kolkata travel from

Best Kolkata Travel Guide for the first timers

Kolkata , West Bengal

Last Updated on: Jan 4, 2023  

Well, what can we say about Kolkata ? It is our hometown, a place that we love dearly. To be honest, only after we became travel bloggers, did we understand the beauty and charm of the “City of Joy” , a sobriquet that is given to Kolkata. Kolkata is rich in heritage and is full of interesting places interspersed in every corner of the city. We have travelled to many places and written about them as well. But somehow, we have not yet written anything about the places to visit in Kolkata. Maybe we were hit by the ‘ hometown syndrome ’! Nevertheless, we have now written this Kolkata Travel Guide that will tell you about the tourist places in Kolkata , special attractions and all the offbeat places that are known only to the locals! This Kolkata Travel Guide is just perfect for your first time visit to the city.

Kolkata is a chaotic city. Not as big as Mumbai or Delhi , the city thrives on its people, culture and past. Calcutta, as it was known earlier was the first British capital before it was shifted to Delhi. The city is almost 300 years old and is an eclectic mix of the splendid decaying past and the promising new future. The British had built some amazing buildings during their heydays and today Kolkata flaunts the colonial-era architecture with pride.

Kolkata or Calcutta is known as the cultural hub of the country. The vibrant city has produced some of the best writers, poets, performing artists and works of literature. Even today, there is no doubt that Kolkata is the hub of all the cultural activity of the country. Kolkata is also a foodie’s paradise. The Bengalis (people of Bengal) love their food and also love to treat their guests with sumptuous dishes. And those who told you that Kolkata food is only about Maach-Bhaat (fish and rice), then they are absolutely wrong.

We can actually go on and on about the place that is so dear to us. But let me just stop here and write about the places to visit in Kolkata, places to eat and other interesting facts about the city. For foreign nationals visiting Kolkata for the first time, the city can give you quite a shock. Kolkata can be quite overwhelming for the first-timers , for that matter, you can say this for any Indian cities. But Kolkata will gradually grow on you. For no reason, the Kolkata is known as the city with a heart! You need to stay here to believe that.

Kolkata Travel Guide | How to reach Kolkata?

Kolkata is located in West Bengal in the eastern part of India. Kolkata has an international airport (Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport). The distance of Kolkata airport from Esplanade (considered to be almost in the heart of the city) is about 16 km.

Otherwise, Kolkata is well connected with other cities of India by flights all through the day.

India has an extensive railway network and one can travel anywhere in India by train. Kolkata has 3 important railway stations – Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata Terminus, Howrah Station being the busiest of all. All the three stations are well connected by trains from almost all the parts of India.

I would not suggest travelling by bus, if the distance is more than 200 km. nevertheless, buses are available to Kolkata from the neighbouring towns.

Kolkata Travel Guide | How to get around Kolkata?

Getting around Kolkata is not very difficult. There are plenty of options to move around the city.

Metro: I always suggest Metro as the best mode of transport, but the problem in Kolkata is that the metro line is not yet extensive. It runs only through a particular area, and though it has been extended, it is not enough to cover the entire city. However, new metro lines are being laid. But we are not quite sure when they will be operational. Metros are clean, fast and cheaper mode of transport in Kolkata. Ticket price starts from Rs 10 to Rs.25.

Local Buses: Local buses in Kolkata are a bit of a challenge. Not that you will have a problem communicating, but getting on and off the local buses are a bit tough. However, the government-run AC buses are better in this respect. Local buses are quite a cheap form of transport.

Yellow Taxis, Ola & Uber: Kolkata is also known for its iconic yellow Ambassador taxis. Once they used to be the main form of cab services in the city. And it was always a great deal of excitement for us as children to hop on a yellow taxi and drive around the city. But the yellow taxis do have a bad reputation. If the taxi drivers understand that you are not a local, he will try to extort the maximum fare from you. And this especially happens with foreigners. Be aware, that all these taxis have a meter and you have to pay according to the meter reading.

There are pre-paid taxi counters at Howrah Station, Sealdah Station and Airport from where you can get taxis to anywhere in Kolkata at a prescribed rate. This is a good form of travel, as you do not have to bargain with the taxi driver here.

Finally, there is the Uber and Ola that will take you anywhere in Kolkata.

Rickshaws: For short distances, there are rickshaws that will take you around. Kolkata is the only city that still has hand-pulled rickshaws . But the rickshaw pullers do it voluntarily and it is the sole decision of the rider whether they want to sit on a hand-pulled rickshaw. As a child, I would enjoy these rickshaw rides, but now, hand-pulled rickshaws are a strict no for me.

Local Trains: Kolkata has a local train network that is far more extensive than the metro. They are a cheaper mode of travel and you can travel to almost any part of the city. But a word of caution, the train becomes really crowded during the morning between 9-11 AM and in the evening between 6-9PM. This is the time when mostly office goers commute.

Trams in Kolkata

The Kolkata tram is the oldest operating electric train system in Asia. Once, the trams used to connect every part of the city. But with modern time and faster transport options, trams have almost become redundant. Yet, some tram routes are still working in Kolkata, mainly because it is a part of our heritage. A tram ride in Kolkata is a pleasant experience and you can take a tram ride only to get a feeling of it. I think it is no longer a practical mode of transport.

Kolkata Travel Guide | What is the best time to visit Kolkata?

Kolkata has a tropical climate with warm weather almost all through the year. The city mainly has three types of seasons – summer, monsoon and winter with very small autumn and spring. Summers are quite hot and humid. Monsoons are going to be wet and humid. Winters are cold with clear skies.

The best time to visit Kolkata is between the months of October to March.

October and November: This is the autumn season with clear blue skies and warm weather. Humidity is still there though. This is one of the best time to visit Kolkata as Durga Puja, the largest and craziest festival of the Bengalis are celebrated in October (sometimes it is late September as well).

December to March: December to mid-February is the winter season when the weather remains cold and less humid. This is the best time to visit Kolkata. This is the time when various fairs and festivals are held in Kolkata. Kolkata Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs is held in the month of January.

April to May: These are the summer months and Kolkata is quite hot and humid during this time. Perspiration is the most common difficulty you will face and exploring the city during the day time can be quite taxing.

June to September: Usually the monsoon months, but for the last 2 years, monsoon have been pushed to mid-July. Weather is hot and humid again and rain can play spoilsport in your outdoor plans. But nowadays travellers brave the rain and go out all right. So carry a rainwear or umbrella if you are visiting during this time.

Kolkata Travel Guide | Top Tourist Places to visit in Kolkata

As I said earlier, Kolkata is a mélange of the old and new. A part of the city is the old and decaying one trying to hold on to its past. Here the roads are congested, houses are old and joined to other and there are numerous alleys and boulevards. This part is definitely the older Calcutta. The other part is the swanky modern one with flyovers and malls and modern offices and apartment – the new Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial

One of the most elegant and grand monuments located right in the heart of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial is a must-visit attraction of Kolkata. The white marble structure is perhaps one of the most opulent structures to be built by the British in Calcutta. Victoria Memorial was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 25 years of rule over India. Spread across an area of 64 acres, the white marble structure is surrounded by well-maintained gardens.

Victoria Memorial is one of the favourite destinations of the Kolkatans as well. Come winter, and you will see hundreds of people on the lawns of Victoria Memorial. There is a museum as well that houses a number of antique items.

Timings: The Garden remains open from 5.30 AM to 6.15 PM everyday. The Victoria Memorial Hall (museum remains open between 10AM to 5 PM. The Museum remains closed on Mondays.

Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians and INR 200 for foreign visitors.

Nearest Metro Station: Maidan Metro

Kalighat Temple

Kalighat Temple is one of the most revered temples of Kolkata and Goddess Kali is considered to be the guardian deity of the city. It is often said that the name of the city has been derived from Kalighat, but this fact is historically inaccurate. Kalighat Temple is believed to be one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of Hinduism. The right foot of Devi Sati fell here while the Rudra Tandava of Lord Shiva.

The idol inside the temple is made of black stone. An interesting feature of the Goddess Kali of Kalighat temple is the long protruding tongue, made of pure gold.

The Kalighat Temple is always busy with devotees flocking down to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the divine Goddess. Be careful of your belongings while you visit the temple. Buy Puja offerings from the vendors only if you wish to pay offerings inside the temple.

Timings: The temple is open from 5 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 10.30 PM

Entry Fee: Nil

Nearest Metro Station: Both Kalighat Metro and Jatin Das Park Metro

Howrah Bridge

The most iconic structure of Kolkata is perhaps the Howrah Bridge. Built across the Hooghly River, it forms the gateway to Kolkata connecting the city to Howrah Station. The Howrah Bridge is said to be the fourth busiest cantilever bridge in the world with thousands of people travelling across the bridge while entering and leaving Kolkata. The bridge is 1528 feet long and 62 feet wide.

If you are coming to Kolkata by train, you might have to cross the Howrah Bridge to enter Kolkata. You can get a great view of the iconic bridge from a boat ride on the Hooghly River.

Dalhousie Square

Kolkata is actually a city of many firsts. It was the first city in India to have a Page 3 newspaper. It was the first city in India to have an authentic Italian restaurant (not your Dominos Pizza and Pizza Huts), the city was the first to have a metro line as well. And many of these firsts bear testimony in the Dalhousie area.

Dalhousie Square area was known as the “White Town” during the British era. After the Battle of Plassey, the British shifted the capital of Bengal to Calcutta and built it with the aim of making it the “Second City of the Empire”. They were successful and it is evident by the presence of a number of colonial architecture in the Dalhousie Square area. Walk by the Raj Bhavan, explore around the GPO, take a peek into the Company stables and rest your feet by the Lal Dighi. You can also visit the St. John’s Church area as well. And while you walk along the area, listen to the interesting tales from the past.

Indian Museum

Indian Museum was founded in 1814 and is the largest and oldest multipurpose museum not only in India but also in the Asia Pacific region. In Kolkata, it is fondly known as “ Jadughar ”. The Museum contains a collection of contemporary as well as old paintings (Mughal paintings are also present), Buddha relics, Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures. The museum also has a rare collection of antiques, ornaments, fossils and skeletons and many more. Currently, there are 35 galleries in the museum.

Opening Time: Opened on all days of the week except Monday

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (March to November) and 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (December to February)

Entry Fee: INR 20 (For Indians) INR 500 (For foreign tourists)

Nearest Metro: Park Street Metro

If you are reading about Kolkata, then you must have heard about the famous Durga Puja of the city. Kumartuli is the place where the Durga idols are made. The place is the residence of the “kumors” or potters who had settled down in the area during the early eighteenth century. Before the Durga Puja (held in October), the lanes and mazes of Kumartuli becomes busy with the idol makers working on their craft. You can visit Kumartuli and see the idol makers working. But be careful as you walk so as not to harm the idols in any way.

Nearest Metro: Sovabazar Metro

Mallick Ghat Flower Market

Just below the Howrah Bridge, the chaotic and loud market of flowers, the Mullick Ghat Flower Market is located. It is the largest flower market of Kolkata and is obviously a photographer’s delight. The market starts at 4 AM in the morning as the flower sellers from the nearby areas pour in with their merchandise – various flowers in this case. The market is overcrowded, dirty and completely chaotic, but this is where you see a colourful and raw Kolkata without any pretensions.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Just near the Victoria Memorial stands the elegant and beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is considered to be the first Episcopal Church of the eastern region. The church built in all-white looks majestic and has a beautiful architecture. You can enter the church and sit there quietly for some time. photography is not allowed inside the church.

Nearest Metro: Rabindra Sadan Metro.

