The City of Joy Kolkata has several spectacular places, and Biswa Bangla Gate is one of the most popular places. The Biswa Bangla Gate, a stunning architectural wonder that captures the spirit of Bengal's traditional history and modern aspirations, is located in the centre of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. This landmark building serves as more than simply a gate; it also serves as a metaphor for the state's rich heritage, different customs, and progress towards a prosperous and diverse future.
Keep reading this article to the end to get detailed knowledge and information on Biswa Bangla Gate. Kolkata Tales is happy to help you.
Background and Origins of the Biswa Bangla Gate:
The idea for the Biswa Bangla Gate originated in the creative minds of the West Bengal government, which sought to build a landmark that would honour the state's distinctive cultural heritage while projecting a modern and forward-thinking image. "Biswa Bangla" means "Global Bengal," and it refers to the goal of presenting Bengal's identity worldwide.
About Biswa Bangla Gate and its Architecture
The Biswa Bangla Gate, created by famous architect Abin Chaudhuri, combines traditional and modern Bengali architectural elements. The most recent jewel in Kolkata's crown is Biswa Bangla Gate, popularly known as Kolkata Gate. Few prefer the name "Welcome Gate" for it.
Two 55-meter-high arcs each carry a viewing gallery ring that is 25 metres or more above the ground. The ring, which has a diameter of around 220 metres, offers a bird's-eye view of the entire area. This Gate was opened on January 31, 2019, by Mamata Banerjee, the current chief minister of West Bengal. The construction was begun by HIDCO (Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation) on March 6, 2017, approximately two years earlier.
It can accommodate more than 150 visitors at once. However, per design and construction, 50 visitors are the maximum allowed for now. Unexpectedly, this gate cost somewhere about INR 25 crores.
Glass drapes over the four pillars and covers the circle-shaped area. 55 metres is the total height of the arches. Two flights of steps, three lifts, one service lift, and the observation platform are all accessible.
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM are the two sessions when the fine dining cafeteria is open. Cuisines from the continents of China and India are available. Take a look at these Unique Items 'Nalen gutter ice cream, DAB ice cream, and traditional Bengali meals are all available.
What You Can Enjoy at Biswa Bangla Gate
The observation platform is an enclosed, climate-controlled space that offers a 360-degree view of Kolkata New Town. When you get to the floor, a souvenir store offers paintings, wall clocks, and key chains. The walls of the gallery are covered with paintings that are inspired by West Bengal's culture, art, and notable individuals. A restaurant arrangement occupies the majority of the observation gallery and is operational from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM.
Cafe Ekante is a modest restaurant that is open during the day. You can purchase items such as drinks, ice cream, shakes, and puffs. You can take a seat anywhere and enjoy the busy city streets below. A top perspective of the Rajarhat and Newtown region can be seen from this spherical gallery. You can certainly take photos and videos inside the gallery.
What Facilities are available at Biswa Bangla Gate
Other basic services at Kolkata Gate include:
Restrooms.
A waiting area.
Filtered and cold drinking water.
A baggage facility (on the ground floor).
You must leave bags, food, tobacco and other goods at the bag drop station before using the lift. There is a stairway for the emergency exit on each arc, but it is always locked for obvious reasons. There is free parking available to all guests just in front of the ticket window.
Cultural Depictions of Biswa Bangla Gate
Its focus on displaying the varied cultural characteristics of West Bengal is one of the Biswa Bangla Gate's most outstanding qualities. Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and the renowned Bishnupur terracotta temples are all shown in great detail on the delicate panels of the gate, along with images from well-known Bengali literature. These representations honour Bengal's history while highlighting the region's contributions to literature, art, and human intellect.
The Biswa Bangla Gate is a representation of inclusivity and unity in addition to its architectural and cultural value. It illustrates Bengal's multicultural population by uniting individuals from varied linguistic, cultural, and historical backgrounds. This message of harmony is especially pertinent in today's society, which places a greater emphasis than ever on celebrating differences.
Entry Fees of Biswa Bangla Gate
Adults generally have to pay INR 100 for the ticket. From bookmyshow.com, you can buy an entry ticket for INR 100, which would ultimately cost you INR 106. Display the confirmation number at the ticket counter once you've made your reservation for the desired time to receive a printed ticket. After purchasing the ticket, you cannot change the day or time. Visit BookMyShow to purchase the ticket online. Children under the age of 3 are free.
