Unique Places To Visit In Kolkata In One Day | A Mix Of Top Attractions And Hidden Gems In Kolkata
And this time, on the Dream and Travel board, we decided to cover the unique places to visit in Kolkata.
Thanks to information galore, I was confused about where to start from. Then, I took a cue from the lines of the renowned Bengali poet, Sankha Ghosh.
In his poem, Babumoshai, he wrote that there is a different Kolkata nestled in the Kolkata we know. You must take a walk around the city to meet the unknown.
| “এ কলকাতার মধ্যে আছে আরেকটা কলকাতা/ হেঁটে দেখতে শিখুন…” শঙ্খ ঘোষ |
Indeed, many unique places in Kolkata can offer you an experience that challenges your notion of the city. It’s as vivid as it can get!
Also, you cannot expect less from a city which has a mention in the rent-roll of the Mughal Emperor Akbar or the Manasa-Mangal.
Further, despite controversies, the history of the city goes back to 1690 when Job Charnock took the villages of Kolikata, Sutanuti and Gobindapur on lease and built Kolkata.
With time, the city emerged as an important trading hub and became the British Capital of India (until 1911).
Nevertheless, it’s 2025 and the city of Rabindranath Tagore and Satyajit Roy is in limelight thanks to the just concluded Global Bengal Business Summit.
So, with all eyes set on the City of Joy, it’s the best time to revisit the top tourist attractions.
Unique Places To Visit In Kolkata In One Day | An Eclectic Experience In The City Of Joy
As the best breakfast places in Kolkata ensure a great start to your day, the following unique places to visit in Kolkata offer fuel for your inquisitive mind.
So, let’s explore!
1. The Victoria Memorial
| Address: 1, Queen’s Way, Kolkata Hours Open: 10 AM to 6 PM (Galleries Remain Closed on Mondays and National Holidays) Entry Fee: Garden Tickets – INR 30, Gallery Tickets – INR 50 (for Indians), INR 100 (Visitors from SAARC Countries), INR 500 (Visitors of Other Countries) |
This early 20th century structure is a commemoration of the British Queen Victoria. The memorial structure has a beautiful garden around.
Further, the museum with 25 galleries is the biggest attraction for history enthusiasts.
Moreover, it looks all the more magical in the evening when it is illuminated with lights.
2. The Eden Gardens
| Address: Maidan, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata Hours Open: 9 AM to 6 PM Nearest Metro Station: Esplanade Metro Station |
The oldest cricket stadium in India, The Eden Gardens is also referred to as the “Mecca of Cricket” by many.
Further, as ESPNcricinfo says, “The Eden Gardens remains cricket’s answer to the Coliseum.”
Moreover, with a capacity to house 66000 spectators, The Eden Gardens stands as a symbol of “cricketing passion.”
3. Fort William
| Address: Maidan, Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata Hours Open: 10 AM to 5:30 PM Entry Fee: Free, Entry on Prior Permission Basis Nearest Metro Station: Maidan Metro Station |
Built in the 18th century to celebrate the victory of Sir Robert Clive, the fort was named after King William III of England.
However, recently it has been renamed as the “Vijay Durg” to eliminate the history of colonialism from the city.
4. South Park Street Cemetery | Unique Places To Visit In Kolkata For An Eerie Experience
| Address: 52 Mother Teresa Sarani, Park Street, Kolkata Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM Nearest Metro Station: Park Street Metro Station |
Built in the 18th century, South Park Street Cemetery is one of the most unique places to visit in Kolkata if you want some thrill.
Further, the cemetery has an eerie vibe and it has a mention in “Gorosthane Sabdhan.” a famous detective story written by Satyajit Roy.
Moreover, this cemetery houses the tombs of Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, Sir William Jones and many other notable figures.
5. The Indian Museum | Unique Places To Visit In Kolkata
| Address: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Park Street Area, Kolkata Hours Open: 10 AM to 6 PM (Monday Closed) Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians and INR 500 for Foreigners Contact Number: (033) 2252 1790 Nearest Metro Station: Park Street (Asiatic Society Gate) |
The largest museum in India, The Indian Museum was founded in 1814. It is also the largest multipurpose museum in Asia.
