Kolkata, which was formerly known as Calcutta is a city that has a long and rich history, remnants of which can still be seen in the city in the form of architecture. Under the British colonial period, Kolkata was the capital of India. It is one of the most quaint and beautiful locations in the country with grand colonial architecture, art galleries, and cultural festivals. Kolkata is also home to the charity house that was founded by Mother Teresa. Kolkata is, without a doubt, a very vibrant city that will embrace you with love. There are so many things to do and places to visit that you will keep asking for more. Being a safe city, traveling alone is not a problem. Some of the places that you must visit here include Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Indian Museum. Check out some of Kolkata’s 5-star hotels and hotels with early check-in. So, pack your bags and get on that plane. You are going to be welcomed gracefully and magically. Read on to find some of the best things to do alone in Kolkata, India.
1. Tour the Mother Teresa House (from USD 133.0)
This is an excellent tour that takes you through all the major locations of the city. Visit memorable places such as St. Andrews Church, which is also known as the Kirk. It is the only Scottish church in Kolkata, making it one of the most famous ones in the city. You will also visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is the first Episcopal Church in the eastern part of the world. One of the major attractions of this tour is the stop to South Park Cemetery which has about 1,600 graves belonging to the British and high officials of the East India Company. Lastly, breathe in some tranquility at the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity. This is the house of the mother who spent her entire life taking care of the underprivileged. This is quite an uplifting place that teaches you how good it feels to take care of others.
Visit Mother Teresa's house and Churches of Kolkata
Duration: 7 hours
2. Worship at Kalighat Kali Temple
This temple is dedicated to the Indian God, Kali. It is one of the most sacred sites in Kolkata and sees a large number of devotees and pilgrims every day. You may have to face a long queue to see the statue of Goddess Kali on some days. The street that leads to the temple is a very lively one. You will see shops selling religious items on both sides of the street. You must remove the shoes before you enter the temple. If you wish not to do so, you can just visit the area outside the actual temple. When you visit, be wary of the scams that happen. Just avoid anybody who comes around asking for donations for the temple. These are usually people who fake it and pressure you to donate.
Kalighat Kali Temple
Address: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026
Website: Kalighat Kali Temple
Price: Free
3. Taste an authentic Bengali meal (from USD 46.0)
Kolkata is a city of culinary delights that will tingle all your food buds and will leave you wanting for more. On this two-hour tour, you will experience this delight in the host’s private home where she will give you a firsthand tour. Enjoy the preparation of delicious Bengali dishes such as pulao (saffron rice), chingri malai curry (coconut prawns), and other items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. After the dishes are prepared, settle down to enjoy these wonderful dishes. Meals with drinks and dessert are included.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
A number of restaurants in Kolkata that serve authentic Bengali cuisine. Some that are worth mentioning are '6 Ballygunge Place' and 'Koshe Kosha'. At '6 Ballygunge Place' do try their signature dish 'daab chingri' (prawn in mustard and coconut gravy cooked and served in a tender green coconut shell). If you prefer meat to fish, then I suggest you go for the delicious 'kosha mangsho' (traditional dark mutton gravy) or 'goshoraj mansho' (juicy pieces of mutton cooked and served in flavourful kaffir lime gravy) at Koshe Kosha. Both the restaurants have multiple branches across the city, so swing by the ones that are closest to your accommodation.
Kolkata 2-Hour Traditional Bengali Meal in a Private Home
Duration: 2 hours
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4. Explore Bodhi Tree Monastery of Art
Exhibition of Paintings by The Winners of Bengal Art Talent Hunt 2012 begins at Bodhi Tree Monastery of Art...
Posted by Bodhi Tree Monastery of Art on Monday, 21 January 2013
Are you somebody who appreciates art and find it quite relaxing? In that case, this is an ideal retreat for people who enjoy art from local artisans and foreign artists. It is not just a place for art collectors; anybody who appreciates art will enjoy the grand splendor of this place. You can ask anyone about this place and they will be happy to guide you.
Bodhi Tree Monastery of Art
Address: 48/44 Swiss Park, Kolkata, West Bengal 700033
Website: Bodhi Tree Monastery of Art
Opening hours: 11am - 6pm (daily)
Kolkata Tour Guide
Nibedita Sen
A hearty WELCOME to our page Happiness Activist. We are here to solve the problems of foreigners who come to explore India. Firstly, we suggest them to stop visiting the wonders and mundanes of social media advertisements about overrated traveling. We provide them the basic needs and guidelines that the audience requires when they first step into an unknown land which we have already explored. ... Read more
Tours by Nibedita
5. Stroll along Rabindra Sarobar
This is one place in Kolkata that sees the maximum footfall every day. It is quite a relaxing place and maybe that is the reason so many people come here to clear their mind and leave peacefully and happily. You can feel the happy vibes when you sit by the lake and enjoy the gentle breeze that brushes your face. It is an overall peaceful place that you must absolutely visit.
