Popularly also known as the ‘Second Hooghly Bridge’, Vidyasagar Setu is the longest cable-stayed bridge in India built over the Hooghly River in West Bengal. With a length of 458 m and 115 m wide, this was originally built to reduce the traffic on Howrah Bridge. This bridge was named after Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar who was an educationist reformer and a key contributor to the Bengal Renaissance. The bridge carries the Kona Expressway (or NH 117) and connects Howrah to Kolkata. The mesmerizing view of this bridge from the Hooghly River has led to multiple movie shootings with the bridge as a backdrop.

It was 62 years ago, in the year 1961 that one of the oldest cultural hubs of India sprouted in Kolkata, which would become the most iconic stages of performing arts in the country. The auditorium, which is located near Nandan Cinema on the Belvedere Road, was named Rabindra Sadan, in honor of Kolkata’s very own literature icon and Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. The auditorium was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. The center has been the hub and principal venue for Kolkata Film Festival. It was started as a single stage auditorium, has now extended to becoming a full-fledged cultural complex centre with various other theatres and stages. The visitors of Rabindra Sadan include people from all over the globe who come here to witness the vibrant tradition and cultural traits, dance, drama, theatre, and other art and photography exhibitions that are regularly held here.

West Bengal is the pioneer of modern art in India. Rabindranath Tagore, Abarentranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, and Gaganendranath Tagore, with their painting introduced the concept of Modern Art in India. Their ground breaking works inspired and encouraged the subsequent generation of artists to break free from all preconceived notions and to forge their way in evolving this fine art.

Kabi Gaan or Kabir Lorai was very popular in the nineteenth century Kolkata. Kabi Gaan resemble rural folksong and it is an urban incarnation of rural folk song. Kabi Gaan is a debating contest in verse. The debate is in lyrical form and covers vast range of topics like mythology, urban society comprising artisans, traders, shopkeepers etc.

Bengali theater is an integral part of the Bengali culture since many decades. Eminent personalities like Girish Chandra Ghosh, Dwarkanath Tagore and Jyotirindranath Tagore staged adaptations from Indian and English classical sources and social and historical plays. During pre-independence era, Bengali theater became an expression of many social, political and contemporary issues. In post-independence era, many playwriters shaped and transformed the contemporary Bengali Theater. Versatile and popular Film directors created some excellent cinemas which grabbed the attention of national as well international audiences and placed itself into the standard of world cinema.

Durga Puja is the biggest festival of West Bengal and is celebrated across the state. It is a celebration of good over evil as the goddess vanquishes the demon Mahishasura. The UNESCO has accorded the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ status to Kolkata's Durga Puja festival on December 15, 2020. It is a 10-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. In West Bengal, the preparations for the Durga Puja begin months in advance, with construction of elaborate and unique pandals and creation of beautiful idols of the Goddess Durga. These pandals are known for their elaborate decorations, innovative themes and stunning lighting arrangements. The theme of the pandals can vary widely from mythological and religious to social and environmental issues. These pandals provide testimony to the artistic expression and creativity that showcases best of the Bengali culture and tradition. On the last day of the festival (after Bijoy Dasami), the idols are taken out for the procession and immersed in a water bodies symbolizing the return of the Goddess Durga to her abode in Himalayas. The carnival of immersion of idols is a spectacular event for the visitors.

Music and dances are also integral parts of the Bengali culture. Citizens of Bengal or Bengalis are closely associated with Rabindra Sangeet, Rabindra Nritya Natya (song and song-dance sequences composed by Tagore) and Nazrul Geeti (songs by Kazi Nazrul Islam). Folk dances and songs are also popular in the city. Bengalis have genuine interest in literature and many eminent poets and writers have glorified the Bengali literature. Ancient Bengali literature and modern literature both attract large number of book lovers.

Howrah Bridge is a balanced cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River in West Bengal. Commissioned in 1943, the bridge was originally named the New Howrah Bridge, because it replaced a pontoon bridge at the same location linking the cities of Howrah and Kolkata. The bridge is one of four on the Hooghly River and is an iconic landmark of Kolkata and West Bengal. It carries a daily traffic of approximately 100,000 vehicles and possibly more than 150,000 pedestrians, easily making it one of busiest cantilever bridge in the world. The bridge has an over-all length of 2150 feet with a single span of 1500 feet. The new Howrah Bridge was designed by M/s. Rendell, Palmer and Tritton, consulting Engineers. It took around 8 years to complete the bridge and 26,500 tons of steel including 18,200 tons of high tensile quality.

