Can You Really Capture Kolkata’s Soul In 7 Shots? Here’s The Tour Everyone’s Talking About
Kolkata, often referred to as “The City of Joy”, is a perfect blend of old and new. The color, culture, and history that fills its streets offer ample opportunities for photographers to capture the true spirit of the busy city. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just love snapping pictures as a hobby, Kolkata has places that will inspire your imagination. Here’s a step-by-step photography tour guide to show you some of the best places and their best timings for photography in Kolkata.
1. Howrah Bridge – The Iconic Landmark
Where to Shoot: The Howrah Bridge is famous for its spectacular view of the Hooghly River and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Kolkata. The beautiful design of the bridge, with its intricate steel structure, is mesmerizing. You can easily capture architecture and other stunning images at sunset or sunrise.
When to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon. These times give you soft, warm lighting, perfect for capturing the full grandeur of the bridge. It obscures the bridge at sun rise, allowing mist over the river to be captured and vibrant skies at sunset.
Facts:
Built in 1943, it’s a cantilever bridge with no nuts or bolts.
Spans 705 meters across the Hooghly River.
2. Victoria Memorial – Where Beauty and History Intertwine
Best Time For An Photoshoot: The Victoria Memorial is one the of most exquisite places to shoot in India because it has breathtaking white marble structure with British colonial architecture and Indian design. Not only this, it is accompanied by beautifully crafted gardens that serve as perfect spots for wide portraits. The memorial has a museum the showcases the city’s magnificent history behind every relic.
Best Time To Visit: Scheduled portraits can be shot in the early morning when the monument is surrounded by a calming golden glow. Late evenings can also provide portraits of stunning beauty under the gentle light.
Did You Know:
The memorial was build during 1906 and 1921 for commemorating Queen Victoria.
The museum encased India’s colonial history and ancient artifacts.
3. New Market- Stunning Colors and Portraits of Life
Best Time To Visit: If you studying the art of street photography, New Market is Kolkata’s jackpot of exquisite streets. With countless lively shops, ingesting in the glorious activity of the vendors pales in comparison to the magical energy surrounding this monument.
Capture the life of individuals buying and selling fruity textiles.
When to Shoot: Late morning to early afternoon, the market is active, and the sunlight casts shadows that assist the overall composition of the photos. Expect busy surroundings that require strong reflexes to seize the scene.
Facts:
Opened in 1874, it’s one of the oldest markets in Kolkata.
Famous for textiles, jewelry, and traditional Bengali goods.
4. Dakshineswar Kali Temple- Spiritual Architecture
Where to Shoot: The temple, which sits by the banks of the Hooghly River, is prominent for the breathtaking views of its architecture alongside the serene vibes of the area. The outstanding and grand structures of the temple along with the captivating tall spires make it an ideal location to capture photographs of spiritual architecture, and sacred rituals. The view of the river calms the entire picture.
When to Shoot: Early morning or evening at prayer times; The lighting is beautiful and soft and you can photograph worshippers engaging in rituals, giving life to your pictures.
Facts:
Built in the mid-19th century, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Famous for its association with the saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
5. Shobhabazar Rajbari – Royal Heritage
Where To Shoot: For those of you interested in shooting heritage sites, the Shobhabazar Rajbari is a must for you all. This royal palace is well built and is an exemplary piece of Bengali architecture. The gates, columns and the entire structure in fact, offer great opportunities for architectural as well as portrait photography.
When To Shoot: The best time would be mid-morning or late afternoon. At this time, light will provide drama in the shadows and enhance the intricate details in the buildings architecture. The palace is serene allowing you to find peace when shooting.
Facts:
This palace was home to the famous Shobhabazar Zamindar family of their times.
North Kolkata is home to this structure.
6. Kalighat Temple – A Sacred Experience
Where To Shoot: One of the most prominent temples in Kolkata is the Kalighat Temple, worshipped by devotees of Goddess Kali. The architecture surrounding the temple is one of a kind, as well as the rituals performed inside offer great opportunities for capturing amazing photographs. This is also an ideal spot to showcase the spirituality and devotion of the local people.
When To Shoot: Early morning is the best time to capture images, particularly during the first couple of hours when the temple is less crowded. The temple in the early hours has soft light and the beauty of early prayers can help you touch the sky with your photos.
Facts:
One of the leading Shakti Peethas out of 51 in India.
The most important pilgrimage destination for Hindus is the temple.
7. Princep Ghat – Great Place To Capture Pictures Of The River
Where To Shoot: You can capture Princep Ghat, located next to the river on the bank of the river, is a perfect place for capturing the Howrah Bridge and the city skyline. The unique monument set in greenery, the placid river, and the Howrah Bridge provide an incredible view for nature and landscape photography.
When To Shoot: Sunset. The view is amazing around sunset. The sun setting behind Howrah bridge provides a good background and the river is calmer and reflects the sky and its colors. This adds a feeling of serenity which is complemented by the cool evening breeze.
Facts:
The monument is known to have been built in the year 1841. It was made in the honor of James Princep.
In the evening, this place is a favorite among many locals.
Conclusion
Standing at the shores of the Ganges and staring at the magnificent skyline with the grandeur Howrah bridge and modern buildings is a sight every photographer must see. Not just that, the colonial structures, busy markets, and spiritual temples all blend in with the city. If you want to take impressive photographs which capture the vibrancy of the city, make sure to avoid crowded places and visit during sunrise or sunset.
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