9 Best Places to Visit in Kolkata for 1 day | How to Go Kolkata
Known as the City of Joy, Kolkata has a rich history and a bustling cultural scene that attracts visitors from all over. Along with its delicious food, lively festivals, and stunning colonial buildings, this Indian tourist places promises to charm you in every way. For those with limited time, we have narrowed down a list of must-see tourist places to visit in Kolkata for 1 day. Although the options for sightseeing are endless in Kolkata, there are a few must-visit places to visit in Kolkata for 1 day that should not be missed on your short trip.
The city of Kolkata takes you back to a bygone era. It is a place where you feel positive from the inside out. It is a place where you can relax and unwind in the serenity of nature. It is a place where you get to see a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can set your heart racing here. You can enjoy a Kolkata tour no matter if you’re traveling alone, with your family, or with a couple.
How to Go to Kolkata
As the gateway to Northeast India, Kolkata is easily accessible by air from all major Indian cities and even abroad. Kolkata is also well connected to all major Indian cities by an efficient railway network and by a complex system of highways and arterial roads.
How to Reach Kolkata by Air
The airport that serves Kolkata, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), connects the city with other major metropolitans in the country. It also provides access to Southeast Asian and European countries through frequent flights. Renowned airlines such as GoAir, Thai Airways International, IndiGo, Air India, Emirates and Qatar Airways are all present at this airport. To reach their final destination from the airport, travelers can opt for public transport like buses or private taxis. Additionally, a new rail link connects the airport to the Dum Dum railway station, offering another transportation option.
How to Reach Kolkata by Rail
Using an integrated rail network, Kolkata is easily accessible to the rest of the nation. The city and the metropolitan city of Howrah are served by the major railheads of Sealdah (SDAH) and Howrah (HWH). In India, Sealdah is among the busiest railway stations with three terminals serving long-distance trains from throughout the country. Travel to any part of the city is easy using prepaid taxis from the railway stations.
Kolkata’s major train stations are Kolkata Chitpur (KOAA), Kolkata Santragachi Junction (SRC), Kolkata Howrah Junction (HWH), Kolkata Sealdah (SDAH), Bidhan Nagar Road (BNXR), Dakhineswar (DAKE), Belgharia (BLH), Dum Dum Junction (DDJ).
How to Reach Kolkata by Road
With a network of highways and expressways, Kolkata is easily connected to other major metropolises. NH 12 and NH 16 are some of the major highways passing through Kolkata. The Esplanade Bus Station is the main interstate bus stop in Kolkata.
Bus terminals and major bus stations in Kolkata: Esplanade Bus Terminus, Babughat Bus Stand, Tollygunge Tram Depot Bus Stand
Places to visit in Kolkata for 1 day
1. Victoria Memorial Palace
In Kolkata, you can explore Victoria Memorial, a large marble building re-purposed as a museum in the Indo-Saracenic Revival Architectural Style. A 54-metre high monument, built between 1906 and 1921, it’s the perfect tourist destination to learn about its history. One of the most refreshing things to do in Kolkata is to take a trip down memory lane. It is one of the most popular historical sites in India.
Distance from Kolkata: 9 km
2. Howrah Bridge
After the Victoria Memorial, the next must-see attraction for many tourists is the Howrah Bridge. Also known as Rabindra Setu, this vast bridge crosses the Hooghly River, linking Kolkata and its neighboring city, Howrah. Its impressive steel structure, painted in a distinct rust-red hue, stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of its time. The bridge has become an iconic symbol of Kolkata’s lively atmosphere.
Withstanding the test of time, it remains an essential transportation route, catering to a high volume of vehicles and pedestrians between the two cities. Walking along the Howrah Bridge provides a unique experience where one can soak in breathtaking views of the Hooghly River, Kolkata’s grand skyline, and observe all kinds of transportation modes bustling through the busy streets – buses, taxis, trams, and famous yellow Ambassador cars included.
Distance from Kolkata: 2.2 km
3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Included in our Kolkata tour packages is a must-visit attraction: the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. This revered pilgrimage site was commissioned in the 19th century by Rani Rashmoni, a devout follower of Kali and generous philanthropist. Its construction spanned from 1847 to 1855 and resulted in a magnificent blend of traditional Bengali Navaratna style with elements of Islamic influence. The main deity worshipped at the temple is Goddess Kali, revered as both the divine mother and destroyer of evil forces. Her idol stands atop her husband Lord Shiva’s body, while other shrines dedicated to deities such as Radha-Krishna, Rani Rashmoni, and Lord Shiva can also be found within the complex.
Distance from Kolkata: 10.9 km
4. Nicco Park
This environmentally-friendly amusement park is a must-visit for tourists from all around the world. Nicco Park offers a welcoming atmosphere and caters to people of all ages. It’s a great attraction for both entertainment and educational purposes, making it one of the most incredible tourist places to visit in Kolkata for 1 day to bond with your family and experience thrilling rides. While you’re there, make sure to try out the delicious food options available, which is one of the top tourist places to visit in Kolkata for 1 day. Spending time at Nicco Park should definitely be on every young person’s to-do list in Kolkata.
Distance from Kolkata: 8.8 km
5. Shibpur
Located on the banks of the peaceful Hooghly River, this port is one of the most important trade routes in India since the Mughal era. As well as its history, this city offers a lot of nature thanks to the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, which houses plants from countries such as Nepal, Malaysia, and Brazil.
Distance from Kolkata: 9.7 km
6. Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary
The bird sanctuary is a must-see if you love nature. Cormorants, woodpeckers, kingfishers, orioles, and bulbuls are just some of the birds that can be found here. Besides the birds, there are also some trees and exotic flowers here. The sanctuary is open from 7 am to 5 pm and charges Rs 50 per head.
Distance from Kolkata: 21.6 km
7. Barrackpore
Shaheed Mangal Pandey Udyan, which was named after the famous Mangal Pande, is located in Barrackpore, an important historical site. Many brave Indian freedom fighters were killed here, fighting for our country. You should also visit the Bartholomew, a beautiful gothic-styled building.
Distance from Kolkata: (22.9 km
8. Santragachi Lake
Located in Santragachhi, a charming neighbourhood in Howrah district, Santragachi Lake is the perfect offbeat tourist places to visit in Kolkata for 1 day. As one of the most beautiful lakes in West Bengal, it offers an ideal setting for birdwatching enthusiasts. Whether you visit in the morning or evening, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing view of sunrise or sunset, along with a variety of bird species. With its serene atmosphere and picturesque views, this lake definitely deserves a places to visit in Kolkata for 1 day within 50km of Kolkata.
Distance From Kolkata: 13 Km
9. Falta
A great places to visit in Kolkata for 1 day is Falta, located at the confluence of the Hooghly, Damodar, and Rupnarayan rivers. You can enjoy watching sunrises and sunsets along the banks of the river. Spend some quality time at the riverside near Kolkata with your loved ones. In addition to strolling along the shores, one can also take ferry rides here. Falta is the best tourist places to visit in Kolkata for 1 day within 50 km.
Distance From Kolkata: 48.9 km
