kolakata tourist attractions
TRANSCRIPT
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KOLKATHA
1.Kalighat Temple
Location
Located in the city of Kolkata on the banks of the river Hooghly (Bhagirathi), it is
popularly known as Kalighat. There is a theory that the name Kalikata anglicised intoCalcutta and is derived from the temple at Kalighat.
Brief description
The temple at Kalighat as a place of worship for the Sakti cultists was set up by
the Sabarna Roy Choudhurys, A famous Brahmin Zamindar family of Barisa in the
district of 24 Parganas. This family was one of the foremost Brahmin families in
Bengal and still continues to be very highly regarded for the various contributions
to the cultural development of Bengal. Different branches of the Sabarna Roy
Choudhurys had settled themselves at other villages, namely, Halisahar, portions of
Calcutta, Baruipur, etc.
The original temple was a small hut. A small temple was constructed by King
Manasingha in the early Sixteenth century. The present temple was built in 1809 on
the site of an ancient temple.
It is believed that the swirling wheel of Lord Vishnu had sliced off the corpse of
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Goddess Sati, when Lord Shiva was performing his menacing dance with her on his
shoulders, in a fit of tremendous rage. The slices of her body fell at different
places which later turned into pilgrimage centers for the devout Hindus. Kalighat isone such sacred spot where a toe of the Goddess's right foot is believed to have
dropped. In the months of Bhadra, Paush and Chaitra (according to Bengali
calendar), Kalighat turns into a confluence of devout Bengali and non-Bengalipilgrims.
The pujas and other festivals of light, crackers and colorful processions connected
with Navarathri celebrations are hallmarks and highlights of the festivals
conducted in honour of Goddess Kali. This temple of Mother Kali is one of the 52
Shakthi Peetams in India and does known for her aggressive yet love nature. Apartfrom the divine power of the residing deity, the temple has long been famous for
its fine examples of terracotta art, though a lot of it has been ravaged by time.
The idol of Goddess Kali is made of black stone and decorated with gold and silver.
The one of Lord Shiva is in silver. The goddess is offered a ceremonial bath every
year on the snan-yatra day, the rituals being performed by the head priest. Kali
represents the destructive side of Siva's consort and demands daily sacrifices;
therefore in the morning goats have their throats slit here to satisfy thegoddess's bloodlust. During the day many poor people come here for a free feed.
Kalighat is also associated with the worship offered to Kaali by a Dasanami Monk by
name Chowranga Giri, and the Chowringee area of Kolkata is said to have been
named after him. Kalighat kali temple is always over crowded with devotees from all
over the world.
The Dakshineswar Kaali temple across from the river, near Belur Math, bears animage of Kaali worshipped by the spiritual leader Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, guru
of Swami Vivekananda.
NakuleshwarMandir
The Nakuleshwar Mandir is in front of the Kali temple. Built in 1805, the temple
was founded by Tara Singh, a Punjabi merchant. Kalighat started to gain
prominence simultaneously with the growth and development of Calcutta. During
this time, an indigenous canvas art emerged in Kalighat. It became popular as'Kalighat Pot' (canvas art of Kalighat).
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2.Birla Mandir
Location
Birla Mandir, Kolkata is located on Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue, which is the latest
addition to the city's list of tourists spot.
Brief Description
Built over twenty- two years of painstaking labour, it is an all marble structure with
very high quality Rajasthani engravings. The total cost incurred for the
construction was Rs. 180 million. Spread over an area of 44-katha land and
extending to a height of 160 feet, the temple has been modeled on the Lingaraj
Temple at Bhubaneshwar, popularly known as Laxmi Narayan temple. This marvelous
and imposing structure in white, attracts huge crowds everyday and is one of the
best fascinating tourist spot of Kolkata.
The gates were opened to the public in 1996. Sandstone has been used on the
exterior of the temple, and marble for the interiors. Traditional artistry, coupledwith modern technology, has lent uniqueness to the architecture. Sculptors were
brought in from Agra, Mirzapur and Muzaffarpur to execute the intricate patterns
on the walls. There are artefacts made of silver and Belgian glass. Messages from
the Bhagavad Gita have been carved on marble. Inside this 48.7-m. high temple are
idols of Radha, Krishna, Shiva and Durga.
