20 monuments found
Ornamenting North Kolkata, Marble Palace is a spectacular creation from the nineteenth century. Constructed by Raja RajendraMullick in 1835, this palace enamours tourists through its gorgeous marble walls and shinning floors. Marble Palace is one of the Kolkata’s best conserved attractions. In the backyard of the mansion, one can see a rich collection of western sculpture and Victorian furniture and artistic work by Indian and European artists. A visit to Marble Palace will be a treat for animal lovers. Marble Palace Zoo is placed next to the palace. Although smaller in size, the zoo is believed to be the first one opened in the country. Primarily a bird sanctuary, the zoo is abode to species like hornbills, cranes, storks and peacocks. Other than bird species, the zoo also houses monkeys and several species of deer. Tourists can visit other nearby places of interest like Diamond Harbour, Sunderbans Delta, Jaldapara Sanctuary and Shantiniketan etc.
The Maidan also known as Brigade Parade Ground is the largest urban park in Kolkata in West Bengal. It includes various well known play grounds such as the Eden garden cricket ground, Kolkata race course and several play grounds. The Maidan is also famous for its many architectural monuments and statues including the Victoria Memorial. This vast open space in the heart of the city is often referred to as the "lungs of Kolkata". Owned by the Indian Army, the Maidan also makes the venue of the Eastern zone high command of the Indian Army in Fort William. Extending from the north end near the Raj Bhavan building in Esplanade to the National Library in Alipore on the south and the Hooghly River in the West to Chowringhee and Park Street in the East, Maidan is one of the most famous landmarks of this city. The road leading to the Maidan has many green bungalows which give it an old world charm. Being centrally located, it is a popular venue for many cultural events, political meetings and trade fairs apart from the annual events of the Eastern Command Army Parade Celebrations on the Independence Day and the Republic Day.
One of the most spectacular temples of India, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini (one who liberates from the ocean of existence), a form of Goddess Kali. The enchanting idol of the goddess is adorned with precious jewels and is believed to bless her devotees with happiness. The huge temple compound also houses 12 shrines of Lord Shiva and one dedicated to Radha-Krishna. Constructed in Bengal’s Navaratna (nine spires) architecture, the temple came into existence in 1855 according to the wish of Goddess Kali who visited her devout follower Rani Rashmoni in her dream. The temple claimed fame when Ramakrishna, a famous Bengal mystic, resided within the complex. Located on the bank of River Hooghly (a tributary of River Ganges), the temple offers breathtaking views of the holy waters. A holy bathing ghat (bank) of the river remains occupied with the devotees.
Representing India’s unity in diversity, Belur Math is a pilgrimage site located on the western bank of River Hooghly in Kolkata. The temple complex was founded by Swami Vivekananda and is dedicated to the Ramakrishna Mission. The most striking feature of the main temple is that it is the blend of architectural elements of Hindu temple, church and mosque. Known as Sri Ramakrishna Temple, it houses the life-size statue of Sri Ramakrishna. The campus has many other attractions including Swami Vivekananda Temple, Holy Mother Temple (dedicated to Ramakrishna’s consort Sarada Devi), Swami Brahmananda Temple and Swami Vivekananda Room. Ramakrishna Museum (open 08:30 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) housing articles used by Ramakrishna is another worthy place. Belur Math is visited by disciples from all over the world. It is indeed a great place to experience peace and spirituality.
Singalila National Park is a high-altitude park located in the Eastern Himalayas occupying the magnificent Singalila Ridge. Home to West Bengal’s highest peaks Sandakphu and Phalut and a part of the Indomalaya Ecozone, the park is well-known for its wildflower blooms and exotic fauna consisting of red panda, leopard cat, yellow-throated marten, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, takin and Himalayan newt. Singalila is also a birders’ paradise and boasts of a significant population of the species like blood pheasant, scarlet minivet, satyr tragopan, rufous-vented tit, golden-breasted fulvetta and many more. Rhododendrons, primula, cotoneaster and hundreds of orchids bloom twice a year, lending mesmerizing grandeur to the park. Spread over an area of about 79 sq. km., the park is also a popular destination for adventurers. Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut is a fabulous activity which attracts trekkers from all over the world. Camping and mountain jeep safari are other amazing activities. The park closes from July to mid-September due to heavy monsoons.
