With remnants of the colonial era still existing within the walls of this city, Kolkata is an amalgamation of rich history and culture. Being a riverine port city, winters are the best time to travel in and around here. Kolkata generally has dry winters, and it’s a pleasant time to tour the city and explore the culture and heritage of the place without getting tired of the heat. So, let’s look at some of the best places to visit in Kolkata in winter.
6 Best Places To Visit In Kolkata In Winter
1. Victoria Memorial
Located in the heart of Kolkata, this white marble monument is reminiscent of the colonial era and its architectural brilliance. With the structure standing 200 feet tall, you’ll also see a 16-foot ‘Angel of Victory’ placed on top of the central dome. Conceived as a memorial for the first empress of British India, Queen Victoria, the structure now serves as a museum.
A museum now, the structure houses a total of 25 separate galleries. It has about 30,000 treasured artifacts, including paintings by Western and Indian artists as well as rare photographs. One of the main galleries here is the Royal Gallery, which is full of oil paintings and personal belongings of Queen Victoria. The Durbar Hall Gallery has a series of paintings, each depicting the cultural heritage of both India and Britain.
Spreading over 64 acres of land, the garden surrounding the memorial is a great spot for photographs. The memorial also hosts a light and sound show in the evenings, titled ‘Pride and Glory- The Story of Calcutta’. The light and sound show reveal to you the history of the region, and that’s why it’s one of the best places to visit in Kolkata. From the main city, it’s just 5.6 kilometers (19 minutes) away. The fastest route to reach here is via Dufferin Road. You can easily book a cab or hire a taxi to get here.
2. Shantiniketan
Established by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan is exactly what its name means – ‘Abode of Peace’. It is now a major focal point of Bengali art and culture, making it one of the best places to visit in Kolkata. It also boasts one of the most renowned universities in the world, thanks to the school established by the Nobel Laureate here in 1901.
While you’re at Shantiniketan, make sure to visit major attractions like Tagore’s Ashram, Visva-Bharati University, Rabindra Bhaba Museum, and other such places. It is known for its many festivals. If you are visiting Kolkata in winter, you cannot miss out on the Poush Utsav, which is celebrated every year in the month of December. Be prepared to be engulfed by the folk dances and music, and the colorful stalls. When you talk about a festival, you can’t forget the food! You’ll get to enjoy authentic Bengali cuisine, ranging from everything sweet to everything spicy, waging a war of flavors in your mouth.
Located at a distance of 160 to 165 kilometers (4 hours 2 minutes) from Kolkata, the best way to get here is by road (via NH 19 and Suri Rd). You can easily get buses or taxis from the city to reach here.
3. Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge, also called Rabindra Setu (after Rabindranath Tagore), is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kolkata. Built over the Hooghly River, this huge steel bridge is the sixth-longest cantilever bridge in the world. Constructed without any nuts or bolts, the bridge was one of a kind at the time it was built. It has been a major attraction in Kolkata mainly because it represents Bengal’s history and culture. Standing for over 80 years, it has also witnessed a lot of historical events, including World War II. During the construction, the government feared attacks from the Japanese; this is why the bridge did not have an official inauguration!
Since it has separate lanes for pedestrians, you can take a walk across the bridge and discover the true essence of the city and its people. Don’t miss out on the Mallik Ghat Flower Market, which is at the east end of the bridge. The colorful makeshift sheds open as early as 3 in the morning and fill the surroundings with a sweet fragrance. If you are a photographer, this is the perfect place to get some beautiful shots.
Located just about three kilometers (16 minutes) from the city, you can get there via Mahatma Gandhi Road. You can easily travel by bus, which is the cheapest way (INR 18 to INR 26) to reach Howrah Bridge.
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4. Chinatown
Located in the eastern part of Kolkata, Chinatown is the only Chinese settlement in India. As you step into the place, you’re sure to be transported to East Asia. The immigration began around the late 1770s when a Chinese businessman set up a sugar mill here. Once home to about 20,000 ethnic Chinese Indian nationals, the population has now considerably dropped. But the people here still follow Chinese customs and traditions.