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

John’s Church

St. John’s Church is one of the oldest churches to be built in Kolkata. It is not only a religious site, but also has immense historical importance. The church is a repository of old historic documents related to Kolkata. The land on which the church was built was initially a burial ground. The garden around the church still has a number of graveyards, the most significant of them being the tomb of Job Charnock, who is believed to be the founder of Kolkata.

Timings: 8AM to 5PM

Location: 2/2, Council House Street. The church is located near Raj Bhavan

Princep Ghat

Princep Ghat or Prinsep Ghat is one of the most beautiful places in Kolkata where you can simply sit and enjoy. Located beside the banks of the Hooghly River, the pristine white structure with the second Hooghly Bridge at the background looks just majestic. The Princep Ghat is one of the best examples of the colonial architecture and one of the grandest monument built to access the riverfront.

You can visit Princep Ghat and sit around the huge lawn surrounding the structure. You can also take a boat ride on the Hooghly River. There is a railway station by the same name, which is a stop for the circular railway in Kolkata.

How to reach: There is no metro station nearby. If you are coming from Howrah, take a ferry ride across the river to reach Princep Ghat. Otherwise, Uber, Ola and the yellow taxi of Kolkata will bring you here from anywhere in Kolkata.

Dakshineswar Temple

Another famous and revered temple of Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the oldest in Kolkata. It was founded by Rani Rashmoni in 1855, Ramkrishna Deb, the highly revered religious ascetic used to be the main pandit of Dakshineswar Temple.

Dakshineswar Temple is located about 20 km from central Kolkata at the banks of the Hooghly River. On the opposite bank of the temple is the famous Belur Math. Dakshineswar Temple receives a lot of visitors almost every day. You can visit the Temple and Belur Math together. Ferry services are available from Dakshineswar Ferry Ghat to Belur Math Ghat.

Belur Math is the headquarters of Ramkrishna Math and Mission and represents the idea of Universal faith. The mind behind Belur math was Swami Vivekananda, the famous disciple of Sri Ramkrishna, who had taken the message of Hinduism to the western world. Belur Math is also located on the banks of the Hooghly River and is regarded as “Symphony in architecture” as it combines Hindu, Islamic, Christian and Buddhist architectural elements to symbolize the unity of religion.

Belur Math is quite a serene place where you can spend some time sitting and meditating. The peace in the Belur Math campus would be quite a pleasant experience.

Mother House

The Mother House is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity that was founded by Mother Teresa. The house served as the Mother’s residence since1953 till her death in 1997. Her body was laid to rest in a tomb inside the house. You can visit the tomb and a small museum displaying her personal belongings.

Location: Ripon Street

Entry Fee: Free.

Botanical Gardens, Shibpur

Botanical Gardens or Acharya Jagadish ChandraBose Indian Botanic Garden is located on the west bank of River Hooghly at Shibpur. The garden covering a huge area of 273 acres was established in 1787. The garden contains about 12000 perennial plants. The main attraction of Botanical Gardens is the colossal banyan tree known as the Great Banyan Tree. This tree forms the second largest canopy in the world. Botanical Garden is like a breath of fresh air near Kolkata. There is a lot of walking to be done here, so wear comfortable shoes.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM everyday except Mondays

Entry Fee: INR 10 (for Indians) and INR 200 (for foreigners)

Eco Park, New Town

All these long, I had told you mainly about heritage places in the city. If you want to see the modern Kolkata, then a visit to Eco-park in New Town is a must. Eco Park or Eco-tourism Park is an expansive urban park designed to promote ecotourism in the city. The park has been built across a huge area of 480 acres and has a number of interesting gardens and places.

The most interesting attraction of the Ecopark is the Seven Wonders of the World where replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World are built across the park. There are various gardens like the tea garden, butterfly garden, mask garden, fruit garden, rose garden etc inside the park. A huge water body surrounds the park and boating facilities are also available there. Ecopark is a great place to spend time as well as to get some knowledge about Kolkata and Bengal.

Just near the Gate No.3 at Eco Park stands the Mishti Hub, a novel concept wherein most of the famous sweets shops in Bengal are found under one roof. Here you will get some of the best sweets of Kolkata, all under one roof. This is just the place to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Timings: During summer between 2.30 PM to 8.30 PM. For Sundays and Holidays, the park remains open from 12 PM to 8.30 PM. During the winter season (November – February) between 12 PM to 7.30 PM. For Sundays and Holidays, the park remains open from 11 AM to 8.30 PM. The Park remains closed on Mondays.

Entry Fee: Rs.30 per person. Inside the park, individual activities have individual rates.

Things to do in Kolkata

Where to stay in kolkata.

In Kolkata, you will find hotels of various ranges and types all through the city. A google search on the best places to stay in Kolkata will give you areas near Esplanade and Sudder Street. Infact, Sudder Street is the first choice of most of the foreign tourists visiting in Kolkata.

If you want to stay in the heart of the city where you can see the city in her full form, then stay near Esplanade, Park Street or Sudder Street.

If you want to stay somewhere near the airport, then try for hotels near New Town and Chinar Park.

Kolkata does not have the hostel culture developed yet, but there are a couple of hostels in the city. You can check out Offbeat CCU.

Kolkata Travel Guide | What to eat in Kolkata?

Kolkata is a foodies’ paradise. The Bengalis love their food, be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian. The street food in Kolkata is one of the best. Kolkata food has Bengali cuisine influence all right in its street food and snacks, but you will get food from other regions here as well. Street food of Kolkata includes lip-smacking rolls, phuchkas, bhelpuri, papri chat etc.

While in Kolkata, you must taste the Bengali cuisine. Bengali food is not only about fish and rice, but much more. But it is definitely about sweets and lots of sweet dishes. Bengalis love their sweet treats and no Bengali meal is ever complete without the quintessential rosogolla.

Some of the best places to have Bengali food are:

• Kasturi (our personal favourite)
• 6, Ballygunge Place
• Bhojohori Manna
• Oh! Calcutta
• Mitra Café (only for snacks and treats)

Other well-known restaurants of Kolkata that you might try out

For Biriyani & Kebabs:

• Indian Restaurant at Khidirpore
• Shiraz Golden restaurant

For Chinese

• Mainland China
• Buddha Bites
• Any restaurant at Chinatown in Tangra

Just remember, Chinese in Kolkata is mostly Indianized Chinese that has evolved catering to the taste of local population. You might not get authentic Chinese experience here. But even then, this Chinese version is also just too good!

Continental

• Peter Cat, Park Street (One of my favourites)
• Moulin Rouge, Park Street (I absolutely love the ambience here. This place still has a piano that is played in the evening)
• Mocambo, again at Park Street
• Barbeque Nation

Kolkata Travel Guide | Interesting places to visit near Kolkata 

From Kolkata, you can make a day trip or 2 days trip to a few places like Sunderbans, Shantiniketan and Mandarmani. Each of the places has its own speciality and will be a different experience.

For day trips near Kolkata, you can visit Chandannagore (erstwhile French Town), Bandel Church, Hooghly Imambara and others.

What are the best places for shopping in Kolkata?

Kolkata has a lot of interesting shopping places. Kolkata has different markets for different items. The New Market, Esplanade Market and Gariahat market are shopper’s paradise. You will get clothes, shoes, fashion items, jewellery, food and household items in all these markets.

New Market happens to be one of the most favourite places for Kolkata shoppers even in the times of glitzy malls and high-end shops. As a child, we were told that at New Market, you get almost everything. We still believe in that till date. For all things Bengali and traditional, visit the Dakshinapan Market at Gariahat.

College Street is the market place for book and education items. Again, it was said that if you do not get a book in College Street, perhaps that book never existed. You just need to look for it.

And if you are looking for Malls, then there are South City Mall at Prince Anwar Shah Road, City Centre at Salt Lake, City Centre II at New Town, Acropolis near Ruby etc.

Kolkata Travel Guide (FAQs answered)

Q. How many days are required?

The number of days depends on what you would like to do in the city. Usually Kolkata serves as a stop for travellers before travelling further to Darjeeling and northeast India. Minimum of 2 days are required to explore Kolkata and cover the important places to visit in Kolkata.

Q. How is the mobile connectivity and Internet?

Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal and has proper mobile and internet connectivity.

If you are a foreign toursit arriving at Kolkata and looking for a Sim Card, you can check Sims Direct .

Q. Is Kolkata expensive?

Well, Kolkata can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. Generally, Kolkata is not an expensive city to live. You can probably break the cost of your travel in Kolkata in the following way:

Accommodation: This cost is as per your choice. You will get rooms at hotels at as low as Rs500 while there are expensive 5-star properties as well. In general, the cost of accommodation can be between Rs1500 to Rs3000 for a good budget hotel.

Food: Food can be quite cheap here. Within Rs500 you will get all the three meals and more.

Transport: Public Transport is cheap in Kolkata compared to other Indian metros. If you can travel by public transport, then you can reduce your cost to a considerable amount.

Q. What about the nightlife in Kolkata?

It might not be as happening as in Mumbai, but Kolkata has an active nightlife. There are some amazing bars, pubs, clubs and lounges that are hosts to the thriving party scene of the city. Most of the nightlife in Kolkata is concentrated in the Park Street area. If I had to name a few, then they would be:

• Someplace Else , Park Street – one of the most famous pubs in the city
• Roxy , Park Street – upscale cocktail bar
• Shisha Bar , Camac Street
• Tantra , Park Street – stylish lounge
• Nocturne , Theatre Road – Nightclub

And yes, Kolkata is absolutely safe at night. I have travelled after midnight in the city without any problem.

A few things you should be aware of while visiting Kolkata

• Please be wary of over-friendly taxi drivers on your arrival, be at the airport or railway station. I am not saying that they are bad person, but they will usually try to extort a larger amount for taxi fare, more so if you are a foreign tourist. I would suggest you go to the prepaid counter at the airport or railway station and take a taxi to your hotel or accommodation. At other times, ask the yellow taxi drivers to go by the meter.
• Be easy about the street food you eat. You might get a stomach problem if you are not careful.
• Also, watch out for the water you drink. Don’t just drink water from anywhere, especially tap waters.

There are lots more things to do in Kolkata, a lot more places to visit. This Kolkata Travel Guide is designed for first-timers in the city which will help you get acquainted with the city. If you are visiting Kolkata and have any questions, please feel free to ask us in your comments or just send us a mail.

Pin this for a later read!

Agni Amrita

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28 comments.

Hoping to go to this city soon, came across your site while looking up details. Helpful and lots of info, thanks so much !

A must visit place in Kolkata, the collection is huge and it will take 1-2hr to see all the sections properly. They also exhibit different art, paintings, photographs, and other collectibles from time to time. Please watch my presentation on the archeological section of Kolkata Museum

Thank you for mentioning about your collection here. Hope you will have more visitors.

Kolkata is my Favourite place i was born in kolkata thank you for sharing this lovely blog

Thank you Rahul!

Great blog and very interesting information. Do you have any good recomendation for hotels around “Esplanade, Park Street or Sudder Street”, for a Solo travellers where luxary is not a requirement

Very Nice explanation . Can I get any pdf version of this guide details?

Sure. How do I send it?

This is a great post. One of my favorites was being respecful with the culture. I always love being totally present in the moment and be aware of what I’m living.

Very great content. Nice reading this blog.

Very good explanation of every topic .It describe the culture and life style of kolkata.

The post is informative. You explain every traveling guideline in an informative manner.

Thank you so much.

You well explain. Very useful information. This information make my journey easy.

Good blog with genuine information. Thanks for writing.

Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I am planning to visit kolkata in next navratri. This info would help me a lot

Dear Team Excellent report. My heartfelt thanks to you. I am planning to visit Kolkatta next month with my daughter for about 4 days. Now i have a good idea to plan my trip. Thank you once again.

