Kolkata is a melting pot of History, culture, art, literature, and warmth. The city’s moniker “City of Joy” perfectly encapsulates its rich legacy and colourful socio-cultural traditions. As the erstwhile capital of India, the city features some of the most stunning architectural marvels from the 19th and 20th centuries, and it is against this backdrop that the vibrant and thriving metropolis is set. 

A visit to Kolkata is a beautiful and enriching experience that will take you back to the glorious era of British India and the cultural renaissance in Bengal. If you are a history buff, love architecture, or are an avid museum enthusiast, here are some of the historical places in Kolkata that will not disappoint.

Majestic Museums

The iconic Victoria Memorial Hall tops the list of best historical places in Kolkata. This majestic white marble mansion was Built in the early 1920s and dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. The stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture is as delightful as the elaborate carvings and fittings. Victoria Hall is now part of a well-preserved museum. Another classic example of historic buildings in the city is the Indian Museum. Founded in 1814, it is the oldest and the largest museum in the country, with impressive collections of artworks, antiquities, and historical artefacts. The National Library building in Belvedere Estate is another imposing colonial mansion with a rich history and is the largest library in the country, with over 2.5 million books

Reliving Bengal 

If you want to experience the grandeur of Bengal’s past, you should visit the Jorasanko Thakur Bari. This red brick palace is a magnificent example of traditional Bengali architecture, and it is the ancestral home of the Tagore family. It is also the birthplace of the poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and is steeped in history and culture. Another impressive palace to visit is the Marble Palace, which was built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick. The building is a stunning example of neo-classical architecture and is full of historic artworks, sculptures, chandeliers, and displays. However, tourists may need a permit to enter the palace as parts of the mansion remain a private residence.

Also Read: Haunted Places In Kolkata To Challenge The Daredevil In You

Where Spirituality Meets Life 

When in Kolkata, you must visit the imposing seat of the Diocese of Calcutta, St. Paul’s Cathedral, which dates back to the mid-1800s. The towering cathedral was built in Gothic revival style in white marble with large stained-glass windows.

A trip to Kolkata is incomplete without a visit to the famous Dakshineshwar Temple, built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, who was known for her patronage of Shri Ramakrishna and for resisting the British. The sprawling Belur Math, founded by Swami Vivekananda, is also one of the historical places to visit in Kolkata.

By The River Ganges 

Every bustling city has a heart of serenity. For Kolkata, this has to be the banks of the Hoogly, the distributary of the mighty Ganges that flows by the city. Even as you enjoy the calming views of the river, you can see the engineering marvel of the Howrah Bridge. Commissioned in 1943, it is one of the world’s longest and busiest cantilever bridges. Another landmark building nearby is the Town Hall, built in 1813. This Roman Doric-style building was an administrative centre of the British Raj and later became a political hotspot for Indian freedom fighters.

Also Read: What Makes Kolkata The City Of Joy

Living History 

Kolkata is a city that has a unique charm as it has managed to preserve its historical heritage in the midst of modernisation. Several of the city’s heritage structures continue to serve as commercial or political centres. The Writer’s Building, for instance, is the secretariat building of the state government. This iconic structure was built in 1777 by the East India Company and has served as an administrative office for the regional authorities ever since. The Greek architecture and the remarkable design of the building are still awe-inspiring.

Similarly, The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata is one of the top luxurious 5-star hotels in Kolkata. The building that houses the hotel was constructed in 1840, showcasing a fusion of Victorian and Edwardian styles of architecture. With several modern updates, the hotel remains the longest-continuously operating luxury hotel in Asia.

Stately Sights 

Built in 1696, Fort William is a mighty colonial fort that served as the stronghold of the British troops in British India. Currently, it is the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army and showcases the legacy of various army battalions. Fort William is not also open to the public for heritage walks that are routinely organised. The Shaheed Minar, built in 1828, was built by the East India Company but later came to represent the sacrifices of the Indian martyrs during the independence movement.

These are only a few of the numerous historic heritage sites in the grand city of Kolkata. There are several other attractions that the city has to offer. A vacation in Kolkata is the perfect way to indulge in a variety of culinary delights, cultural experiences, and the warm hospitality of the locals.

The post Walk Through History: Immerse Yourself in Kolkata’s Top Historical Attractions first appeared on The Lalit Blogs.