Marble Palace in Kolkata and Nearby 8 Visiting Places

Marble Palace in Kolkata combines Roman epics, Greek mythology, and an oriental style of Architecture. Raja Rajendra Mallick Bahadur built the museum for his collections in 1835 AD. The stunning marble palace is in old Kolkata at 46 Muktaramababu Street near Girish Park Metro Station.

Marble Palace in Kolkata

A Jagannath temple is inside the Marble Palace premises. The temple was made by Rajendra Mallik’s father, Neelmani Mallick. Naturally, this temple is older than the palace.

The temple is not open to the public. Only Mallick family members can enter. One part of the palace still houses the Mallick family, while the other part has been transformed into a museum.

The entire Marble Palace is covered with marble and many marble and bronze statues. Rajendra Mallick was very interested in collecting various antiques from the country and abroad.

All of his collections are beautifully shown in the Palace Museum. He collects the 1800s century’s furniture, watches, mirrors, decorated chandeliers, etc. He collects paintings of Peter Paul Rubens, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Bartolommeo Esteban Murillo, and John Opie.

A group of Western intellectuals at the time was surprised to see Rajendra Mallik’s extraordinary collection. With its outstanding collection and tradition, Marble Palace still stands in the light of old Calcutta. The guides show the entire museum tour. Photography is prohibited in the palace. There is no entry fee.

I visited 8 places, including the Marble Palace in Kolkata (North)

You can visit eight more historical places, including the Marble Palace. All sites have ancient histories and stories, and are near the palace.

1. Ram Mandir Kolkata
2. Marble Palace Kolkata
3. Jorasanko Thakur Bari
4. Wholesale Marble idol market at Ganesh Talkies
5. Baikuntha Temple
6. Jorasanko Rajbari
7. Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Road
8. Paresh Nath Jain Temple, Kolkata

• My journey starts at the Mahatma Gandhi Road metro station, and my first visiting place is the Ram Mandir.
• Now, my second destination is the most awaited Marble Palace.
• Next, we move to Jorasako Thakur Bari, which is only 2 minutes away from the marble palace.
• After leaving Jorasako Thakur bari, I cross the Ganesh Talkies road; the unique thing about Ganesh Talkies is the wholesale marble idol market. It’s the only market where marble idol is made and sold.
• My next destination is the Baikunth Nath temple.
• Next, my visiting place is Jorasako Rajbari. Don’t confuse Jorasako Thakur Bari and Jorasako Rajbari; both are different.
• After coming to Ganesh Talkies crossing, take an auto to Vivekananda Road. Here, you can find the Ramakrishna Vivekananda Mission. And my tour is finished here.
• This is the time for a bonus; if you want to explore North Kolkata more, you can visit the Pareshnath Jain temple.

Take a bus from Vivekananda Road, get off at Hatibagn, then take an auto and reach Gouri Bari. Paresh Nath Jain temple is just 5 minutes walking distance from Gouri Bari.

1. Ram Mandir Kolkata

Ram temple was established in 1941 in memory of Seth Surajmal Jalan. Inside the temple, the wall was engraved with the story of Lord Ram. Photography is not allowed here.

Ram Mandir Temple timing

The temple is open from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

How to reach Ram Mandir

Ram Mandir is very near the Mahatma Gandhi Road metro station. It is within 2 to 3 minutes’ walking distance from the Mahajati Sadan or the Mahatma Gandhi Road metro station.

2. Marble Palace, Kolkata

Lord Minto gave the Marble Palace its name. It was built in “Gothic style architecture ” on 12 acres of land in 1830, using 126 different types of marble.

It is said that 5,000 artisans laboured for five years to complete the building. The visitors are stunned by massive and original paintings by renowned artists, marble statues, fountains, 82 decorative antique clocks, and beautiful glass utensils.

The collection has been made even more valuable by Rubens’s paintings, which depict Catherine’s wedding, the Last Supper, the Battle of Amazons, horse care, etc. Magnificent treasures brought from 90 countries worldwide have genuinely increased the glory of the museum here.

There are artificial mountains, parks, Kolkata’s oldest private surviving zoo (1856), and shaded palms in lush green surroundings. Six sleeping lion cubs made of marble enhance the charm. On the northwest corner, a mini-lake is situated, and a fountain is placed in the middle of the lake. The fountain looks like God is coming out of the Greek epic.

During the terrible famine of 1865-1866, he helped many people and donated to rescue those suffering from a food shortage. For that, the British awarded him the title of “Ray Bahadur.”

In 1878, Lord Littan honoured him with the title of “King,” with a diamond ring.

What to see in the Marble Palace, Kolkata

Raja Rajendra Mallick’s statue is on the Marble Palace’s right side. Next, I went to the main building (first floor) with the guide and proceeded to the left.

The first surprise is a beautifully designed marble floor. Then, on the right-hand side, the Billiard board is placed. After entering the billiard room, many marble and bronze statues are placed.

