Step into the City of Joy :

Top Places to Visit Near Taj Bengal

Amidst the lush green grandeur of the city, Taj Bengal, Kolkata, stands as a testament to luxury and elegance. With its striking marble-and-stone atrium, resplendent art collection, and meticulous presentation of colours and textures, this landmark hotel envelops guests in an aura of indulgence. Within its stately walls, guests experience an unparalleled stay where world-class hospitality, exquisite culinary offerings, and indulgent spa therapies meet an effortlessly regal ambience.

However, beyond the comforting embrace of the Taj Bengal, a world of heritage, culture, and architectural splendour awaits. Let us embark on a journey through the most remarkable places to visit in Kolkata , each offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past and vibrant present.

A stroll from Taj Bengal, Kolkata brings one to the ethereal Victoria Memorial, a marble-clad tribute to British India’s grandiose past. This imposing structure, adorned with a majestic central dome and flanked by sculpted colonnades, is a seamless fusion of Indo-Gothic, Mughal, and European influences. The museum chronicles the city’s colonial history, while the surrounding 57 acres of perfectly manicured gardens serve as an oasis of tranquillity. Whether marvelling at the striking central chamber or soaking in the serenity of the grounds, the Victoria Memorial is a timeless spectacle.

As dusk settles over the City of Joy, the Howrah Bridge—also known as Rabindra Setu—illuminates the skyline. This engineering marvel stretches majestically over the Hooghly River, seamlessly connecting Kolkata to Howrah. A walk along this colossal cantilever structure allows one to witness the pulse of Kolkata, where ferries, bustling ghats, and floating flower markets paint a lively tableau of riverfront life.

The grandeur of the Indian Museum, India’s oldest and largest, is a testament to Kolkata’s legacy as a city of knowledge and culture. Within its stately halls lie priceless relics spanning archaeology, art, anthropology, and zoology. Among its most mesmerising exhibits is a 4000-year-old Egyptian mummy, silently narrating tales of an ancient world. This repository of history provides a deep dive into civilisations past, offering a moment of quiet reflection amidst the city’s unceasing energy.

In the labyrinthine alleys of North Kolkata lies Kumartuli, the beating heart of Bengal’s artistic heritage. This potters' quarter is home to more than 500 workshops, where skilled artisans sculpt breathtaking idols of Hindu deities using the sacred clay of the Ganga. With each creation destined to grace pandals across the city and beyond, Kumartuli embodies the essence of devotion and craftsmanship. This mesmerising space, steeped in tradition, remains an unmissable experience for those seeking Kolkata’s artistic soul.

A short drive from Taj Bengal leads to Science City, an interactive paradise where the marvels of science and technology come to life. From virtual world explorations in the capsule simulator to immersive dioramas tracing the evolution of life, this futuristic haven captivates visitors of all ages. The awe-inspiring Space Theatre (Voyager 3D) takes audiences on a cosmic adventure, unravelling the mysteries of the universe through state-of-the-art visuals. Science City is where curiosity meets wonder, making it a must-visit destination.

Prinsep Ghat, built in 1841, is an architectural jewel nestled along the banks of the Hooghly River. By day, it serves as a serene retreat for leisurely walks; by dusk, it transforms into an ethereal setting, with the monument and the adjacent bridge aglow under the soft embrace of twilight. The melodies of Rabindra Sangeet waft through the air, accompanying visitors as they embark on boat rides that offer a poetic perspective of the city’s colonial charm.

Since its inauguration in 1962, the Birla Planetarium has remained a getaway to the cosmos, presenting over 300 astronomical projects that delve into celestial phenomena, space exploration, and even the mythology surrounding the stars. Its immersive exhibits and interactive displays make for an enlightening experience, while its advanced seminar hall fosters discussions on the ever-expanding universe. Here, the mysteries of the night sky unravel before curious eyes, inviting visitors to contemplate the infinite.

Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of the legendary Rabindranath Tagore, stands as a cultural treasure trove. Now a museum, it houses a rare collection of first-edition books, handwritten letters, sculptures, and furniture that transport visitors to the era of Bengal’s most influential literary family. Every corner echoes with the spirit of Tagore’s poetic genius, offering an intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of India’s first Nobel Laureate.

Eden Gardens, a name that resonates with cricket lovers worldwide, is a hallowed ground in the annals of the sport. When not echoing with the roars of passionate spectators, this historic stadium invites visitors to explore its pitch, galleries, and museum, which houses priceless memorabilia of legendary matches and players. A visit to Eden Gardens is more than a sporting experience—it is an immersion into Kolkata’s undying love for cricket.

For those who revel in the thrill of discovering hidden treasures, New Market is an exhilarating sensory experience. Originally established as the Sir Stuart Hogg Market, this bustling marketplace brims with an eclectic mix of antique collectables, handcrafted jewellery, exquisite textiles, and gourmet delights. Whether one seeks a rare artifact or simply wishes to lose oneself in the vibrant chaos, New Market never fails to enchant.

Taj Bengal is not merely a luxury hotel; it is the getaway to Kolkata’s living history, where each landmark narrates a tale of its own. From the colonial elegance of the Victoria Memorial to the pulsating energy of the Howrah Bridge, every corner of this metropolis resonates with its rich cultural and artistic spirit. Whether indulging in a leisurely walk by the Hooghly or marvelling at celestial wonders in the Birla Planetarium, guests of Taj Bengal will find themselves immersed in an unparalleled journey of discovery. Within its walls, world-class service and grandeur await, but beyond them lies the true essence of the City of Joy—ever-vibrant, ever-enchanting.