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3.Pareshnath Jain Temple
Location
Situated in the north-east of the city, this temple is an ornate mass of mirrors,
coloured stones and glass mosiac, and overlooks a beautiful garden.
Brief Description
Pareshnath Jain Temple was built by Ray Badridas Bahadur in 1867. He was a
connoisseur of art. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Calcutta. Hundreds
of tourists and local people come everyday to see its beauty and experience the
solemn environment.
There are four temples here. The main temple is dedicated to the 10th Jain Avtaar(incarnation of God) Sri Sital Nath Ji. The gateway of the temple is a pleasant
spectacle to behold.
An arboretum embellishes the place along with many effigys. There is a small
stream which has an array of flowers on all sides. In the north, is the greeting
room and a museum. One can reach the veranda of the temple by climbing thirteen
marble stairs.
Here is a lamp which burns with ghee and is never extinguished. On the south ofthe temple of Sri SitalaNath Ji stands the temple of Sri Chanda Prabhujidev.Ganeshlal Kapoorchand Jahar constructed it in 1895. There is another temple
towards the right where Dadaji Garu and Kushalji Maharaj are worshipped. The 4th
temple towards the north, belongs to Mahavira the last guru of the Jains.
Main Jain temple is the Paryushan celebrated in Bhadrav month. Jains observe
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ahimsa, listen to recitations of scriptures of worship and perform charitable deeds.
Last day of festival is called samvatsari.
Structure of the Temple:
Its structure has mirror-inlay pillars, the windows made of stained glass and the
marble floors has a floral design. Its garden has blocks of glass mosaics andEuropean statues, painted with silver paint.
4.Thanthania Kalibari
Location
Thanthania Kalibari is situated in Shyam Bazar, as you go towards Shyambazar via
Bidhan Sarani you can see this temple to your left.
About Thanthania Kalibari
Opinions differ about the date of construction of Thanthania Kalibari. Some say it
was built in 1703 whereas some regard it as 1803. On the stone structure in the
temple wall is inscribed, '1110' (Bengali calendar). Going by this, the date of the
foundation of the temple should be 1703 according to English calendar.
This temple was built by Sankar Ghosh. The deity is worshipped as Siddheswari
Mata'. The temple has an idol of the Mother Goddess. The image is of clay and is
renovated every year. It is very popular tourists spot which attracts a lot of people
from all over the world.
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5.Belur Math
Phone - 2654-1144/1180/5391/8494/9581/9681
Email - [email protected]
Location
Belur Math is located on the western bank of Hooghly in Howrah district.
About Belur Math
Belur Math is the most enchanting temple in Belur. In 1897 Swami Vivekananda
founded Ramakrishna Mission in loving memory of his Guru Ramakrishna Paramhansa
who preached unity of all religions. It is the international head quarters of
Ramakrishna Mission. Swami Vivekananda is largely credited with the concept of the
Math. This mission has branches all over the country. The architecture of the
structure is very interesting. From any angle you look at it the structure is like a
temple, a mosque or a church depending on the way you look at it.
The main gate of Belur Math leads to the Ramkrishna Sarada Mandir. The mission
was founded by Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) in 1938 and named after his
mentor Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa (1836- 1886).
The Belur Math was constructed on 14th January 1938. Swami Vivekananda was the
linchpin behind its construction. He patronized the growth and development of the'Math' or abbey since 1898. The architecture amalgamates within itself a uniquespecimen of fraternity.
Swami Vivekananda used to reside in a two storeyed house inside the Math on the
bank of the river Ganga. Swami breathed his last on 4th July, 1902. His cenotaph
lies within the Math. His commodities are carefully preserved in his room and
exhibited to the people.
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The mission has also provided other things such as an art college, an industrial
school and charitable dispensary.
Sri Ramakrishna Museum
The other tourists attractions that you can explore during your tour to Belur Mathis Sri Ramakrishna Museum, set up with the assistance of the National Council of
Science Museum.
6.Dakshineswar Temple
Location
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is situated alongside the Vivekananda Bridge north ofKolkata, about 20 km. from BBD Bagh.