The Victoria Memorial Hall is one of the most Iconic landmarks of the city of Kolkata, located in the heart of the city. It showcases the British architecture and planning and resonates its influence on the city’s architecture. The Hall was constructed in memory of the deceased Queen Victoria by Viceroy Lord Curzon and dedicated to art history. The monument is constructed entirely of white marble and is also one of India’s largest and oldest museum libraries. Home to 28,934 artefacts and 3900 paintings, the hall is also surrounded by 21 gardens. The monument allows the tourists to absorb the city’s heritage and discover echoes of the history. It is also a perfect spot for families to enjoy picnics local street food, horse carriage rides among several other activities.

Eco Park is one of the largest urban parks in India, the park has been planned to promote ecotourism in the city. The park is spread across 475 acres and comprises of a lake along with several acres of lush greenery. It has activities that cater to all age groups and an ideal place to carry out outdoor activities with friends and families. Some of the offerings of the park include duo cycling, kayaking, zorbing, rifle shooting, high speed boating, e – bikes etc. Apart from activities the park also comprises of models of the Seven Wonders, Japanese Garden, Children’s Eco Park, Floating Musical Fountain, Butterfly Garden, Play Area, eco island amongst others. The park is surrounded by the water body with an island in the center. The island is ideal for picnickers and people seeking a quick break from everyday life.

Esplanade is a neighborhood of Central Kolkata. This is not a conventional esplanade in the sense that the place is not exactly situated alongside a waterbody. However, the Ganga River (Ganges), also known as Hooghly River, flows nearby. The Esplanade was the name given to the northern portion of jungle, which later formed the Maidan. In olden days, it stretched from Dharmatala (now Lenin Sarani) to Chandpal Ghat on the Hooghly River. In the days of Warren Hastings, it formed a favorite promenade for 'elegant walking parties'.

Indian Museum is the ninth-oldest museum in the world and the largest museum in India. It features a wide range of exhibits that showcase the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Some of the highlights of the museum include the Egyptian mummy, the Buddhist stupa, and the Indian Gallery, which displays a wide range of ancient artifacts and sculptures. The museum also has a natural history section, which features a collection of rare and exotic animals and plants. The Museum also features some of the unique one of the most unusual collections of Indian sculptures and coins from the second century AD. Overall, the Indian Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about India's past and present.

Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata is regarded as the holiest Shaktipeeth or pith of the 52 Shakti Peethams of India, where the various parts of Sati's body are said to have fallen, during Shiva's Rudra Tandava. The original temple was built by Raja Basanta Roy, who was the uncle of Pratapaditya and the King of Jessore (Bangladesh). The original temple was built on the banks of Hooghly; however, the river has shifted away from the temple over the period. In the past days, traders used to take stop at Kalighat to pay their obeisance to Goddess Kali. Situated on the banks of Adi Ganga, the temple has a sanctum sanctorum in the company of a huge hall by the name of Nat Mandir. In the north-east of this sanctum, there is a Shiva Temple. There is one more shrine dedicated to Radha Krishna. The main attraction of this temple lies in the idol of Goddess Kali that bears a long-protruded tongue made from gold.

Shobhabazar Rajbari Kolkata which is also known as Baag ola Bari (House with the lions), is one of the symbols that reflect the grandeur of the aristocracy days of Kolkata. This palace is one of the oldest standing royal houses of Kolkata. Shobhabazar is very popular destination because of the grand Durga Puja celebrations that are organized here during the months of October-November. The palace was built in the 17th century by Raja Nabakrishna Deb who was an aristocrat and ardent supporter of the Brahmo Samaj Movement. He is also known for his contribution to the Bengal Renaissance. The iconic Durga Puja held every year at Shobhabazar is a practice that was initiated by him in 1757, right after the Battle of Plassey. The palatial structure has retained its magnificence to date and looks very impressive. The open courtyard in the center of the building is known as Nat Mandap. There are several columns with a square base and arches around this courtyard which was used earlier for hosting functions and festivals.

