Top Rated Attractions in Kolkata

Located on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Indian Museum holds the distinction of being one of the first museums of its kind in the world. Founded by Dr. Nathaniel Wallich in 1814, the museum was first located within the Asiatic Society. However, the ever-growing repertoire of artifacts made its shift to the current location necessary. The pristine white edifice that houses the Indian Museum today was built by architect W.L. Granvil, which is also the name behind important landmarks like Calcutta High Court and the G.P.O. Inside, the museum has three floors with sixty different galleries that explore areas like Anthropology, Archaeology, Art, Geology, Zoology, Botany and Technology. The museum's collection has over 1 million exhibits today, and you can find anything from Egyptian mummies to meteorites during your visit. The Painting Gallery is of particular importance, as it holds some rare insights into ancient Indian art. Students and researchers of different faculties find the museum extremely resourceful: apart from the vast display of artifacts, the space also includes a library and a bookshop. Indian Museum organizes a number of interesting events throughout the year and also occasionally conducts short courses and seminars on various subjects. With over 10000 square feet of area to explore, it is best to spend an entire day at this museum.

Built between 1884 and 1887, St. John's Church was designed by Lieutenant James Agg and was intended to be a replica of the St.Martin-in-the-Fields in London. Although the exteriors fail to match the original's grandeur, the interiors bear a closer resemblance. Various portraits and particularly, Zoffani's Last Supper add more to the sense of peace that you feel as soon as you enter this church. Located close to Writers' Building and Kolkata GPO in BBD Bagh, the church complex holds Job Charnock's Tomb (Job Charnok is popularly regarded as the founder of Kolkata), and also the graves of those killed in the 'Black Hole of Calcutta'. One of the earliest constructions of the East India Company, this Anglican church is a peaceful oasis in the heart of this busy city.

Located within the St John Church, Job Charnock's Tomb is truly a sight to behold. One of the oldest English monuments in the city, it was constructed in the memory of English merchant-adventurer, Job Charnock, who is popularly believed to have founded the city of Kolkata in 1690. The mausoleum was built by Job Charnock's successor and son-in-law Sir Charles Eyre, in 1695. Constructed from a unique kind of rock called 'Charnockite', this edifice projects the deep rooted respect that was bestowed upon this individual. The tomb itself is engraved with a short text in Latin honoring the man.

One of the hippest clubs on the party radar in Kolkata is Tantra. This cool hub located within Park Kolkata is nothing but class and elegance spread over 5000 square feet. With 2 bars, a spacious dance floor and private space called 'Santra Room', the entertainment options are endless. Funky music, cognacs and cigars combined with unique theme nights; the party at Tantra never seems to get over. The club also hosts fashion shows, jam sessions that are well attended by national and international A-listers. For further details on the latest events, call ahead.

The city of Kolkata boasts of many important cultural and social organizations, Asiatic Society being one of them. In 1784, in an official meeting, Sir Robert Chambers, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court passed an order to establish an institute to further the cause of Oriental research, and thus 'Asiatik Society' came into existence. Over the years, the name was changed several times: 'The Asiatic Society of Bengal', 'The Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal' were some of the past names. A point to be noted here is that the changes in name were incorporated without any formal resolution. Earlier, membership was only restricted to Europeans; however, HH Wilson introduced Indians like Sivchandra Das, Maharaja Baidyanath Roy, Maharaja Bunwari Govind Roy and others. The Society has undertaken in-depth research across diverse fields like Botany,Chemistry, Geography, Ethnology and Zoology. Till date, the enormity of the research activities and the dedication of the members amazes one and all. Currently, located at Park Street, it has a library and a museum, that has an exclusive collection of coins, edifices, manuscripts and rare books. For all those who are intrigued and interested in gaining deep knowledge about the efforts and endeavors of this institution, do visit the Asiatic Society.

Built by Colonel John Garstin in 1811, Town Hall has been one of the most prominent and beloved landmarks of Kolkata. The Neo-Palladian structure is a pristine white and is easily recognized by its signature white columns and Venetian arcs. Architecturally, this building is spectacular and is an attraction in itself. However, once you walk inside, you can see many small rooms and a large hall, all dedicated to the history of Kolkata. Kolkata Panorama which exists inside the landmark retells the story of Kolkata using interactive story-telling and state-of-the-art communication facilities. Whether you step inside, or view the building from outside, you’re witnessing history for sure! The Calcutta High Court is just minutes away.