One of India's most popular tourist attractions, the Victoria Memorial Hall, is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. The memorial was laid back in 1906 by the Prince of Wales. The Victoria Memorial Hall was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. Today, Victoria Memorial Hall is considered one of the finest art museums in Kolkata. Apart from being a memorial, the hall serves as a tribute to the success of the British Empire in India. Designed by William Emerson, the gallery features an Indo-Saracenic revivalist style.
The style is an amalgam of British and Mughal elements. The memorial is huge and houses beautiful gardens spread over 64 acres. Victoria Memorial Hall deserves a must-visit tourist attraction tag from all who wish to flip back the British era's pages. Here, you find many photos and effigies of prominent personalities who played a crucial role in contributing to the glory of India. People from around the world visit this major tourist attraction in Kolkata.
Location: Maidan, Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal
Time required: 2-3 Hours
Ticket Prices for Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
| Entry fees of Museum | Entry fees of Garden | Hall Opening Timings | Light & Sound Show (October to February) | Light & Sound Show (March to June) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Indians - Rs. 20/- (per head) | Daily ticket : Rs. 10/- per person | 5:30 AM - 6:15 PM (Garden Timings) | 6.15 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. (Bengali) | 6.45 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. (Bengali) |
| For foreigners - Rs. 200/-(per head) | Yearly ticket : Rs. 1000/- | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Museum Timings) | 7.15 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. (English) | 7.45 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (English) |
Tickets of light sound show of Victoria Memorial Hall
Rs. 10/- and Rs.20/-. Counter opens at 12.30 p.m. (Church Gate). No advance booking. Full ticket for children above three years. No shows on Mondays, National Holidays and Holi and between July to September.
History of Victoria Memorial Hall
Victoria Memorial Hall is one of the most famous historical places in Kolkata. It has a fascinating, rich past that depicts the grandness of architecture, class, and art. Victoria Memorial Hall is the brainchild of Lord Curzon and was built to celebrate the twenty-fifth-year reign of the Queen. After that, the Queen became one of the most influential people in India. After the revolt of 1857, she ruled over the country until she died in 1901. Later, Lord Curzon wanted to dedicate this monument to a large garden. The funds to build this monument were raised by Indian citizens. It is said that around 5 lakh was raised by the people of India and used to make this outstanding monument. After that, this monument got its foundation stone in 1906 by King George V and the Prince of Whales. However, this historical structure was opened to the general public in 1921.
Architecture of Victoria Memorial Hall
This incredible structure is famous in Kolkata and throughout the country. It has a brilliant design that reflects excellent art and a mix of various techniques. Willia Emerson is the primary architect of Victoria Memorial Hall. This massive structure was built in an Indo-Saracenic Style and got inspiration from Egyptian, Venetian, Mughal, and Islamic styles. It is an 184-foot-high building made up of Makrana Marble that was brought from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. However, the major highlight is the vast garden around this building spread over 64 acres. In addition, this garden was designed by famous botanists Sir David Prain and Lord Redesdale. All these features make Victoria Memorial Hall a visual feast for your eyes that you should explore once in your life.
Tourist Attractions Near Victoria Memorial Hall
This massive structure is in the Queen’s Way, Maidan, surrounded by several other tourist places. After exploring this structure, you can visit numerous tourist places in Kolkata to make your sightseeing tour more joyful and appealing. Here is a list of some of the most famous tourist places near Victoria Memorial Hall.
- Howrah Bridge
- Indian Museum
- Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque
- Prinsep Ghat
- Kalighat Temple
- P. Birla Planetarium
- Fort William
- Paul’s Cathedral
- Elliot Park
- Netaji Bhawan
- Raj Bhawan
- Calcutta Town Hall
Best Time to Visit Victoria Memorial Hall
You can enjoy sightseeing in Kolkata throughout the year. However, October to March is considered the best time to visit and explore the sights in Kolkata. During this time, you can expect excellent weather and a pleasant atmosphere. Besides exploring, you can indulge in outdoor activities and stroll near the forts. However, it is advised to book your light and sound show to enjoy the best visuals here at night.
How to Reach Victoria Memorial Hall
Being one of the famous tourist attractions in Kolkata, you can easily reach here from any part of the city. Transportation in Kolkata is hassle-free and has several forms, including taxis, cabs, auto-rickshaws, metro or ferry rides. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose is the nearest airport, around 20 km away, and you can cover it by taking a bus, taxi, or cab. Howrah junction is the closest railway station to this structure, around 10 km away. However, if you are planning to commute to the city and looking for a faster and more affordable way, pick up the metro. Maidan Metro Station is the nearest one to Victoria Memorial Hall.
This structure surely deserves a place on your sightseeing list in Kolkata. But, there are so many other tourist places which make your visit more appealing and joyful. If you are planning to explore this city, we have your back. We have well-designed customizable Kolkata tour packages that you can choose for a remarkable tour.
