Victoria Memorial. A colonial structure standing proudly near the Kolkata (erstwhile Calcutta) Maidan. I know there are a number of Victoria Memorials worldwide most notably in London's St. James Park. But the one in Kolkata is by far the best. It's truly the landmark destination in Kolkata. In 2014 I visited Victoria Memorial for the first time. I fell in love with the first sight of the scenic beauty of the Memorial compound. Though mesmerized, I didn't forget to get a click of that....
I bought ticket from the counter. The counter clerk was very cooperative. I had to wait in a not so large queue. While waiting for my turn I looked backwards to see the beauty of Kolkata Maidan.
When I entered the compound. The grand building was so vivid in front me that I was awe struck for a moment or two. I remembered the history of this. Lord Curzon commissioned this monument after the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. The memorial was designed by William Emerson, a royal architect. It had been constructed between 1906-1921. The building was inspired by undo-sarasenic revivalist ideology, have British, Moghul, Venetian, Egyptian, Deccan and Islamic influence.
From the above image, you can easily identify the iconic fairy queen statue on top of the tomb overlooking the entire city. The fairy is believed to be a lucky one for Calcutta. It is also believed that She flies about the city in the dead of night but return to her usual place in the morning. "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde came to my mind instantly. As if
"Standing high above the city, looking all the ugliness and miseries of the city."
The Victoria Memorial compound is about 57 acres and has 21 gardens. It boasts of having more than 28 thousand artifacts, 3900 paintings, many books attracting about 2 million tourists every year. It's gardens are favorite destinations for the city romeo-juliets.
The buildings have many beautiful engravings. I have photographed a particular favorite one. I think it's worth here mentioning as it is a representative of many others in the building.
Taking photographs is prohibited in the museums and library. But I can assure you that If you plan a visit to India, please get it in your roster. You can relish the memory for your lifetime.
How to get there:
Victoria Memorial is very near to Kolkata city centre, the Chowrongee Area. You can get a taxi very easily from your hotel. Kolkata is well connected with other major cities in India and the World.
HAPPY TRAVELING.