Further, a massive skeleton of a blue whale and exhibits from the Bronze Age are some of the most prominent attractions in the museum.
However, it is not possible to understand the grandness of the museum unless you pay a visit.
6. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
| Address: Dakshineswar, Kolkata Hours Open: 6 AM to 1 PM and 3:30-7:30 PM Nearest Metro Station: Dakshineswar Metro Station |
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the most unique places to visit in Kolkata and immerse in the city’s religious and spiritual vibe.
Built by Rani Rashmoni, this temple is associated with the divine acts (Leelas) or Sri Ramakrishna. You can also offer prayers to Maa Bhabatarini or Goddess Kali here.
Moreover, the temple complex also has 12 Shiva temples and a Radha Krishna temple.
7. Marble Palace
| Address: 46, Muktaram Babu Street, Kolkata Hours Open: 10 AM to 4 PM (Closed on Mondays and Thursdays) Nearest Metro Station: Girish Park Metro Station |
The telltale of the lavish lifestyle of the 19th-century gentry class in Kolkata, the Marble Palace shows a fusion of English and Muslim architecture.
Moreover, it gets its name from the marble walls, floors and sculptures.
Also, the palace has different sections and they are:
- Reception Hall
- Painting Room
- Sculpture Room
- Billiards Room
- Thakur Dalan
- Music Room
- Ball Room
Furthermore, it has a small zoo which you can visit.
8. St Paul’s Cathedral
| Address: 1A, Cathedral Road, Maidan, New Market Area, Kolkata Hours Open: 9 AM to 12 PM and 3-6 PM Nearest Metro Station: Esplanade Metro Station |
St Paul’s Cathedral was built in 1847 and it was the first episcopal church in Asia.
Further, it stands out with its stunning Gothic revival architecture, the stained glass windows and the majestic spire.
Moreover, even today, the church remains an iconic symbol of belief and heritage in the city.
9. Nakhoda Mosque
| Address: 92, Rabindra Sarani, Kolutolla, Kolkata Hours Open: 11 AM to 9 PM Nearest Metro Station: Central Metro Station, Chandni Chowk Metro Station |
Nakhoda Mosque is the largest mosque in the city with an Indo Saracenic architecture and amazing interior designs.
Further, the marble flooring and chandeliers add grandeur to the mosque’s interior.
Moreover, Abdar Rahim Osman from Kutch built this mosque in 1926. So, it’s going to celebrate its 100 year soon.
10. The Academy of Fine Arts
| Address: 2, Cathedral Rd, Maidan, Kolkata Contact Number: 033 2223 7096 Nearest Metro Station: Rabindra Sadan Metro Station |
Founded by Lady Ranu Mukherjee in 1933, The Academy of Fine Arts is the cultural epicenter of Kolkata.
All the best theatres and stage arts are performed here today.
Moreover, it has housed the performance of stalwarts like Utpal Dutta, Ajitesh Bandyopadhyay, Soumitra Chattopaddhyay, Rudraprasad Sengupta, Swatilekha Sengupta, Shambhu Mitra, Tripti Mitra and more.
11. Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden
| Address: Shibpur, Howrah Hours Open: 8 AM – 5:30 PM Entry Fee: INR for Indian Nationals and INR 100 for Foreigners Contact Number: 033 2668 1466 |
This 18th-century botanical garden spanning over 109 hectares houses 1200 species of plants. Further, it is an open air museum and learning hub for botanists and arborists.
Moreover, the prime attraction of the garden is the old banyan tree with the largest canopy in the world.
12. Birla Temple
| Address: 29, Ashutosh Chowdary Avenue, Ballygunge, Kolkata Hours Open: 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM Entry Fee: Free Nearest Metro Station: Kabi Sukanta Metro Station |
Covering an area of 130 acres, the Birla Temple in Kolkata stands out because of its architectural beauty. It has Radha and Krishna as the presiding deities.
Moreover, the temple looks divine in the evening with all the lights.
