Places of tourist interest

Victoria Memorial

Supposedly the British Raj's answer to Agra's Taj Mahal, this imposing edifice contains a collection of Victorian memorabilia, including Queen Victoria's Piano.

The Maidan

This enormous park forms the 'lungs' of Kolkata, and offers a fascinating ongoing pageant of the city's life. Nearby is the old British fort, Fort William. Also nearby is the 48-meter high Ochterlony Monument.

Kalighat

An important temple to Kali, the goddess from whom Kolkata supposedly takes its name.

Raj Bhavan

This was once the residence of the British Viceroy in India. Not far away are other fine examples of Raj architecture: the Town Hall, Writers' Building (the old East India Company office) and St. John's Church. Also not far away is the South Park Street Cemetery, with its poignant old tombs and inscriptions.

Indian Museum

Perhaps one of the finest museums in Asia, with an excellent collection of art, as well as fossils and meteorites.

Shantiniketan

University founded by Rabindranath Tagore with a unique educational experience.

The Museum and the art gallery have crafts centres and students at the university have their studies in the complex and welcome visitors interested in their works.