BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square)

Dalhousie Square (renamed Benoy-Badal-Dinesh Bagh after the three martyrs of Bengal) was created in the heart of the imperial capital of Calcutta. The tank in the centre, fed by natural springs, is said to have supplied Charnock with drinking water. Historical buildings surround the square. The northern side is occupied by Writers' Building. To the east are commercial houses and the West Bengal Government Tourist Bureau (3/2, BBD Bagh East Tel: 2485168/5917). On the southern side is Raj Bhavan, residence of the Governor. Beside that are the State Legislative Assembly House and the Calcutta High Court. St John's Cathedral, close to Raj Bhavan is the oldest church in Calcutta. On the western side is the imposing white domed General Post Office, next to which is the Reserve Bank of India building. Netaji Subhash Road is the centre of the onetime English commercial houses which today flourish in Indian hands. Lyon's Range stock exchange, behind Clive Street, is worth a visit for a glimpse of the frenzied dealing in shares, periodically erupting onto the street.

Belur Math

16.5 km. from Dakshineswar across the Ganga, Belur Math is the international headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission. Founded in 1899 by Swami Vivekananda, disciple of the 19th century saint, Sri Ramkrishna. The Belur Math shrine represents a church, mosque and temple when viewed from different angles. Timing: 6.30 a.m. - 12 noon, 3.30-6.30 p.m. daily. Ph: 6602391/3292. Admission free.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

20 km. Near Belur Math on the other (Calcutta) side of the Hooghly (Ganga) river, it is famous for its association-   with Ramkrishna who achieved spiritual vision here. This temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1847. The 12- spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ph: 5532222.

Botanical Gardens

20 km. Founded in 1787 by the East India Company, the main attraction of the 273-acre gardens being the banyan tree, largest in the world. Also rows of mahogany trees, an avenue of Royal Cuban palms and an Orchid House. Visitors may drive across the bridge and through Howrah, the industrial extension of Calcutta or take ferry from Chandpal or Tekta Ghats to the gardens. Timings: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ph: 6605096

Howrah Bridge

5 km. A major landmark, now so much a part of the city that Calcutta is inconceivable without it. Over 2,590 metric tonnes of high tensile steel make up this unique cantilever bridge that joins the main Railway Station (for Calcutta) and the industrial city of Howrah with the city of Calcutta. Opened in 1943 replacing a former pontoon bridge, it is today one of the busiest bridges in the world. There are eight vehicular ways and two footpaths on this bridge on the river Hooghly. As you circle the town by air or come in by train at Howrah station, the bridge dominates.

St. Paul's Cathedral

3 km. Adjacent and in contrast to the contours of the planetarium is the Gothic steeple of St. Pauls Cathedral. The communion plate was presented by Queen Victoria. The interior has exquisite scriptural scenes. Of interest is the western window. The candlelight service on Christmas eve is a moving experience.

Indian Museum

2 km. Popularly known as Jadu Ghar (Magic House), this is the premier national collection in the subcontinent. The building is colonnaded Italian and surrounds an open- grassed area. Apart from the geological, zoological, botanical and anthropological galleries, there are outstanding archaeological exhibits. To the south of the entrance vestibule is Bharhut gallery, reconstructed remains of the Buddhist stupa (180 BC) moved from Bharhut in central india; bas-relief on stone representing scenes from the Jataka tales. Also ancient sculptural pieces from Sanchi, Gandhara, Amaravati, Sarnath and later medieval sculpture from even as far as Java and Cambodia. Tel: 2498931, 2495699. Timings 10.15 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Mondays closed.

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum:

A minicoal mine is the main attraction. The galleries have working models in popular science, motive power, mining, metals, petroleum, electricity, communications and electronics. Ph: 2477241. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gurusaday Museum:

15 km. On Diamond Harbour Road, the museum has a small but rich collection of the folk arts and crafts on undivided Bengal. Collection of over 2,000 items. Highlights are the Kalighat pats, Jorano pats (scroll paintings) and exquisite kantha quilts, a thrift needlecraft of rural Bengal, wood carvings and terra-cotta panels. Ph: 4676048. Timings: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Thursdays.

Nehru Children's Museum:

On Chowringhee, this modern museum houses miniature models in clay that depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. On each window there is a brief description of the scene in English. Ph: 2486878.

Academy of Fine Arts:

Site of visual arts and Bengali theatre. Permanent galleries include medieval Bengali and indian miniature paintings, textiles and excellent specimens of old handwoven Daccai and Baluchari saris. A Jamini Roy collection and Desmond Doig's pen and ink sketches of Calcutta's nostalgic landmark, are also on view. The Rabindra gallery contains paintings and manuscripts of the great man of letters. Ph: 248302.

Asiatic Society:

The first modern museum in Asia. The society started a public museum in 1814. Paintings by Chinnery, Daniells and others, engravings and prints de- pict the city in the late l8th and 19th centuries. A few pieces of sculpture include an image of Brahma (12th century). The Dalai Lama presented some beautiful tankhas. The Barhut Asokan Rock Edict (BC 250) in Pali written in the Brahmi script is one of the most important exhibits. Ph.: 290779/0355.

NICCO Park

Opened in 1991, Nicco Park is the first amusement park of Calcutta, 9 km from the city. There are attractions for children.  

Science City

On Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Science City is an area of knowledge and adventure. Science City has Space Theatre. Space Flight, Dinosaurs Alive, Dynamotion, Life in Water, a world of Insects and Reptiles, walkthrough Aviary, Butterfly corner, Convention Centre, four seminar halls, Mini Auditorium, Musical fountain and many others. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Phone: 3439895/4343, Fax: 033-3439895, 3576008.

Fort William

This was named after King William llI of England. In the fort is a church, market, post and telegraph office, cinema, swimming pool, boxing stadium, football and firing range.

Portuguese Cathedral

Founded in 1797, the building cost for the Portuguese Cathedral was borne by two Portuguese noble- men. The entrance leading to the portico is paved with gravestones. Behind the altar are the figures of Madonna and Child. Below lie remains of the first archbishop of Calcutta.

Academy of Indian Coins & History

Located at 361/B, Rabindra Sarani, the academy houses a comprehensive gallery of ancient Indian coins. Open every weekday from 1100 Hrs - 1300 Hrs.