Founded in 1787 the main attraction of this 273 acre gardens is the banyan tree, which is the largest in the world. The gardens also have rows of mahogany trees, an avenue of Royal Cuban palms and an Orchid House. Visitors may drive across the bridge and through Howrah, the industrial extension of Calcutta or take ferry from Chandpal or Tekta Ghats to the gardens.

Originally known as Hajipur, this charming spot in South 24 Parganas was renamed Diamond Harbour by the British. As the River Hooghly, a distributary of the Ganga, bends south on its way to the sea, it becomes wider and deeper, enabling even large ships to steam up the river and dock at Diamond Harbour. Located 48 km. south of Calcutta, the harbour is a popular day's excursion for Calcuttans, accessible from the city by road and rail. For families and friends looking for a quick getaway, Diamond Harbour it is an ideal picnic spot during cool weather.

This is now a major landmark and is now so much a part of the city that Calcutta is inconceivable without it. Over 2,590 metric tonnes of high tensile steel make up this unique cantilever bridge that joins the main Railway Station and the industrial city of Howrah with the city of Calcutta. Opening in 1943 the bridge replaced a former pontoon bridge, and it is today one of the busiest bridges in the world. There are eight vehicular ways and two footpaths on this bridge located over the river Hooghly. As you circle the town by air or come in by train at Howrah station, the bridge dominates your view.

The new house of worship is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, Nossa Senhora di Rozario. In the centre of the main façade is a beautiful statue of the Virgin (Our blessed Lady of Happy Voyage) and the Child. It is believed to have been originally on the altar of the old church destroyed by the Mughals. Legend relates that Father da Cruz and a pious Portuguese merchant used to pray before this image. After the fort was captured by the Mughals, the merchant, fearing sacrilege, took it from the altar, jumped into the Hooghly and swam across with it but was seen no more. One night, after the Portuguese returned to Bandel, a violent storm woke Father da Cruz. He heard his friend's voice saying. "Hail! Our Lady of Happy Voyage, who has given us victory! Arise, oh Father, and pray for us all!" On looking out of the window, he saw the river lit with a strange light and it seemed as if someone was coming towards the church. Early next morning, to the great surprise of Father da Cruz, he found the image of the Holy Virgin a few yards from the Basilica gate. He placed it on the altar immediately and a special festival was instituted to commemorate this miraculous event.

Located near Belur Math on the other side of the Hooghly (Ganga) river, this temple is famous for its association with Ramkrishna who achieved spiritual vision here. This temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1847. The 12-spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples that are all dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Located 100 km northwest of Kolkata in Bankura district, Bishnupur has a glorious past that is reflected in its rich architecture, music and handicrafts such as pottery and weaving. It houses unique terracotta temples, each more beautifully embellished than the other. Once the capital of the Malla kings, Bishnupur is renowned for its crafts such as intricate Balucheri saris, the rare ganijifa (circular Indian playing card), delicate carving on shells and bell metal artefacts.

The brick temples at Bishnupur, built between the 17th and 18th centuries when terracotta had reached its zenith under the Malla kings, are located in the ruined fort area and its neighborhood. The oldest brick temple is a curiously shaped Rasmancha with an elongated pyramidal tower surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. It was built in the late 16th century by King Beera Hambira.

Shanti Niketan, Tagore's university township, is a must on any itinerary that plots Bengal as a stopover. Situated 136 km northwest of Kolkata, this is the place where Rabindranath Tagore lived and established a university. The Poush Mela is celebrated in Shanti Niketan usually on the 22nd or 23rd of December. The three-day function marks the foundation of Shanti Niketan. From Shanti Niketan, you can also take a sojourn to Bakreswar, where ancient Kali and Shiva temples rise into the azure sky. The hot springs are famous for curing many chronic diseases.