Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, originally grew as an East India Company fortified trading post. The city also functioned as then-capital of the British colonization of India. Today the city is capital of the Indian state West Bengal. Also being nicknamed the City of Joy.
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| Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, India |
The main landmark of Kolkata is without a doubt the vast and proportioned
Victoria Memorial. Built in honor of Queen Victoria, but functions today as a museum and tourist attraction. Surely this building would be considered one of India's greatest buildings, had it been built for an Indian princess rather than an old British Queen.
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| Birla Mandir in Kolkata, India |
White marble Hindu temple,
Birla Mandir, built by the Birla family is a renowned temple in Kolkata. The inside of the temple is mainly for Hindu worshipers, but is open for tourists.
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| St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata, India |
It's not like you'll get a feeling of being in
the St. Paul's Cathedral in London, but this cathedral still has a vibe to it. With it's central crenelated tower, it would most definitely seem at home somewhere in the outskirts of London.
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| M. P. Birla Planetarium in Kolkata, India |
Located right next to the church, the
M.P. Birla Planetarium looks as if it was loosely designed like a buddhist stupa. Features an astronomy gallery and an observatory.
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| Writers' Building in Kolkata, India |
Writers' Building in Kolkata originally served as the headquarters for writers of the British East India Company. Hence the name. Today the building houses the secretariat of the State Government of West Bengal. Security here is extremely high, and entering for a visit is not an option.
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| South Park Street Cemetery in Kolkata, India |
Opened in 1767 and closed in 1790 the historic
South Park Street Cemetery features mossy Raj-era graves and tombstones, which has been absorbed by jungle-like nature. A calm place, which has been preserved and protected, but not maintained. A trip to Kolkata is not complete without a visit here.
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| Statue of Mother Teresa at Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, India |
Christian pilgrims often visit the
Missionaries of Charity's "Motherhouse" paying homage at Nobel Peace Prize receiver; Mother Teresa's tomb. Besides housing the tomb, the room of Mother Teresa has been preserved along with some of her modest possesions. The users of the house are very welcoming and will not ask you for any money.
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