Welcome to South Park Cemetery, located in Kolkata India. One second you are walking through the chaotic streets full of hundreds of people, and hussling vehicles. Then the next you step into what feels like an ancient world looking for lost treasure.
Build in 1767 South Park Street Cemetery, formerly known as the 'Great Christian Burial Ground', was one of the earliest non-church cemeteries in the world. The cemetery houses numerous graves and monuments belonging to British soldiers, administrators, and their families.
Over the years there have been numerous attempts at destroying the cemetery, due to funding for colonial graves being withdrawn after the independence of India, and another when they wanted to turn the area into an arts center. In the early 2000's though a restoration project was launched to conserve the cemetery's heritage and prevent its further deterioration.
So if you're ever in Kolkata and wish to satisfy your itch for adventure, I highly recommend you take a walk down South Park Cemetery, as this is a place you'll always remember.
Image Above: The sight you see as you first enter South Park Cemetery.
The cemetery is considered to be an important example of colonial-era architecture, with its Gothic-style tombs and monuments, mixed with the rich flavor of the Greek, Egyptian, and Indo-Saracenic styles. In certain instances, elements from Hindu architecture and Islamic tombs have also been adopted. Many of the monuments in the cemetery are adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and epitaphs. The structures are primarily constructed of sandstone, marble, and bricks, and feature a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from simple headstones to grand mausoleums.
Every angle you look in this place there is another monument that catches your attention, waiting to be appreciated and photographed.
Whether you're a travel blogger looking for your next epic travel destination, or your a wanna be treasure hunter. This place is a must see on your trip to Kolkata.