Victoria Memorial Kolkata: A Definitive Travel Guide Before You Go
Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial is one such lovely monument which welcomes travellers from all around the world. The stunning structure and rich past make the Victoria Memorial a symbol of India’s colonial past. It may interest the history buffs, the architecture fans, or a common tourist traveller in Kolkata as well. Whatever be the interest, the Victoria Memorial is one such window which offers the view of Kolkata’s past. This guide gives you all that you need to know before visiting the Victoria Memorial, such as its history and location, visiting time, cost of entry, and surrounding points of interest.
What Is Victoria Memorial and Why Is It Popular?
Victoria Memorial is an imposing monument to Queen Victoria, who was the Empress of India under British Raj. It is a museum as well as a memorial for the queen, having artifacts, paintings, and historic colonial items. Victoria Memorial is famous for its beautiful white marble structure, large gardens, and as a cultural hub of Kolkata. It receives millions of tourists annually, with it being one of India’s favorite monuments. The Victoria Memorial also features exhibitions and events, even more so making it a site that one ought not to miss.
Who Built the Victoria Memorial and When Was It Constructed?
The Victoria Memorial was commissioned by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, upon Queen Victoria’s death in 1901. King George V, who was the Prince of Wales at the time, consecrated the foundation stone on January 4, 1906. The construction of the Victoria Memorial took 15 years and was finished in 1921. British architect Sir William Emerson designed the monument, assisted by Vincent Esch, in British and Indian architectural designs. Victoria Memorial is a symbol of the greatness of the British Empire in India, a symbol of the glory of the times.
Where Is Victoria Memorial Located in Kolkata?
The Victoria Memorial lies in the heart of Kolkata, West Bengal, on Queen’s Way. It is flanked by green gardens covering 64 acres of area and thus is a peaceful location in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. The Victoria Memorial is within easy reach from other areas of Kolkata, with other sites such as the Maidan and the Hooghly River close by. The central position makes the Victoria Memorial a handy place of stopover for tourists visiting the cultural centre of India.
What Are Victoria Memorial Visiting Hours?
The Victoria Memorial is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It remains closed on Mondays and some of the national holidays like Republic Day and Independence Day. The gardens surrounding the Victoria Memorial are open from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily as a peaceful place for morning and evening strolls. It is better to confirm the official site about any information on visiting time before making plans to visit Victoria Memorial.
What Is the Entry Fee for Victoria Memorial?
Victoria Memorial entry charge is minimal, and it’s accessible to all. For Indians, the entrance fee is Rs. 30 per head to visit the museum and Rs. 500 for foreigners. The gardens are complimentary, although the light and sound display during the evenings charges a separate ticket of Rs. 10. Kids under the age of 3 years enter Victoria Memorial without paying any money. The payment goes towards maintaining the monument along with its very large gardens in proper condition.
How to Travel to Victoria Memorial using Public Transport?
It is easy to access the Victoria Memorial by public transport because the transportation system of Kolkata is well-developed. The closest metro station, Maidan on the Blue Line, is only 10 minutes walking distance away. You can also take a bus to reach the Rabindra Sadan stop, which is close to the Victoria Memorial. Yellow taxis and ride-sharing taxis like Ola and Uber are found with ease anywhere in Kolkata and offer a convenient way to the Victoria Memorial. For those traveling by train, the Howrah Station is some 6 km away, and a short taxi ride will reach you to the monument.
What Can You See Inside Victoria Memorial?
There is a lot of history and art to discover within the Victoria Memorial. There are over 28,000 British-era artifacts including paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts in the museum. Queen Victoria and royal portraits are among the favorites of the Royal Gallery. You may also see the Durand Line Map and the rare books within the library. The main dome of the Victoria Memorial gives a panoramic view of the gardens, while the galleries contain objects like weapons, clothing, and stamps, giving visitors an in-depth experience of the colonial history of India.
What Is the Architectural Style of Victoria Memorial?
The Victoria Memorial is built with an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, which is a combination of British, Mughal, and Indian architecture. The Makrana white marble, sourced from Rajasthan, lends the Victoria Memorial its unique look, akin to that of the Taj Mahal. The structure features a huge central dome, arches, and elegant carvings, with the addition of the Angel of Victory sculpture on the dome to give it a more impressive look. The Victoria Memorial design is a combination of cultures, hence a lovely depiction of colonial Indian architecture.
How Long Does It Take to Visit Victoria Memorial?
To visit the Victoria Memorial comprehensively, you will need 2 to 3 hours. This includes visiting the museum, observing the architecture, and strolling in the gardens. If you are going for the light and sound show, include an additional hour in your tour. The vast collection of the Victoria Memorial and serene atmosphere justify a leisurely visit, so don’t hurry but take time to soak up the history and splendor of this monument.
Is Photography Allowed in Victoria Memorial?
Photography is allowed inside the Victoria Memorial, but with some restrictions. You are allowed to take photographs in the gardens and of the exterior free of cost. However, photography inside the museum galleries comes at an additional cost of Rs. 100 for still cameras and Rs. 500 for video cameras. Flash photography and the use of tripods are prohibited to protect the artifacts. The scenic location of Victoria Memorial makes it a photographer’s paradise, so don’t forget to shoot it in a responsible manner.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Victoria Memorial?
The best time to visit the Victoria Memorial is from November to February, when the weather in Kolkata is pleasant and cool, ranging between 15°C to 25°C. Early morning or late afternoon is perfect for visiting the gardens and not taking part in the tourist rush. The monsoon months (June to September) are hot, but the green environment of the Victoria Memorial during these months is worth the sight. Avoid visiting in summer (March to May) as it is too hot.
What Are the Major Attractions Around Victoria Memorial?
The Victoria Memorial is also surrounded by some of the popular sites in Kolkata. The Maidan, being a huge park, is perfectly good for a relaxing walk and is just across the road. St. Paul’s Cathedral, that beautiful Gothic-style church, is just a 5-minute walk. The Indian Museum, that world’s oldest museum, is around 2 km away from the Victoria Memorial. You can also visit at the Eden Gardens, a well-known cricket ground, nearby. Such places facilitate easy planning of a whole day’s worth of sightseeing around the Victoria Memorial.
