20 Things Kolkata Is Famous For (Be Wondrous to Visit)

Kolkata is famous for the title of the City of Joy. Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital city of West Bengal which is very popular for its diverse history.

Kolkata is the educational, commercial, Theater, and cultural center of eastern India and is the third-most populous metropolitan city in India.

In this post, I am gonna show you, Kolkata is famous for what reason in India and the overall world.

Here, you will know about,

• Kolkata is famous for which things and food
• What things to do and see in Kolkata
• Most Popular Sweets of Kolkata
• And, Lots More

Let’s dive right into the topic.

Kolkata is famous for these 20 things

1. Bengali Food

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is probably the best place in the region to sample all these dishes as the number of restaurants here is as large as the food they serve. Along with plenty of delicious Deserts, there is a lot of variety on their Plate, either in it Veg or Non-Veg. As a Bengali, I guarantee, Where you are, from Gujarat or Mumbai, you will satisfy with Bengali Food anymore.

2. Tram

Kolkata Tram is the Oldest Tram system in India, all over Asia, since 1902. Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) operates Kolkata Tram. In Kolkata, there are hundreds of cars playing in the city, but, the Tram is one of the Best and Cheapest ways to get around Kolkata.

CTC owns 257 Trams, of which 125 are running daily on the streets of Kolkata. The cars are single-deck articulated cars and can carry up to 200 passengers (60 seats). Here are the stations of it Belgachhia, Rajabazar, Park Circus, Goriyahat, Taliganj, Kalighat, and Khidirpur.

Location in Google Map:

3. Biryani

Biryani in Calcutta evolved from the Lucknow style when Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Oudh, was exiled to the Metiabruz in Calcutta in 1856. Briyani is not only a Dish but also an emotion of every Bengali.

There has been a long-running feud between Hyderabadis and Bengalis over which is best.  The main difference is that Bengali’s Briyani is Potato, Bengali uses to add a Big piece of Fried Potato in Briyani Rice along with Meat. Probably, that’s why they do not like Hyderabadi Briyani. In Kolkata, don’t forget to try the local favorite mutton biryani; Whether you taste Arsalan Kolkata, or anywhere else.

Read More:

• 15 Romantic Restaurants In Kolkata

4. Durga Puja

It is incomplete to explore Kolkata without attending the festival Durga Puja in Kolkata. Every year this festival is celebrated here with much pomp and splendor. The origins of the Durga Puja go back to the early 16th century. This festival is celebrated for ten days in the month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar. It usually falls in September and October.

The last four days are called Saptami, Ashtami, Nabami, and Dashami and are celebrated with much pomp and ceremony. Every Banaglu who are living outside of West Bengal, everyone came home at that time to celebrate the festival with friends and family. As a Bengali, the vibe of Durga Puja is Amazing. You can not cut 1 number out of 10.

5. Love of Literature

There is no one in the home of West Bengal who does not love Books, Literature. The home of the World’s Famous Poet, Rabindranath Tagore, and the world’s first non-Euro Nobel laureate, Kolkata, a city of love for literature, is historically and deeply rooted in the region. During Calcutta Book Festival and International Literary festival, Kolkata is a great place to visit. Basically, this festival hosted is in January. Many writers and intellectuals from all over the world flock here every year.

6. Eden Gardens

Founded over 150 years ago, the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata is considered not only a landmark but also a historical and heritage site. Eden Gardens has been called “cricket’s answer to the Colosseum”.

Eden Gardens Organized some of the largest cricket tournaments in the world and scores of local and national level games, the place regularly receives more than one lakh spectators. In IPL, when the KKR match is scheduled in Eden, one and a half lakh on the day of the game, though the sitting capacity is only 60000.  

Location in Google Map:

7. Football (ATK Mohan Bagan and East Bengal)

Football is one of the most popular sports in Kolkata. As much as cricket is loved all over the country, football also has its fans and it seems that the youth in Kolkata have taken up the game with love. The city is home to top national football clubs like Mohun Bagan, and East Bengal Football Club. The Calcutta Football League, which started in 1898, is the oldest football league in Asia. 