Dedicated to the most eminent Indian poet and the first non-European Noble laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, the Rabindra Bharati Museum portrays his entire life and achievements. The museum was established at Tagore’s ancestral house called Jorasanko Thakurbari by the first prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The top exhibits at the museum include Tagore’s personal letters, books (first editions) written by him and books written about him. Many journals, clippings, pictures and paintings associated with his life are also worth exploring. In addition, one can find utensils and furniture items used by the Tagore family in display. An archive of records of the songs in the voice of those who learnt directly form Tagore is another highlight. Paintings of Indian, Western and Anglo-Indian origins form another important category of exhibits. The museum hosts celebrations on many important occasions, including Tagore’s birthday. Hundreds of poets, writers and admirers visit the museum to seek inspiration.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, also known as Darjeeling Zoo, is designated as India’s largest high altitude zoo. At the height of about 7,000 ft. and spread over an area of about 68 hectare, the zoo is home to many endangered species of Eastern Himalayas. Red panda, snow leopard, clouded leopard, black leopard, slow loris, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan black bear and Bengal tiger are among the top attractions of the zoo, which also features musk deer, blue sheep, yak, sambar, goral and many other animals. Located on the Birch Hill (also called Jawahar Parbat), the zoo has exotic birds as its exhibits, some of the most notable ones being golden and silver pheasants, Himalayan monal, ring-necked pheasant, Lady Amherst, red jungle-fowl, rose-ringed parakeet, hill myna, grey turaco and blue gold macaw. Indian star tortoise and Himalayan salamander are other conserved species at the park. A member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the park attracts millions of visitors every year and is also known for offering animal adoption program.
Kolkata’s Birla Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and like many other temples constructed by industrialist Birla Group; it is a striking white marble structure. Temple’s design takes inspiration from the world-famous Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar and is built in Rajasthani architectural style. The temple also has idols of other Hindu deities including Goddess Radha, Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Visitors to the temple are fascinated by the depiction of old Hindu scriptures on white marble. The temple turns into a glittering gem at night when its every part is lighted up. Birla Temple attracts not only Hindu pilgrims, but also other tourists in huge numbers, especially during festival celebrations like Janmashthmi.
The new Fort William was constructed by the British in 1758 when their old fort was annexed by Siraj Ud Daulah (Bengal’s Nawab) in 1756. A stunningly grand structure occupying the area of about 5 km. sq., the fort honours King William III and is situated on the bank of River Hooghly with an irregular octagonal shape. It is a brick and mortar structure with 6 gates and claims the distinction of being the world’s only fort from which no shot was ever fired. The fort is surrounded by Maidan, a huge ground, better known as the Lungs of Kolkata. The fort is currently in the possessions of Indian Army and offers amenities like swimming pool, restaurants and recreational clubs to about 10,000 military personnel residing inside. To visit the fort’s impressive arsenal and museum 9housing good collections of arms and old photographs), one needs permission from the Commanding Officer.
Easily the most prominent icon of Kolkata and West Bengal, Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge which helps hundreds of thousands of vehicles and pedestrians to cross River Hooghly. Connecting Kolkata with its twin city Howrah, it is a bridge with no nuts and bolts, but constructed by riveting the entire structure. Its construction started in 1930s and the bridge was opened for traffic in 1943. Showcasing the advanced British architecture and engineering and integrated with Kolkata’s history and culture, it is the busiest cantilever bridge in the world. A notable feature of the bridge is that it has no connecting pylons but connect the two cities in a single span. It is 705 m. in length and 71 ft. in width with 15 ft. wide footpath on both sides. The bridge was renamed Rabindra Setu, after the first Asian Noble Prize laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1965, though continues to be popular with its original name. It is an outstanding experience to watch huge volume of traffic on the bridge from a boat or ferry.