Regards Ram

Hello Ram! Thank you so much for stopping by our blog. Hope you have a great time in Kolkata with your daughter. And do let us know how your trip went

It’s very helpful to learn in advance about the best behavior at the place you plan to visit. Thanks for the great tips and useful advice.

Thank you so much!

Lots of hard work done. Great Job!

You have done a good job. Travellers will find your blog very useful. Keep on doing Best wishes

Thank you so much! Glad that you liked it!

It was nice reading your blog. Marvelous work!. A blog is brilliantly written and provides all necessary information. Thanks for sharing this useful post with us.

Thank you for your kind words.

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Kolkata (Calcutta)

India’s third-largest city is a daily festival of human existence, simultaneously noble and squalid, cultured and desperate, decidedly futuristic though still in transition. By its old spelling, Calcutta readily conjures images of human suffering to most Westerners – although that's not a complete picture of this 330-year-old metropolis. Locally, Kolkata is regarded as India’s intellectual, artistic and cultural capital. Although poverty is certainly apparent, the self-made middle class drives the city's core machinery, a nascent hipster culture thrives among its millennial residents and its dapper Bengali gentry frequent grand colonial-era clubs.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Kolkata (Calcutta). Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Victoria Memorial

The incredible Victoria Memorial is a vast, beautifully proportioned festival of white marble: think US Capitol meets Taj Mahal. Had it been built for a…

Botanical Gardens

Despite being an awkward journey by public transport, Kolkata’s lovely 109-hectare Botanical Gardens makes for a great place to escape from the city’s…

Set very attractively amid palms and manicured lawns, this large religious centre is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, inspired by 19th-century…

Kumartuli Idol-makers

Countless clay effigies of deities and demons immersed in the Hooghly during Kolkata’s colourful pujas (offering or prayers) are created in specialist…

Marble Palace

Built in 1835 by a raja from the prosperous Mallick family, this resplendent mansion is as grand as it is curious. Its marble-draped halls are overstuffed…

Tagore’s House

The stately 1784 family mansion of Rabindranath Tagore has become a shrine-like museum to India’s greatest modern poet. Even if his personal effects don’t…

Indian Museum

India's biggest and oldest major museum celebrated its bicentenary in February 2014. It's mostly a lovably old-fashioned place that fills a large…

A vast expanse of green in the heart of the city's brick-and-mortar matrix, the Maidan is where Kolkata's residents congregate for walks, spirited cricket…

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Ultimate Kolkata Travel Guide | 25 Best Things to Do in Kolkata

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In this Ultimate Kolkata Travel Guide, I’m going to share 25 Best things to Do in Kolkata.

Despite Kolkata (aka Calcutta) being once the capital city of India , the thought of visiting Kolkata always intimidated me.  From other travelers and Indians, I’d talked to,  I got the impression it must’ve been the armpit of India ~ poverty and disease-ridden, old, crumbling… Hence, it took my third trip to muster the courage to make it to India’s former capital.

The moment my airport taxi hit the road, I immediately sensed I’d like … no, love this charming, historical, and utterly unique city!

Delhi and Mumbai fell in my eyes; Kolkata beat them with its charm, friendliness, and an old colonial character, completely reframing my experience of an Indian city.  I experienced Kolkata culture shock but it was not what I expected. If you ask me about all the cities I’ve visited, Kolkata is one of my top Indian gems and a city worth spending time in!

This Ultimate Kolkata Travel Guide includes:

25 Best Things to Do in Kolkata Where to Eat in Kolkata Useful Information for Travelers Travel Tips for Solo Travelers Getting Around in Kolkata Where to Stay in Kolkata

Table of Contents: Ultimate Kolkata Travel Guide | 25 Best Things to Do in Kolkata

• 1 Kolkata Travel Guide
• 2.0.1 1. Esplanade
• 2.0.2 2. Mullick Ghat Flower Market
• 2.0.3 3. Howrah Bridge
• 2.0.4 4. Howrah Station
• 2.0.5 5. Kumortuli
• 2.0.6 6. Khalighat Temple
• 2.0.7 7.  Tour of the Colonial Architecture
• 2.0.8 8. City Tour by West Bengal Tourism Department
• 2.0.9 9. College Street (aka Book Market)
• 2.0.10 10. Sealdah Station
• 2.0.11 11. Kolay Market  | Burabazzar
• 2.0.12 12.  Kolay Market laborers
• 2.0.13 13. Indian Museum
• 2.0.14 14. New Market
• 2.0.15 15. Jorasanko: the Childhood home of Rabindranath Tagore
• 2.0.16 16. Bowbazar & Marble Palace
• 2.0.17 17.  Mother Theresa’s Tomb
• 2.0.18 18. Day Trip to Sundarbans
• 2.0.19 19. Durga Puja Festival
• 3 Top Attractions of Kolkata (Watch Kolkata Travel Guide Video )
• 4.0.1 20.  Kolkata Food Walk
• 4.0.2 21. Decker Lane
• 4.0.3 22. Mohan Bhandahar
• 4.0.4 23. Ganesh Chandra Avenue (in Bowbazar)
• 4.0.5 24. Makhan Lal Das & Sons
• 5.0.1 25. Fairlie Place (Railway Booking Center for Foreign Tourist Quota Tickets)
• 5.1 Communication: Internet and Indian SIM Cards
• 6 Is Kolkata Safe for Solo Travelers?
• 7.0.1 From the airport
• 7.0.2 Types of Transportation in Kolkata
• 7.0.3 Book bus and train tickets in advance
• 8.0.2 What are your best things to do in Kolkata recommendations for this Kolkata Travel Guide?
• 8.0.3 Related Posts
• 8.1 India Travel Videos: India for Solo Travelers (WATCH THIS BEFORE YOUR TRIP!)

Kolkata Travel Guide

25 best things to do in kolkata.

Kolkata is the capital of India’s West Bengal state. and formerly the capital of India when it was under the British Raj in 1773.  Today it’s a city with a traditional soul, colonial architecture, cultural festivals, lots of car honking and street food . So come along. I’m going to show you my favorite highlights of this unique city.

1. Esplanade

The Esplanade district is a buzzing district that is very Raj-esque in architecture and history. Colonial architecture is present as well as a bit of every man’s shopping area. It’s also the crossroads where you can find a lot of transportation from long-distance buses to trolleys. Nearby hotspots: BBD Bagh, Indian Museum.

2. Mullick Ghat Flower Market

Mullick Ghat Flower Market in Kolkata’s biggest and busiest flower market . Flowers are an essential part of life in the city and are sold for temple prayers, wedding decorations and festivals. Arrive 8 am in the morning to see the flower sellers haggle, negotiate and transport their bundles. Unlike what you see in photos, there are very few female vendors.   The majority of transactions occur between men.

Getting there: It’s next to Howrah Bridge on the opposite side of Howrah Station.

3. Howrah Bridge

Spanning the width of the Hoogly River , you have Howrah Bridge , a steel and iron landmark bridge connecting central Kolkata (and the Mullick Ghat Flower Market ) to Howrah Station . Early in the morning, you can see people going to their daily worship, and taking a bath in the river. A great place for people-watching, you’ll see daily commuters, travelers and work porters transport goods and big bundles of goods at all times of the day.

When you come to India, you will see a lot because India is truly amazing.  Getting There : sandwiched between the  Mullick Ghat Flower Market and Howrah Train Statio n. You can take one of the many buses en route to Howrah Station and have them drop you near the flower market.

4. Howrah Station

Howrah Station is Kolkata’s second railway station and one of India’s largest ! It’s said that an estimated two million people arrive and depart by Howrah station each day.

Note: Getting from the airport to Howrah Station should take at the least 45 minutes, but expect it to take over an hour if you’re traveling during peak traffic hours or during a festival. It’s further than Sealdah Station and you have to cross the river.

Read Ultimate Guide to Indian Trains

5. kumortuli.

Kumortuli or the potter’s colony of Kolkata was by far one of the most fascinating highlights of the city for me. The colony is known for their production of clay idols of Hindu gods and goddesses. I visited before the big Kali festival, so many sculptors were busy at work sculpting Kali goddess statues.

There are hundreds of potter shops and their work supplies Kolkata and is exported throughout India.

It was helpful to be accompanied by a guide I had for a half-day tour with Viator . While much of Kumortoli seems self-explanatory, wandering the shops alone might have felt a little awkward for me.  Having a guide helped me to get closer to my camera.

6. Khalighat Temple

Khalighat temple is the main pilgrimage temple for devotees of Kali. Being the main site, it’s very busy.   There are street vendors and touts trying to usher you in and sell you places to park your shoes and it’s a little too nutty for me now.  If you come at night, there are a lot of festivities where you’ll see a lot of people here and there are a lot of shops to go to.

Read Things to Do in Sikkim, Yuksom

7.  tour of the colonial architecture.

Kolkata was once ruled by the British Raj, so the colonial architecture is a feature of the city.  The most well-preserved architecture is in the BBD Bagh area, which houses government institutions and it’s best to hire a guide or take a city tour in order to understand what to see.

I took a half-day city tour with Viator to learn about Kolkata’s history, see its colonial architecture in the impressive BBD Bagh district, visit the sculptor colony of  Kumortoli and witness the madness of  Burrabazaar /Kolay Market . The tour also took me into the more local pockets of the city.   I got my own personal driver and having an English-speaking guide to share insights into the landmarks was invaluable!  Although I don’t think we were able to cover everything that was mentioned on the website’s itinerary, we covered a helluva lot in a matter of a short time and it was a solid city tour.

8. City Tour by West Bengal Tourism Department

Alternatively, the West Bengal Tourism Department ( www.wbtdc.gov.in ) offers a Kolkata day tour for 450 rupees.  The itinerary doesn’t mention the obvious places mentioned in your guidebook, but depending on your focus or budget, it’s still a viable option. I was unable to take this tour–the office was not easy to find –and it was best to book in person.  But it provides additional sightseeing to your stay.

9. College Street (aka Book Market)

College Street is also known as  Boi Para (aka Book Market ), Asia’s largest book market,  a shining testament of the reading culture of the people of Kolkata. You’ll find every imaginable type of text, in many languages from Bengali to Dutch. First and rare editions from Bengali authors Rabindranath Tagore (see his works ) and Jibanananda Das and more you will find here.

10. Sealdah Station

There are two main train stations in Kolkata  ( Howrah Station & Sealdah Station ). Sealdah Station is one of the busiest railway stations in India. It’s located centrally in the city and one you’d ideally like to arrive in due to that fact. Meanwhile, Howrah Station is further crossing the river, past Howrah Bridge. What defines Sealdah for me is that it’s a stone’s throw from Kolay Market . While I wouldn’t say it was the BEST thing to do, it is a place I wanted to list here because travelers will have to pass through one of these stations. This would be an easier station to arrive at if your hotel was located in the heart of the city.

Getting There from the airport: The station is not accessible via metro. You will need to take either, a city bus or an airport taxi to Sealdah Station.

11. Kolay Market  | Burabazzar

Opposite Sealdah Train Station, Kolay Market is a bustling wholesale market that sells vegetables in wholesale bundles. It is HUGE. Produce comes in from all parts of India and then gets auctioned off and goes back out. Some parcels of produce can weigh up to 400 Kg and four to five persons carry this from the main road off the truck and into the market.

Read Best Things to Do in Darjeeling

12.  kolay market laborers.

So if the sheer quantity of produce in Kolay Market doesn’t impress you maybe this will. .. The Kolay Market laborers that unload and transport those heaping bundles work in long shifts and sleep nearby so they can be the first to unload trucks that arrive. Some bundles might take one man, while others may require 4 or 5. They earn about 500 Rupees  a day. How’s that for a day’s hard work?