There are many turf grounds like Kolkata Football Academy that have been opened and coaching facilities have been set up. After Organizing big events like ISL, the game is now getting more attention in the city.

8. Victoria Memorial Hall

The Victoria Memorial Hall is a large marble building in Kolkata, West Bengal. Dedicating the memory of Queen Victoria, this Builinghad was built between 1906 and 1921. Victoria Memorial Hall and its green garden are located on the banks of the river Ganges.

Victoria Memorial Hall is one of the most popular general tourists and the best place for couples in Kolkata. Like the Taj Mahal in Delhi, the Victoria Memorial is built of white Makrana marble and is a monument to the Empress. In design, it echoes the Taj Mahal with its domes, four shores, high portals, terraces, and domed corner towers. 

Location in Google Map:

9. Science City

“One is never too old to learn” should be the motto of the Science City of Kolkata, one of the finest and largest science centers in India, established by the National Council of Science Museum. Science City is one of the most frequently visited sites in Kolkata and a favorite place for people of all ages.

Science City in Kolkata is an exhibition on the world, a space odyssey, a mirror, various science experiments, a 3D vision theater, this is the perfect place to indulge your curious inner child. In addition, you will give Science and Technology in everything there. The grounds of the Science city also offer a comfortable space with a toy train, a picnic area.

Location in Google Map:

10. Kolkata Metro

The Kolkata Metro or Kolkata Metro is a subway system that serves the city of Kolkata. For the first time in the country and for more than 30 years of service, the Kolkata Metro network provides fantastic access to most major areas and around the city. Kolkata Metro is the oldest and first Metro service in India which was established in 1984.

Carrying more than half a million passengers daily, it has become the fastest and most hassle-free way to cross the capital of West Bengal. Kolkata Metro is the first Underground and Overground metro railway system in India.

11. Hand-Pulled Rickshaw

A hand-Pulled Rickshaw is another great way to get around in the city. A rickshaw is a mode of human-powered transport by which a runner draws a two-wheeled cart to accommodate one or two persons. A hand Pulled Rickshaw is driven by a local puller who can take you somewhere within a few Kilometers.  

Although most cities offer Auto-rickshaw services, hand-pulled rickshaws are available in some cities, such as Kolkata. It can be called “the last base of man-made vehicles”. Riding on the Hand-pulled Rickshaw is one of the most fun and amazing things for visitors.

12. Howrah Bridges/ Rabindra Setu

The Howrah Bridge and Rabindra Setu is a cantilever bridge with a hanging span over the Ganges in West Bengal, which connects Howrah with Kolkata. The Ganges and its tributaries flow through the state of West Bengal and have been a source of water and transportation in the region for decades. 

Howrah Bridge is Spread over 1500 feet and serves more than 1 Lakh vehicles and 1.5 Lakh people daily, the suspension bridge has become a lifeline in Kolkata. A trip to Kolkata is an enjoyable ride across the Howrah Bridge over the Ganges and a great way to enjoy this remarkable feat of engineering.

Location in Google Map:

13. Delicious Fish Desert

Fish is the predominant protein in Bengali food. If there is one non-veg thing that Bengalis love to eat, it is fish and there are special mentions. There are many ways to cook fish depending on the texture, size, fat content, and bone. It can be fried, fried, or cooked in a simple spicy.

There is no shortage of great restaurants in Kolkata to try local dishes like Bengali Doi Machi, Fish Jhal, Shorash Mach, and many more.

14. Bengali Sweets(Rasgulla)

In a class of Kolkata, West Bengal, Bengali sweets, or sweets as locally called, demand a special mention. Rasgulla, a traditional sweet, is one of the most widely used sweets in West Bengal. The basic version has many regional variations. Rasgulla is one of the three most prominent trademarks of Bengali culture.