13. Jorasanko Thakurbari
| Address: Ganesh Talkies, 267, Rabindra Sarani, Raja Katra, Singhi Bagan, Jorasanko, Kolkata, West Bengal Hours Open: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM Entry Fee: INR 50 for General Visitors Above 3 Years, INR 20 for India and SAARC Students Nearest Metro Station: Girish Park, Shobhabazar Sutanuti |
Jorasanko Thakurbari, the home of the Nobel laureate and the great philosopher Rabindranath Tagore houses a university and museum.
Moreover, here, you will learn about the life and works of the poet.
14. The Howrah Bridge
Imagine the shot from Parineeta where Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Balan take a ferry ride in the Hooghly River or the scene from Piku with the Howrah Bridge in the backdrop.
Further, movies with Kolkata as the venue cannot do it without showing the Howrah Bridge.
It looks the most beautiful from the Hooghly River. Visit it during the Sunset for the best views.
Moreover, it is the busiest cantilever bridge in the world and stands out because of its architectural brilliance.
15. The Birla Planetarium
| Address: 96, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata Hours Open: 11:30 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: INR 100 Nearest Metro Station: Maidan |
The Birla Planetarium or the M.P. Birla Planetarium emulates the Sanchi Stupas in its architecture.
The shows here will take you on a tour to space and you will feel the celestial bodies moving around you.
Moreover, shows are conducted here in Bengali (3 PM and 5 PM), Hindi (12, 2, and 4 PM) and English (1 PM and 6 PM) languages.
16. Nehru Children’s Museum
| Address: 94/1, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Maidan, Kolkata Hours Open: 11 AM to 7 PM (Wednesday – Friday and Saturday and Sunday) Entry Fee: INR 10 for Children below 16 Years, INR 20 for 16 Years and Above Nearest Metro Station: Rabindra Sadan Metro Station |
Founded by the National Cultural Association, Nehru Children’s Museum is famous for housing the clay models telling the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
It also has Ganesha idols from various countries.
However, I love the Doll’s Museum the most with dolls from different countries in the world. It is also an important hub of culture and performing arts in the city.
17. Alipore Zoological Garden
| Address: 2, Alipore Road, Kolkata Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM (Ticket Counter Closes at 4:30 PM) Entry Fee: INR 10 for Children up to 5 Years, INR 25 for Others, INR 30 on Saturdays and Sundays and Government Holidays, INR 5 for Aquarium, INR 250/Hour for Video Cameras Nearest Metro Station: Netaji Bhavan |
The Alipore Zoological Garden completed its 150th year on 24.09.2024. Covering an area of 18.811 ha, this zoo houses 128 species.
Moreover, Alipore Zoological Garden is the oldest formally stated zoological park of India.
One of the unique tourist places to visit in Kolkata, Alipore Zoological Garden has been recently under the limelight thanks to the unveiling of a 60-meter long tunnel called the Bird Walk or Bird Arena.
Also, around 200 birds will remain near that open enclosure with glass sides.
Don’t Miss These Hidden Gems | The Unique Places To Visit In Kolkata
You have a long weekend ahead but you are feeling too lazy to go for a 2 days trip from Kolkata. So, how about exploring these hidden gems?
1. Dacres Lane
| Address: Near Peerless Bhawan, Esplanade Hours Open: 8 AM to 11 PM |
Dacres Lane is a crown jewel in the gastronomic landscape of Kolkata. It is also a great place to experience the whiff of British colonialism in the city.
Moreover, some famous eateries at Dacres Lane are Chitto Babur Dokan and Anadi Cabin.
2. Kumartuli
| Address: Hatkhola, Kolkata, West Bengal |
Kolkata has Kumartuli or the pottery hub, epitomizing the essence of art, tradition and culture.
Kumartuli remains a favorite photoshoot destination before the Durga Puja and the frenzy starts well before the Mahalaya.
However, it is a year-round attraction as you can see artisans at their work and they have the most fascinating stories to share.
3. College Street
| Hours Open: 10 AM – 11 PM |
From Bidhan Sarani to Bow Bazar, Kolkata has College Street or the Boi Para. It is the dream destination for all book lovers.
It is the largest book market in the world and it is also the second-largest second-hand book market in Asia.
Further, College Street has the Indian Coffee House and Putiram. These two places are important as intellectual and gastronomic tourism spots in Kolkata.
