Belvedere Estate of Kolkata

When we talk about British Raj in Kolkata, Belvedere Estate is to be considered one of the most important monuments of that era. In the vast area of 30 acres the National Library of India is also situated. Belvedere House was the former palace for the Viceroy of India and later the Governor of Bengal. It is another must visit place for all book-worms.

1. HISTORY:-

In 1854, after the Governor-General moved out, the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal took up residence in Belvedere House. When the capital moved from Calcutta to Delhi in 1912, the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, who had hitherto resided in Belvedere House, was promoted as governor and transferred to Government House. The roots of Belvedere Estate lie in 1760s. Later after the Battle of Buxar in 1764, Hastings left for England.

2. STRUCTURE:-

The Belvedere Estate consists of Belvedere House and the 30-acres (12 hectares) ground. The complex now includes two housing colonies built by the government, one being for National Library of India employees, and the other for central government employees.

3. LOCATION:-

It is located in Alipore near the zoo, in Calcutta now modern day Kolkata. Belvedere House was the former palace for the Viceroy of India and later the Governor of Bengal.

4. EXTRAS:-

The main building is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India.

There are stories of unconfirmed supernatural sightings in the house as well as the grounds, with rumors of the ballroom being lit up and carriages drawing up in the driveway.

5. TRAVEL:-

It is always easy to figure out a location when you are eager to reach. For this place metro is the most convenient transport for you to travel to Belvedere Estate and the nearest metro stations are NetajiBhawan, Jatin Das Park and RabindraSadan. Other than that buses and cab services are easily available.

So hurry up and plan up a quick visit to this British era built place still scented with those British days.

Happy journey!

By Isita Thapa 28^th  January, 2019.