We are all familiar with the naturally delicious Rasgulla, Sandesh, and Gulab Jamun but in Kolkata, the specialties and Taste of these Sweets, you have never seen anymore. Places like Mouchak and Balaram Mallick and Radharman Mallick are certainly serving the best Kheer Kadam, Pantua, and Sweet Doi among other delights.

15. Jorasanko Thakur Bari

“Jodi Tor Dak Sune Keu Na Ashe, Tobe Akla Cholo Rey”, is a world-famous line of the World’s Famous Poet, Nobel Prize winner, Rabindranath Tagore.

Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the ancestral home and the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore, as well as the Tagore Family. This ancestral house is located on the campus of Rabindra Bharati University. Every year, Rabindra Bharati University organizes cultural events to commemorate its birth and death anniversaries.

Location in Google Map:

16. Terracotta Items

Terracotta Items are one of the most attractive products for buying when you are exploring Kolkata. Basically, Foreigners love this item in Kolkata.

Pottery, statues, handcraft, and much more, all locally made by hand are great gifts and souvenirs to take back. If you go on a trip. Kolkata, known for its terracotta handicrafts, has many festivals and exhibitions every year where some beautiful things are displayed and sold.

17. Colonial Structures: St. Paul’s Cathedral

Due to its culturally diverse past, Kolkata is still one of the most historic and universal places in India. From Victoria Memorial Hall to The magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Evidence of colonial structures can still be seen throughout the city and the magnificent installations are not only identified as traditional sites but are also well looked after by the local authorities. 

A tour of the most popular and amazing colonial structures will surely take you to places like Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Marble Palace,  Calcutta High Court, and Belvedere Estate, but keep your eyes open while traveling. 

Location in Google Map:

18. Indian Museum

As we know, Kolkata has had so much British History and Diversity over the Centuries. For a wonderful insight into the glorious history of this amazing city, Kolkata, you have to visit one of the numerous Museums dedicated to educating the general public about the great Indian Museum of Science, Nature, and Art as well as Calcutta’s past. 

Location in Google Map:

19. Wildlife Trekking in Sundarban

Sundarban in West Bengal is world-famous for Royal Bengal Tiger. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has declared the Sundarbans to be the largest mangrove belt in the world.

Sundarbans National Park is a treat for travelers who love adventure and wildlife. Visitors can see the amazing wonders of the local flora and fauna, including the Royal White Bengal Tiger, Saltwater crocodiles and colorful species of birds and reptiles, and many other endangered species that have made the Sundarbans their habitat. In addition, Sunderban is one of the best places for picnics near Kolkata city.

Location in Google Map:

20. Kolkata Knight Riders

Representing Kolkata in the IPL (Indian Premier League), Kolkata Knight Riders is the team with the largest fan base in the city. Bollywood Actor Shah Rukh Khan’s company Red Chillies Entertainment in partnership with actress Juhi Chawla is the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Everywhere you go in the IPL season you will see the Team KKR flag flying, the Team KKR jersey being worn and the Team KKR allegiance being sworn in. I am a big fan of the KKR Team, which is the pride of every Bengali. The official theme song of the team is Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo Re which translates to We will do, We will Fight, We will Win.

How do get reach Kolkata?

1. By Road: Bus services and highways connect Kolkata’s Main city to all the cities of India.
2. By Train: Howrah, Sealdah, and Kolkata railway stations are the 3 main Railway stations in the city which are well connected to the outside station of the state. If you are coming from outside of west Bengal, you need to reach any of these stations.
3. By Air: The Nearest airport to explore Kolkata is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The Airport is connected with major cities in India and abroad.

FAQs

Conclusion: Kolkata is Famous For What Reason

So, As you have known from my article, Kolkata is Famous for these top 20 reasons in India, all over the World. 

Before you start planning to Explore Kolkata, I strongly recommend starting with these 20 Places, that’s the point which Kolkata is famous for in India, all over the World.

Now, I’d like to know from you:

Which place in this list, you will first explore?

Anyway, if you have already visited a little in Kolkata, What are these places?

Let me know in the comment Right Now.