4. Science City
| Address: J.B.S. Haldane Avenue, Kolkata Hours Open: 10 AM to 7 PM Entry Fee: Starts from INR 70 for General Visitors Contact Number: (033) 2285 4343 / 2285 1572 / 2285 2607 |
With a tagline of “Taking Science to Millions,” Science City Kolkata is one of its kind in India.
It welcomes you with a giant statue of a dinosaur and with its attractions like the Digital Panorama, Space Theater and Evolution of Life – A Dark Ride, it intrigues people of all age groups.
Inaugurated on 1st July, 1997, Science City has completed more than 25 years as one of the prominent landmarks of Kolkata.
5. Aircraft Museum
| Address: Newtown Police Station, DJ Block(Newtown), Action Area I, Chakpachuria, West Bengal Hours Open: 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM (Monday Closed and Ticket Counter Closes at 7 PM) Entry Fee: Free for Children below 3 Years, Free for Students (Carry ID Cards), INR 30 for Others Contact Number: 62922 90700 |
Built by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority and managed by HIDCO, the naval Aircraft Museum has TU-142M Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Aircraft. It was decommissioned in 2017.
You can take the stairs to reach the inner cabins of the aircraft and find the Reconnaissance Cameras, Torpedo Chambers, Black Box and other Naval Aircraft components.
How To Reach Aircraft Museum
You reach the Aircraft Museum in New Town by taking a bus to Shapoorji or Tata Medical and get down at the designated stoppage.
Further, you can take an auto from the Biswa Bangla Gate.
6. Harinalaya Deer Park And Mini Zoo, Eco Park
| Address: Gate No 6, Eco Park, Action Area IIE, Newtown, West Bengal Hours Open: 10 AM to 6 PM (Summer) and 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Winter) Contact Number: +91 9681240757 Entry Fee: INR 20 for Children up to 5 Years, INR 50 for above 5 Years |
This 12.5-acre park is home to spotted and bark deer.
A slice of wilderness in the city, this zoo also has blue and gold macaws, hippopotamus, northern giraffes, and hoolock gibbon.
Some More Unique Places To Visit In Kolkata For Free | Traveling The City Of Joy On A Budget
Kolkata as a city and a tourist destination is very accommodative. It definitely comes from its inclusive mindset.
So, even if you are living between pay cheques and it’s end of the month, there will be no dearth of unique places to visit in Kolkata.
Many of the top attractions in the city already offer a free entry. However, if you need more options, you can check out the following.
1. Balaram Mandir, Baghbazar
| Address: 7, Girish Avenue, Sovabazar, Baghbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal Hours Open: 5:30-11:30 AM, 4-8:30 PM Contact Number: 033 2554 5006 |
Balaram Mandir, Baghbazar is the home of Balaram Basu, one of the chief lay disciples of Sri Ramakrishna.
This house was blessed with the presence of Sri Sri Thakur, Swami Vivekanada and Holy Mother, Sarada Devi.
Further, Swami Vivekananda inaugurated the Ramakrishna Mission Association here on 1st May, 1897.
Moreover, the Ashrama by the name of Balaram Mandir was started in 1922.
Rath Yatra is one of the most prominent festivals of Balaram Mandir.
How To Reach Balaram Mandir
Take a metro to the Shyambazar Metro Station (Manindra College Gate) and walk for around 6-7 minutes to reach Balaram Mandir.
You can even take the 240 bus and get down at the Baghbazar terminus. Balaram Mandir is just 2 minutes away from the terminus.
2. Baikunthanath Temple
| Address: 12/A, Kali Krishna Tagore St, near Ganesh talkies, Malapara, Santoshpur, Jorabagan, Kolkata, West Bengal Hours Open: 5:30-11 AM, 4:15-8:30 PM |
Vaikunthanathar Kovil or Baikunthanath Temple in Kolkata transports you to South India.
With a Dravidian architecture, the temple has Lord Vishnu as the deity.
Moreover, along with the grand architecture and beautiful sculptures, a peaceful ambiance makes the temple a place offering an immersive experience.
3. Mayer Bari, Baghbazar (The Mother’s House)
| Address: Baghbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal Contact Number: 033 2533 9292 Hours Open: 6-11 AM, 3:30-8 PM |
Mayer Bari or The Mother’s House is one of the go-to places in Kolkata for spiritual minds.
