Nirmal Hriday

Kolkata (Calcutta)


Mother (St) Teresa’s famous (if surprisingly small) home for the dying was originally based out of this Kalighat pilgrim hostel. Its roof corners are pimpled with neo-Mughal mini domes. It's closed to visitors, but feel free to snap away from outside.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kolkata (Calcutta) attractions

1. Kalighat Temple

0.06 MILES

This ancient Kali temple is Kolkata’s holiest spot for Hindus, and possibly the source of the city’s name. Today’s version is the 1809 rebuild, with…

2. Shahnagar Burning Ghat

0.27 MILES

Overlooking the putrid Tolly's Nullah stream, this burning ghat hosts an impressive cluster of monuments to local celebrities who have been cremated here…

3. Kalighat Idol-makers

0.3 MILES

There's a fascinating group of idol-makers' workshops where Kalighat Rd curves north from Hazra Rd. Figurines sculpted here are much smaller than those in…

4. Horticultural Gardens

0.69 MILES

A hidden island of tranquillity in the heart of Kolkata, this delightful garden complex offers visitors an opportunity to acquaint themselves with…

5. National Library

0.92 MILES

Located directly south of the entrance to the zoo is the (private) access road to the National Library, which houses India’s biggest archival collection…

6. Birla Academy of Art & Culture

0.99 MILES

This multistorey gallery displays frequently changing exhibitions from contemporary Indian and international artists. There's also an auditorium to the…

7. Curzon Mansion

1.02 MILES

Directly south of the zoo's entrance, the access road to the National Library loops around the very regal Curzon Mansion, once the colonial viceroy's…

8. Rabindra Sarovar

1.05 MILES

The lakes here prettily reflect hazy sunrises, while middle-class Kolkatans jog, row and meditate around the tree-shaded parkland that was once the site…