When you are in Kolkata, a visit to the Victoria Memorial is one of the top 25 things to do in Kolkata. The reason is that this place holds historical importance in the history of the city.
The Victoria Memorial is not just a monument; it is an architectural marvel that stands as a testament to the British Raj in India and serves as a rich repository of Indian history. Located in the heart of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, this iconic structure is one of the most visited and photographed landmarks in India. In this post, you can learn about the historical significance, architectural grandeur, collections, and cultural importance of the Victoria Memorial.
Check out my post on 11-day West Bengal itinerary.
Before knowing about the history, you will be interested in knowing about the best time to visit the Victoria Memorial:
Best Time to Visit the Victoria Memorial
Indeed, the best time to visit this historical spot varies based on your preference. However, the most popular times to explore this place are between March and May. Also, you can choose to visit between September and November as well. This ideal time is based on the best temperatures and festival season in Kolkata. All these come together during the summer months. So, you can plan your visit during summer to this spot.
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Not only the months to visit, you will be interested in knowing about the opening and closing times of the memorial. It encompasses a museum and a garden. The garden remains open from 5.30 am and closes at 6 pm. So, if you are particular about visiting the garden, plan your visit to Victoria Memorial Accordingly.
The museum opens at 10 am every day and closes at 6 pm. The museum galleries remain closed every Monday and on national holidays. So, if you are particular about exploring the museum galleries, avoid national holidays and Mondays. However, the garden remains open on all days.
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Entry Tickets
Indeed, you will be interested in knowing how much you will have to spend when visiting the Victoria Memorial.
Entry Ticket for Museum and Gallery
- The cost of the ticket for Museum Galleries for Indians is Rs. 50 per head.
- The cost per head is Rs.100 for nations of SAARC Countries.
- For nationals from other countries, the entry fee is Rs.500 per head as per the official website of Victoria Memorial.
- Free Entry to museum galleries is permitted for the following group of people:
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- Differently-abled individuals with UDID Card
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- School students up to class XII. However, school students will be permitted free entry only when they visit in their uniform. They should also carry their school ID Card.
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- Army personnel with their spouse and children. However, each of them should carry a valid ID card.
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- Members of Paramilitary Forces
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- Kolkata and West Bengal Police along with their immediate family members
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- Pensioners of the above-mentioned services are also provided free entry.
- It is recommended to remember that the ticket counter closes at 5.30 pm every day. So, plan your visit accordingly.
Entry Ticket for Garden
- The entry fee for the garden is Rs. 30 per head
- Locals and even others can buy an annual garden entry pass for Rs.2000 per head.
- The annual garden entry pass for seniors above 60 years is Rs.1000 per head.
- The annual garden entry pass is issued between 10.30 am and 12 noon every day from Monday to Friday. You cannot buy the pass on holidays, Sundays and Saturdays. The pass is issued only at the East Gate Counter
- The thing to remember here is that you cannot enter the museum with a ticket you have bought for the garden entry
- Also, the ticket counter for garden entry closes at 5.30 pm every day. So, plan your visit accordingly.
Light and Sound Show
One of the key attractions at Victoria Memorial is the Light and Sound Show. So, make sure you do not miss out on it when you are visiting this tourist spot. Titled “Son-et-Lumiere.” This spectacular show narrates the history of Kolkata and the Victoria Memorial through a dramatic interplay of lights, sound, and narration, bringing the past to life in a captivating manner.
- On Tuesdays, Sundays and Fridays, the narrative for this show is done in Bengali.
- On Thursdays and Saturdays, you can watch the show with Hindi Narrative
- If you need an English narrative, you can plan your visit to the show on Wednesdays.
- The ticket for this show is Rs.100 per head. You can buy the ticket from the East Gate Counter from 5.30 pm every day except on Mondays.
- The entry for this show is free for kids below three years. However, they will not be provided with separate seats.
History of Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial was conceived by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, following the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. Curzon envisioned a grand building to honour the British Queen and to serve as a symbol of British power and dominance in India. The foundation stone was laid in 1906, and the memorial was officially opened to the public in 1921.
The construction of the Victoria Memorial was funded by voluntary contributions from British and Indian subjects of the British Empire. It stands as a reminder of the colonial era but also represents the blending of Indian and British cultures.
Distance from the City Centre
During your 11-day West Bengal itinerary, if you are staying in Kolkata, you can easily reach the Victoria Memorial by hiring a cab. It is located around 6 km from the City Centre.
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Guided Tours
If you wish to learn more about Victoria Memorial, you can take guided tours. The first guided tour begins at 10 am every day and closes at 5 pm. Ten guided tour times are available. You can enquire about it when visiting the ticket counter to get the appropriate guidance.
Architectural Grandeur
The Victoria Memorial is a splendid example of the Indo-Saracenic revivalist style, which incorporates elements of British, Mughal, Venetian, Egyptian, and Deccani architecture. Sir William Emerson, the chief architect, designed the monument, while Vincent Esch and Lord Redesdale assisted in its construction.
So, do not forget to plan your visit to Victoria Memorial during your Kolkata visit. My post on the 5-day Kolkata itinerary might help if you plan to spend 5 days in this city of Yellow Cabs. If you are yet to decide how to reach Kolkata, my post on the same can help you.