13. Indian Museum

Indian Museum (aka the Magic House .) founded in 1814, it is the oldest museum in India and the most impressive one I’ve seen yet. It’s a spacious museum of artifacts, anthropology, and interesting zoology exhibitions. Highly worth the 50Rs to enter. Admission: 150 rupees for foreigners. 50 rupees if you want to take a camera inside. Website :

Getting there: Between Park and Esplanade metro stations.

14. New Market

New Market , otherwise known as the Hogg Market, is a covered shopping area with over 2000 shops selling anything from clothing to sweets and spices. It’s interesting to see what stocks Kolkata’s kitchens and you’ll definitely get to see some of it.

Being vegetarian it’s definitely hard for me to see all these chickens (and butchers right next door, de-feathering and chopping them up). But put in this context it makes me realize that everyone has to survive in their own way.  While a majority of India is vegetarian due to religious and dietary reasons, there’s still a meat-loving society as well.

Getting there: You can reach it either through Park or Esplanade metro stations, slightly closer to Esplanade. From Chowringhee Road, take a left onto Chowringhee Place, then right onto Betram Street.

15. Jorasanko: the Childhood home of Rabindranath Tagore

If you want to understand a bit about why Kolkata loves literature, visit Jorasanko . Nestled in Bowbazar is the childhood home of Rabindranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore is the Bengal poet laureate famous for being the first non-European Nobel Prize winner of Literature. He is one of the icons of Calcutta, next to Mother Theresa.

16. Bowbazar & Marble Palace

Bowbazar ( The Black Town of Northern Calcutta ) is the heart of the Bengal community with its hidden residential villas and palaces. Many wealthy, high-status families lived there once, with Victorian mansions and this is where the arts thrived. The ostentatious Marble Palace is one example. I wasn’t able to take photos there so I did not include it in my video, but it is a 19th-century unique neo-classical palace constructed by art lover and philanthropist, Raja Rajendra Mullick.  The palace is built of all marble with kitschy collectibles, along with a rock garden, a lake and a zoo.

17.  Mother Theresa’s Tomb

Mother Teresa devoted her life to the sick and poor in Kolkata. You can visit Mother Teresa’s tomb, room, church, and school at The Mother House Of The Missionaries Of Charity   Interested in volunteering in Kolkata? Read more about volunteering for the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata .

Tip: Visit Mother Theresa’s tomb

18. Day Trip to Sundarbans

Looking for a day trip tour to Sundarbans ? Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage because it’s the largest mangrove site in the world, where you can spot deer, many bird species, various fauna, and if you’re lucky you might spot a Bengal Tiger!

19. Durga Puja Festival

Durga Puja Festival is an annual Hindu festival celebrating the female goddess warrior Durga. The festival is celebrated big-time by Bengali, Assamese, Odia, and Maithals. Thus, it is a huge festival in Kolkata, where  Durga Puja artists bring the festival to life through their craft of creating Durga floats, and statues and adorning the goddess with lights, so there are many puja tours around town, celebrating highly decorated Durga pandals (aka temporary structures).

Read How to Plan your first trip to India

Top attractions of kolkata (watch kolkata travel guide video ), where to eat in kolkata.

Kolkata is a foodie capital best known for its street food . What Bangkok is to Thailand , or Osaka is to Japan, is what Kolkata is to India …for me. It is a street food kitchen of the country.  While Indian foods range by the region and it might be unfair to other cities like Mumbai or Delhi , you’ll find street food galore walking down certain blocks of this Bengali city.

Read more on Best Street Foods in Kolkata .

20.  kolkata food walk.

If you feel timid about trying new foods, highly recommended is the Kolkata Food Walk . It’s a tour run voluntarily by local foodies, where you get to taste the best and most mouthwatering street food in Kolkata at scandalously inexpensive prices.   You’ll pay for the foods you try and you’ll get to try a lot! Come with an empty stomach.  This is an exceptional food tour run strictly by volunteers, so a donation is suggested; please, tip your guide well!

For food tour options, check out this 15 Taster Private Food Tour and  Evening Food Walk Tour

21. Decker Lane

In the BBD Bagh district, you’ll find Decker Lane, a street that is like a buffet line of street food vendors.  You’ll find food hawkers line the sidewalk with samosas to chai, Chinese noodles, chat, and … a stroll down this street is like a walk down a buffet line. For a few rupees (costing anywhere from 5 to 45 cents USD), you can have a mouthwatering feast.   When in Kolkata, eating street food is a must.

22. Mohan Bhandahar

Mohan Bhandahar  was a sweet shop where I had kachori sabzi . The shop was made famous by the Bollywood film Piku and was visited by Amitabh Bachchan. You’ll see photos of the star there. But the kachori sabzi is literally finger licking good.

Read 26 Best Bollywood Films to Excite Wanderlust

23. ganesh chandra avenue (in bowbazar ).

Right off Ganesh Chowk Metro, you’ll be welcomed by Broadway Hotel (the hotel I stayed at) and Ganesh Chandra Avenue in the Bowbazar district and several street food hawker stalls which line both sides of the street selling things from jhal muri to Hakka Chow mein (influenced by Chinese immigrants).

24. Makhan Lal Das & Sons

Makhan Lal Das & Sons is a 200-year-old sweet shop known for their hand-crafted sweets, and popular Bengal desserts (such as Ras Malai, Jol-Bhora,   Malai Chumchum, Chocolate Misti, etc… )and their 2rs Shondesh . I visited their Ballygunge location, although it’s original shop is inside Notun Bazar of the Jorabagan and that is where they sell the 2Rs shondesh.

Read:  Street Food Safety Tips

Useful information for travelers, 25. fairlie place (railway booking center for foreign tourist quota tickets).

If you’re booking onward travel via railway and your hotel or travel agency can’t book it for you (aka the trains you want are full), you’ll be directed to  Fairlie Place . Fairlie Place is the official railway booking center and the place where you can check on and reserve foreign quota train tickets (generally, a few train seats on each train are reserved for foreign tourist travel and if your train is booked full, there’s a chance there may be a seat open if you’re a foreign traveler.  Doors open around 8A or 9A.   Location: Strand Rd, Fairley Place, B B D Bagh, Kolkata. Is a 15-minute walk from the Mullick Ghat flower market .

You can see schedules and book trains and VIP/long-distance buses/flights on your own online, but trains aren’t easy. You’ll need to register with the IRTC and then register at  Make My Trip and link the two accounts together. I can’t remember what type of credit card is accepted; just that a Visa (what I don’t have) is okay.

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Read Best things to do in Pelling, Sikkim

Communication: internet and indian sim cards.

A data plan with internet is essential for me as a travel blogger. Many budget guesthouses in Kolkata do not have WiFi and internet cafes are not common. My first day, I went shopping for a place to buy SIM cards. While my hotel was keen to offer advice about getting a SIM from the shop around the corner, it was actually not easy to find. So I went to the official Vodaphone store on Esplanade street. It’s a few blocks from the subway and near a tech mart on the corner.

Read more about Getting an Indian SIM and mobile hotspots, USB internet sticks, etc .

Is Kolkata Safe for Solo Travelers?

There are many things that give Kolkata its charm and character . It’s by far one of my favorite cities, but as I mentioned I was initially intimidated visiting here.

Firstly, while Kolkata has its history with Mother Theresa’s work, you won’t find sick people all around the streets (and no more than you would see in India; India, I’ve noticed can have human anomalies I’ve never seen before like a three-legged calf ). Kolkata is no more or less dirty than any other city in India. It’s well-maintained and I found it more charming than Mumbai  (which actually felt dirty to me) or Delhi . But like any city, sanitize your hands before you eat.

I found Kolkata to be one of the more friendly cities with more gentlemen and less staring. It could be because I’m Pacific Asian and can pass as Tibetan , Sikkimese  or Nepalese , but I still think I come across as a tourist. Touts and scams are not high here. In fact, Kolkata was one of the most laid-back urban Indian cities I’ve traveled to.

With most Indian cities, I’d say for women, to be back to their hotels by around 10 pm (although I have stayed out later for filming).  Indian society as a whole is conservative. There is an idea that gauges a woman’s decency or impropriety, by how late she is out at night.  An Indian woman out on the streets past 11 pm might be considered morally loose, which can be a problem for women returning from work late at night .  For tourists, it’s hit or miss , but generally, Indian men may consider foreign female travelers as more morally loose than their own women.  Keep street smarts about you everywhere you go in general.

Packing Tips for India

Getting around kolkata, from the airport.

It’s best to take the prepaid taxis and book it from the taxi counter inside.  They will give you a ticket which you’ll give the driver.

Note: There is only one ATM inside the airport in arrivals, but there is also a money changer.  If the ATM is down, you might be directed to one outside the airport. Keep in mind, once you leave the airport, you cannot come back in.

Tip: Save time, stress and book a private airport transportation

Types of Transportation in Kolkata

Getting around Kolkata isn’t so difficult. Aside from the standard Ambassador taxis, you can get around using the city bus, tram or metro.

The metro is the easiest and inexpensive way to get around most sightseeing parts of the city. There are places the metro can’t reach that the city bus can, such as Mullick Ghat Flower Market and Howrah Bridge.   If you’re using the bus, ask locals or an officer to help you find one and hail it… sometimes you have to flag it down) or an auto-rickshaw (maybe even a shared one! For intrepid travelers on a budget , keep your eyes peeled for  shared autorickshaws . Used by locals, the shared rickshaw drops passengers along a certain route. Often you’ll notice them waiting around gathering passengers and you can ask if they’re going to your location. The driver won’t leave until he has a full vehicle and locals are typically charged a fraction of the normal cost. Travelers still might pay a tourist price but it’s worth the experience, being squished between Indian passengers as you witness how many can pile into your car.

Read Complete Guide to Transportation in India

You’ll see old blue   cable car trams and these are often headed to the BBD Bagh area , which is known as the government area, where you’ll also see much colonial architecture.

As I mentioned in this list, there are two main train stations — Sealdah Train Station and Howrah Station. Read more on  taking Indian trains and getting a foreign tourist quota .

Book bus and train tickets in advance

Book your Kolkata trip tickets in advance. I used 12GoAsia to book transportation for my Thailand trip .

Where to stay in Kolkata

At the time of research on Booking.com  and countless websites and blogs, many decent budget hotels in Kolkata went around the price range of $14-30. The less central you are, the cheaper it can get. However, one thing to note is accessibility to transportation and city highlights. Hostels aren’t a term  in India, but recently, a hip and boutique hostel chain opened up for modern travelers (wifi available). Note: Service Tax On Room Tariff in Kolkata @ 8.4% for Hotels

Backpackers Park- Affordable hostel with great location. Mixed and women’s dorm facilities, shared kitchen and serves breakfast on the premises.  16 minute walk to the Grand Esplanade Metro station.

Check out more hostels: list of top hostels in Kolkata

Broadway Hotel – This hotel takes you back into time. Kolkata’s oldest hotel since 193t, I stayed here. It was in an ideal location for me, across the street from Chandni Chowk metro station . An old Ambassador-styled hotel with an attendant in the lift, the rooms feel spacious, clean, and comfortable. It can feel very antiquated to some, but it’s part of the interesting charm. You also get the daily Kolkata newspaper delivered to your door. There’s an Art Deco-styled restaurant which tends to be popular with guests and locals.  Front desk receptionists are helpful. Watch my video (below) and read my review .

