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- Destinations
- Asia
- India
- Kolkata
- Marble Palace
Marble Palace
One of Kolkata's most unusual sites, this palace was built by a
local member of the 19th-century gentry in a marvelous patchwork of
classical architectural styles. Lavish use is made of Italian
marble, and the lawns contain an eclectic pantheon of statues
including Christopher Columbus and the Buddha. The Marble Palace is
a place of drama and dilapidation - and unsurprisingly, has
frequently been used as a movie set. It remains a private
residence, however, so you'll have to arrange a permit to view the
interior (a worthwhile activity, if only to gawk at the impressive
art lining the walls). Next to the palace, you'll find the Marble
Palace Zoo - the first zoo opened in India, it is now primarily an
aviary, housing peacocks, hornbills, pelicans, storks and
cranes.
Information & Facts
Address
46 Muktaram Basu Street (off Chittaranjan
Avenue)
Admission
Free, but visitors must obtain a prior permit from the
West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau. These offices are located
at 3/2 Benoy Badal Dinesh Bagh (East), Kolkata.
Language
Although English is generally used for official and
business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by
about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common
with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official
languages
Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into
100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at
banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to
obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in
India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is
illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is
advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart
from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small
denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely
accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs
are not generally available.
Opening Times
Open from 10am to 4pm (daily except Mondays and
Thursdays)