Attractions of Kolkata

Kali Temple

Kali represents the destructive side of Lord Shiva: legend has it that when the corpse of his wife was cut up, one of her fingers fell here. It has since become an important pilgrimage site, but is not popular with the goats who are slaughtered here each morning to satisfy the godess’ blood lust.

Also known as Kalighat, the Kali Temple was rebuilt in 1809 on the site of the actual temple from which Kalikata (anglicised to Calcutta) took its name. Next door is Mother Teresa’s Hospital for the Dying Destitute, where the Missionaries’ important work can be observed first-hand. The temple and hospital are 2km (1.2mi) southeast of the zoo.