Not to miss

Botanical Gardens

The haven of Kolkata's Botanical Gardens is a welcome respite from the choking noise and crowds. The gardens were founded in 1786 and extend along the west bank of the Hooghly River. It was in these gardens that India's famous black teas were first developed after cuttings were spirited down from tribal regions in Assam.

The prime attraction is a 250-year-old banyan tree, which offers a cooling canopy of shade stretching 400m (1300ft) across from side to side. The palm house in the centre of the garden is also worth a look. Open from dawn until dusk, the gardens are accessible by ferry from Babu Ghat (near Eden Gardens) - otherwise it's a slow taxi ride along the west bank of the Hooghly. Entry is free.

MP Birla Planetarium

This planetarium is one of the largest in the world. Within walking distance from the budget travellers' section of the city, the planetarium provides a welcome respite from the din of traffic. Sit back, look up and take in a spectacular view of the stars that the polluted sky of Kolkata could never otherwise provide.

Kali Temple

The Kali Temple or Kalighat is believed to be the original temple from which the village of Kolikata - and hence the city of Kolkata - took its name. The current structure dates from 1809 and behind the mandir is a gruesome pavilion where goats are ritually beheaded to honour the goddess Kali, the destructive incarnation of Shiva's first wife, Sati.

Legend has it that Shiva became insane with grief after Sati's death, embarking on a rampage that threatened to destroy the world. To restore Shiva's sanity, Vishnu cut the corpse into 51 pieces and scattered them across the subcontinent. Kalighat is one of 51 shakti peeth temples dotted around India, marking the places where various parts of Sati's body fell after her corpse was dismembered. Kalighat is believed to mark the final resting place of the toes from Sati's right foot. The site has been an important pilgrimage destination since at least the 16th century.

Mother Teresa's Nirmal Hriday (home for the dying) is next door to the temple and the surrounding streets are lined with market stalls selling votive brassware, religious artefacts and pictures of Kalighat.