Victoria Memorial Kolkata - A Fabulous Monument in India

People who come to Kolkata find many things interesting including the city, its people, their dresses, languages, customs, festivals, occupations, religions, industrial progress and about the great sons of mother India born here. Frankly speaking, this is one reason they love to come here time and again as the city adds a charm of sanctity, simplicity and hospitality around all the edges for its visitors. For instance, the city has two types of transport that are used nowhere else in India – the hand-drawn rickshaw and the tram, resembling a train running on the roads. The more one explores the city, the better opportunity one gets to learn about the city, its culture and tradition from anything, big or small.

As the Taj Mahal reflects Agra, the Victoria Memorial symbolises Kolkata. It is a popular historic monument in the city built during the period of British India between 1906 to 1921. It was built in the loving memory of Queen Victoria in one of the most suitable locations of the city at the Maidan Grounds, 1 Queens Way Road, Kolkata – 700071. Spreading over an area of 64 acres of land, it consists of white marble museum building, widespread lush green gardens and lakes.

The museum is housed on a high platform in a spacious two-storey building surrounded by gardens and lakes on its sides. Exterior of the museum made from the white markana marble gives it a vivid appearance. The museum divided into several sections called galleries. It has the Kolkata gallery, library, pictures and statues of the British Governor Generals like lord Wellesley, lord Dalhousie, lord Hastings, etc. Moreover, musical instruments like giant piano, model of the19th Century sailing ship, swords, dagger, ancient artillery including brass gun of the 18th Century, artifacts, scriptures, etc., displayed as well. Furthermore, the original model of the museum designed by W. Emerson also displayed inside. The timing of the museum is from 10am to 5pm every day.

The surrounding greenery consists of trees, shrubs, herbs and flowers of different sizes and colours. It's pleasing to find leaves and flowers dropping one by one from the hypnotised in the mild breeze. There are trees laden with fresh green leaves, trees filled with booming flowers, trees with reddish-brown leaves and trees with no leaves at all. Sweet melody of birds reaching the ears from the distant trees of the parks left the visitors of the park mesmerised. Loose stone pebbles spreading throughout the park add elegance to the brink. It's a pleasure walking through the properly laid paths inside the park. However, walking through the loose pebbles is another unique experience altogether. Ample sitting spaces available at various zones of the parks. One may take long leisure walks or sit comfortably on the fresh green grasses for hours in the midst of nature. Moreover, the colourful flowers add those extra ounce of thrill required for a perfect romantic evening sitting.

The widespread lakes with crystal clear water has its own charm to attract the tourists. It's an awesome experience to sit beside the lake sensing the surrounding beauty. The shadows of the trees, leaves and the museum falls on the waters at various points of the day giving it an entirely different look. The cool breeze blowing at a slow pace soothes the inner spirits. If the flowers, greenery, chirping of birds win the hearts, presence of the lakeside lightens the spirit and fills it with enthusiasm, vigour and vitality.

Apart from enjoying the inside beauty and attractions of the park, visitors coming here love to experience the exciting horse Tonga ride available from the opposite side of the entrance/exit point of the park. The horse tongas decorated in bright colours take the visitors for the nearby attractions at the close quarters of the Maidan grounds.

Given below is the video of the Victoria Memorial Kolkata that depicts its eternal beauty and appeal. Get glimpses of the museum from different angles at various points of the park, the historical statues, the colourful flowers, the lakeside view and the versatile beauty of the fabulous park

The Victoria Museum Timing is from 10 am to 5 pm every day while the Garden Timing from March to June is from 5:30 am to 6:15 pm. The Garden Timing from July to September is from 5:30 am to 6:45 pm while from October to February is from 5:45 am to 5:45 pm.

The ticket rates for only Garden is RS 4 per person and for Museum and Garden is RS 10. The ticket rates for foreign nationals is RS 150.

From the Howrah Station board buses like the bus number 212 and minibuses like the Howrah-Lake Road mini and get down at the Birla Planetarium bus stop. Besides, you may board any of the buses from Dharmatala going to Rabindra Sadan and get down at the Birla Planetarium bus stop. Moreover, Taxis available for the destination as well.