Sited about 10 minutes from the Chowrasta Mallbehind Gorakh Ranga Manch Bhawan, Darjeeling, Bengal Natural History Museum houses an extensive collection of Himalayan and Bengal fauna. Nestled in the heart of Darjeeling, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 4300 specimens of bird species, butterflies,reptiles, fishes, and animal species. The museum is compartmented into larger sections - ground floor and basement.Showcasing the wide varieties of flora and fauna, the museum also houses estuarine crocodiles - a rare species of crocodile. The butterfly and beetle section of the museum pulls maximum tourist attention. Apart from animal and bird species, the museum also exhibits a fabulous variety of colourful stones, which are visible in their mineral form. The radiantly decorated butterflies are undoubtedly the magnificent sight to look at. Bengal Natural History Museum Building also has a small library with a reading roomthat hosts a collection of many worthful and rarebooks like125 volume series of "The fauna of British India”. Other nearby attractions in Darjeeling includeTiger Hill, Senchal Lake, Lloyd Botanical Garden and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
Hazarduari Palace (also called Bara Kothi) is a 19th century architectural wonder; both for its grand stature boasting of magnificent Indo-European architecture as well as for the tricks it can play with the visitors. Literally, the palace’s name translates to ‘the palace with 1,000 doors’. In reality, there are only 100 real doors, while 900 are false doors that the architect must have planned to deceive the enemy. Accessible by 37 stone stairs (designated as India’s largest with the lowermost measuring about 33 m.), the palace is a part of the Nizamat Fort complex situated stunningly on the bank of River Bhagirathi. One of the most popular attractions of the palace is the huge cannon, notoriously called the Bacchawali Tope. The cannon when fired would make such unbearable noise that the pregnant women would give deliver premature babies (bacche). The palace nowadays is a renowned museum, with 20 galleries showcasing more than 1,000 exhibits. Some of the most amazing items on display include valuable paintings, armoury, bronze statues, brassware, furniture and thrones, vases, lamps, manuscripts and memorabilia belonging to the royals and the British. Stuffed crocodile, camel carriages, Victorian carriages and vintage cars are other worth exploring collections on display. The world’s second largest crystal chandelier is also exhibited here. For a truly splendid view of the palace, watch it when illuminated at evening. Other attractions in the fort complex include mosques, Clock Tower, Bada Imambara and lush green gardens.
Built between 1723 and 1724, Katra Mosque is famous as a significant centre for Islamic learning. The area had a big bazaar (market) around the mosque, which made the constructor name it as Katra Masjid - a mosque in the market. The beauty of this mosque lies in the way it is designed. The magnificent mosque has 4 octagonal minarets that capture visitor attention. The huge main gate, interestingly carved larger courtyard and big central dome are the major attractions of the mosque. One of the most intriguing stories associated with this structure is that the mosque was constructed by a Hindu with the materials collected after demolishing Hindu temples. Other nearby attractions includes Hazarduari PalaceWasef Manzil and Bachchawali Tope etc.
Eastern Himalayas have numerous world-renowned biodiversity hotspots at their foothills, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary being one of them. Spreading over an area of about 217 sq. km. and at an elevation of about 61 m., it attained the sanctuary status in 1941. Majestic and unfortunately endangered one-horned Indian rhinoceros are the flagship specie of the sanctuary which accommodates world’s second highest population of the creature. The park is also home to other exciting species like royal Bengal tiger, spotted deer, elephants, bison and sambar. Birdwatchers too can have wonderful time at the sanctuary which is home to the likes of Bengal florican, crested eagle, Finn’s weaver, partridge, hornbill, peafowl and jungle fowl. In addition, one can explore numerous species of fresh water turtles, along with cobras, pythons, monitor lizards and many other reptiles. Torsa River flowe through the park and presence of tall elephant grasses enhances the rich beauty of the place. The sanctuary can be explored on safari trips in jeeps or on elephants. Jeep safaris are organized in two shifts from 06:00 a.m. to 08:00 a.m. and from 03:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. and costs INR 450. Elephant safari costs INR 140 per head and is a thrilling experience. Permit for safari must be obtained at the main entrance.
Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983 and a National park in 1992, Buxa is the famous territory of royal Bengal tigers. Apart from tigers, the park entices its visitors with other mammals like Asian elephant, wild boar, sambar, gaur, civet, antelope, bear and others. It is also an important bird area and one can find hornbill, black necked crane, whistling teal, red junglefowl and other birds around several lakes, rivers and wetlands inside the park. More than 10 types of forests constitute Buxa National Park. Multiple species of bamboos, shrubs, herbs, canes, orchids and grasses can be explored here. Jungle safari in a private vehicle and in the company of a guide can be a worthwhile experience. The park also offers some truly elating trekking trips. Buxa offers many more attractions other than wildlife and natural beauty and some of them include Buxa Duar Fort and holy Karts Lake. Warnings Permits should be obtained from Rajabhatkhawa or Jayanti. Be careful not to enter the areas close to the international border.
