FORT WILLIAM
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
The mighty edifice of Fort William is situated in the city of Kolkata, on the Eastern bank of the Hooghly River. Built in the year 1696, the fort is named after King William-III and was the first stronghold of the British in the country. The magnificent structure is spread over 70.9 acres and is embellished with hundreds of arched windows that overlook lush green gardens. Meticulous stonework adorns the surface of the building and it took as long as took ten years to reach completion. However, it was soon realized that the building had a few loopholes and a new octagonal building was constructed whose foundation was laid by Sir Robert Clive.
Over the course of its existence, Fort William has served a number of purposes, each of which was in stark contrast to the other. Initially, it comprised of wings and an inner bastion where prisoners were hauled which is why it was known as 'the black hole of Calcutta'. Today, Fort William is the property of the Indian Army and has a capacity of accommodating up to 10,000 army personnel. It also serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Command. Due to its importance with respect to Indian intelligence, access to the interiors of the fort is limited to army personnel and their relatives. However, you can visit the palace for its stunning architecture.
Suggested time duration
4 Hours
Crowded Period
Weekend
Best Season To Visit
November to March
Do's & Dont's
- Do not enter restricted zone, which is meant for your safety.
- Do not consume liquor.
Architecture
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Timings
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Adult Entry Fee | Child Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Days | 10:00 AM | 05:00 PM | 20 | 10 |
Transport Connections
| Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
 Babughat Bus Stand |
1.4 KM | 7699993930 |
 Princep Ghat Railway Station |
500 MTRS | 139 |
 Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport |
24 KM | 03325118036 |
What to Carry
- Carry Water Bottle and Snacks
Suitable For
Adults
Elderly
Children
Infants
Facilities
Toilets
Restaurants
Parking
Parking is Available for 10 Cars
Nearest Town
| Town Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Kazipada | 7 KM |
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