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Places to go to : |
Maidan and Fort William
Situated near the river Hooghly, this is one of the biggest parks in India. It covers an area of 3 km². On the west of Maidan, is Fort William.
Fort William the most impressive edifice in Kolkata of the military power of the British Raj in the East. It continues to serve as a citadel of the Indian army in Eastern India. Actually, there were two Fort Williams, the old and the new. The old fort goes back to the early days |
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of the British East India Company. The construction that started in 1701 was completed in 1706, when it was named Fort William, after King William of England.
Since the Fort is under the Indian Army, a special entry permit is required.
Eden Gardens
The Eden Gardens were created in 1840 by the two Eden sisters who were related to the Governor General, Lord Auckland. The idea was to recreate a Biblical - style Garden of Eden in India.
In the Garden, the vast expanse dotted with beautiful trees and shrubs is intersected by winding paths. There is a large artificial lake here. Adjoining the lake is the Pagoda which was brought to Calcutta from Burma after the British defeated the Burmese in the war of 1884. This pagoda, set in the centre of the pond, is a special attraction of this scenic garden, a favourite spot among the local people.
Victoria Memorial
This is a memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria, built between 1906-21. The architectural blend of this monument is interesting. The Mogul domes blend beautifully with the Sarcenic and Renaissance styles.
There is an interesting museum in the memorial with over 3000 exhibits, including the Queen’s piano and study desk. It is open on all days of the week except Mondays between 10.00 am to 4.30 pm.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral
This church is aesthetically very appealing. Its stained glass windows, Florentine frescos, grand altar, a gothic tower produce a profusion of grandeur. It is open from 9.00 am to noon and from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm.
Nakhoda Mosque
This massive red sandstone mosque on MG road can hold 10,000 worshippers. It was built in 1926 as an imitation of Akbar's tomb in Agra. The top floor has views of the streets below, which are crowded with stalls selling everything from paperback editions of the Koran to kebabs!
Marble Palace
Located on MG Road, you must have a dekko for its sheer opulence. This palace was the home of a rich Bengali landlord in the 1800s. There are some important statues and paintings on display. There are also beautiful chandeliers, European antiques, Venetian glass, old pianos and blue china vases, which provide an idea of the lifestyle of the rich in the 1800s.
Paresnath Jain Temple
This temple, built in 1867, is ornately decorated with Venetian glass mosaics, chandeliers from Paris and Brussels, a gilded dome, stained glass windows and mirror inlaid pillars. It is open through the week from 6.00 am to noon and from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
Kali Temple
This is a popular site for the devout. 6 km south of Sudder Street, this temple is dedicated to Kali, the patron goddess of Kolkata. Kali literally means "black." The tongue of the deity of Kali drips with blood and she wears a garland of skulls. Kali is the destructive aspect of Lord Siva’s consort, Parvati. The present temple was built in 1809 on the site of a much older temple. It is open from 3.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Mother Teresa’s homes
A must-see for those who wish to see what humanism is all about. This has become a major attraction of Kolkata. A visit to this place will give your visit to Kolkata a new perspective. Located near the Kali Temple, the place is a home for hundreds of destitute and "the poorest of the poor" - to quote Mother Teresa herself. You may help the needy with your contributions.
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