The Kancher Mandir is located within the premises of Sri Sri Ramkrishna Ashram, Baranagar, that manages and maintains the temple. It derives its name from 'Kanch' that means glass. Locals also refer to it as 'Sheesha Mandir' or 'Kanch Mandir'. It is founded and established by Swami Satyananda, an ardent follower of the Swami Abhedananda, who was one of the sixteen direct disciples of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Set against the backdrop of River Hoogly, the atmosphere here is serene and calm and this is in complete contrast to the usual fanfare that is a regular feature in most Indian temples.
Dedicated to Lord Auckland's sister Eden, Eden Gardens was conceptualized as a man-made representation of the biblical 'Garden of Eden'. Built in 1840, this sprawling expanse has a number of trees and shrubs scattered around everywhere. A large gateway covered in creepers welcomes you in. Once inside, you can choose to take long strolls along the winding pathways or seat yourself on one of the park benches and spend some quiet moments. The whole place is enveloped in natural beauty; the sight of blooming flowers juxtaposed with the surrounding greenery, the cool breeze and the general sense of peace together contribute to make this the 'Garden of Eden' it was meant to be. Named after the garden, the Eden Gardens Stadium is just a few steps away. Also nearby are major attractions and landmarks like the Kolkata Race Course, Fort William and Victoria Memorial.
The Calcutta High court is one of the most strikingly beautiful constructions you will see in Kolkata. Modeled after the Belgian Stadt Haus, the building is situated in an enclave of sorts, with buildings on both sides. The main building is a striking red with a number of arches and columns which is a pattern that is continued in the hallways inside as well. Designed by Walter Granville, it looks rightfully regal as the country’s oldest High Court. Established on 1st July 1862 after the High Court’s Act 1861, it also has a circuit Bench in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Although Calcutta is now officially known as Kolkata, Calcutta High Court retains its old name.
When you stand in front of the building, you are bound to wonder why the academy needs such a high-storied structure to operate from. But once you step inside, any such questions are rightfully and aesthetically, laid to rest. Established in 1967, the Birla Academy of Art & Culture has been a staunch proponent of the arts in Kolkata. The museum within the academy has a number of collections including Indian, international and contemporary paintings as well as sculptures. However, most of its eleven floors are usually occupied by interesting temporary exhibitions and fairs. The library is well-equipped with a number of resources on various forms of art and culture. Apart from this, the academy also frequently organizes cultural events as well as educational lectures, seminars and summer classes on art. An annually held event called Kala Mela is aimed at showcasing upcoming local artists. Located right next to Lake Kalibari, you will always find something that piques your interest at this art hub!
Named after Swami Vivekananda, this is the northernmost of Kolkata's bridges and connects Dakshineshwar in Kolkata to the Bally area of Howrah. The setu is also known as Bally Bridge owing to its location, and Willingdon Bridge after the past Governor of Calcutta. Built in 1932, the multi-span steel bridge is 2887 feet in length and is adapted to support both, road and rail traffic. When it was declared to be unfit for regular functioning, a second Vivekananda Bridge was constructed to share the load. The second Vivekananda Bridge also called Nivedita Setu, is a cable-stayed bridge that runs exactly parallel to the original. If Dakshineshwar Temple and Belur Math are on your itinerary, you are bound to pass this architectural beauty at least once. The steel of the bridge combines with the muddy waters of the Hooghly River to form a striking visual. To view Vivekananda Bridge in its full glory, take a jetty from the Dakshineshwar Temple. Its sister bridges are the Rabindra Setu and Vidyasagar Setu that are on the same river.
The Indian goddess Kali is a quintessential part of Kolkata and its people. One of the most religious sites in West Bengal, the Dakshineswar temple complex is marked by a traditional Bengali Navaratna, or a nine-spire style devoted to Kali and her many manifestations, specifically Bhavatarini. Skirting the resplendent shrine is a troupe of several other, smaller temples, including the nine Shiva Temples and the Radha Krishna Temple. Shades of red and yellow define the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and the colorfully-clad pilgrims make it quite an intense and interesting palette. Also known to have been a spiritual leader and mystic Rama Krishna Paramahansa's abode for a certain period of time, the temple also shelters a white shrine, comprising the statue of Rani Rashmonin Devi (who was responsible for building the temple), in its courtyard. The temple, at once, strikes as an elegant, palatial structure, and is home to a large parking lot that accommodates the regular flow of devotees. The waters of the Hooghly River and the Vivekananda Setu form the backdrop of the temple which is well-renowned for its deeply-entrenched fondness for the revered yogi and mystic Ramakrishna. Standing proudly on a pedestal which is led by a flight of stairs, the temple is visited by a number of pilgrims everyday and remains crowded most of the time.