About Dakshineswar Temple
The construction of the temple started in 1847. Queen Rasmani the renowned
queen of Janbazar, had founded this temple. It is believed that she was instructed
by Goddess Kali in her dream to construct this temple.
The construction work was completed in 1855. It cost an estimated Rs. 9 lakhs ofwhich, Rs. 2 lakhs was spent on the day of inauguration. The temple and its
adjoining areas stand on 25 acres of land. Queen Rasmani purchased the requiredland from some Mr. Hasti.
Dakshineswar temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. The temple, in conventional
Nava-ratna style, measures 46 feet square and rises over 100 feet high. It is one
of the largest temples of Kolkata.
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The main attraction of the temple is that the Ganga (Hooghly river) flows beside
the temple. The 12- spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12
other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a world famous place of pilgrimage andit was here that the famous religious thinker Rama Krishna Paramahamsa achieved
his spiritual vision and preached the unity of all religions. He was an worshipper at
this temple and he used to live in the temple premises. His room is open to thevisitor.
The temple is a large elongated building standing on a high platform with a flight of
stairs. The three-storeyed south-facing temple has nine spires distributed in upper
two storeys. The roof of the spires is beautifully ridged resembling Pirhas. A
narrow covered verandah serves the purpose of an audience-chamber attached to
the sanctum where the goddess Dakshina Kali stands on the breast of Shiva. Thereis a long spacious Natmandir (Dancing hall) in front of the temple. There are other
subsidiary shrines on this temple compound.
The colossal kali temple is known to be one of the rare temples of Indian origin,having world renowned fame.
Around the Temple
To the north of the Kali-temple is a Dalan of Radha-Krisna. To the west, twelve
Siva temples of Bengali atchala style stand in rows on the Hughli river with a'chandni-bathing ghat', which is flanked by these Siva temples, six each on either
side. The temple compound on three sides - north, east and south - are enclosed by
rows of guestrooms and offices.
There are umpteen shops on both sides of the main entrance of the temple. The
whole ambience with the arboreta is absolutely ethereal.
The Panchavati, a congregation of five ancient trees, is a spot for peacefulmeditation. Here Sri Ramakrishna used to meditate and performed severe penances
sitting on the 'Panchamundi (5 skulls) Ashana' - a custome which is mandatory for
the 'Tantrika' form of worship.
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7.Howrah Bridge
Popularly known as the Rabindra Setu, Howrah Bridge is an engineering marvel and is
counted amongst the busiest cantilever bridge in the World. Observing a daily
traffic of about 60,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians, Howrah bridge have
equalled its position to Sydney Harbor Bridge. But the later can never dream of
such a traffic. The bridge connects Kolkata and Howrah and is the lifeline of the
city. The best way to enjoy its stately beauty is to view it from the middle of theriver.
History :
Constructed in 1939 and the bridge was opened to traffic in 1943 which cost asestimated Rs.333 crores, built from 26,500 tons of steel. It is a sort of 'Cantilever
bridge'. In it cantilevers project from piers and are connected by girders. Erected
during World War II to give Allied troops access to the Burmese front, replacing
an earlier pontoon bridge that opened to let river traffic through.
Essentially, it had two portions. For the convenient plying of man and traffic, thepool was connected as a whole. However, the bridge was unfastened everyday,
particularly during night for steamers, boats and other aquatic vehicles to ply. From19th August, 1879, the bridge was illuminated by fixing electric poles at the centre.
This was done by using the electricity rendered from the dynamo at the Mallick
Ghat Pumping Station. The Bridge was then 1528 ft. long and 62 ft. wide. On both
sides were pavements 7 ft. wide for the sake of pedestrians. The 48 ft. road in
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between, was for plying of traffic.
Now ,
The eight-lane bridge carries a steady flow of more than lakh vehicles and 2 million
commuters every day. The best way to enjoy its stately beauty is to view it from
the middle of the river where photography is strictly prohibited. The ferriesrunning from below Howrah Station are a more convenient way to cross the river
and give a good view of the bridge.
