Birla Mandir | Places to Visit in Kolkata
After 26 long years of construction, the magnificent Birla Mandir, Kolkata, built by an Industrialist, was completed in 1996. The 20th-century marvel in white marble and sandstone is a blend of classic and contemporary architectural styles. Spread across 2,940 square meters of land, at 160 feet in height, the temple is home to various deities under its corn-cob-shaped, elaborately carved towers. Unique artifacts made of silver and Belgian glass adorn the elegant shrine. With influences of Rajasthani architecture all around, the temple is well-ornamented with sacred verses and pictorial depictions engraved in the marble, elevating its rich interiors.
Fort William
The magnificent fort was built in 1696 during the early years of the Bengal Presidency of British India and spread over 70 acres. Located along the eastern banks of the Hoogly river, it is built with brick and mortar as an irregular octagonal star fort. Three sides of this fort face the river, the rest towards the lush gardens of the Maidan Grounds, the largest park in the country. Present-day property of the Indian Army accommodates around 10,000 army personnel with several leisure facilities.
Town Hall, Kolkata
The Kolkata Town Hall was built in 1813 to provide Europeans with a place for social gatherings and meet-ups. Constructed in the Roman, Doric style, the elegant entrance steps lead to the hall’s grand portico. A blend of Neoclassical and Palladian, the two-story building covers an area of about 12,000 square meters, hosting a museum and a library inside. After continuous demands from the public, the structure was restored in the early 1990’s, initiating its adapted purpose as of today.
James Prinsep Ghat
Prinsep Ghat is one of Kolkata’s earliest recreational places, established in 1843, during the British Raj. Located on the banks of the Hoogly River, it is an iconic spot from the colonial era, uplifted with a unique Palladian porch. Built in memory of James Princep, a renowned scholar, rich Greek and Gothic inlays on the beautiful structure, add to its sophisticated aesthetic value. The monument raised on Ionic columns, supporting a massive roof, resembles Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate at a much smaller scale. Labeled as one the most photogenic spots in the city, the ghat is complemented with an immense value from its scenic context.
General Post Office | Places to Visit in Kolkata
Recognized for its iconic dome, the General Post Office, Kolkata, is a display of impressive colonial architecture. Built in 1884, Ionic-Corinthian columns support the 220 feet high majestic dome in the southeast corner. A multi-dialed illuminated clock acts as a focus in the two-storey semi-circular elevation. The Kolkata Collectorate was earlier housed in the northern wing and the Philatelic Bureau in the southwestern. A collection of rare artifacts, covers, and stamps is exhibited within the heritage monument.
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