Opulent green lawns decorated with mesmerizing roses and eucalyptus, huge varieties of ferns, shrubs and trees and a heart-warming environment define the Botanical Garden of Ooty. Spanning over a hill slope, the terraced garden is beautified by lily ponds, flower beds, well-maintained plants and numerous species of native and imported flora. The 20 million year old fossil tree trunk is another noteworthy attraction. Italian Garden with colourful flower varieties is among the top highlights. Other sections of the garden include Lower Garden, New Garden, Nurseries, Fountain terrace and Conservatory. The garden is host to the annual flower show which is a major draw for the tourists. Many Bollywood films and songs have been shot here. Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Rose Gardens, Wax Museum, Echo Rock and many other famous attractions of Ooty are located nearby. Warnings: Don’t litter the gardens and don’t pluck the flowers.
Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden is located in Howrah, the twin city of Kolkata, on the bank of River Hooghly. One of the world’s largest botanical gardens, it is famous for exotic and indigenous specimens (believed to be more than 12,000 in number) brought from different parts of the world. Among the top highlights is the Great Banyan Tree which with the circumference of about 330 m. is designated the largest tree in the world. The garden is also adorned with beautiful lily ponds and lakes (some offering boating facility as well). Rare species from the countries like Brazil, Java and Nepal can be found here. Orchids, palms, bamboos, cacti and aquatic plants are among the top attention-grabbers. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Warnings: The garden is aplastic bag-free no smoking zone. Prohibited activities include entry of motorvehicles and cycles, littering, alcohol consumption, flower plucking, damage toflora, washing clothes, cooking and playing sports. Take permission forphotography. /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-qformat:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
Embellishing northern West Bengal, Gorumara issituated in the Terai region of the Himalayan foothills. The park is known for itseye-catching population of Indian Rhinoceros. Designatedby the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2009 as the best among theprotected areas in India, Gorumara National Park has about 55 species ofmammals, 300 bird species, 20 species of reptiles and 30 species of amphibians. The park is home to a large number of snakes,including Indian Python and King Cobra. Visitors can use the adjoining towers likeRhino Observation Tower, Jatraprasad Watch Tower, Chandrachur Watch Tower andChukchuki Bird-watching Point to enjoy the site of unique bird and animalspecies. The park offers a large number of flora and fauna. The wildlife safari is one of the major activities onecan try here. Tourist can enjoy the sight of nearby locations like JaldaparaNational Park, Chapramari Wildlife Reserve and Nature Interpretation Centre. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0cm;mso-para-margin-right:0cm;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0cm;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0cm;mso-para-margin-right:0cm;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0cm;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
Kulik Bird Sanctuary is in Rajganj in West Bengal State. Nestled along the national highway by the side of the KulikRiver, this bird sanctuary is easily accessible, which adds up to its popularity. Considered by some as the second largest bird sanctuary in Asia, it is home to over 160 different species of birds including over 80000 migratory birds that visit the park every year. Raiganj Bird Sanctuary is spread over an area of 35 acre and buffer area of 286.23 acre. The deciduous forests interspersed with rivers and other water bodies offer perfect condition for the migratory birds and native birds to breed. Many migratory birds like cormorant, Egrets and little cormorant among other species reach Kulik from faraway places like South Asian countries. RaiganjKulikPark, close to the bird sanctuary is another tourist attraction.
Embellished by silvery white sand, Frazerganj Beach of Bakkhali Island is indeed a dream destination. Usually silent and free from pollution and crowd, the beach witnesses remarkably beautiful rising and setting sun. A deltaic island beach of the Sunderbans, the tidal mangrove forests declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beach was accidentally discovered by the British Lieutenant Governor Sir Andrew Fraser. Saved by a local woman Narayani from a shipwreck, Frazer instantly fell in love with her. The story had a tragic end as Narayani was shot dead by the British on the appeal of Frazer’s wife. Frazerganj Beach is dotted with casuarinas and is perfect for the activities like long leisurely walks and cycling. Rolling waves accommodating fishing boats add to the pristine beauty of the beach which also attracts numerous migratory birds like collared kingfisher and chestnut-winged cuckoo. Other worthwhile attractions include the suddenly emerging red crabs from the low tide and many windmills dotting the place. Tourists also love to visit the nearby attractions like Bishhalakshmi Temple, Henry’s Island and Watch Tower
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