8.Victoria Memorial
Built - 1906- 1921
Cost - Rs1,050,000,000
Designed by - Sir William Emerson
Maximum height - 84 feet / 26 meters (without statue)
Maximum width - 228 feet / 69 meters
Open - Daily except Monday
Timing - 10.00 A.M. To 4.30 P.M.(March to October it close at 3.30 P.M. Best Season - October to March
Location
The dramatic Victoria Memorial is situated at the southern end of Maidan(ground)
near Jawaharlal Nehru Road, in Kolkata.
A splendid architectural structure in white marble, modelled on the Taj Mahal, was
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built in the early 20th Century in memory of Queen Victoria between 1906 and 1921
and was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward
VIII of England. Set in beautiful garden grounds, the Victoria Memorial houses alarge bronze statue of the Queen Empress Topped with a moving angel this
memorial faces the Calcutta Maidan. The statues of Motherhood, Prudence,
Learning, Art, Justice, Architecture and Charity are brought from Italy. Themagical lighting effect in the evening and a fairy tale 'Fountain of Joy' facing the
memorial building create an atmosphere of unforgettable charm. It also has a 5
meter tall bronze winged figure of Victory, weighing 3 tons.
It was designed by Sir William Emerson. It also act as a museum, where people
could see before them pictures and statues of men who played a prominent part in
the history of India. Presently it is the finest and most prominent building and artmuseum of Calcutta, India, under the Department of Culture, Govt. of India.
In the evening, the light and sound programs is a major attraction for the tourists.Every day, crowds of people visit the premises from early morning to sunset. Being
one of the most popular tourist spot in the city, it is one of the few well-maintained
heritage buildings that exist in the city today.
9.Marble Palace
Location
Marble Palace is located on C.R. Avenue in north Calcutta at Muktaram Babu Street,
Chorabagan, a congested part of the city.
Built by Raja Rajendro Mullick in 1835, the Marble Palace exhibits the art forms of
Italy, the Netherlands, England, and other European nations. The interiors of the
palace-the floors, walls, and tabletops-are all made of marble. This palace setbehind a large lawn has the sculptures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Hindu
Gods, the Buddha and Christopher Columbus. A large pool near the small granite
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bungalow has ducks, peacocks and ostriches.
The palace contains numerous object-d'-arts, statues, pictures & oil paintings.Reuben's masterpieces are also preserved there. There is also an original painting
by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The ground of the palace contains number of aviaries, floor
to ceiling mirrors, marble statues and some rare animals in cages.
The three-storey building has tall Corinthian pillars and Chinese pavilion type
verandas on the sides. The high iron gates open out to a large circular lawn, which
has an aviary and an intricately carved marble fountain at the centre. Beyond are a
rock garden and a statue of the Buddha.
Entering the building, one finds a succession of large halls. There is marbleeverywhere - of 90 different varieties, it is said that marble was transported
across the seas to provide floors, wall panels and tabletops. Inside are displays of
beautiful paintings, sculpture, furniture and antique urns. This collection, garneredfrom 90 countries around the world, is not to be missed.
There is also a private zoo housing a collection of birds from different corners of
the world.
There are some important statues and paintings on display here, which include the
works of Rubens, Titian, Gainsborough, and Sir Joshua Reynolds. There are alsobeautiful chandeliers, European antiques, Venetian glass, old pianos, and blue china
vases. To enter you need to get a free pass at the Government of India Tourist
Office. Occasionally you can gain admission by offering baksheesh to the
caretaker.
Oberoi Grand Calcutta Hotel is 4 km. far from Marble Palace.
10.Saheed Minar
Location
Saheed Minar is located near Esplanade on the Maidan in South Kolkata. The
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enchanting Saheed Minar of Kolkata is made on similar lines of famous Qutub Minar
of Delhi and forms an important landmark of Kolkata. Popularly known as the
Octerloney Monument, the minar was built in 1848 by Sir David Ochterlony tocommemorate his victory in the Nepal War (1814-1816).
The construction of the monument encompasses an architectural variety. Thefoundation followed an Egyptian style whereas the body of the Minar and the dome
resembled Syrian and Turkish designs respectively. The Minar is 158 ft. High with
two balconies at the top. One can reach the balcony by using the serpentile
staircase. 198 stairs lead from the bottom to the first balcony. From here 25 more
stairs lead to the second balcony.
