkata’s history and cultural richness. Guided tours such as Calcutta Walks or Heritage Walk Calcutta provide more in-depth experiences of this iconic landmark, and budget hotels near its grounds such as FabHotel Orion Crystal Park Circus or Aayash offer clean rooms, complimentary breakfast, and other amenities that add up to an enjoyable stay.
Fort William
Fort William is one of the city’s most notable landmarks, built by the British East India Company and situated beside the Hooghly River. A testament to Kolkata’s colonial past and full of fascinating history. Today it serves as headquarters for Eastern Command of Indian Army.
Bishnupur Terracotta Temples are another must-see in Kolkata for history enthusiasts, dating back to the 4th century and telling an interesting tale. Additionally, Belur Math is a pilgrimage site and headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission; also famous for its incredible architecture which seamlessly merges Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs to demonstrate harmony across faiths.
Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore is an absolute delight for history enthusiasts. Filled with paintings, personal memorabilia and books relating to Tagore himself as well as being part of his independence movement activities; not to mention its stunning architecture!
St. Paul’s Church
Near Victoria Memorial, this majestic church was originally constructed to accommodate more Christians who arrived during the 1700s and was rebuilt after Calcutta was hit by a massive earthquake in 1934. Today it boasts a prayer hall, library and many attractions such as dedicatory tablets, memorial plaques and statues that showcase Kolkata’s unique heritage.
An evening trip to this cathedral becomes even more meaningful during Christmastime when its exterior and surrounding streets are illuminated in an impressive display of lights. Furthermore, its parish includes several prominent educational institutes like Scottish Church College and St Thomas Day School that contribute significantly to city life.
Sealdah Railway Station provides easy access to this church, which is also within proximity to other popular Kolkata attractions like Rabindra Sadan Theatre Complex, Nandan and Birla Planetarium. A great place to visit during any Kolkata city tour. Visitors can use Ola, Uber or local taxi services to reach it.