Then, proceed to the house of Maharani Victoria, which has a giant statue of a lady. It is made of single rosewood and glassware, and the Carpet Design ceilings are also magnificent. Rajendra Mallick brought a wooden statue of Medusa and Hercules and a beautiful table clock from London.

Marble Palace Reception Hall

Then we went to the Reception Hall, which has a Marble floor. In the lobby, there is a big-sized comfortable sofa, a square-long table, two tall flower vases, and many paintings on the wall. Four statues describe the four seasons: Autumn, Spring, Winter, and Summer.

There is a stunning piano, the first piano in India. It is played on Monday and Thursday to maintain the correct tone. There is a vast brass Dhunuchi (ধুনুচি) and a Setar (সেতার ), which Pandit Ravi Shankar played. After striking, magnificent ivory (elephant’s) teeth look huge and attractive.

Then, I came out of the Thakur Dalan. It is a unique combination of Indo-European Mythology. I found a sculpture of Surpanakha (সুর্পনখা ) and Laxman (লক্ষণ ) with other Greek and Roman goddesses on the walls. In this Thakur Dalan “Maa Kali” and Saraswati I found.

However, no outside visitors are allowed to enter. Many Victorian-style iron chairs are placed. Four statues represent four countries. In ‘Thakur dalan,’ pigeons fly everywhere. On one side of the Thakur Dalan (ঠাকুর দালান ), many bird cages are made, such as Parrot, Macao, Badri, Muniya, Kakatuya, Nilkanth, etc.

Then I visited the second floor of the marble palace in Kolkata

The stairs are made of Segun wood and have a beautiful design. Carpets are spreading on the stairs. In one step, I saw the magnificent Belgium Mirror. Even today, it gives a proper reflection. My eyes were stuck on the wall when I visited the painting of Raja Ravi Varma.

Look up and see large hand-painted oil paintings. Here are some pictures of the famous Italian artist Rubens, which are rare in the collection.

I found a clock beside me and realised it was a Grandfather Clock. The same pair of Grandmother Clocks is on the ground floor.

Here are many other paintings, and two of them are 3D paintings. The one name is – Belly Dancer.
Next, we went to the dance room or ballroom. In front of the room, a giant “hookah” is placed. It can be used by 14 people together.

Two large Belgian glass mirrors wrapped in golden frames were on the walls of the dancer’s room, or Nachghar’s (Dancing room). There were also many chandeliers on the ceiling and walls, which were still lit with candles.
Their Porcelain vases are placed, brought from China and Japan. You can find India’s giant flower vase here.

After we move to the painting house or the Rubens Room

There are foreign paintings and paintings of Indian painters like Sir Joshua Reynolds, Titian, Murillo, John Oppie, Shashi Hesse, Bijay Chandra Dey, etc.

Some of the significant photographs in this room are “Marriage of St. Catherine,” “Martyrdom of St. Sebastian,” “Minerva giving the loving cup to Apollo,” “The Return of Ulysses” by Ruben O Murillo, Sir Joshua Reynolds’ Venus & Cupid, and “Child Hercules & Serpents.”

Marble Palace Zoo, Kolkata

India’s first zoo was established in 1856 in the marble palace area. It still exists with some birds and deer. It’s India’s first private zoo, and its cages are about 250 years old. These zoo cages received the honour of “Heritage Cage.”

On the right side of the marble palace, there is a pond and a zoo. There are deer, ducks, and various birds. Many seating arrangements are made with marble stones.

• Address: The Marble Palace Kolkata location is 46 Muktaram Babu Street.
• Nearest metro station: The Mahatma Gandhi Road metro station and the Girish Park Metro Station.
• Timings: The Marble Palace’s opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Monday and Thursday, when it is closed.

Marble Palace Kolkata Permission

For permission to enter the palace, you must visit the West Bengal tourism office near the Tea Board. Carry your Voter card or Aadhar card. They’ll make a permission letter. When entering the marble palace, you have to show your permission letter.

West Bengal Tourism Office Address is Tourism Department, Government of West Bengal, 2, Brabourne Road, 4th floor, Kolkata – 700 001. Phone – 033-2225 4723/4724/4725; 2225 4565

Marble Palace Kolkata entry fee is Nil.

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3. Jorasanko Thakur Bari

The Jorasanko Thakur Bari is Kolkata’s pride. It is situated 2 to 3 minutes from the marble palace. At the main entrance of Jorasanko Thakur Bari, Kolkata, Rabindra Bharati University is established. The university is built on the front part of the house.

Prince Dwarkanath built this house in the eighteenth century. According to the Jorasanko Thakur Bari history, he built it in 1785 AD on the land given by the Sarthaparibar of Barabazar. The area is approximately 3500 square meters. The inner part of the house has been transformed into a museum. Photography is prohibited inside the Jorasanko Thakur Bari Museum.

Only outside the house can a photo be taken for 50 rupees. Jorasanko Thakur Bari’s atmosphere is very peaceful and pleasant. The picture explains the memorable moments of Rabindranath’s life in the place.

