In Calcutta, no inch, centimeter or millimeter is wasted. Every space is utilized in some shape or form. India’s second largest city has become known for its intellect and culture, but can’t escape the slums and notoriety the city receives. Calcutta perfumes with some of India’s best cuisine and feasts on gardens, churches, temples and monuments at the same time.
The city’s landmarks exude a history all their own. The Victoria Memorial is without question one of the city’s greatest. The giant domed building dresses in classical European architecture with touches of Mughul influences. Within, visitors will discover thousands of artifacts.
Some of the best museum viewing in the city comes at the Indian Museum. The Indian Museum serves as Calcutta’s main museum, hosting artifacts pertaining to archaeology, anthropology, art, zoology, geology and botany. Many come to the Indian Museum for its cherished collection of Buddhist art and rare paintings. The museum also throws in a few Egyptian mummies for good measure.
More art and history is on display at the Marble Palace. Housing a collection of statues, paintings and antiquities, the Palace pays tribute to artists from around the world including Rubens and Joshua Reynolds. Built in the 19th century, the Marble Palace has become famous for its marble floors and walls. Just be careful not to play slip and slide throughout all that marble.
A pilgrimage center for Hindus, Kali Temple rests in Calcutta. It was originally constructed over 350 years ago. The one visitors and Hindus marvel at today is of 1809 construction. Goats are slaughtered here regularly for sacrifice. On the opposing side of religion, Calcutta also holds a Christian house of worship at St. Paul’s Cathedral. With St. Martin in the Fields in London in mind, the Cathedral decorates with impressive stained glass windows.
Calcutta doesn’t lack green spaces for relaxing. The Maidan, considered one of the world’s largest city parks, boasts the function of the Calcutta’s lungs. Within, visitors will find the nation’s cricket stadium Ranji St. along with the Victoria Memorial, Fort William and the Eden Garden. For more exotic green spaces, the Botanical Gardens in Calcutta impress as the largest botanical gardens in India. Many come here to enjoy the peace and quiet of a space founded hundreds of years ago. The East India Company established the Botanical Gardens in 1787. The Botanical Gardens hold a Palm House, Orchid House and Cacti area, along with a 250-year-old banyan tree. It is considered the second largest in the entire world.
Once a British trading port, Calcutta may excite with its dramatic colonial architecture and UK touches, but the city has a tradition all its own. As modern creeps in with skyscrapers, Calcutta may be changing but it festival of human existence is not going away any time soon. Visitors can feel more than just a stop over in Calcutta. The city smacks you in the face and leaves no room to recover. After all, not a single inch is wasted in Calcutta.
