Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is brimming with unique and lesser-known destinations that offer a delightful offbeat experience for travellers. While the city is famous for its iconic landmarks, there are some of the best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata waiting to be discovered.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s charm, away from the crowds. From historical places to visit in Kolkata to artistic wonders, these offbeat tourist destinations in Kolkata will reveal to you a whole new side of Kolkata that will leave you enthralled.
Table of Contents
Best Offbeat Places in Kolkata in 2023
1) Best Offbeat Tourist Places in Kolkata: Marble Palace
Special Attractions: The magnificent mansion showcases a stunning collection of sculptures, paintings, and artefacts from around the world. The beautiful gardens and the marble fountain add to its further elegance.
Best Time to Visit: Marble Palace – one of the best offbeat palaces in Kolkata is open throughout the year. However, visiting during the cooler months of October to February is recommended. Timing: 10 am to 4 pm
Expenses: You don’t need to pay any fee to enter the Marble Palace, but prior permission is required for entry.
You can also checkout: 11 Unique Honeymoon Destinations in India for Newly-Married Couples to Explore ✈️
2) Rabindra Sarovar
Special Attractions: Rabindra Sarovar is one of the best offbeat places in Kolkata. It is a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
It is an ideal spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and boating. If you love birds and love filming them, this is the best offbeat tourist place in Kolkata. Here, you can spot migratory birds during the winter months.
Best Time to Visit: Rabindra Sarovar can be visited year-round. The winter season, from November to February, offers pleasant weather and a higher chance of bird sightings.
Expenses: Entry to Rabindra Sarovar is free, and paddleboat rentals are available at a nominal cost.
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3) Indian Museum – Best Offbeat Tourist Places in Kolkata
Special Attractions: As the oldest museum in India, the Indian Museum is full of artefacts, including ancient sculptures, fossils, and textiles. It provides a fascinating insight into the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit: The museum is open throughout the year and can be visited anytime. Timings: 10 am – 5 pm (Except Monday closed)
Expenses: The entry fee for the Indian Museum is affordable. Entry fee for Adults – Rs. 75, Children – Rs. 20.00, and Children below 5 years – FREE.
The next in our list of the best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata is an unusual place to visit. Not a typical tourist spot as it is one of the scariest places in Kolkata! 😨
However, you can get a glimpse of this spooky house if you love a little bit of adrenaline rush and adventure. 💪
4) Putul Bari – Best Offbeat Tourist Places in Kolkata
Special Attractions: Putul Bari, meaning “House of Dolls,” is one of the most haunting places in Kolkata. As per folklore, the owner of this house used to have a beautiful daughter who had a hobby of collecting dolls. But this love of dolls turned into an obsession when she filled the entire house with numerous dolls.
Later due to some accident, the daughter met a very tragic end and Putul Bari turned ghostly forever. Also, according to someone the babus who stayed in this house used to torture young women and kill them later to hide their crimes.
Locals say that they are used to rare sightings of unidentified shadows, and shrill cries of women.
Best Time to Visit: Putul Bari can be visited year-round. But you are not allowed to enter the house or neither you should as the place is extremely creepy!
Even if you visit the place, don’t be around after 6 pm.
5) Territy Bazar – Best Offbeat Tourist Places in Kolkata
Special Attractions: Territy Bazar, also known as Tiretti Bazar, is a vibrant Chinese market located in Kolkata. This neighbourhood around the market is a hub of Chinese traditions, culture, and mouth-watering cuisines. The market opens early in the morning. During that time, local Chinese immigrants set up stalls to sell a wide variety of Chinese food items, including soups and noodles. It is a hub for cuisine lovers.
Best Time to Visit: Territy Bazar is best experienced in the morning, as the market is active during breakfast hours. It is recommended to arrive early to enjoy the freshly prepared Chinese treats. Timings: 10 am to 8.30 pm, 2 pm to 8.30 pm (Sunday)
Expenses: The prices of food items in Territy Bazar are reasonable, allowing visitors to indulge in a flavoursome Chinese feast without breaking the bank.
