Kalighat Kali Temple

কালীঘাট মন্দির

One of the 51 Shakti Peeths, and the shrine the city is said to be named after.

About Kalighat Kali Temple

Kalighat is counted among the Shakti Peeths, the places where parts of Sati’s body are believed to have fallen. The present temple, in the Bengal aatchala style, was completed in 1809 with the backing of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family. The image is unlike any other: three large eyes, a long gold tongue and four arms. The temple stands on the Adi Ganga, the old course of the river. A recent redevelopment has added a skywalk and cleared the approach.

Why visit

One of the oldest and most revered shrines in the city.

What to see and do

The image of Kali
The aatchala temple and natmandir
The lanes of shops selling offerings and Kalighat-style pats

Plan your visit

Area: Kalighat, South Kolkata
Nearest landmark: Kalighat Road, off SP Mukherjee Road
Best time: Morning. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
Time needed: About 1 hour
Cost: Free
Entry: An active place of worship that admits visitors; its own rules apply. Open to worshippers and visitors daily with a midday closure; exact hours are not currently verified.
Metro: Kalighat or Jatin Das Park (Blue Line), about 10 minutes’ walk
Walking: Some walking
Photography: Photography is restricted. No photography inside the temple.

Tip

Tuesdays, Saturdays and festival days are very crowded. Ignore touts who offer to "arrange" darshan for money; the queue is free.

Nearby and related places

Kalighat Patuapara: The south’s own idol-makers’ lane, near the temple.
Greek Orthodox Church: A Doric temple-fronted church of the 1920s, beside the Kalighat tram depot.
Lake Market: A neighbourhood market with a South Indian flavour.
Agri-Horticultural Society Gardens: A walled garden founded by William Carey’s society, known for winter flower shows.
Suruchi Sangha Durga Puja: New Alipore’s award-winning theme puja.
Maddox Square: A neighbourhood park famous for the adda at its Durga Puja.

Walks that include it

South Kolkata Cultural Trail: Temple town to the lake

More guides

Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.