If you are especially a follower of the Ramakrishna Vivekananda order, it is the place to seek blessings of the Holy Mother Sarada Devi.
Once you visit Mayer Bari, you must not forget to collect the best publications of the Udbodhan Karyalaya.
How To Reach Mayer Bari, Baghbazar
Mayer Bari, Baghbazar is close to Shyambazar and Shobhabazar Metro Stations.
You can even take Bus no 240 and get down at the Baghbazar terminus. Mayer Bari is a few minutes walk from there.
4. Shree Ram Mandir, Near Eco Park
| Address: Action Area IIE, Newtown, New Town, West Bengal 700157 Hours Open: 6:30 AM-12 PM, 3-8 PM |
Shree Ram Mandir is one of the quaint places to visit in Kolkata with your family.
The main attraction of the temple is a 151-feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman.
Further, many installations and sculptures in the temple depict different stories of the Ramayana.
How To Reach Shree Ram Mandir, Near Eco Park
Take a bus, shuttle or magic car and reach Eco Park Gate Number 4. It will take around 10-15 minutes to reach the temple on foot.
However, you can also take an auto or toto ride to the temple.
5. Gaudiya Math, Baghbazar
| Address: Sri Gaudiya Math, 16/A, Kaliprasad Chakrabarty Street, Opposite Girish Mancha, Baghbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700003 Hours Open: 5 AM – 2 PM, 4-4:45 PM, 5:13-9:30 PM |
As I write this account on the unique places to visit in Kolkata, Gaudiya Math is celebrating the Chaitanya Janmotsava and Mela, the “Closing Ceremony of 150th Advent Commemoration of Srila Praphupad (15th-19th February, 2025).
Established in 1918 by Srila Praphupad, Gaudiya Mission is also a spiritual hub preaching universal brotherhood, love and devotion.
How To Reach Gaudiya Math, Baghbazar
Gaudiya Math Baghbazar is around 1 Km away from the Shyambazar and Shobhabazar Metro Stations.
6. Pareshnath Mandir/Parshwanath Temple
| Address: Badridas Temple Street, Near Belgachia Metro Station and Kolkata Station Hours Open: 6-10 AM and 5-8 PM |
With carved marbles and intricate glasswork, the Pareshnath Mandir is one of the most majestic temples in Kolkata.
This Jain temple has four shrines dedicated to four Jain Teerthankaras, Mahavir Swami Ji, Shitalnath Ji, Chandraprabhu Ji and Dadawadi and Kushal Ji.
Moreover, founded by Rai Badridas Bahadur Mukeem in 1867, this temple is a beautiful marble architecture with stained glass and mirror work.
How To Reach Pareshnath Mandir
Parshwanath Temple is very close to the Belgachia Metro Station.
So, the walk from the metro station to the temple will take less than 5 minutes.
7. Shobhabazar Rajbari
| Address: Raja Nabakrishna Street, Sovabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal Hours Open: 8 AM to 8 PM Entry Fee: Free |
You must have seen and adored the Durga Puja pictures at Shobhabazar Rajbari.
Also known as the Baag ola Bari, it is a heritage building in the city and it was built by Raja Nabakrishna Deb in 1757.
Raja Nabakrishna Deb was an important figure in the Brahmo Samaj Movement and Bengal Renaissance.
Nevertheless, people visit the building today for its palatial structure and expansive Nat Mandap or courtyard.
How To Reach Shobhabazar Rajbari
Take a metro to the Shobhabazar Sutanuti Station. Then, you can take a walk to the Rajbari.
8. Sonar Kella Udyan | Unique Places To Visit In Kolkata For “Feluda” Fans
| Address: BA Block(Newtown), Action Area I, Newtown, New Town, West Bengal Hours Open: 5 AM – 8 PM Contact Number: 097336 11840 |
If you are a fan of Satyajit Roy or Feluda, Sonar Kella Udyan will be the go-to place in Kolkata. Moreover, it has beautiful paintings inspired by the novel and movie of the same name.
The park also has a beautiful landscape with a variety of flowers.
