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Marble Palace

Location: Chorbagan, 46 Muktaram Babu Street

Time to visit: 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. (The Marble Palace is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).

Preferred timing : 10 A.M.- 12 P.M.

Admission Fee : Nil (Prior permission is required from West Bengal Tourism Department)

How to reach : Local buses, metered taxis ply regularly from various parts of Kolkata. One can also hop into the charming Kolkata tramcars.

Photography / Video charges: Photography strictly prohibited.

Nearest Railway Station: Howrah.

Nearest Metro Station: Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Nearest Functional Metro Station: Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Nearest International Airport : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Time required for sight seeing : 2 hours.

The sheer grandeur of Marble Palace located at the busy Chorbagan area of Kolkata will mesmerize you. The palace was built by one of Bengal's richest landlord - Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur in 1830.

A lot of thought and planning was involved as far as the architectural features of this strange but palatial edifice is concerned. Although, the Gothic style of architecture is predominant, on careful observation, you will find that there is a harmonious blend of Roman, Greek and Oriental style of architecture, which are also prevalent in this palace of outstanding beauty and grandeur.

Since the palace was built at a time when Kolkata was the capital of British India, it is but natural that the aristocratic Mullick family who built this wonderful palace had the tacit support of the local British administration. In fact, the name "Marble Palace" was given by Lord Minto, perhaps because of the fact that the entire palace was built using an astounding 126 varieties of marble procured from various parts of India. Many renowned architects, both Indian as well as Europeans were involved in designing this masterpiece.

On the frontal facade of the palace is a beautifully landscaped lawn where you will find exquisite sculptures and statues of Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, Christopher Columbus and Lord Buddha. The sculptures of lions are amazing and speak volumes about the quality of craftsmanship.

As you walk upstairs, you will come across fully mirrored rooms, which showcases rare works of Reynolds, Rubens and Murillo. The painting of Rubens depicting Catherine's wedding is absolutely stunning and is a top draw with visitors. The palace has art and historical relics of 90 countries across the world, which literally makes it a virtual treat for art connoisseurs. Apart from this, an amazing 82 varieties of exquisitely decorated antique clocks are on display at this palace.

The sheer grandeur and opulence of this palace makes it a perfect site for shooting films. A number of Tollywood films have been shot at this magnificent palace.

Once you have explored the interiors of this enchanting palace, make it a point to visit the North Western façade of this palace, which has a sparkling lake with a graceful fountain at the middle. The serene atmosphere of the lake makes a perfect hideaway for stressed out tourists.