Midrange Boutique

Calcutta Bungalow   2.1 miles from the city center his two star bed & breakfast has the look and feel more of a 3 star boutique! 9.4 ratings on booking.com, it is adorable! Cute, heritage aesthetic and architecture this hotel transports you back in time. Airport shuttle available for extra fee.

Fairfield by Marriott is 7.5 miles from Sealdah Railway Station and in a great location of New Town. With an 8.5 rating the facilities offer a great value with a budget price! For the price, it’s a steal.

Elgin Fairlawn Kolkata is a private enclave that takes you back in time, with English/Irish breakfasts and a faint taste of the colonial period. Located in the heart of downtown Kolkata. Next to the Indian Museum and a stone’s throw from New Market

 The Grand Oberoi – For those looking for pampering,  The Grand Oberoi is located in the heart of the Esplanade area next to the Indian Museum. If you want to know where celebrities go, you’ve found it. It has its own gated driveway with uniformed valet and bellhops to give you colonial hospitality.

12 Tips to finding Hotels in India

What are your best things to do in kolkata recommendations for this kolkata travel guide, related posts.

How to Eat with your hand in India

5  Essential Travel Tips for India

Tips on Indian Culture

 Staying at Indian Ashrams

Choosing the Right Yoga  School

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The Best Kolkata Itinerary for 3 days – A mini travel guide

Last Updated on April 18, 2024

This is a short travel guide and a suggestive Kolkata itinerary to prepare you for your first visit to the city of joy.

Kolkata is my city, the city where I grew up in. Kolkata, formerly called, Calcutta is the cultural capital of India, and a gateway to the eastern part of the country. Like any other big city of India, Kolkata can be overwhelming and confusing, and takes time to grow on you.

So, if you have a short time to see Kolkata, you need to plan well ahead. No worries, that’s exactly why I am writing this post.

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

Short on time? Save a quick glance of Kolkata in 3 Days

You can jump to the detailed itinerary and tips here .

A Quick Outline

A Brief Overview

Kolkata is one of the four original metropolitan cities of India. If you are travelling to India, it’s a convenient entry or exit point as it has one of the busiest international airports in the country. It is also the gateway to the North-East region of India.

Want to extend your trip beyond Kolkata? Escape to the Eastern Himalayas for the unforgettable views of Kanchenjunga – the world’s third highest peak.

Kolkata used to be the capital during the British colonial period. It was the nucleus of various social reforms during the 19th century spearheaded by luminaries in the field of art, science, and literature. This is often referred to as the Bengal Renaissance because of the deep impact it had on Indian society.

Interestingly Kolkata was also the center of India’s struggle for freedom from British imperialism.

Kolkata’s history is also checkered by tragedies like the Calcutta riots, partition, and the great Bengal famine of 1945.

This small introduction is necessary to understand the culture of Kolkata and the nature of the people there.

You will find some of the friendliest people in the city. Many of them are highly educated, culturally rooted, and politically opinionated .

You will also notice the poverty, and social inequality that stares at your face like nowhere else (except maybe in Mumbai). A series of political changes at the state and national level since British rule has led to Kolkata’s economic downfall.

The city lives in its past glories, and a sense of nostalgia resonates everywhere.

Now before I take you on a virtual journey through my city, I’d like to share the best travel sites for vacationing in India.

Sites I Recommend For Your Kolkata Trip

🏨 Booking.com  for the best hotel prices (Price match and free cancellations)

🛏️ Look out for hostels in Kolkata on Hostelworld

🚗Get discounts on package tours and special experiences with Viator

💸Secure your vacation with travel insurance from Visitors Coverage

🚶🏼‍♂️ Free walking tours on Freetour

Kolkata Itinerary for 3 days – At A Glance

Kolkata has somehow earned the reputation of being filthy and overcrowded. Having lived in multiple big cities all over India I can say it’s partially true, but completely unfair. Large parts of Kolkata are just as dirty as large parts of Mumbai.

Some of the heritage areas of North and Central Kolkata are dirty, like Kumartuli (the potter’s town), Barabazaar (the big market), Sobhabazaar (where you find the centuries-old residential buildings of the affluent), etc. The historic Kalighaat Temple is not somewhere I would take a first-time visitor to on a 3-day trip if I were the guide.

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I’d recommend starting with the Esplanade and Maidan area, which happens to be one of the most well-planned parts of the city. This is where you will find the famous Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum , wide tree-laden walkways leading to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Birla Planetarium , and Prinsep Ghat.

The next day you can tread into North Kolkata, which is like Old Delhi or Old Hyderabad. Here you will find red-tainted colonial buildings, hand-pulled rickshaws, and a bucket-load of nostalgia. 

You can spend the whole of day two visiting the cultural precincts of old Kolkata or head further North to the New Town . It is the newest part of the city, well-planned, glamorous, and aspirational, with decorated highways, an amazing modern architectural complex, and many parks.

On the third day, you can do an excursion to Dakshineswar Kali temple and Belur Math . Let me take you on this virtual tour over three days in Kolkata.

Day 1 in Kolkata – Explore the heart of the city

Arrive early at the airport and freshen up at your hotel for a long day. I’d recommend you stay near Esplanade and Park Street because they’re in the heart of the city.

Besides you will have access to the best restaurants and nightlife, Metro station, and bus connectivity. Hopefully, you will be able to start your trip by 11 a.m.

Alternatively, I recommend these walking tours in Kolkata on your first day.

• Kolkata in Detail & Food Hopping – A free walking tour
• 3-Hour Heritage Walking tour that covers entry fees and pick-up and drop

Visit Indian Museum

Indian Museum – The oldest museum in Asia

Start your day with a trip to the Indian Museum, the largest museum in the Asia Pacific and one of the oldest in the world. Founded in 1814 by the Asiatic Society, this multipurpose 3- 3-storied museum houses galleries of art, archaeology, geology, and industrial and zoological collections.

You will find a vast collection of rare artifacts, fossils, etc., including a 4000-year-old Egyptian mummy. It’s a great way to start your trip. But have a time-check because we have a lot to see today!

Opening time: 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays and National Holidays

Victoria Memorial

From Indian Museum, take a cab to Victoria Memorial.

Established in 1901, this is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. This white architectural masterpiece was made in memory of Queen Victoria, soon after her death. It is a fusion of European and Mughal architecture that draws great inspiration from the Taj Mahal.

The resplendent garden of Victoria Memorial remains open from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. You can see budding artists painting, families playing in the parks, lovebirds looking to steal some private moments, and shutterbugs all around.

The hall of the Victoria Memorial houses an exquisite collection of original paintings, western and Indian, rare photographs, and manuscripts. You will also find artwork made by prisoners of the Alipore Jail.

Shopping and Lunch at Esplanade

After exploring the two largest and most historic landmarks of the city, you must have realized that it’s late in the afternoon and you’re tired. Take a short cab ride to Aminia, one of the best restaurants in this area. There are many other restaurants and eateries here.

After lunch, you can head to New Market for shopping . Formerly called Hogg Sahib’s Market in the name of its founder, New Market is one of the oldest and best shopping destinations in India. A vast area of shops inside a red brick building is one of the heritage areas to explore and shop to your heart’s delight.

From fashionable garments and jewelry to cakes and rare herbs, you will find everything under the same roof. Near the Esplanade metro station, there is a long line of street hawkers selling all kinds of stuff like watches, sunglasses, perfumes, etc.

St Paul’s Cathedral

So, after a lunch and shopping break, we can continue with the city tour and reach St Paul’s Cathedral. It is one of the most austere churches I have seen in India. Located at a walking distance from the Victoria Memorial the church stands adjacent to the Birla Planetarium .

If you have time, I strongly recommend you visit the planetarium for a show with kids, but you may not be able to accommodate it in a 3-day itinerary.

Besides the British, Kolkata has been home to Jewish, Armenian, Scottish, and Portuguese communities as well. It’s one of those rare cities where you can visit the places of worship of more than 8 different religions – Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, Tao, Jews, and maybe even more.

I highly recommend exploring these in a Church Walking Tour here .

Prinsep Ghat

Next on our list today is the Prinsep Ghat, another beautiful white building located at the riverfront. This is an ideal place to visit in the evening to watch the sunset and enjoy the cool evening breeze of the Ganges.

It is one of the most romantic destinations in Kolkata so photographers throng here for pre-wedding photo shoots and sunset shots.

It’s my favorite place in the city and I have a full article dedicated to the Prinsep Ghat of Kolkata . You will find the old circular railway line, the colorful boats sailing in the river, and the stunning sunset at the Second Hooghly Bridge, aka, Vidyasagar Setu.

On the other side of the sunset is the iconic Howrah Bridge , the only cantilever bridge in India.

Millennium Park

Now if you have the energy to walk 2 km along the beautified riverfront with trees, blossoms, and fountains on both sides, you can reach the Millenium Park.

This will give you a closer view of the Howrah Bridge . This is just a small recreation park where you can spend time admiring the river. However, you can skip this if you are tired.

Birla Mandir

The last stop in our day will be the Birla Mandir, a temple dedicated to Hindu God Krishna and his consort Radha. This is a beautiful white temple located in Ballygunge, about 6.5 km from the Prinsep Ghat, so take a cab from here or at Millennium Park.

It’s a magnificent piece of architecture made of marble and sandstone. The Birla family, an illustrious business family based out of Kolkata commissioned this temple in 1970. It took 26 years to complete this temple and it was finally opened in 1996.

Dinner at Ballygunge

You can have your dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place, one of the most famous multi-cuisine restaurants in Kolkata. This is located just 650 meters away from the temple. There are many other options for fine dining in the area like Spice Craft, Kasturi, etc.

Day 2 in Kolkata – North Kolkata and Beyond

On Day 2 we will start early after a healthy brunch and head to north Kolkata. You may be lodged at the heart of the city, but its soul lies in the narrow, dreary alleys of North Calcutta.

It’s a good idea to visit the West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau, located in BBD Bag before you begin your exploration for the day. It will give you an idea of all the places of attraction and help you plan your day.

If you plan to visit the Marble Palace, you need to collect a pass from WB tourism compulsorily.

Marble Palace (optional)

Marble Palace is a 19th-century palatial mansion that was established in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick, the wealthiest Bengali merchant of his time. This is private property, so you need prior permission from the West Bengal Tourism bureau .

Built in the neoclassical style of architecture, this is a great place for lovers of art and architecture. It has a humble collection of paintings, but you can cover this place in less than 30 minutes.

Open timings: 10 am to 3 pm, closed on Mondays and Thursdays

Mullick Ghat flower market (optional)

A rather unique experience in Kolkata is a visit to the Mullick Ghat flower market. It is believed to be the largest flower market in Asia and is especially exciting for tourists from the West. The chaos, the crowd, and the cacophony leave up to the Indian stereotype quite well.

On a serious note, the market has great historic and cultural significance, so it’s a good place to include in the itinerary.

Make sure you reach there early in the morning (around 6 am) to catch the spectacle of fresh flowers being cut and prepared for the sale. Else, you may as well skip it and start your day with the Marble Palace instead. 

I highly recommend this guided tour for a trip to the flower market.

Jorasanko Thakurbari – The ancestral house of Rabindranath Tagore

If you don’t know about Rabindranath Tagore, you should certainly read up. He is the first non-European Nobel Laureate but that’s just the tip of the iceberg called Tagore. He is the shining star of Bengal Renaissance, the one who is fondly remembered for his countless musings that Bengalis hum and recite in their everyday lives.

Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the ancestral home of Tagore and has galleries dedicated to his life and works in India and abroad. The highlights of this house are the separate galleries funded and maintained by the government of China, Japan, the US, and Hungary in his honor.

Depending on your interest you can spend 1-2 hours here and also come back in the evening for a light and sound show.