Located on Strand Road, next to the Hooghly River is a beautiful park named Millenium Park. The park is 2.5km long and lies on Hooghly’s eastern shore opposite to the Railway Club and near the Fairlie Ghat. The park is in the BBD Bagh area of Kolkata, near the General Post Office and the Calcutta High Court. The park is named Millenium Park since it is a gift from the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA/CMDA) to the citizens of Kolkata on completing a millennium, the park was inaugurated on 26 December 1999. The park is a part of the first phase of Kolkata’s Riverside Beautification Project. The park has been beautified with a variety of trees and lots of pretty lights. The view of the Hooghly waterfront and the Howrah Bridge from the park makes Millenium Park is worth a visit.

Park Street, is a famous thoroughfare in downtown Kolkata, India. The street runs through what was a deer park of Sir Elijah Impey, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in Calcutta from 1773 to 1789, hence the earlier name. It's located in central part of Kolkata. Park Street has been the evening recreation zone for Kolkata people since the British era. In the 1970s and 1980s much of Kolkata's night life took place in Park Street, with many clubs and restaurants situated there. Many noted musicians have played at various popular night spots, such as Trinca's, Peter Cat, Blue Fox, Mocambo and Moulin Rouge. Even before that, from the 1940s through to the late 1960s, Kolkata's prolific night life was centred around the fashionable Park Street. Park Street remains Kolkata's foremost dining district, with many restaurants and pubs. It is often known as "Food Street" and "The Street that Never Sleeps".

Princep Ghat is an iconic location in the city for a variety of reasons, the most important one is the heritage value it holds. It was built in the year 1841, during the British Raj in India. The ghat has been named after an ingenious Anglo-Indian researcher and scholar, James Princep after whom this was built. In the year 1843, a Palladian porch was built by W. Fitzgerald. Earlier, British royalty used the Princep ghat jetty for boarding and unboarding passengers. Princep ghat is located along the banks of the river Ganges. Along this bank, there are stone steps at regular intervals that lead down to the waters. The Ghat has become a very peaceful retreat for nature lovers with the presence of gardens, lawns, park benches, and shady trees. Visitors can take a nice long walk along the riverside through the gardens and trees. From Princep Ghat, tourist can hire small boats for a pleasure ride on the river.

Birla temple of Kolkata is showcases one of the best architecture in the city. Located on the Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge Road in South Kolkata, the Birla Temple is synonymous to Kolkata’s cultural lineage. The temple was set up in 1996 and has been attracting numerous visitors ever since. It was built by the industrialist Birla family and took 26 years to complete. The temple was opened for public in 1996. Birla Temple of Kolkata is a 20th-century magnificent structure built in white marble and cream-colored sandstone, reflecting Rajasthani architecture. The temple is consecrated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha. The style of the temple is a mix of both modern and contemporary art and resembles the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubhaneshwar. The temple also holds spaces for other Gods, Shiva, Durga, and Shakti. The left side dome of temple houses Goddesses Durga and Shakti whereas the right dome of the temple houses Lord Shiva in meditation mode.

The Eden Gardens is the mecca of cricket in East India. Established in 1864, it is the oldest and second-largest cricket stadium in India and third largest in the world. The stadium currently has a capacity of 66,000. It is widely acknowledged to be one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world. It has been called “cricket’s answer to the Coliseum. It has a reputation of staging the most passionate and vocal crowd and has almost become like a place of pilgrimage for most international cricketers.

Jorasanko Thakur Bari in North Kolkata is the ancestral home of the Tagore family. It is the birthplace of poet Rabindranath Tagore and hosts the Rabindra Bharati University campus. The Jorasanko Thakur Bari has been converted into Rabindra Bharati University, a centre for Indian Classical Fine Arts and quality education. The building also houses a splendid museum, Rabindra Bharati Museum which was established in 1961 exhibiting untold stories from the lives of the Tagores. Thakur Bari, as it is popularly called by the locals has remained the nerve centre of Bengal’s art and cultural reformation including Bengal Renaissance and Brahmo Samaj. The place is now a pilgrimage for artists and art lovers from all over.

Kolkata is a home to large number of historical buildings, heritage properties, temples, mosques and monasteries which showcase the splendid architectural work that has been inspired by diverse cultures.