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Lal Dighi Kolkata Address: south of Howrah Bridge, BBD Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700001, India
Lal Dighi is one place that automatically transports you to a time when, under the British Raj in India, Kolkata was at her prime. It is also quite popularly known as ‘Tank Square’ or ‘Dalhousie Square.’ Historically, it is one of the most iconic places in the country with regards to the infamous Battle of Lal Dighi that was fought around this place.
History of Lal Dighi Kolkata
Lal Dighi had been in existence long before the arrival of Job Charnock and the establishment of East India Company’s trading settlements. Originally, the local name for the park was ‘Lal Bagh’ or ‘Lall Bagh’ owing to the name of the area of location. Entwined in its name, an anecdote resides. The park acquired its name as Lal Dighi owing to the celebration of the festival of Holi, that resulted in the pond turning red or crimson in colour.
The enclosure of a court house owned by Lakshmikanta Roy Majumdar Choudhury was acquired by Charnock and turned into a residential area of the Company’s officials and storehouse of its records. The plot became a recreational spot for the British until the Battle.
Following this, the waterbody was neglected for a score year until Warren Hastings launched a project that made Lal Dighi the purest source of water in the city. Lal Bagh was the pivot of the British settlement primarily residing at Fort William and European garden houses close by. The water from Lal Dighi supplied water only to the British residents.
Architecture of Lal Dighi Kolkata
Lal Dighi is a man-made water body that spans across an area of about twenty-five acres. Surrounded by lush green trees, you can witness a panoramic view of the skyline of the city of Kolkata. It is surrounded by historic buildings such as the General Post Office, Writer’s Building and the Reserve Bank of India, Andrew’s Church, etc. The waterbody also performs its duty of a reservoir for water pumps in the BBD Bagh complex.
Image Gallery of Lal Dighi Kolkata
Location and How to Reach Lal Dighi Kolkata
Lal Dighi is located at BBD Bagh. There are several ways in which you can get to this prime location, such as:
Bus: Local buses plying on the route to BBD Bagh is one of the cheapest modes of transport to Lal Dighi. The nearest bus stops are GPO, Telephone Bhawan and BBD Bagh Tram Depot. It’s a short walk from there.
Train: There are ample local trains that bring you to the area. You need to get off at BBD Bagh station. You need to walk from here or avail an auto-rickshaw to Lal Dighi.
Metro: You could also board a metro to Lal Dighi. The nearest metro station from the park is Esplanade or Chandni Chowk. You could either walk to the park or take the S24 bus to Telephone Bhawan.
Cab: The most comfortable mode of transport is to hail a cab. The nearest landmark is the Calcutta High Court. You can also choose to opt for a private cab from top car rental companies in Kolkata and have a hassle free ride within the city.
Places to visit near Lal Dighi Kolkata
Lal Dighi’s location is at one of the most historically rich sections of the city of Kolkata. There are ample places you can drop by around the place. These include:
1. Indian Museum: This is one of the oldest museums in the world and the second largest in India. It is home to unique antiques, paintings, armour, etc.
2. Nakhoda Masjid: Witness one of the most beautiful architecture at this mosque which is an imitation of the mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Fouzaan at Agra.
3. New Market: Drop by the oldest market in the city for some retail therapy!
4. Street-food: Other than the oldest market, Esplanade is also home to an array of delectable food that will not only make your stomach full but please your mind and souls.
The origins of Lal Dighi remain a complete mystery. There are several stories that have come to light over the course of time but none has evidential foundation to them. While you sit by the lake, enjoy the soft breeze on your face while watching a gorgeous sunset, you will feel yourself transported back in time.
For a fun filled holiday experience, Kolkata Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA offers Kolkata Tour packages at pocket friendly prices. You can choose the package depending on your budget and duration of your stay. Make the most of your holiday by visiting hand picked tourist attractions of Kolkata in the comfort of a private cab. Please fill the Contact Us form and we will get back to you.