Open Timings: 10:30 am to 5 pm, closed on Mondays

Kumartuli – The Potter’s colony

Our next stop is Kumartuli, the potter’s colony located 2 km away from Jorasanko. This is a 300-year-old settlement of potters, the skilled artisans who bring life to mud and make exquisite sculptures.

They make famous idols for Durga Puja that is sent across the pandals in Kolkata as well as other parts of West Bengal.

Many of these artists are called to UK and USA for making idols for religious festivals. While Durga Puja is the grandest of all, the artists are busy throughout the year making idols for various cultural and religious festivals.

As the saying goes, “baro mashe tero paarbon”, meaning Bengalis celebrate 13 festivals in 12 months of the year. No wonder the potters have a busy life.

Biswa Bangla Flyover

From here you can take a cab and drive straight to New Town. While North Calcutta is the cultural precinct of Kolkata, it also comes with its own baggage of all the bad things people might have told you about the city. Old roads, narrow (often stinky) alleys, and dilapidated buildings.

New Town is a complete antithesis. The Biswa-Bangla Flyover leading to Eco Park symbolizes the aspirational side of the city’s character. Kolkata has long been romanticized for its past. People here like to lie back and reminisce about their golden past without any ambition for the future.

The ride over the Biswa Bangla flyover somehow shows the ambitious side of the city, but that too is wrapped in nostalgia. Traditional artwork, statues of Bengali icons of the past, and quotes about Bengali heritage adorn the roads. You will come across the striking Biswa Bangla Gate, aka, the Kolkata Gate which has a floating cafe on it.

You can stop at any of the amusement parks in this area – the older ones like Science City or Nicco Park, the latter ones like the Aquatica, or the newest one like Eco Park.

In fact, the older travel guides will tell you to visit the Botanical Garden , that houses the oldest Banyan tree in the world. Sure, that was one of the best places in Kolkata when I was growing up, but I’m going to recommend my favorite now.

Eco Park , a theme park spread over 480 acres is the biggest urban park in India. You can hire a bike or electric vehicle, or even get a ticket to an electric toy train to explore the huge park. With a nominal entry fee of only Rs. 30 per person, this huge green oasis is segmented into a large number of thematic sections.

There is a large artificial lake for boating and water sports, which is bordered by a beautiful lakefront promenade lined by coconut trees, a butterfly garden, a fruit orchard, a meadow of wild flowering plants, and a rose garden are some of the notable spots for natural beauty.

There’s also a sculpture garden showcasing sculptures of 19th and 20th-century legends, a mask garden with a large display of traditional masks, “Biswa Bangla Haat” which is a supermarket for authentic artwork from West Bengal’s cottage industries, and Rabi Aranya, a forest dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore’s literary pieces.

However, the most famous highlight of Eco park is the Seven Wonders Park which has beautiful replicas of the Colosseum of Rome, The Great Wall of China, Christ Statue of Rio, and other man-made wonders of the world. Entry to some sections is free while some like the seven wonders park require additional fees.

Nightlife on park street

If you have the energy you can go clubbing in Park Street or simply take a food tour at night . I am not partisan at all when I say Kolkata is a foodie’s paradise.

Day 3 in Kolkata – A Spiritual Excursion

This is your last full day in Kolkata. You can explore various other places inside the city or you can take a day trip to two of the most famous places near the city, the Dakshineshwar Temple and Belur Math. In fact this excursion is one of the top things to do in Kolkata.

You can either go there in the morning and return in the afternoon or spend the morning in Kolkata and visit Dakshineswar in the late afternoon. I’d suggest the latter because sunset at Ganges in Belur Math is a sight to behold.

Start early with a breakfast at BBD Bagh, aka Dalhousie Square. This place is also known for the best street food in Kolkata. The street food here is cheap and hygienic as per WHO standards. I’d recommend the traditional Luchi alur-dom or Luchi chholar dal followed by a Bengali sweet for breakfast. You can also go for Bread-omelet, Kachuri, etc.

BBD Bag is the old business hub of Kolkata, which has most of the government offices – the Writer’s Building, the General Post Office, the Reserve Bank of India, and all state headquarters of all the nationalized banks.

Also known as Dalhousie Square this place is named after three freedom fighters – Binoy, Badal, and Dinesh. You can spend the morning loitering around the streets of BBD Bag, admiring the colonial architecture, and enjoying the street food.

Want to bring the taste of India to your home? Check out this massive list of Best Street Food in India and their recipes at home.

College Street

If you are a book-lover then skip BBD Bag and head straight to College Street in the morning. This is the largest area dedicated to bookstores where you can find everything from college textbooks to the rarest books on the planet.

Also known as “ boi-para ” meaning book mart, it is the largest second-hand book market in the world. This is a center of eminence frequented by students, academicians, researchers, and bibliophiles.

It was named so in 1817 when the Hindu College was founded by British officer David Hare which later came to be known as the Presidency University. College Street now houses most of the best colleges in Kolkata namely the University of Calcutta, Calcutta Medical College, Sanskrit College etc. 

Another attraction of College Street is the Coffee House. It is just an old unit of the Indian Coffee House chain of restaurants but has a nostalgic value. Some of the greatest intellectuals of the 20th century including Subhash Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, and Satyajit Ray frequented the coffee house to discuss their ideas over a cup of coffee.

It’s just this romanticism, otherwise, neither the ambiance nor the coffee here is great now.

Dakshineswar Kaali Bari

After breakfast and some stroll, it’s time for a day trip. Head to Dakshineswar Kaali Temple, one of the most revered temples in India. Photography is not allowed inside the temple premises. You will have to leave your footwear and electronics in a secure locker outside.

Built in Navaratna style, Dakshineswar is an architectural treasure. Commissioned by Rani Rashmoni Devi in 1855, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.

It was home to priest Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and his wife Sarada Devi. He was the teacher of Swami Vivekananda, and it is in this temple that he advocated the unity of all religions. This huge complex is peaceful and vibrant at the same time, a must-visit place when you are in Kolkata.

The best time of the year to visit Dakshineswar is during the Kali Puja which happens at the time of Diwali in India.

If you are staying longer, I recommend a guided day trip to Bishnupur – a land of terracotta temples and unmatchable textile heritage.

Take a ferry across the river to reach Belur Math on the opposite side of Ganga. It was established by the world-renowned spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda. He formed the group Ramakrishna Mission, a group of monks dedicated to the service of humanity.

The temple of Belur Math is an architectural amalgamation of religions across the world, symbolizing unity in diversity.

Swami Vivekananda spent years as a wandering monk with his fellow brothers serving the poor and sick people all over India before he formed Belur Math.

It is home to the monks of Ramakrishna Mission which conducts humanitarian work in India and abroad. Durga Puja is the most prominent religious celebration in Belur Math.

Along with Hindu festivities, Belur Math also celebrates Buddha Jayanti and Christmas Eve. Watch the sunset at the Ganga-ghats and return to the temple to experience the mesmerizing evening “aarti”. 

This marks the end of our 3-day tour of Kolkata on a spiritual high. This is the best that I can fit realistically into a 3-day Kolkata itinerary, although there are many more places to explore.

The mega-city Kolkata can be quite overwhelming for a first-time visitor. If you have only a day or two in Kolkata as a first-time visitor, I recommend one of these full-day organized tours.

• Full day tour with lunch
• Full day photography tour of Kolkata

Where to stay in Kolkata?

I recommend you stay in the heart of the city near Esplanade and Park Street. However, if you are more interested in a serene location away from the city center, yet close to the newer attractions like Eco Park, you can choose to stay in Salt Lake or New Town. Here are some recommendations.

Hotels in Luxury Range

• Taj Bengal $$$$

A heritage 5-star hotel located in Alipore conveniently close to prime tourist attractions like Victoria Memorial, Kalighat, and the business district of Kolkata.

• Oberoi Grand $$$$

Another fantastic property close to major tourist zones as well as shopping areas like New Market. It is accessible via the subway (metro stations) of Esplanade and Park Street.

• ITC Sonar Bangla $$$$

An exquisite luxury hotel located near Science City and has easy access to the Newtown region.

Hotels in 4-star and 3-star category

• Elgin Fairlawn $$$ – Located near the Indian Museum
• Fairfield by Mariott $$$ – Located in Newtown (close to Ecopark, Wax Museum and other new attractions)
• The Park Suites $$ -Located in the throbbing Park Street

Check out more options for Kolkata hotels here .

How many days are required to visit Kolkata?

You require atleast 3 days to explore Kolkata to be able to appreciate the diversity and culture of this city. It’s a large populous mega city of India, so you will also face traffic congestion that will slow you down. Hence it will be difficult to see both north and south Kolkata in less than 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Kolkata?

The best time to visit Kolkata in winter which begins in December and ends in early February. The weather is beautiful to enjoy walking in the sunny afternoons and stroll around the Christmas markets in the evening.

If you want to experience the famous Durga Puja of Kolkata , you will need to plan your trip around October/ The exact dates vary every year, so look up the dates online before planning. Avoid the time between late May and early September because of the hot summer followed by incessant rains.

Check the best places to visit in winter in India .

How to travel in Kolkata?

Kolkata is the only city in India where you can find an electric tram network . So, it is an amazing eco-friendly mode of transport within the city. However, many routes are currently non-functional.

The Kolkata Metro is the fastest mode of commute and is amazingly cheap. You can also take yellow taxis for hire or use Ola and Uber for private transport.

Bus connectivity in Kolkata is the best in India based on my personal experience. You can use this official website to check bus routes for planning your intra-city commute.

Related Readings

Thank you for reading the massive post. I hope it inspires you to visit my city and explore the culture of West Bengal .

Don’t miss the list of best places to visit in West Bengal with family . Here are a few more travel stories you might love.

• A trip to Digha From Kolkata
• Hidden Gems of North Bengal
• Complete guide to experiencing Durga Puja in Kolkata
• A Trip to Henry’s Island From Kolkata

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Author Alice is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. She shares her travel stories and exclusive practical tips on Backpack & Explore, that you won't find anywhere else.

29 Comments

What a great, thorough guide! I appreciate all of your insights and will keep this blog pinned for a future reference. Kolkata definitely has a lot of history, culture, and architecture I’d love to explore.

Thank you so much. Hope you enjoy Kolkata as much.

Thanks for sharing so much information! this post is very well detailed I have to admit that my favorite part is when you describe the Kumartuli. I am so much in love with pottery and handy-crafts.

India is one of my favourite countries to explore and yet I have not visited Kolkata, even though I’m fascinated by its rich history. Thank you for providing such a comprehensive guide, I personally would be heading straight to college street. The idea of the largest second hand book market in the world fills me with anticipation!

Ahaa wish I had seen this before my trip but I had a fabulous time, was in Kol for 3 days and visited most places mentioned here and then some more.. loved what I saw, ate and explored..

Thanks Aarti. Glad that you enjoyed Kolkata and hope to see you again in my city 🙂

An extensive guide and wonderful insights. Kolkata is clearly a blend of historical and modern architecture, mixed with traditional cultural and modern twist..

Thanks for including a little bit of history about this city. I think I’m going to have to start adding short historical paragraphs about the places I cover. I didn’t know that the name had changed! India has been on our list for a while and it was great to get a glimpse of your City. Thanks!

An exhaustive guide to Kolkata! Well-done, Sinjana! I am yet to visit the Jorasanko Thakurbari! That’s a nice picture of Belur Math!.

Great post, Kolkata has so much to explore. I love the details and makes it easy for a first-timer to explore the city with confidence.

What a great post! I learned so much about Kolkata and what it has to offer!

Very interesting post. I was surprised that a lot of the architecture looked so European. I have a few friends that have visited and have reported back what a lovely place it is.