Gate Timings of Biswa Bangla Gate
Monday is closed due to scheduled maintenance. The Gallery is open from 12 PM to 6 PM. There are 3 sessions, each lasting 45 minutes: 12 PM, 4 PM, and 5 PM. No visitors can stay longer than their allotted times.
More information on Biswa Bangla Gate Cafe Ekante Restaurant
The only restaurant in Biswa Bangla Gate is Cafe Ekante. Prices seem reasonable but keep in mind that the view from this gallery is breathtaking.
There won't be a separate restaurant ticket. The visitor will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
However, the guest may make a reservation for 20% more money through apps and online services. But just 30% of the entire number of seats are available for reservation.
To reserve a seat, you can phone 84201-05555, 84201-22200 (12 PM to 6 PM, excluding Monday), and 8334065345 (9 AM to 6 PM).
The observation gallery/restaurant at the top has free Wi-Fi and a selfie area.
Any corporate body or organization may reserve the viewing gallery between the hours of 7 AM and 11 AM for Rs. 20,000 for up to 50 people for an hour. For any such reservations, please get in touch with the manager.
HIDCO retains the right to ask any visitor to disembark and leave if they violate the regulations or behave in an inappropriate way. The penalty will be paid in accordance with the guidelines above without any reimbursement.
Upon leaving, each customer entering the restaurant will receive one coupon, which must be returned to the security personnel.
For dinner, a minimum charge of Rs. 500 per person, tax included, is required.
Address
Biswa Bangla Sarani, Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area 1, Narkel Bagan, Newtown, West Bengal, 700156, India
How to reach Biswa Bangla Gate
By Air:
The closest significant airport, if you're flying in from a distance, is Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. To get to the Biswa Bangla Gate from the airport, use a cab or a ride-sharing service. The distance from the airport to the gate is around 16 to 20 km, and depending on traffic, the trip often takes 30 to an hour.
By Bus:
S30, AC12, AC23A, S12E, S9C, S53, S14C, etc., are just a few of the buses that are available almost everywhere in Kolkata.
Taxi and Auto Rickshaw:
In Kolkata, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are widely accessible. You can reserve a cab or use a ride-sharing service to get to the Biswa Bangla Gate from your destination.
In Kolkata, auto-rickshaws are a popular form of transportation. They are used for short distances and are smaller than taxis. Before beginning the ride, haggle over the fee with the auto-rickshaw driver.
You could think about walking if you stay close to the Biswa Bangla Gate, especially if the weather is nice. However, remember that in some sections of Kolkata, the traffic and road conditions might be difficult for pedestrians.
Rules and Regulations to follow at Biswa Bangla Gate
Several additional guidelines for your visit
Spitting or leaving trash is not permitted under any circumstances.
Each instance of littering or spitting will result in a 500 INR fine.
Outside food is not allowed in Biswa Bangla Gate Premises.
It is completely forbidden to smoke or chew any kind of gum or gutkha.
CCTV cameras are positioned throughout Biswa Bangla Gate.
We have provided extensive information regarding Biswa Bangla Gate above. We hope the article satisfies all of your needs. Why, then, do you wait? Visit Biswa Bangla Gate as soon as you can in Kolkata, and definitely! Don't forget to tell us about your experience.
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FAQs
Which station can you find close to Biswa Bangla Gate?
The rail terminal that is closest to Vishwabangla Gate is Sealdah Railway Station. You can take a taxi or cab to Biswabangla Gate from this location.
At the Biswa Bangla Gate, is it permissible to take pictures?
At the Biswa Bangla Gate, tourists are typically permitted to take pictures. Excellent photo ops result from the elaborate patterns and ethnic representations.
Is parking available near Biswa Bangla Gate?
Yes, parking is available around Biswa Bangla Gate.
What message is conveyed by the Biswa Bangla Gate?
The message of the Biswa Bangla Gate is to embrace modernization and progress while preserving Bengal's rich cultural history. It stands for harmony, diversity, and the international reach of Bengal.
Which time of day is ideal for visiting the Biswa Bangla Gate?
The Biswa Bangla Gate is open all year round for visitors. However, if you wish to avoid the heat of the day, early mornings or late evenings are sometimes thought of as good times to explore.
When would be the ideal time to visit the Biswa Bangla Gate?
Year-round access is available to the Biswa Bangla Gate. In contrast, early mornings or late evenings are frequently seen as excellent times to explore, particularly if you want to avoid the daytime heat.
Can I purchase souvenirs from the Biswa Bangla Gate?
Even while there may not be a separate souvenir store at the Biswa Bangla Gate, shops or marketplaces close by sell souvenir items with Bengali themes.