It was named Sahid Minar in 1969 in the memory of the brave patriots whosacrified their lives for the freedom of India. Different political parties convene
meetings, rallies and seminars behind the Shahid Minar at present.
The custom of convening political seminars started in 1931 when a historical
convocation took place here which was presided by Rabindranath Tagore. The
humanitarian poet had severely condemned the vandalism of the imperialist British
Government which had shot a youth dead in the Calabooze in Hizli. Few years ago,
the dome of the 'Minar' was coloured which kicked off a storm of protest.From the top of the Minar a good view of the city can be obtained but permission
toascend the tower has to be taken from the police headquarters in Lal Bazaar.
11.Vidyasagar Setu
Location
Located 2 km.to the south of Howrah Bridge, the Vidyasagar Setu is Kolkata's
newest suspension bridge across the Hooghly.
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Vidyasagar Setu, also known as second Hooghly Bridge, a Golden Gate Bridge which
connects the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah. The morning scenes of slippingKolkata from this bridge is simply mind blowing. With 9 lanes of traffic routes the
bridge is capable of handling more than 85,000 vehicles every day.
It was built to reduce vehicular pressure from the latter. The construction work
took 22 years and cost Rs. 3.88 billion and finally it was opened to traffic officially
on 10th October 1992. It is a most sophisticated engineering marvel and the
world's third largest cable-stayed bridge. Supported by 121 wire cables, it is 457
m. long and 115 m. wide. This graceful structure stands on four pylons, on a
foundation that is 100 m. deep. It affords a panoramic view of the Calcutta skyline.
The Vidyasagar Setu or the second Hooghly Bridge spans over the Hooghly Riverlinking Calcutta to its twin city of Howrah and on to Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi.
This is a toll bridge and gives a fast connection from downtown Kolkata to the
Botanical Gardens (which has the world's biggest banyan tree) and the BengalEngineering College.
12.Birla Academy of Art and Cultural Museum
Location
Located at Rabindra Sarobar, Kolkata, Birla Academy of Art and Cultural Museum is
a well-maintained state gallery with exhibits depicting the artistic and cultural
heritage of India and a permanent exhibition of Indian contemporary art.
About Birla Academy of Art and Cultural Museum
Birla Academy of Art and Culture Museum was established in 1966. Paintings of the
mediaeval period as well as modern art and some archaeological specimens are ondisplay. Regular exhibitions of modern Indian sculptors and painters are also held.
The sculpture collection at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture dates from the
2nd to the 19th century AD. South Indian sculpture, especially from the Chola and
Vijayanagara empires, are also represented. Another collections, a granite dancing
of 12 century Chola images of Ganesha and Shiva as Jnana Dakshinamurti are also
displayed. From Vijayanagara comes a seated Kali with all eight arms intact. Amongthe marvellous pieces from Rajasthan are a green limestone bust of Vishnu andthree panels in the same medium showing Ganesha, Krishna and Saraswati among
devotees.
The museum boast a collection of miniature and manuscripts. The amusing
manuscripts include a 1811 Persian translation of the Mahabharata, the collection of
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19th century Hafiz gazals in the Mughal style and a zerox of the Shabnama. It also
houses the 13th century Jain palm leaf folios, which are related from Bundi and
Kota. Two different Sikh school exhibits are a miniature of Krishna and anillustrated Urdu manuscript on farming. Among the miniature-paintings from
Rajasthan, a lovely series on ragas, otherwise the Krishna theme iredominates are
also held. An elegant miniature rom Kangra of a seated couple draped in shawls,captures the mood of Magh with its brilliant composition and subdued colours.
Other miscellaneous objects in the museum are like metal satuettes, book covers in
papier mache and silver gilt and old textiles like jamewar shawls, Banaras brocade,
Baluchar and Dacca saris and a silk pichhwai from Rajasthan.
13.Rabindra Bharti Museum (Jorasanko Thakurbari)
Location
Located near Girish Park on Chittaranjan Avenue, it was the home of RabindranathTagore..
About the Museum
The Rabindra Bharti Museum, popularly known as The Jorashanko Thakurbari
which was the home of the Tagores. The world famous poet and the Nobel
Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore was born and died in this house. It was built in the
18th century by Prince Dwarkanath Tagore (Rabindranath Tagore's grandfather).
