Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta is the capital of West Bengal and was the former capital of the country during the British rule. The entire city is filled with monuments, beautiful architecture and historically important places. Kolkata is often called the ‘City of Joy’. The city bustles with activity all through the year and you will love the people and the culture equally.
If you are a history buff, there are so many places you will enjoy here. The city is well-connected via road and rail and you can also find hotels in Kolkata in all budgets, whichever part of the city you visit. So pack your bags and plan your next trip to Kolkata right away.
Victoria Memorial
One of the first places you should check out in Kolkata is the Victoria Memorial. Built between 1906 and 1921, the structure was created as a memorial after the death of Queen Victoria. The beautiful structure built is a mix of British and Mughal architecture. The memorial is often called an attempt to replicate the Taj Mahal. If you want to spend considerable time exploring the grounds here, you can think of staying in The Kenilworth hotel. This is merely 2.4 km from the memorial and a great mid-range hotel to check out.
Tagore’s house
Called the ‘Jorasanko Thakur Bari’, this is Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral property. The house is still maintained to look the same way it did when he lived in it. If you love Tagore’s work, this is a place to spend some time in. The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata is about 3 km from this property and a great hotel to spend your nights in. This is also situated near most other tourist destinations.
Fort William
One of the very special historical places in Kolkata is definitely Fort William. Built during the rule of Bengal Presidency during the 17th century, this fort is located on the banks of the mighty river Hooghly. The fort also overlooks the city’s biggest park called the Maidan. With three sides overlooking the river and with a beautiful octagonal shape, you can spend hours together exploring the fort. You should remember to get permission from its commanding officer in advance before planning a visit. Both The Peerless Inn and The Middleton Inn hotels are located around the Maidan, making it easy for you to spend time in the fort.
Chowringhee Road
This is arguably the first laid and maintained roads in the city. After the British came and settled in, this became a prime location. The street was filled with palaces, mansions, tanks and educational institutions. Till date, a lot of these architecturally popular buildings remain in the street. You will also find other culturally important places like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Bishop’s house and the Indian Museum located on this road. There are hundreds of stay options all around this historical place. The popular ones are The Park Kolkata, Hotel Niharika, Hotel Casa Fortuna and the Middleton Inn. The Oberoi Grand Hotel is a part of a restored grand palace from the British Era, located right on Chowringhee road, which is also an amazing choice for staying.
Tipu Sultan Mosque
Also called the Tipu Sultan Masjid, this amazing structure was built in 1832 by the youngest son of the king. Few religious places gain importance for their historical and architectural value. This is definitely one such location you should not miss. Unlike most mosques, people of all faith are allowed to enjoy the beautiful structure and serene premises. With 16 domes and four minarets, this is an impressive place to check out. This mosque is located in Esplanade zone and stay will not be a problem since all top hotels in Kolkata surround the area.
The Indian Museum
Where else can you learn history more than in a museum? If you visit Kolkata, do not forget to plan a visit to the Indian Museum. This is the largest museum in India and also is listed as one of the largest museums in the world. With six separate sections and hundreds of rare Indian and trans-Indian historical specimens, you will love the visit. You can stay at the Lytton hotel which is just 270 m away from the museum.
History is something that can be both enchanting and exciting. There can be no better city than Kolkata for your historical thirst. Book your travel tickets and hotels in Kolkata in advance and this will save you considerable money. Spend a few days to explore the city to your satisfaction and you will definitely come back with some amazing memories!