Visit the age-old heritage buildings that tell the story of the refugees who came here from China during World War II. Most tourists visit the place for its budget-friendly but authentic Chinese cuisine. But before going to restaurants, you must try an authentic Chinese breakfast at Tangra. Here you’ll get to try momo, pau buns, pork rolls, and wontons from 6 am to 8:30 am. Chinatown is filled with little shops that sell Chinese spices, medicines, and showpieces. You can buy pretty and unique showpieces from here to take as souvenirs.
Chinatown is located quite close to Kolkata, just about 2 kilometers (15 minutes) away. You can get there via Mahatma Gandhi Rd and Central Ave/Chittaranjan Ave. You can easily take a bus or taxi from the city to reach your destination.
5. The Indian Museum
Being the ninth oldest museum in the world and the largest museum in India, the Indian Museum is the pride of Kolkata. The museum was founded in the year 1814, and it has some of the finest collections of skeletons, fossils, ornaments, Egyptian mummies, and Mughal paintings. It also has some of the oldest coins and sculptures dating back to the second century AD. The museum has about 35 galleries divided into categories.
However, the current monumental building was opened to the public in 1878, and this grand structure stands strong to date. Take your time marveling at the beauty of the architecture and be transported back in time. Make sure to visit the library inside the museum, which has a vast collection of about 50,000 books and journals. It also has a shop that sells children’s books, art albums, and other such items. Also, don’t forget to visit the Bharhut Gallery, Egypt Gallery, and Gandhara Gallery, among others.
Located in Chowringhee, the entry fee for Indian nationals is INR 75, and INR 20 for children under 5 years. Foreigners need to pay INR 500. The museum is just about 3 kilometers (17 minutes) from the main city, and you can easily get here via Jawaharlal Nehru Road.
6. Bishnupur
A little outside of Kolkata, this is one of the best places to visit in Kolkata in winter if you happen to have more time on your hands. Bishnupur, also known as Vishnupur, gets its name from the Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. The glorious past of this city is reflected in its beautiful architecture and its traditional handicrafts like weaving and pottery. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the city prospered as the capital of the Malla Kingdom. The Malla Kings are the ones responsible for the famous terracotta temples here.
Explore the marvelous architecture here that has features like Bangla roofs, multi-lobed arches, and domes. Make sure to visit the Shyam Ray temple and the twin shrines of Jor Bangla and the Rasmancha. The walls of these temples are covered in beautiful terracotta tiles that depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
You can also visit the Jor Bangla temple and Bishnupur Museum. This museum is the only one dedicated to art and architecture in the district. You’ll come across an invaluable collection that consists of sculptures from the 12th century, coins, and artifacts. Make sure you check out the music gallery and the tribal art gallery here since these are often overlooked.
Located at a distance of 138 kilometers from Kolkata, it’ll take you about 4 hours to reach Bishnupur. You can travel via Ahilyabai Holkar Rd/Bankura – Beliator – Sonamukhi – Khandaghosh – Nischintapur Rd/Champadanga-Dankuni Rd and SH 2. Cabs and buses are easily accessible, but make sure you carry enough snacks on your trip there since it’s hard to find good dhabas on the roadside.
Also Read: 10 Best Restaurants In Kolkata For Families
Summing Up
If you are interested in the ‘what was it like back then’ or even if you just want to enjoy some peaceful scenic beauty, Kolkata is the place for you. It’s a romantic getaway that will awaken the poet in you even if you are not a person of words! This friendly metropolitan city always has its arms open for you, and it’s sure to give you a warm welcome, especially in winter. So pack your bags and get on board that train, because you’ll never have another amazing trip like this again. And don’t fret about where to go; simply follow this list of the best places to visit in Kolkata in winter!
