Kolkata is not known as the City of Joy for nothing. Here you will find many historical remains related to the time of British Raj, which tell about Victorian-style architecture. The rich history and culture of this city attract people towards itself. However, if you have time, you can explore many great historical places closer to Kolkata.

For those who live in Kolkata, these places can prove to be a great weekend destination. Since it is only a few hours' drive away from Kolkata, you can plan to spend your time here. So today in this article we are telling you about some of the best historical places near Kolkata-

Barrackpore

Barrackpore is located at a distance of about 25 kilometers from Kolkata. This place has its own historical significance as it was the site of many major events during India's freedom struggle. It houses the BarrackporeRajbari, where Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Lord Wellesley, among others, once lived. In such a situation, if you want to get a glimpse of history while still living in the present, then you should go to Barrackpur.

Bishnupur

Bishnupur, a town in Bankura, has its history dating back to the 4th century Gupta dynasty. It is believed that Malla kings were the founders of this city. This seems more credible, as it is the terracotta temples built by the VaishnavaMalla kings, which give the city a distinct identity. To reach Bishnupur you will have to drive just 5 hours from Kolkata. When you cross the GarhDarwaza to enter this city, you see a different image of this ancient city.

Serampore

Shrirampur is a historic town with colonial heritage, located about 25 kilometers northwest of Kolkata. It is a city located in Hooghly district of West Bengal state, India. It was a Danish colony from the late 18th to the mid-19th century. Here you will get a chance to see many well-preserved colonial period buildings including Srirampur College, St. Olav's Church and the William Carey Library.

Belur Math

Belur Math established by Swami Vivekananda is a monastery. It is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. It is located in Belur, about 10 kilometers from Kolkata. It is spread over forty acres of land on the western bank of the Hooghly River. This monastery is known for its excellent architecture. This monastery has its own religious and historical importance.

Sundarbans

Although Sundarban is a little far from Kolkata, travelling here has its own pleasure. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. It is also very famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers. The distance from Kolkata to Sundarban is about 100 kilometers. You can reach here in about an hour's drive from Kolkata. Sundarban has its own distinct cultural and historical importance. There is evidence of human habitation here thousands of years old. Not only this, this region has also been mentioned in ancient texts and folklore.

Image Credit- wikipedia