Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, known popularly as Netaji (meaning leader in Hindi), was one of the most prominent reformists in the Indian Independence Movement. The building that is known as Netaji Bhavan today was once the residence of the reformist. Managed by the Netaji Research Bureau, the old bungalow-style structure houses a museum and the bureau's archives and library. The museum is divided into various rooms, each detailing certain phases in the leader's life. The top-most floor has photographs and documents from the life and works of Subhash Chandra Bose, arranged in chronological order. The library and archives include comprehensive collections detailing the Indian Independence Movement. Netaji Bhavan also has an auditorium called the Sarat Bose Hall which is used for events like lectures and seminars. Located on Elgin Road, opposite Forum Mall, this is the place is a must-visit if you're interested in learning about India's Freedom Struggle.
The Agri Horticultural Society of India was established in 1920, with the aim to promote and further the concept of horticulture in India. Also, the society introduces and implements modern techniques in the field of agriculture, thereby blending the traditional methods with state-of-art machinery. It hosts variety of events like 'House Plants Expo', 'Mango Mahotsva' and regular winter and annual flower shows, to get commoners interested in nature. As a part of these endeavors, the Agri Horticultural Garden was raised in Alipore. Every garden of the society is planned in such a manner, that apart from being beautiful, it is also 'easier to visit'. The garden has specific segments, that divides the plants on its type, making it easier for the visitor to take his pick. You are bound for a visual treat here with an abundant collection of rare trees, medicinal plants and flowers. It also has green house, library, research laboratory, nurseries and Tissue Culture Laboratory. Surely, with a scientific approach right from the blue-print of the garden to the segregation of flora and fauna, the Agri Horticultural Garden, is one of the best landmarks in Kolkata.
An angelic-white canopy crafted purely from Makrana marble, the iconic Victoria Memorial buildings lies nestled amid rolling lawns and groves of swaying palms. Built as a tribute to Queen Victoria of England, this magnificent edifice is one of the best landmarks that grace the city of Kolkata. This majestic building is steeped in a long-standing history - Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, decided to set up a memorial as grand and royal as the Queen herself. Nestled along the banks of the Hooghly River, the memorial comprises beautiful gardens, emerald pools, a museum, statues and busts of Britishers and Indians as well. An important fact to be noted is that Indian princes and citizens contributed generously to the Victoria Memorial funds and the total construction cost was approximately INR 1,05,00,000. Huge, carved pillars, intricately-patterned marble domes and tall towers speak volumes about the craftsmanship of the Indian artisans who played an integral role in executing the building to reality. The galleries and museum house British memorabilia including paintings, sculptures and artifacts that chronicle important events of the Queen's life; right from her coronation ceremony to her residence. Apart from that, it has the sword of the brave prince and warrior Tipu Sultan and cannons reminiscent of the Battle of Plassey. Words or a camera frame do not do justice to the sheer opulence and grandeur of Victoria Memorial, a site which has captured the hearts, souls and imaginations of many.
National Library, located at Alipore is one of the largest libraries of India. The brilliant white structure set against lush green gardens of the picturesque Belvedere Estate, is truly a magnificent sight. The collection of books within the library accumulated from libraries like Calcutta Public Library, Imperial Library and so on that were amalgamated over a period of time, is as exquisite as the scenery surrounding it. Books in local and foreign languages, research journals, official documents, historical manuscripts, maps and the list is endless. Pre-independence agreements of the East India Company, maps from the 17th Century undivided India, publications of United Nations and other materials are of utmost importance and beneficial to the students of history and political science. In 1988, with foray into computers, this library archived books published back in 1667, thereby preserving classics for the future generations. Spread over a vast area of approximately 62000 square meters, with over 24,02,579 books, National Library, is a must visit attraction, while in Kolkata.
Yuva Bharati Krirangan (which roughly translates to Indian Youth Stadium) is also known as the Salt Lake Stadium and at approximately 76 acres, it happens to be the second largest of its kind in the world and the largest in India. Established in 1984, the stadium is primarily associated with Football and plays host to the city's various clubs like Mohun Bagan AC, East Bengal FC, and Mohammedan SC and is also occasionally used for home games played by the Indian national football team. Locals have always been passionate about the game and turn up in huge numbers to support their side. Apart from soccer, the facility also has an Olympic-class athletics track and practice areas for cricket, khokho and volleyball as well. The elliptical stadium has a three tiered seating arrangement that can hold upto 1, 20, 000 people and has deployed state-of-the-art facilities so as to ensure the absolute best in sporting experience.
The city of Kolkata has many prestigious educational institutes, Hindu School being one of them. The school's reputation has been built over the years with precious contributions and efforts of renowned educationalists like Maharaja Radhakanta Deb, David Hare, Diwan Baidya Nath Mukherjee. The school has always maintained an unconventional and futuristic approach towards education; back in 1817, when all schools stressed on textbook approach to studies, Hindu School adopted a practical approach to learning. Modern teaching practices were blended with traditional methods, thus exposing the students to a broader spectrum. What distinguished Hindu school from its counterparts is the fact that, it was an English Medium school. With such a great history, Hindu school is surely one of the premier schools in India. Currently, it is a boys school that offers education from classes I – XII. While in Kolkata, do visit this school, that changed and modernized the Indian education system.