The incredible Victoria Memorial is a vast, beautifully proportioned festival of white marble: think US Capitol meets Taj Mahal. Had it been built for a beautiful Indian princess rather than a dead colonial queen, this would surely be considered one of India’s greatest buildings. It was designed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 1901 diamond jubilee, but construction wasn’t completed until nearly 20 years after her death.
Inside, highlights are the soaring central chamber and the Calcutta Gallery , an excellent, even-handed exhibition tracing the city’s colonial-era history. But even if you don’t want to go in, the building is still worth admiring from afar: there’s a magnificently photogenic view across reflecting ponds from the northeast. Or you can get closer by paying your way into the large, well-tended park . Entrance is from the north or south gates (with ticket booths at both). The east gate is exit-only by day, but on dry season evenings, enter here for the 45-minute English-language sound & light show . Tickets available from 5pm. Show seating is outside and uncovered. No shows in summer.
