Kolkata, also known as the “City of Joy”, has many beautiful sights, delicious food and interesting stories to tell. Many people know about the famous places in Kolkata, such as the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge and Park Street. But some hidden gems are yet to be discovered. If you want to see a different side of Kolkata, these lesser-known places are great. We will talk about some of the exciting and unique places to visit in Kolkata that have not been written about before in this blog.
List Of The 15 Unique Places To Visit In Kolkata
1. Kumartuli
Kumartuli is a magical area where skilled artisans create beautiful clay idols, especially during the festival of Durga Puja. As you walk through its narrow lanes, you will see the artists creating idols of gods and goddesses in great detail. The best time to visit Kumartuli is before Durga Puja as you can watch the artist’s work. It is a great place to take photos and learn about Kolkata’s rich artistic culture.
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2. Bow Barracks
Bow Barrack is a small but vibrant area of Kolkata where British and Indian people live together. The bright houses here make it feel like a different world. Bow Barrack is decorated for Christmas and turns into a magical winter scene. There are nice people here and you can eat delicious Anglo-Indian cuisine. When you visit Bow Barrack, you can see a unique part of Kolkata’s rich culture.
3. Marble Palace
The Marble Palace is a beautiful house made of fine marble and filled with amazing paintings, sculptures and artefacts. The children and grandchildren of Raja Rajendra Malik still live in this house. People who see the huge buildings, rare paintings and old furniture will feel like they have gone back in time. The Marble Palace is a magical place for both children and adults as it has a small zoo with strange birds.
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4. Rabindra Sarobar
Rabindra Sarovar, sometimes called Dhakuria Lake, is a calm, green place in the middle of Kolkata’s busy city life. With its lush trees and walking paths, the lake is a peaceful place to stroll in the morning or evening. It is a great place for bird watching as you can spot a lot of birds here. Many people come here to picnic, fish and enjoy the fresh air. Rabindra Sarovar is a great place to stay for those who love nature and quiet places.
5. South Park Street Cemetery
One of the oldest graveyards in Kolkata is located on South Park Street. The cemetery feels mysterious and beautiful because of its large tombs and statues. Each tombstone has a story of a person who lived in the colonial era. This makes the area full of old history and mystery. When you walk through the cemetery it feels like you have stepped back in time, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a great place to visit.
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6. Prinsep Ghat
You can find the Prinsep Ghat along the Hooghly River. It is famous for the Greek-style building that stands there. When the sun goes down and the light shines on the water, the ghat is at its most beautiful. Along the river, you can take a boat ride, eat some street food or simply read a book. The Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, can be seen beautifully from the Prinsep Ghat. It is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the riverside in Kolkata.
7. Jorasanko Thakur Bari
Rabindranath Tagore’s family lived in Jorasanko Thakur Bari. Tagore was one of India’s best poets and the first person from outside Europe to win the Nobel Prize. The mansion is now a museum where Tagore’s writings, paintings, and personal belongings are displayed. It is an interesting place to learn about Tagore’s life and work. People can also enjoy cultural programs here that honour Tagore’s love for dance, music, and writing.
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8. College Street
Book lovers will love College Street. It is also called “Boi Para” which means “neighbourhood of books.” There are more than one million books and every kind of book you can think of. Small stands with lots of books allow you to read them for hours and often you will find rare and unique copies. The famous Indian Coffee House is also located on College Street. It is an old coffee shop where students, intellectuals and artists meet to discuss ideas over a cup of coffee.
9. Japanese Buddhist Temple
The Japanese Buddhist Temple located in the southern part of Kolkata exudes peace. It is a simple yet beautiful place surrounded by trees. Visitors can attend prayer services at the temple, where a drum is played rhythmically to make people feel at peace. The Japanese Buddhist Temple is a great place to relax, reflect and learn about another culture of Kolkata.
10. Mohor Kunja
Near the Victoria Memorial is Mohar Kunja, also known as Citizen’s Park. It is a busy park. In the evening, this park looks like a magical place because of its gardens, ponds, and bright lights. The playground is fun for kids, and adults can just relax and enjoy the view. Apart from cultural and singing shows, Mohar Kunja also has events that make the park even more fun.
11. Gariahat Market
Gariahat Market is one of the largest and busiest malls in Kolkata. It is famous for a lot of shops selling clothes, jewellery, accessories, home decor and delicious street food. Sellers will call out to them and people will bargain for the best deal. Those who want to experience the busy shopping atmosphere of Kolkata and try some local snacks like Phuchka (pani puri) and rolls should visit Gariahat Market.
12. Shobhabazar Rajbari
One of the oldest royal houses in Kolkata is the Shobhabazar Rajbari. The building was owned by the Shobhabazar royal family and is famous for its beautiful design and historical significance. The Rajbari is famous for its grand Durga Puja celebrations that date back hundreds of years. If you visit this royal house during Durga Puja, you will get to witness one of the most traditional festivals in the city. It gives you a glimpse into the royal past of Kolkata.
13. Indian Museum
The Indian Museum is the oldest in India. It was founded in 1814 and houses a lot of fossils, artefacts, and gems related to archaeology. Some sections of the museum are related to art, natural history, and anthropology. People can see real mummies, rare fossils, and amazing Indian objects from long ago. The Indian Museum is a fun and interesting place for children and adults to learn about the history of India.
14. Belur Math
Belur Math, located on the Hooghly River, is the head office of the Ramakrishna Mission and was started by Swami Vivekananda. Hindu, Christian and Islamic styles are blended to make this building stand out. People who want to think or just relax come to Belur Math as it is peaceful. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Kolkata due to the calm atmosphere and beautiful parks.
15. Central Park
Central Park in Salt Lake City, South Kolkata, is a lush green area with a large lake, lots of trees, and bright flowers. The park has walking paths, boating ramps, and even a butterfly garden. Families and friends love to gather there to dine and enjoy the outdoors. Central Park is home to a lot of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.
These lesser-known places to visit in Kolkata can be a wonderful trip full of learning, fun and experiences you will never forget. From historical sites and cultural centres to quiet parks and busy markets, each place has something different to offer. When you visit Kolkata again, try to include some of these places that you have not seen before. This way, you will get to know the hidden gems of the city.