Echoes of the Royal Mausoleums- I

Tripoto
18th Jan 2018
Photo of Echoes of the Royal Mausoleums- I by Jayashree Sengupta

Kolkata is known as the "City of Joy". Why? Because of its colourful streets which sends waves of joy to your soul through your eye. Yes, noisy, yet vibrant and colourful in exhibiting the architectural masterpieces that it holds in its every nook and corner.

If you ever think of visiting it for a photo-walk session or a day-tour all by yourself then you should follow this route-

Fairlie Place Ghat> Millennium Park> Kolkata GPO> Walk straight to Raj Bhavan and Esplanade Mansion> Tipu Sultan Masjid> Walk straigh through Jawaharlal Nehru road through the markets of Esplanade> Indian Museum> Park street and Maidan> Eliot Park> Memorial Park> Birla Planetorium> St. Paul's Cathedral> Victoria Memorial> Prinsep Ghat

Esplanade is the hub of central Kolkata and here are some perfect day-tour spots starting right from the Millenium Park, walk through the General Post Office, and end up in the Esplanade from where you can walk to Park Street (another story) and Maidan; or you can take the metro if you wanna avoid the heat.

Raj Bhavan Gate

Photo of Raj Bhavan, Governors Camp, BBD Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta

Esplanade Mansion

Photo of Esplanade Mansion, Sido Kanhu Dahar, Chowringhee North, Bow Barracks, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta

Walking along, the colourful roadside and of course crowded (cons), would provide you some clicks to snap on.

Photo of Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Gokhel Road, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Gokhel Road, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Gokhel Road, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Gokhel Road, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Gokhel Road, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Gokhel Road, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta

And there is Indian Museum to hop in.

Photo of Indian Museum, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Colootola, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Indian Museum, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Colootola, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta

From Maidan metro walk a few steps, and there is the Eliot Park on one side and the Tata centre on the other, now is known by "The 42" which is the tallest building in Kolkata.

Photo of THE 42, Kankaria Estates, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta

Turn to Cathedral road and you would find the Memorial Park (Ekushe Udyan) directing your way to Birla Planetorium. From thereon if you take Queens way it is to Victoria Memorial or if you walk straight it is the St. Paul's Cathedral which is at a stone's throw from Victoria.

Photo of Ekushe Udyan, Cathedral Road, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Birla Planetarium, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta

The Queens way would drop you right in front of Victoria Memorial. There stands the monument reflecting the colonial grandeur surrounded by the greenery. The garden is well maintained with blooming flowers and hedges.

The lions guarding the gate

Photo of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta

Queen Victoria seated on her throne

Photo of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta

A closer look

Photo of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta

The backyard

Photo of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta

The back gate

Photo of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta

The gothic look

Photo of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta

An open door to something

Photo of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta

The back gate

Photo of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal by Jayashree Sengupta

The garden is home to many birds and animals and the lakes and flowers add to its beauty. The towers of St. Cathedral are visible from the garden. One may spent an hour or two sitting in the shadows of the trees.

Photo of Victoria Memorial Garden, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta

The 42.... and also save trees

Photo of Victoria Memorial Garden, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta

St. Paul's Cathedral

Photo of Victoria Memorial Garden, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta

Playing hide and seek with strangers

Hey there!!!!

Photo of Echoes of the Royal Mausoleums- I by Jayashree Sengupta

Mommy's taking selfie but I would look at that far away camera

Photo of Echoes of the Royal Mausoleums- I by Jayashree Sengupta

The running squirrel

Photo of Echoes of the Royal Mausoleums- I by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Echoes of the Royal Mausoleums- I by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Echoes of the Royal Mausoleums- I by Jayashree Sengupta

The Flora and Fauna

Photo of Echoes of the Royal Mausoleums- I by Jayashree Sengupta

Photo Courtesy: Ankit Chaurasiya

Photo of Echoes of the Royal Mausoleums- I by Jayashree Sengupta

Come out of the back gate and there are a bunch of road side stalls to serve your day long appetite. Having done with the snacks, visit St. Paul's and end your trip by spending the evening at James Prinsep Ghat.

Photo of Mahanagar Peace Park, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta
Photo of Mahanagar Peace Park, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Jayashree Sengupta

Find more such colonial structures here: 28 Architectural Wonders of Kolkata that are Worth a Visit

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