Rabindra Sarobar
Address: Southern Avenue, Golpark, Tollygunge, Dhakuria, Lake Gardens, Kolkata 700029, India
Price: Free
Tip from Trip101 local expert
There are a number of activities that take place at Rabindra Sarobar. This recreation park turns into a joggers park early in the morning. If you want to loosen your limbs or stretch out a little, this is where you can do it safely. Here you can birdwatch, simply rest on one of the many benches and read a book, indulge in a random chat with a regular, participate in the laughing club sessions, or simply break into Salsa with your partner early on Sunday mornings. You can also watch live performances at different spots inside the recreational area. Most activities are free of cost and you are more than welcome to join in and enjoy.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Southern Avenue, adjacent to Rabindra Sarobar, is home to a host of small and big, old and new eateries offering diverse cuisines. Recently, a Korean diner, called Yum Yum Korean Bucket, has sprung up here, and as a K-drama enthusiast, I had to visit it. I tried their bulgogi rice and fried chicken, along with matcha iced tea with boba. My friend had Thai milk tea with boba. Both of us loved the tea - the matcha was just the right amount of sweet, that is not too much, and the tapioca pearls were silky and chewy. The bulgogi rice was quite good as well, though I wouldn't recommend the fried chicken - there were more bones and batter than chicken.
6. Visit Alipore Zoo
This is one of the happiest and the most visited places in Kolkata. It is one of the oldest zoological parks in Kolkata. Watch the animals while your heart leaps with joy as you walk on the lanes watching them. You must visit this place at least once. We agree that it can be disheartening to see the animals caged. But, we should be happy they are not being hunted.
Alipore Zoo
Address: 2, Alipore Rd, Alipur Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027
Website: Alipore Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Around 1 USD
7. Hire a boat at Princep Ghat
Princep Ghat is one of the wonders of Kolkata. A lot of effort has been put by the government to make this place as picture-book ready as possible. This is a relaxing place that lets you unwind and get the calm that you have been looking for. So hire a boat and watch the sun slowly disappear behind the horizon. Capture the moments in photographs, if you wish. If not, keep the moment in your mind forever.
Princep Ghat
Address: Fort William, Hastings, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021
Opening hours: 8am - 10:43pm (daily)
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Taking a nouka (boat) ride on the Hooghly is one of the most surreal experiences you will ever have. I have often made solo trips to the iconic Prinsep Ghat and one of my favorite things to do here is to watch the world pass by while sitting under the shade of an ancient tree and drinking cha (tea) before hopping onto a boat. The boatsman drops me near the famous Scoop Ice Cream Parlour. The last time I visited, they still had the tutti-frutti ice cream, which is pure emotion if you ask me. Many of the family outings in my childhood took place here and Gay Restaurant (its former name) holds a special place in my heart.
8. Admire nature at South Park Street Cemetery
Are you looking for something spooky to do? You must try visiting the South Park Street Cemetery. Built in 1767, it has around 1,600 tombs. Even though the street right off it is quite busy and loud, you will be surprised at how quiet the cemetery is. The quiet lanes and moss-covered tombs will surely give you quite a chill. If that is not enough for you, the occasional squawk of a crow will definitely bring those goosebumps. At the cemetery, you will be asked for an official donation. You can pay as little or as much as you like.
South Park Street Cemetery
Address: 52, Park Street, Opp Assembly Of God Church, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017
Website: South Park Street Cemetery
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
Tip from Trip101 local expert
My first visit to South Park Street Cemetery was fuelled by the mention that it is one of the haunted places in Kolkata and that it has a bleeding tomb! Being a fan of horror, I decided to put my brave face on and unravel the truth. While I didn't find any ghosts to become friends with, just walking around the several tombs in the graveyard gave me goosebumps! The place is eerily silent even during the day and is not for the faint-hearted. A visit is recommended, but only if you are ready to be disappointed that you won't see any ghosts.
9. Hang out at Maidan
Maidan, when translated, means field. This field in Kolkata is meant for various purposes. It is one of the oldest hangout places that is still very popular amongst the people of Kolkata. Apart from a regular hangout location, Maidan is also used as a football ground. You will find football and sports enthusiasts making the most of the space here. Another great thing about this place is that you can admire the grandeur and beauty of the Victoria Memorial from here. Isn’t it a win-win situation?
Maidan
Address: Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal
10. Relax in the Eden Garden Park
This is a quiet place that not many know about. This park is built in 50 acres (20.2 hectares) of land. You will find a picturesque pagoda here that is perfect for those Instagram shots. Talking about old things, this park is also home to 150-year-old mahogany trees that enhance the beauty and charm of the park.
Eden Garden Park
Address: Eden Garden Road, B B D Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
Go solo in Kolkata
Solo tripping is not a bad idea anymore. Kolkata has a plethora of fun places to visit including Nicco Park. There are also lots of items and souvenirs to get if you’re wondering what to buy in Kolkata. Now that you know of all these places in Kolkata where you can travel alone, why not pack that bag and go on this epic adventure?
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