The complex has several buildings. The Rabindra Bharati Museum housed within the
University is a major repository of the works of the Tagores, especially of
Abanindranath and Rabindranath. Jorashanko, takes its name from the original JoraShankar, from the twin Shankar (Shiva) temples nearby.
History of the Museum
In the year 1961, as a part of centenary celebration of Gurudev Rabindranath
Tagore, the then Chief Minister Dr. Bidhan Chandra Ray legally procured the house
where Rabindranath was born, spent a major part of his life and breathed his last.
Finally a museum was established in this two hundred and Seventeen year old
building "Jorasanko Thakurbari" on 8th May by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime
Minister of India.
In its inception the museum covered 3000 sq.ft.(approx.) floor area with fortyoriginal paintings of Rabindranath acquired from Rathindranath Tagore by West
Bengal Govt. and a lot of photographs came as a permanent loan from National
Library. The Museum is an integral part of the Rabindra Bharati University,
established in 1962, for the advancement of the highest education in various
disciplines of Humanities and Performing Arts.
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Events of the Museum
Rabindra Bharti Museum celebrates the function on the first day of the month ofBaishakh (25th Baishakh) the birthday and the date of poets demise respectively.
It also celebrates the birth anniversaries of world famous poets such as Maharshi
Devendranath Tagore, Jyotirindranath, Abanindranath and Dinendranath.
Collection
Rabindra Bharti Museum has a rich collection of books, original paintings,
mauscripts, photographs and other items related to the leading personalities of the
19th century such as Iswar Chanda Vidyasagar and Dwarkanath Tagore. Sells nicely
printed sets of cards.
Light & Sound Show at the Museum
You can enjoy at the museum with the sound and light show,mainly depicts the story
of coming of the Tagores to this house, their glorious role in Bengal Renaissanceand finally the most eventful life of Poet.
November- January -
6.00P.M. To 6.40 P.M. Bengali
7.00 P.M. To 7.40 P.M. EnglishJuly September (Monsoonal Break)
February June -
7.00 P.M. To 7.40P.M Bengali
8.00 P.M. To 8.40 P.M. English
14.Nehru Children's Museum
Fact File
Address - Nehru Children's Museum 94/1,
Chowringhee Road,
Kolkata - 700 020, India.
Phone - 91-33 2223 1551/ 3517
Email: [email protected].
Timings - 12.00 - 20.00. Closed on Monday.
Location
Located at Jawaharlal Nehru Road (formerly Chowringhee Road), Nehru Children's
Museum is a great entertaining place for the children.
About the Museum
Established in 1972, named after the first prime minister of India, Pandit Jawahar
Lal Nehru, Nehru Children's Museum is a major attraction for children. Today when
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a child walks into the Museum, he walks into a world of treasure. It touches the
imaginative mind and encourages him to know more. The exhibits in the museum
which are spread over 4 floors, enable a child to take off to the world of epics, theworld of science and to dream world. Till the mid 2001, more than 90 million adults
and 1 million under-privileged children have stepped inside this Treasure World. The
museum has on display puppets depicting the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Thereare dolls wearing national costumes from different countries. Miniature working
models of railway crossings and other novelties and an elementary science gallery.
15. Birla Planetarium
Location
M.P. Birla Planetarium is adjacent to the Maidan, close to the crossing of
Chowringhee and Theatre Road (the present Shakespeare Sarani).
About Birla Planetarium
The second largest of its kind in the world, this planetarium was opened for the
spectators on 29th September 1962. Birla planetarium is a spectacular asset ofmodern Kolkata. It was constructed at a cost of a whopping two million rupees. The
Planetarium has a capacity of 500 spectators.The planetarium is a single storeyed,
circular structure constructed in pure Indian architectural style. The central dome
has a diameter of 27m. shaped in imitation of the Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi.
Interesting exhibits are the fine collections of paintings, celestial models and busts
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of famous astronomers that line the corridors. The gigantic planetarium projector
accessories comprise of 29000 parts and combine to portray on the inner ceiling of
the planetarium, the naked face of space, Stars, planets and heavenly bodies. Thesolar system is introduced to the spectators in English, Bengali and Hindi. Extra
shows are arranged on holidays.