Thanks for the detailed information and tips. I loved your pictures. So much to see in this stunning city! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Anita for reading and sharing your views

I had no idea there were so many historic and beautiful sites to see in Kolkata. I would love to see this place someday and follow the itinerary you’ve recommended.

I haven’t visited India yet, but Prinsep Ghat seems like a lovely place to wander along the water and watch the sunset. What’s your favorite dish in this foodie’s paradise?

It is so amazing! I’m from Kolkata and have visited all this places. But never like a trip to Kolkata .Few of my friends are planning to visit Kolkata from Ranchi. I’m so lazy to make a itinerary for them that’s why I went through your article. Its so perfect. I’m definitely going to follow this with my friends.

Thank you so much Tarumita. I wish you a fantastic trip and hope you come back to the blog for more ideas.

The report is Thoroughly professional. I am planning to visit Kolkatta next month along with my daughter for 3 to 4 days. Excellent guidance you have given. I dont need to refer any other report.

Thanks and Regards Ram

Thank you so much. I hope you have a great trip and the weather cools down a little bit by then.

Thank you so much for this article. A great guide for the first time visiter with complete insight.

Thank you for giving this more information about the Kolkata and its places, I really Liked It , I want visit the Kolkata and its places , As soon as possible, Thank you

Thanks a lot Kalakar

Thanks a lot dear Sanjna for the selfless tour guide of Kolkata. Its my first and long awaited tour at my late sixties.

Thank you so much for the comment. I hope you have a great time. Wish you a very happy Durga Puja. Reach out to me through comments or mail if you need anything while in Kolkata

Well articulated and informative. Thanks for sharing .planning my visit to kolkata end of Dec with my son and found this very useful for my travel plan. Written in 2020 this article is still useful for us in end of 2023. Thanks a lot .

Thank you so much Saranya. Even though I originally published it earlier, I update my itinerary posts every year. All the information in the article is current.

Ma’am how much do the yellow taxis charge per KM???

Prepaid taxis in kolkata charge is rs. 25 for the first 2 km and then 12 per km. besides that you can also hire no refusal taxis , uber and ola.

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35 Unique Things to Do in Kolkata (2024) – Your Ultimate Kolkata Travel Guide

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories INDIA , KOLKATA

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Are you looking for all the amazing and unique things to do in Kolkata? I was in your shoes before I went.  

There seems to be so much to do in this Mega City, it’s hard to get your bearings and you can get totally lost in these city streets and struggle to find the highlights!  

Kolkata is the old capital of the British Raj and has the third biggest population of any city in India.  

So expect big crowds, roaring traffic, grandeur colonial architecture and a labyrinth of bazaars with the holy Hooghly river connecting it all.  

I hadn’t heard or read great things about Kolkata to be honest. I knew there was poverty and from what I heard it was chaotic and dirty. But, I’m never one to judge a place before I have been myself.  

So I jumped headfirst into the fray.

The result? I absolutely fell in LOVE with this amazing city and already want to return.  

So, in this ultimate Kolkata travel guide, I am going to not only be going through the absolute best things you can do in this city.  

But also I’ll be covering how to get around, where to stay, top foodie places, important travel tips and some itinerary suggestions too!  

A brief history of Kolkata in West Bengal  

I think to really understand the mix of colonial architecture and culture here in Kolkata, you have to know the history of the city and its humble beginnings.  

That way, a lot of what you’re seeing will make more sense and you can understand why the city is a melting pot of cultures!

Kolkata used to be known as Calcutta and was a city that was originally developed by the British East India Company in the 17th century.  

During this time it was the centre for English trade in India and the British controlled many major villages in the regions of Calcutta.

Most of the officers were stationed at Fort William in the biggest village which had a presidency.

Later, it was established as a city and it became the capital of British India from 1711 controlled by the British East India Company.  

Then, eventually, it became the capital of the British Raj from 1858 after British Crown rule was established.

At this time, all of India became part of the British Empire. In 1911, the capital of the British Raj switched over to Delhi on the orders of King George V, so Calcutta changed to the capital of all Bengal.  

After the Indian Independence, in 1947, Kolkata remained the capital of West Bengal and still is the capital of the state to this day.  

Today, the vibrant city of Kolkata has over 4.4 million residents and that’s a whopping 24,000 people per square kilometre making it one of the most densely populated cities in India and the world. It’s also classed as a Mega City as it stretches out over 205 square kilometres (79 square miles).

What is the best time to visit Kolkata?

The best time to visit Kolkata is hands down in the winter season from around October – March.

Here is when it will not be as humid from monsoon or hot from summer;

July – September: Monsoon season. Although I visited in early October, the monsoon seemed to run a little later this year. So, it was on and off heavy rains on my visit, and the city suffered floods.

The drainage system here cannot handle all the water so you’ll be wading in polluted water sometimes. Not fun.  

October – March: Wintertime. Probably the best time to be here as the temperatures won’t be as hot and you’ll get the most sunshine! Plus, you may visit for festivals and holidays like Kali Puja and Diwali!  

April – June: Summers are brutal in India, I used to live in Delhi so I know the heat and have been really sick from it too. Many cities face temperatures up to the late 40s up to the 50 degrees Celsius mark.

As you’re by the sea the breeze may be a reprieve. But, during these times, I highly suggest air-conditioned cabs, staying hydrated all day with water and electrolytes, sticking to shaded areas etc.

Don’t take risks, sunstroke is not a great travel buddy.

How long do I need to visit Kolkata?  

It’s a HUGE city and there are so many things to do in Kolkata you’ll be spoiled for choice. I originally had planned 3 days for my visit.

But as I loved the city so much and wanted to explore it even further, I instantly extended my stay by two more days.  

I would suggest a minimum of 3 days to explore Kolkata.

This means you’ll have enough time to do everything you want at a comfortable pace. Any less time and I think you’ll try and shove too much in.

I would personally split your travel itinerary up by certain areas and aim to hit a couple of sites per day.  

My go-to strategy is to pin everything I want to look at on Google Maps. Then I look at ‘groups’ of those pins and aim to hit those sections so I’m not flying around all areas of the city. This makes the best use of your time.  

The next step, look at opening times for attractions (I include most of them below). These will be your main restrictions.

See what those are and then plan anything that doesn’t have an opening time before/after those.  

This itinerary has a Google Map I’ve made for you below with pins for all the things to do on this list. You can steal this and use it to plan your trip and itinerary!  

Tours of Kolkata  

When I landed in Kolkata, I had heard that the West Bengal Government-run guided tours of the city for a cheap fee. But, when I enquired at the desk, they weren’t running due to Durga Puja.  

If you would rather enquire for yourself you can do so here. It’s a bus tour that will take you around the main sites.

Failing that, there are plenty of tours you can book for Kolkata online if you wanted to do a half-day tour, day tour, food tour, or temple tour.

Click here and book the below Kolkata tours;

• Full day city tour with lunch
• Complete day tour

Is Kokata safe?  

100% YES, if you use caution and common sense like you would in any city.  

I know that a lot of people panic when they visit India as they think that it’s really dangerous, dirty and you’re going to be attacked on every street corner.

But, having visited 22 of 29 states in India most of them by myself as a solo female traveller, it really is just about being wary and keeping your wits about you.  

I’ve had my fair share of scams, stresses, and scares, but nothing too major. The hospitality in India is out of this world and people are really friendly.  

Don’t go out late at night alone, don’t ask men for directions and follow them down a dark alleyway, don’t tell strangers where you’re staying, wear clothes that respect the culture, learn about customs and traditions and what not to do.  

Drinking isn’t really condoned so if someone offers, be cautious.

Drugs aren’t really common either apart from Bhang Lassi (religious cannabis) which I do not recommend drinking alone.

From my years of personal experience in India now, Indian men don’t need a lot to be encouraged. A smile or a friendly face can do it.

So, make your feelings plain and stand your ground. Don’t be afraid to say NO or refuse to give out your phone number or social media details if you don’t feel comfortable doing so.    

I know you can’t avoid everyone and everything and meeting locals is one of my favourite parts of travel. I’ve made lifelong friendships in India from being open.  

Just always keep your wits and be on your guard is all. Keep these numbers handy just in case;

• 24 hours tourist help line in 12 languages: 1800-11-1363
• Womens helpline: 1091
• Police: 100

35 unique things to do in Kolkata  

So, let’s start this EPIC list of all the amazing things to do in Kolkata!

I’ve tried to group them into certain sections so you can easily organise your itinerary.

It includes colonial sites, cultural attractions, foodie things, shopping streets, market bazaars, and even things to do in Kolkata at night.   So, there is definitely something on this list for everyone!

Colonial things to do in Kolkata

1. visit victoria memorial.

This is truly the jewel in the crown of Kolkata attractions and this marble building is a marvel of colonial architecture.

The Victoria Memorial was commissioned after Queen Victoria’s death in 1901, but wasn’t opened to the public until twenty years later in 1921.  

It’s a huge domed building made from Makrana marble and massive quarries were made in Rajasthan to procure it.  

There are two parts to this attraction, the gardens which surround it and the Gallery Museum inside.  

The gardens open at sunrise and are a gorgeous way to spend a morning. You can take some of the many walking routes and admire the memorial from the reflection lagoon.

Or, you can enter the museum from 10 am that has 26 galleries and over 30,000 items in its exhibits.  

Better yet, come back in the evening to watch a light and sound show on the grounds.

Did you know that the Victoria Memorial was painted black during World War II and was funded by Indian royalty?

The gardens open from 5.30 am-5 pm. The museum is open from 10 is – 5 pm. The light and sound show start from around 6 pm, more info here. Completely closed on Mondays.

Click here to read more amazing facts about the Victoria Memorial !

2.   Step inside St John’s Church

St John’s Church was the very first public building that was erected by the British East India Company in 1787.  

The lands were kindly donated by Maharaja Bahadur and the funding for its construction was raised by a public lottery!  

The architect was James Agg who based it on St-Martin-in-the-fields in London.  

At the time, the stone was a very rare material in India, and the ones they used to build the church were actually stolen from the ancient city of Gour (Gauda)! They were then shipped down the Hooghly River.  

In the graveyard, you can see tombs of some notable people in the city such as Job Charnock.

He is often seen as the founding father of Kolkata! He was one of the first administrators of the British East India Company who landed here in 1690.

He tragically died two years later but his tireless work united villages here that eventually became the Indian trading post for the English.

Also on the grounds, you can see a memorial dedicated to the ‘smothered’ of The Black Hole of Calcutta.

A tragic incident where over 100 British officers were kept in a small cell and only 20 survived (more below).  

Inside the church are some beautiful stained glass windows, a pulpit, and architecture! While we were here it was being renovated but it was still incredible to see.  

There is also a small museum that houses old artifacts from members of the British East India Company.  

Warren Hastings’s original chair is kept here, he was the first English governor of the presidency at Fort William and laid the foundation stone of this church.

St. John’s Church is FREE to visit but donations are always appreciated. Opening times are 8 am – 5 pm Monday to Saturday. 10am – 4pm Sundays.

3. Admire the Writer’s Building

The Writers Building was constructed in 1777 and was the principal administrative office for writers of the British East India Company.  

Over time since Thomas Lyon designed it, the building has undergone many improvements and extensions and is now 150 metres long with 13 blocks!

It was home to the Fort William college and during the British Raj it served as the building for writers of the secretariat.  

One of the most notable events that happened in this building was when Lieutenant Colonel NS Simpson, the Inspector General of Prisons, was assassinated.  

Simpson was infamous for his harsh treatment of Indian Prisoners. So three Bengali freedom fighters infiltrated the building dressed as Westerners and shot him.

