Pilgrimage Destinations in Kolkata

Fire temples, synagogues, beautifully crafted mosques, streets choc-a-bloc with temples… Calcutta is home to people of diverse religious beliefs. If you avoid guides, middlemen (called pandas) and beggars, and keep a sharp eye on your wallet, the pilgrimage spots in this city can be the best way to bond with the soul of the city.

Nakhoda Mosque

You can spot the brightly-painted onion dome of the Nakhoda Mosque as you travel down Chitpur Road. Modeled on Akbar's tomb in Sikandra, this is the biggest mosque in Calcutta. It can hold up to 10,000 devotees at a time. Made of red sandstone, the mosque has two minarets. Timings: 5 am-noon, daily

Parasnath Jain Temple

A mélange of mirrors, stones and mosaic greet the traveller who steps into the Parasnath Jain Temple. Set in the busy Shyambazar area, the temple is nearly 150 years old and is dedicated to Sital Nath, the 10th of the 24 Jain Tirthankars or prophets. Timings: 6 am-11.30 am, 3 pm-7 pm, Daily

St Paul's Cathedral

Stained glass windows, Florentine frescoes, carved wooden pews and chairs - the St Paul's Cathedral is an architectural delight and balm for the soul. The Gothic-style monument provides a foil to the bustling city around it and is the largest cathedral in Kolkata. Timings: 9 am-noon, 3 pm-6 pm, daily

Belur Math

Set on the banks of the river Hooghly, as the Ganges is known here, the Math and Ramakrishna Temple was built in 1899. You can take a bus or taxi from the Howrah station to this place. The Belur Math stands testimony to the various architectural styles of Indian religions. Don't miss the evening ritual here which culminates is a grand, soul-stirring arati. Timings: 6.30 am-11 am, 3.30 pm-7 pm, Daily

Dakshineswar Temple

The temple is located across the river from Belur Math. The central shrine in the temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Kali. Twelve temples of Lord Shiva form the remainder of the complex. Both Belur Math and Dakshineshwar are a good drive away from Calcutta, and great places to soak in the spiritual heritage of Bengal. Timings: 6.30 am-noon, 3.30 pm-9 pm, Daily

Kalighat Kali Temple

Bright hibiscus and marigold set against borders of green, bells that clang through the day, a perennially drenched courtyard, the pervading fragrance of camphor, lamp oil and incense - the Kali temple at Kalighat is one place where you can drink in the sights, smells and sounds of Shakti worship. Legend has it that this temple was built on the spot where the finger of Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva, fell. Timings: 5 am-3 pm, 5 pm-10 pm, Daily

Birla Temple

Built on one side of a busy road, the Birla Temple is a relatively new addition to the religious landscape of Calcutta. The architecture of the temple draws mainly from the beautiful places of worship in neighboring Orissa. It might not have the historical feel of some of Kolkata's older temples, but this temple in Ballygunge is a visual delight.

Armenian Church

This church, said to be the oldest in Calcutta, is set in the heart of Armenian Street. It was built in 1764. Assembly is held only thrice a week here. In front of the main building of the church is a tomb ostensibly belonging to "Reza Bibi". This tomb has been the source of much speculation and controversy, giving, as it does, a pointer to the origins of the church.

Maghen David Synagogue

The Maghen David Synagogue on Jewish Synagogue Street is also among the oldest houses of worship in Kolkata. Built by Elias David Joseph Ezra, as a tribute to his father, the synagogue was opened to the public in 1884. The tower of the synagogue offers a splendid view of the city.