India has 28 states and one of them is West Bengal. West Bengal is situated on the eastern side of the country. Its capital is Kolkata. Kolkata is also called the ‘CITY OF JOY’. The city has earned the nickname for its soulful liveliness of culture, enthusiasm and some amazing sweet delicacies like- Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, Laddoo etc. Kolkata is very humid and hot in summer thus it is not advisable to visit these listed places in summer. You can enjoy visiting these exciting tourist spots in winter with your family and friends.
Some amazing and exciting places to visit in the city are:-
NICCO PARK- It is an amusement park located in Bidhannagar, West Bengal. It is the largest amusement park in Eastern India. The park is full of exciting and dangerous rides and also has a big water park which is called the ‘WET-O-WILD’. Nicco Park has more than 30 rides, 5 attractions and 1 show in total. It has many water sports, fun activities and games. It is open from 10 am to 8 pm.
While entering if one purchases the yellow band then they can have fun on all the rides throughout the day as many times he/she wants! It is much better than buying the tickets for individual rides as the yellow band is a lot cheaper. There is the ‘River Cave Ride’, Toy train, Tilt-a-whirl, Water Chute, Children corner etc. which are fun to ride. It also has the roller coaster which is the most exciting ride in the whole park. Outside food is not allowed but there is a big food court which has different varieties of food like- South Indian, Chinese etc. Soft drinks and ice cream are also available there.
ECO PARK- It is located in a New town. It is an exception with its meadows, gardens, lakes and large varieties of trees. It has a large recreation area for activities like- boating, cycling, recycling and a playground. The Eco park is divided into three distinctive parts- Theme gardens, grasslands and recreational grounds. There is a light and sound show in the evening which is stunning. The 7 wonders of the world are made of fibreglass and are displayed in the park. It is a lifetime experience to see those perfect 7 wonders of the world. The 7 wonders of the world look much more attractive at night than they do in the morning because of the lights that are switched on in the dark. There is a café Kante which is quite expensive but a good place to hang out. Outside food is also allowed in the park.
The Eco park is very crowded during the weekends. There is an entry fee to enter the park- Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 25 for children from 6-10 years but it varies during different seasons and is free on certain festive days.
SCIENCE CITY- It is located on Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. It is a place where technology and science work together. All people whether old or young are bound to be completely fascinated by seeing all the unique machines and creations displayed there. It is one of the largest science museums in the world and provides a very interesting way of learning science. An entry fee is needed, and the fees are determined by the machines and the creations that you want to see. There is the cable Car’ by which you can view the whole Science City from above. The main attractions of the Science City are – Cable Car, Space Theater and the 3d centres.
Then there is the Earth Exhibition Hall. It is a two-floored semi-circular gallery that has a big exhibition of the earth. There is a massive globe located right at the centre of the hall. There are different mirrors which make you look fat, slim, tall, short etc. and children enjoy seeing themselves very much.
The Dynamotion hall is also wonderful. It is a spiral building of exhibits on physical science. The gallery offers a very exciting journey where a person can feel and see the scientific phenomena as if they are witnessing them in real life. There is a huge piano on the floor which creates music when a person steps on it. The hall is divided into several smaller sections like- Aquarium, Butterfly Enclave, Illusions, etc.
DAKSHINESWAR KALI TEMPLE- It is a Hindu temple located in Dakshineswar. Goddess Kali is worshipped here. The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1855. Rani Rashmoni was a devotee of Goddess Kali. The temple compound, apart from the main temple, contains a large courtyard surrounding the temple. There are several rooms along the boundary walls. 12 shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
When you enter the temple there are plenty of ‘Dala’ shops on the right side, where you have to submit your shoes and collect puja data. There are 3 ticket counters on the opposite side of the dala shops where you have to submit your bags, phones etc. Only money is allowed. After you walk further, there is a queue where you have to stand to enter the temple. It is a 15-20 minutes waiting. Then there are police and security officers who will check you and your pockets to see if you are carrying something that is dangerous or is not allowed on the premises. Then you have to stand in a queue to darshan Maa Kali. After seeking the blessings of the Goddess you can also go and see the 12 shrines of Lord Shiva, the consort of Kali.
When you are exiting the premises you can see the rooms where Ram Krishna lived.
On the left side of the temple, there is the Ganga Ghat where you can do boating and go to the Belur Math.
There are many food courts where you can eat after visiting the temple.
VICTORIA MEMORIAL- It is located in Central Calcutta and is the largest marble building in that area. It is built up of white marble. It is a memorial made for Queen Victoria. The statue of Queen Victoria is located in the interior of the memorial. There are many galleries in Victoria Memorial. There are many illustrations and paintings of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The paintings are incredible and it feels really lucky to have seen those masterpieces.
There is a beautiful garden on the outside of the memorial where you can have a picnic or hang out with your family and friends. Outside food is allowed. On the top of the Victoria Memorial, there is a black statue which is called the ‘Angel of Victory’. It protects the museum from lightning strikes. There is a very nominal entry fee to enter the premises. Inside the museum, photography is prohibited but you can click pictures in the garden.
There are many quick portrait artists outside the memorial, who can draw your exact face in a short amount of time and it is also a very incredible experience.
There are other places in Kolkata too where you can enjoy visiting but the 5 places listed above are awesome and is very exciting.
