St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata, West Bengal, is a landmark symbol that testifies to the city's colonial past and architectural splendour. Constructed in 1847, it is the oldest Episcopal Church in Asia and an epitome of Gothic Revival architecture with Indo-Gothic elements. The cathedral's majestic spire, stunning stained-glass windows, and intricate woodwork make it a visual delight for architecture enthusiasts. Its peaceful ambiance is so different from the busy city that lies outside, providing tourists with a haven of calm and spiritual repose. It is not merely a site for worship but a historical landmark bearing witness to the colonial history of Kolkata and the cultural transformation. Tourists are welcomed by the imposing white facade and can explore the well-preserved interiors featuring memorial plaques, historical artefacts, and stunning artworks. The tranquil gardens surrounding St. Paul's Cathedral provide a peaceful escape, offering visitors a chance to relax and take in the church's breath-taking exterior.

Tourists must visit St. Paul’s Cathedral to experience the blend of history, spirituality, and architectural brilliance. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or a photography lover, the cathedral offers something unique for everyone. The Christmas festivities at St. Paul's Cathedral are truly special, with the entire cathedral illuminated by festive lights and the atmosphere filled with the sound of prayers and carols. Attending a mass service allows tourists to experience the spiritual atmosphere without becoming too involved in the commercial aspects surrounding such events. Visiting the memorials and plaques within gives one a better insight into Kolkata's colonial ties and the history of those who influenced its past. The peaceful gardens of the cathedral provide a soothing refuge where tourists can relax after a day's tour.

St. Paul's Cathedral is an enriching experience that blends history, art, and spirituality. It is a monument to Kolkata's colonial past and a serene retreat for contemplation and discovery. Whether you're drawn to St. Paul's Cathedral for its stunning architecture, spiritual significance, or timeless beauty, this iconic landmark in Kolkata offers an unforgettable experience. It is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the cultural and historical gems of West Bengal.

Visit Timing:

It’s open daily from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Monday – Saturday); Sunday (7:30 am – 6:00 pm)

Entry Fee:

No entry charges

Activities:

Explore the architecture, relax in the gardens, participate in prayer services, and more.

Nearest Tourist places:

Victoria Memorial, Fort William, Birla Planetarium, Elliot Park, St. John's Church, and so on.

How to reach:

By Air : The Nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, 20 km away. Taxis are readily available to reach the cathedral.

By Train :The nearest railway stations are Sealdah (6 km away) and Howrah Junction (8 km away), from where you can take a taxi or local transport to reach St. Paul's Cathedral.

By Road :St. Paul's Cathedral is situated on Cathedral Road close to Victoria Memorial. It is easily reachable by bus, taxis, and private cars from anywhere in Kolkata.

Quick Information

LocationKolkata, West Bengal

Duration1 – 2 Hours

Best ForHeritage Architecture, Photography & Spiritual Visits

Best SeasonOctober - February

Nearby Attractions

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Sundarbans Forest

There’s something about a river long boat ride. As you waddle in a boat in the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, you will feel the depth of the forest that welcomes you on both sides of the river. This popular wildlife reserve is at nature’s best allowing a free environment for the wildlife to move about. This park is a well-established safe shelter for the Royal Bengal Tiger and many other species of animals.

Sundarbans - Forest - North East

Apart from the magnificent beasts, the Sundarbans is home to a variety of wild species like fishing cats, jungle cats, macaques, deer and wild boars. There are many vulnerable and endangered species that are housed in the Sundarbans. The only way you can spot these animals is by boating along the river.

Life in Sundarbans depends on the sea water which includes the vegetation and wildlife that thrive in it. There are some villages inside the forest and you can interact with the locals whose lifestyle revolved mainly around fishing. The life in the forest is dependent on the rise and fall in the tide.

As you glimpse most parts of the forest during your boat safari, you will understand that Sundarbans is all about its Tigers.

You might feel that something is watching you from the depths of the trees, maybe with the eyes of a hunter or a God. The tiger in this region is treated like an almighty, a survivor, the magnificent creation.

How to reach Sundarbans?

By air : The nearest airport is at Kolkata, the Dum Dum airport at a distance of 166 kilometers.

By rail :The nearest railway station is at Canning at a distance of 48 kilometers.

By road :Sundarbans is well connected by road from major cities and towns of the country.

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Sheetalnathji - Jain Pilgrim

West Bengal is situated in the eastern part of India, along the Bay of Bengal. Its capital, the city of Joy, Kolkata is one that retains its cultural and architectural remains of the past in the midst of a growing economy. The Jain temple of Sheetalnathji in Kolkata is an important Jain pilgrim center. It is also known as Sri Badrinath Jain Swetambara Mandhir.

Sheetalnathji - Kolkata - India

This temple was built in the 19th century and is divided into four complexes of which Sheetalnathji temple is the one. The temple retains architectural beauty of the 19th century and is enveloped in intricately designed architectural works. One of the major attraction to this temple is the idol whose forehead is completely made out of a diamond that frosts the beholder.

The single storey structure of the temple is lavishly decorated with colored glass works and mirrors. The ambience within the temple is of a serene orientation, the beauty of the structure is dazzling to the eyes.

An old legendary saying goes that,’ He who holds the fort (Kangra), holds the hills’. The fort is believed to have 21 wells filled with vast treasures. Locals still believe that 8 more wells exist that hold the wealth. This fort is a haven for history buffs and photographers.The temple is famed for its spectacular architectural style with tall and slender pillars aligned beautifully with the central spire forming a picturesque look is awe-inspiring.

ver since its erection, this temple has been centered on its beautifying gardens and architecture which have enticed tourists, worshippers and sightseers from far and near. Together all these four temples are known as ‘Calcutta Tirth’.

With an increase in the count of lions, the park only allows photo safari. This area is reserved for the mighty Asiatic lion to roam freely in its surroundings in safety. As you tour around the famous region of the Sasan Gir, you get to feast your eyes on thousands of varieties of flora and avifauna.

A humongous number of different species are a native to the Gir forest making the region a lively canopy of life. The forest makes for a spectacular location for bird watchers, botanists and tribal visits.

This grandeur kingdom of His Majesty, the royal Asiatic lion is best seen in its full splendor during winters after the monsoon season as the forest appears to be in all its lush glory owing to the bountiful rain.

During the safari, you can spot lions sitting on your way, cubs playfully frolicking or walking majestically with its golden mane illuminating in the sun. Gir is known for its famous crocodile breeding farm when compared to anywhere in the country. The crocs here are extremely sensitive and tend to get easily irritable and be wary when taking pictures.