Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Victoria memorial is a grandeur of the British empire which Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of British India planned to build after the death of queen Victoria (empress of the British empire then) in 1901. It was supposed to be a mark of the British rule and the dead queen. The monument was opened to public in 1921. Kolkata (then Calcutta) was chosen obviously as it was the capital of British India then. However, in 1912 the capital was moved to Delhi. William Emerson is the architect of the beautiful white marble monument. The design is a mix of Indian and British styles.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Entry fee: Rs 10 per head for Indians, Rs 150 for foreign nationals
Museum remains closed on every Monday
Address: 1, Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Website: http://www.victoriamemorial-cal.org
The garden of the Victoria memorial can be used separately.
Timings: 5.30 am to 7 pm
Open on all days including holidays
Entry fee: Rs 4 per head/entry, Rs 100 for monthly pass and Rs 1000 for yearly pass
We visited Victoria memorial on the last day of our visit to Kolkata. It was beautiful sight to see well planned gardens and surroundings. It would probably be one of the most shot monuments in India and I tried to shoot like it was typically not done. The inside of the memorial now houses a museum. On its two floors one could see vintage paintings of the British era, weapons of medieval and early modern age, statues of British governor generals and viceroys, old books and manuscripts, paintings of Indian leaders and eminent persons etc. Just below the center of the dome is the statue of queen Victoria and thereby signifying she is the central figure of this monument. Photography is prohibited inside the museum. Do take some time to look from the balcony of the first floor – it gives a nice view of the garden area and the path bisecting it. After seeing it a comparison with Taj Mahal might come to mind!
Here I felt, its a complete eco-system with so many species of birds living and not just a monument. Every tree is teeming with life. Was also fortunate to see one of the awesome sunsets ever here. When you visit Victoria memorial keep few hours time in hand so that you can see and enjoy it in leisure.
To view more pictures visit, Travelingbeats Photo Gallery.