A pristine canopy sheathed in liberal swathes of white, the opulent Marble Palace is an embodiment of elegance and a beauty that transcends the very existence of space and time. A stunning relic of the 19th Century, the palace was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick, and is characterized by a tapestry of walls, flooring and sculptures which are brilliantly-clad in marble. Awash in spectacular semblances of Neoclassical architecture, the palace harbors several collections of western sculpture, artifacts and antique treasures such as clocks, urns and chandeliers, along with paintings by well-known artists such as John Opie, Titian and Murillo. Cloaked in unabashed grandeur, the magnificent interior of the palace spills into rolling, open courtyards which are much reminiscent of the Bengal which once was. Having been responsible for largely shaping the historic and cultural landscape of Kolkata, this timeless palace is adorned with jubilant fountains, glorious sculptures, a string of picturesque Corinthian columns, a serene lake, a rock garden and the Marble Palace Zoo, which shelters a troupe of delightful birds and animals like monkeys and diverse species of deer.
The city of Kolkata is full of tourist attractions and Rabindra Sarovar Lake is one among them. It is an artificial lake located in south Kolkata that was earlier known as Dhakuria Lake. It is a perfect place for a family outing or a romantic date. It is very well connected by the metro and also the suburban railways. In the vicinity there is the children’s park, natural forest, gardens and an auditorium. The nearby forest is more than 100 years old. During winters, thousands of birds migrate to this region and it is mesmerizing to watch them and listen to their voices. Overall, the place is very soothing and calm, thus making it ideal to spend an evening with loved ones.
Genesis Art Gallery has a long tradition of collecting contemporary Indian art. It was established in the year 1985 and has become one of the most reliable art galleries in India. The gallery has invited eminent artists from other art centers to Kolkata. Some of them are Jatin Das, Navjot, Vasundhra Tiwari, Laxma Goud and Suresh Choudhary. All these years, this art gallery has showcased numerous collections of major artists such as Gosto Kumar Suhas Roy, Suruchi Chand and many more. For an art lover, there can be many ways of looking at Art. Some can see it for the art’s sake and some as a social statement.
Inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963, the M.P. Birla Planetarium holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in India. At the intersection of Shakespeare Sarani and Chowringhee, the white domed structure stands out in the midst of the daily traffic of people and vehicles. In accordance with its aim to educate, the planetarium offers a number of interesting ways to discover the varied facets of astronomy and related sciences. Student programs and a Post Graduate Diploma course in Astronomy & Planetarium Sciences is offered. However, if you just want to get the bare basics, you can take advantage of the free evening course in astronomy. Regular shows are conducted in Bengali, Hindi and English. The auditorium uses state-of-the-art equipment and can hold up to 688 people. If you need to get a closer look at the Kolkata sky, this is the place to do it!
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.
After the Nawab of Bengal Siraj Ud Daulah conquered the first Fort William in 1756, the British East India Company planned to build a second invulnerable fort. Spearheaded by Robert Clive, the Company reconquered the Fort. Later in 1780, the New Fort was constructed on its current site and the surrounding green space came to be known as Maidan. Named after King William III, the Fort stretches across a total area of 532 bighas and has six different gates. Today, the massive construction remains largely unchanged and is used as the military headquarters for the Eastern Command. Situated close to the banks of the Hooghly, the main structure has an irregular octagonal shape and is surrounded by a 9 meter deep and 15 meter wide moat. Inside, the fort is equipped with its own golf course, post office, auditorium, stadium, swimming pool and gym. It also houses the Command Museum and Library. Civilians are only allowed inside the premises on presenting an official approval from the Commanding Officer. On the eastern end of the Fort William are monuments like Victoria Memorial and St. Paul's Cathedral Church.