5 Days Holiday In Kolkata

An epicenter of art, education, literature, and culture in West Bengal, Shantiniketan is known for Vishwa Bharti University, which was founded by Nobel laureate, poet, and artist Rabindranath Tagore. During this 14-hour long experience, you would get to explore this beautiful abode of peace. You will be picked up from your hotel and embark on a drive to Shantiniketan. You will begin the sightseeing with a visit to the Vishwa Bharti University Campus and witness several paintings, sculptures, and other well preserved historical exhibits. Up next, the tour will take you to the China Bhawan, Chattimala, and Kala Bhavan to know more about the life and teachings of Rabindranath Tagore. Thereafter, visit Patha Bhavan, a beautiful prayer hall constructed of glass. Learn about the heritage of the place when you visit the Bichitra, a research center featuring works of several poets. The experience also includes an excursion to the Northern Complex and Sriniketan. The excursion is inclusive of return transfers from and to the hotel and services of a local guide. The duration of the excursion would be around 14 hours.

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Embark on a one day-long tour to Gangasagar, a holy place where the sacred river Ganga and the sea meet. Located on an island in Sundarbans, Gangasagar is also known for its expansive unspoiled beaches. From your place of stay, you will board a car that will drive you to Kakdwip. From here, you will board a ferry (at your own expense) to Kachuberia Ghat. Once you reach Kachuberia Ghat, it is suggested that you hire a private vehicle that will take you on a 40 mins drive to Gangasagar. As you reach the holy grounds of Gangasagar, you could begin the tour by seeking blessings at the ancient Kapil Muni Temple. While strolling through the streets, it is suggested that you sample some local sweets and enjoy the flavors of the place. After a full day of exploration, you could head back to your place of stay in Kolkata following the reverse routing. The duration of the excursion would be around 12 hours.

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Birla Industrial & Technological Museum

Located 6 km away from Kolkata, the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum is one of the first scientific museums in India. The museum features twelve galleries namely, Fascinating Physics, Transport, Motive Power, Biotechnology, Metals, Electricity, Television, Life Science, Underground mock-up coal mine, Popular science, Mathematics, and Children’s Gallery. There is also an Innovation hub where high school students can engage in innovative and creative activities. The museum also hosts Science Shows, training programme, workshops and various science exhibitions regularly.

Howrah Bridge

Connecting Kolkata to the smaller towns in Howrah, the iconic Howrah Bridge over the Hooghly River is one of the longest bridges in the world. A symbol of Kolkata, it is one of the busiest cantilever bridge. Synonymous with Kolkata, it is a highly reverted monolith caissons structure made of approximately 26,500 tons of steel without the use of any nuts or bolts. The length of the bridge is 2,313 feet and is divided into eight lanes with two footpaths. In the year 1965, the bridge was renamed Rabindra Setu after the great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.

Victoria Memorial

Named after Queen Victoria, Victoria Memorial is a stunning piece of architecture and features an incredible museum inside. Surrounded by a lush garden, here on display are a wide assortment of Victoria memorabilia, British Raj paintings, etc. Approximately 28,394 artifacts, including drawings, lithographs, photographs, rare books, and manuscripts, in nine galleries. However, the highlight remains the unique collection of paintings by major European painters. Aurangzeb's handwritten Quran, Kalighat paintings and Tipu Sultan's personal war diary are other important collections. Please note Victoria Memorial remains closed for visitors on Monday.

Mother House

Located on Bose Road, the Mother House is the former residence of the inspirational figures - Mother Teresa. Built-in 1950 with a motive of self-service towards society by Mother Teresa, the house is an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of the city. Mother Teresa lived here and worked from this home from 1953 until 1997 when she took her last breath. Inside the house, there's a tomb filled with an amount of benign. Close to the building, there's a small museum named Mother Teresa's Life Spirit and Message. Here on display are the belongings of Mother Teresa, such as sandals, a dinner bowl used by her, a crucifix, etc. The house also acts as the headquarters of the international religious congregation of the Missionaries of Charity.

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Kolkata