6) Kumartuli
Special Attractions: Kumartuli is one of the best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata and is nestled in the heart of Kumartuli. Kumartali is known for churning out idols of Ma Durga and other deities. The skill of these artists is unique and their creations are appreciated across the world. You will be in awe to witness the artistic sculptures and creations created by local artisans, providing a glimpse of their creativity. It is a unique opportunity to witness the artistry of idol-making up close. You will also get to know the culture of West Bengal at large.
Best Time to Visit: One of the best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata can be visited at any time of the year. However, it is suggested that you visit close to the festive season of Durga Puja to find the artisans in action.
Expenses: You won’t need to pay anything to visit Kumartuli.
7) Cossipore Udyan Bhavan
Special Attractions: Cossipore Udyan Bhavan is a serene garden and recreational park located in northern Kolkata. It offers solace and peace of mind, minus the chaotic city life. It is a favourite tourist spot in Kolkata for outdoor activities, picnics, morning walks, etc.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit one of these best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata. However, spring and winter are the best times to visit this offbeat destination in Kolkata. Timing: 6 –11:30 am, 4 pm–8:30 pm
Expenses: Entry to Cossipore Udyan Bhavan is free, but there may be charges for boating or other recreational activities.
8) Nakhoda Masjid – Best Offbeat Tourist Places in Kolkata
Special Attractions: Nakhoda Masjid is one of the best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata. It is one of the most beautiful and largest mosques in Kolkata. The mosque is rich in architecture which leaves visitors in awe. The mosque comes to life during Eid al-Fitr – the festival that marks the conclusion of Ramadan. A large number of devotees and visitors witness these vibrant celebrations.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit anytime during the year. Timing: 6 am-8 pm
Expenses: There is no entry fee, but donations are welcome.
9) Sabarna Sangrahashala
Special Attractions: The Sabarna Sangrahashala is a much lesser-known historical museum located in Barisha, Kolkata. One of these best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata. The museum showcases the artefacts and heritage of the Sabarna Choudhury family. You can check out a vast range of including ancient manuscripts, historical artefacts, coins, utensils, and pottery. The museum and its artefacts bring you a deep insight into the rich cultural and historical significance of the place.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit any time of the year. However, keep a note of the timings: 10 am – 1 pm all day open (except Thursday)
Expenses: The entry fee for Sabarna Sangrahashala is minimal, making it an affordable tourist spot in Kolkata.
10) Subhash Sarovar
Special Attractions: Subhash Sarovar is a peaceful and picturesque lake situated in the south of Kolkata. The lake is named after legendary freedom fighter, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. It is also known as Subhash Udyan.
The lake has walking trails, lush greenery, and gardens; all around it. The environment around the lake offers peace and solace from the chaotic city life.
You can relax in this peaceful environment and also enjoy boating. Also, you can enjoy a musical fountain during the evenings, creating a mesmerising spectacle to watch.
Best Time to Visit: You can visit the best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata. However, visiting from October to February will be a more pleasant experience.
Expenses: Entry is free, but for boating or other recreational activities there can be minimal charges.
Wrapping Up on Best Offbeat Tourist Places in Kolkata
Thus, Kolkata is teeming with such offbeat tourist destinations. In this list, we have included places where you can visit and relax with family and friends get a dose of Kolkata’s rich culture and heritage, or get your adrenaline rush by visiting some creepy places!
Next time you plan to visit Kolkata, you can add these best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata to your bucket list.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many beautiful places in Kolkata. However, if you want to try something different, you can check out some of the best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata:
1) Marble Palace
2) Cossipore Udyan Bhavan
3) Kumartuli
4) Putul Bari
5) Sabarna Sangrahashala
6) Indian Museum and more
October to February is the best time to visit some of the best offbeat tourist places in Kolkata. March to June are extremely hot. From Late June till early October, Monsoon reins in.
Checking out Putul Bari from the outside is completely safe. But it is recommended not to enter the house and stay near it beyond 6 pm evening.
The usual timings are: Morning – 5 am to 10 pm, Evening – 4 to 8 pm.