Jorasanko Thakurbari address

The Jorasanko Thakur Bari address is 6/4 Prince Dwarkanath Tagore Lane.

Jorasanko Thakurbari Kolkata Opening Timings

The Jorasanko Thakurbari museum timings are Tuesday to Sunday – 10.30 am to 5.00 pm. The last ticket will be issued at 4.30 pm, and Monday is closed.

Light and Sound Show Timings

• November to January
• 6:00 pm – 6:40 pm (Bengali)
• 7:00 pm – 7:40 pm (English)
• February to June
• 7:00 pm – 7:40 pm (Bengali)
• 8:00 pm – 8:40 pm (English)

Jorasanko Thakur Bari Kolkata Entry Fees

• Adults 10 rupees per person
• Students 5 rupees per person
• Foreign Tourists 50 rupees per person
• Light & Sound show 10 rupees per person
• For taking photography only outside of the house, 50 rupees (per camera)

4. Wholesale Marble idol market at Ganesh Talkies

Do not skip the Ganesh Talkies stone idol market while crossing the road of Thakurbari. It is the only market in Kolkata that makes stone idols.

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5. Baikuntha Temple

While planning to visit Marble Palace or Jorasako Thakur Bari, you should visit this beautiful temple in the area, which features South Indian architecture.

The Baikuntha Temple was built in the 1960s. The entire Ramayan is engraved on the temple entrance. In this temple, you can see lord Baikuntha with Sridevi and Budavi. All deities were made of stone, and temples were made of white marble and granite.

Devotees are coming daily in the morning and evening. Regular prayer happens at both times.

Baikunthnath Temple timing

The temple timing is 5.30 am to 11 am and 4.15 to 8.45 pm.

How to reach Baikunth Nath Temple

The best way to visit Baikunth Nath Mandir, Kolkata, is to reach Girish Park metro or Mahatma Gandhi metro station and walk towards Ganesh Talkies.

6. Jorasanko Rajbari

Don’t confuse Jorasako Thakur Bari and Jorasako Rajbari. Both houses are different. Jorasako Rajbari is 5 minutes away from Jorasako Thakur Bari.

This Jorasako Rajbari belongs to the Roy family. In north Kolkata, towards Chitpur, the first Bengali family residence is Rajendra Narayan Roy’s family, among the old Bengali residents. The residence is known as Jorasanko Rajbari. 

The house is three hundred years old and has an excellent colonnade front and a porch decorated with cast iron grips. Durga Puja is a unique attraction here.

Jorasanko Rajbari Address

329, Rabindra Sarani, Ahiritola, Ram Bagan, Kolkata – 700006

How to reach Jorasanko Rajbari 

While visiting Marble Palace and Jorasako Thakur Bari, visit this ancient house. It is 5 minutes away from Jorasako Thakur Bari. The nearest metro station is Girish Park. The most immediate bus stop is Jorasako/ Ganesh Talkies.

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7. Ramakrishna Mission: Swami Vivekananda’s ancestral house, museum, and cultural centre

Swami Vivekananda was born on 12 January 1863 in this house. It’s become a museum now. Visiting the ancestral home of Swami Vivekananda is a beautiful experience. Kolkata Municipal Corporation has declared this house a Grade-I Heritage Building.

Swami Vivekananda’s childhood memories are depicted quite nicely through pictures and working models. Photography is prohibited inside the museum.

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Ramakrishna Mission Museum at Vivekananda Road timings

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm, and it is closed on Monday.

Ramakrishna Mission at Vivekananda Road address

The house is situated at 105 Vivekananda Road, Kolkata 700006. West Bengal. India.

8. Pareshnath Jain Temple, Kolkata

The Pareshnath Temple in north Kolkata was built in 1867 by Roy Badridas Bahadur Mukim.

In this area, you can find four temples:

1. One is the main temple, where Jain’s 10th Tirthankara is situated
2. On the south side of the Pareshnath temple is the Chandra Prabhuji temple
3. In front of the main temple are the Jain Dadaji Garu and Kushalji Maharaj’s temples.
4. The north side of the main temple is Mahavira’s temple.

Paresnath Jain temple is a very decorative and gorgeous temple. Here, you can see a maintained garden, European statues, and engraving work on the wall with valuable metals and stones, such as corals, crystals, pearls, rubies, and diamonds.

A ghee lamp has been burning in front of Sri Sitalanath Ji since 1867. When you visit this temple, don’t forget to see the diamond on Sitalanath Ji’s forehead.

Pareshnath Temple Kolkata Timings

The Pareshnath Temple’s opening hours are 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on all days.

How to reach Pareshnath Temple

Take a bus or an auto from the VK road and leave at Hatibagan. After changing the auto, reach Gouribari, five minutes from there. You can come from Sealdah / Ultadanga/ Shyambazar or Sovabazar, and the nearest stoppage is Bangiya Sahitya Parishad. Nearest metro is Sovabazar or Shyambazar.