The busy area of BBD Bagh is named after them. Nowadays it is the home of the State Government of West Bengal.  

Although you cannot go inside, it is still a marvel to look at from the outside!

4. Enter St Paul’s Cathedral

Due to the growing numbers of British and European citizens in Kolkata, St John’s Church was getting far too small to cater to those wanting to worship.  

So, the city decided to build a brand new church that could cater to the masses. The founding stone of the church was laid in 1839 and the Gothic building was completed in 1847.  

It is regarded as an architectural wonder and the very first Episcopal Church of the Eastern world. It’s 247 feet in long and 81 feet wide, so it’s mesmerising to take in.

As well as the outside looking pretty. If you pop inside the church, you’ll be in for a treat.  

Inside there are multiple memorial statues, a beautiful nave with stained glass windows, and a bell from the old bell tower.  

I loved sitting under the cooling fans in here for a while, it was so peaceful.

As it’s the diocese of Kolkata, you can see all the notable seats with coats of arms inside.  

Fun fact: There is a legend that the first Bishop Wilson is buried somewhere beneath the church in a vault. But, to this day no one has found any evidence of it.  

St Paul’s Cathedral is FREE to visit but donations are accepted. Open daily from 10 am – 6 pm. No photos are allowed inside.

5. Look around the Indian Museum

The Indian Museum was opened in 1814 by the Asiatic Society, making it the oldest museum in all of India.

It’s set inside a wonderful colonial building that has two floors, six sections, and 35 galleries full of historic, rare, and unusual artifacts.

You can take in some antiquities sourced from Egypt, or look at prehistoric ruins and fossils on display, admire old coins or visit the art gallery.  

It was really interesting at first, but after around an hour, I got a little bored.

Some of the exhibits are dated and I saw a lot of similar stuff in the British Museum back home.  

But I have to admit it was a great place to come with the rain pouring down, so I didn’t mind the distraction!

There is no air conditioning (just fans) so it gets really hot and sticky inside. Just letting you know now.  

Tickets for Indian nationals tickets are 50 rupees, for foreigners it’s 500 rupees! You will also need to buy a photo pass for photography.

The Indian Museum is open from 10 am-6.30 pm Tuesday – Friday and 10 am – 8 pm Saturdays and Sundays. It’s closed on Mondays and public holidays. See here for more.

6. Visit the infamous Fort William at Maidan Park

I’ve mentioned Fort William a lot in this post. That’s because this place was really the beginnings of the city as we know it today.  

Job Charnock arrived on the shores of Calcutta in 1690 and in just two years he united three villages in the area. After that, Fort William was born in 1696 by the East India Company.  

It was named after King William III and took ten years to complete. It then became the seat of the presidency of Bengal in British India.  

This was the original Fort William or the ‘Old Fort William’ as it is now known.

Unfortunately, it was partially destroyed when the Nawab of Bengal temporarily sacked the city and committed the ‘Black Hole of Calcutta’.

A second Fort William was then built by the British in Maidan in 1758 and it’s now occupied by the Indian Army.  

The Old Fort was eventually restored and used as a customs house. This is now where the General Post Office (GPO) stands.

Although you cannot go inside Fort William you can walk around and see it on the grounds at Maidan Park.  

It’s a huge green space that also has the Victoria Memorial, Dalhousie Barrack, the Command Museum, and The Water Gate.

7. Take a look in the GPO (General Post Office)

If you want to see where the Old Fort William stood, you only need to visit the GPO or General Post Office which is a gorgeous piece of architecture in itself.  

On the steps outside of the GPO you can see brass lines that lead down. This marks the boundaries of the first Fort William and is the only piece that remains.  

A sign on the wall outside of the GPO marks the alley of the site of the guardhouse.

This held the dungeon where the infamous Black Hole of Calcutta happened. Although it does mark a grisly past, the GPO itself is a marvel.

This huge domed building with giant columns was designed by Walter B. Grenville in 1864. Inside you can visit the GPO Postal Museum that has original stamps and postal memorabilia from the time!

The museum is FREE, non-flash photography is allowed and it’s open from 11 am – 4 pm every day

8. Go palace and mansion hopping

Did you know that there are hundreds of old mansions and palaces dotted around Kolkata? Most of these have been repurposed into government buildings but some are completely abandoned!  

They’re often known as the Forgotten Palaces of Calcutta and a whole book was written about them by Joanne Taylor. My tour guide in Kolkata was a historian who contributed to this book!

Most of the mansions were built by members of the British East India Company or wealthy businessmen.  

Although there are many dotted around the city which is crumbling and serve merely as facades, they give you an idea of the grandeur of the time.  

One of the best-preserved of these mansions that you can actually visit today is the Marble Palace.

This neoclassical building was constructed in the 19th century by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a wealthy Bengali businessman. It is filled with amazing statues and paintings. It’s well worth checking out.  

The Marble Palace opens at 10 am and closes at 3 pm but is closed on Mondays and Thursdays. It’s completely FREE to visit!

9. Visit India’s oldest high court

The Calcutta High Court claims the title of India’s oldest high court and was built on permission by Queen Victoria in 1862.  

But this incredible red and white Neo-Gothic building was built ten years later in 1872. Although the city is no longer called Calcutta, the Calcutta High court still retains the original name.

Today, this High Court makes a striking impression on the strip and has a long line of Chief Justices.

Its remit covers the whole West Bengal area, Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, and Jalpaiguri too!  

You cannot go inside the High Court Building. But, it’s a nice photo opportunity.

10. Metcalfe Hall

Finally, our last colonial building in this list takes us to Metcalfe Hall which can be found on Strand Road.  

It’s built in the British Imperial Style with elements of the Neoclassical from the Corinthian pillars at the entrance.  

A fun fact about this museum is that it used to be the Calcutta Public Library! Lord Metcalf, the then Governor-General, transferred over 4,600 books from Fort William College.

Today, this museum is a little bit of a hidden secret and so that’s why you HAVE to go.

You can visit the hall and see its various exhibitions including rare artifacts donated by the Asiatic Society.

There are antique hand-drawn rickshaws, old boats, and galleries that celebrate the life of the people in the city.

Entry is FREE. The Metcalfe Hall is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm, and is closed on Mondays. 

Cultural things to do in Kolkata

11. visit kalighat temple – shakti peetha.

Kalighat Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kolkata and is dedicated to the blood-thirsty warrior goddess Kali.  

It’s also famous due to the fact it is home to a Shakti Peetha. If you’re not aware of what Shakti Peethas are, I’ll give you a short overview.

In the ancient texts, it reads that Lord Shiva’s wife Shakti died. Shiva was so upset and enraged he carried Shakti’s body with him everywhere he went, mourning her and performing his dance of destruction.  

Eventually, he was causing so much chaos, Lord Vishnu cut Shakti’s body up into 51 pieces and they fell all over India.  

Where each of these pieces fell, a temple is set up as a place of worship. Kalighat Temple is where Shakti’s right toe fell.

Many people come on a pilgrimage to Kolkata to visit this temple. You can find thousands of people every single day. Even more around festival times.  

Queues can take hours so Brahmin’s (higher caste priests) usually charge a ‘VIP’ fee for tourists. Although it sounds like a tourist trap, many locals do this to skip long queues.  

We felt like the 300 rupees was a good deal. It saved so much time and it included an offering, entering the temple, being blessed, and receiving our red-yellow thread or Kautuka. I still wear mine now!

Although photos are not allowed inside the temple of the idol, I saw this mural painted outside which gives you an idea of what it looks like.  

Kalighat Temple is FREE (although I do recommend the VIP fee), open dawn until dusk

12. Admire the clay statues in Kumartuli  

One of my favourite areas of Kolkata can be found in the potters quarter of Kumartuli.  

When the British East India company were here, they split up “Black Town” or the Indian quarter of Calcutta by trade.

There were wine traders, carpenters, chicken sellers etc. The Potters of Kumartuli were located in Barabazaar.

Although many of the old trades have disbanded with time, the karigars of Kumartuli still remain.

A long tradition of potters settling here started with Durga Puja that celebrates the Hindu warrior Goddess Durga.

A Raja asked for an idol to be made of the Warrior Goddess after she came to him in a dream in the 19th century and ever since it has become an annual tradition.  

Kumartuli is a labyrinth of streets that has over 500 workshops. Although the potters make idols of many Gods and Goddesses all year, the best time to visit is around Durga and Kali Puja.  

In the build-up to the festivals, people are asking for many idols to be made and so the potters will showcase their best work.  

Fun fact: the statues are made from clay that is taken from the Ganges river (Hooghly). During Durga Puja they immerse the statues into the river. So, the statue does a full cycle and Hindus believe the Goddess has returned to nature.

It’s FREE to visit but they may charge a voluntary donation during festival times. Click here to read my complete guide about the incredible potters quarter

13. Cross over the bustling Howrah Bridge

There are many iconic bridges in Kolkata, but none so famous as Howrah Bridge or Rabindra Setu.

It sounds weird, but I was so excited to see this bridge for myself.

I had heard about it long before my visit to West Bengal and it’s almost a tourist attraction in its own right.

It was commissioned all the way back in 1871 by the British but wasn’t built until 1935. It stretches over 705 metres, required 23,000 tons of steel and it’s the busiest cantilever bridge in the entire world.

Approximately 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians cross it each day! That’s not including the cows that roam here.  

So, you must join the crowds and cross for yourself!  

If you are wondering, there are a total of 4 bridges on the Hooghly River connecting Kolkata to Howrah.

The others are the second Hooghly Bridge, which kind of reminded me of a grey Golden Gate Bridge, Bally Bridge (Vivekananda Setu), and New Bally Bridge (Nivedita Setu).

14. Visit the world’s biggest Banyan Tree  

One of the top attractions in this city is The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden. It’s the oldest botanical garden in all of India and was commissioned by Colonel Robert Kyd in 1787.  

The only reason why this was created was to cash in on some of the tropical plants and trees like teak wood and spice trade!  

This is actually where the English first started growing tea from China, so one of India’s biggest exports had its humble beginnings here.  

The most famous resident in the whole park is The Great Banyan Tree which is the widest Banyan tree in the whole world.

It’s over 250 years old and its circumference is over 4 acres! It survives without the main trunk and it has over 3,770 aerial roots.

Read my post with my top tips for the Botanical Gardens in Kolkata

15. Marvel at Parashnath Jain Temple in Kolkata  

One of the most impressive temples that I visited in Kolkata was the Parashnath Jain Temple or Calcutta Jain Temple.  

Jain is an ancient Indian religion that has a supreme principle of ahimsa (non-violence, peace, and charitable deeds) . They also have three guiding principles of the right belief, knowledge, and conduct.  

The temple complex is actually split into four separate temples and was built in the 19th century by Ray Badridas Bahadur in honour of Parashnath.  

The most amazing part of this temple is the fact is was made of thousands of mirrors, jewels, and glass. Some even call it the temple of a million mirrors!

The work is truly exquisite inside and out and you could spend hours in this serene place admiring the architecture.  

Fun fact: There is an eternal flame inside the temple that burns with ghee. Apparently, it has been burning since it opened in 1867!  

It’s FREE to enter and is open daily from 6 am – 10 am then from 5 pm – 8 pm

16. See life on the Ghats of the Ganges

The Hooghly River in Kolkata is actually a river that falls off of the River Ganges. So many people in the city refer to it simply as ‘Ganga’.  

The Ganges river is important in Hindu religion as many believe it is personified as the Goddess Ganga.  

So, it plays a huge part in the local culture of the city. People believe if you wash in the Ganga, the water is pure and you’ll be cleared of your sins.  

There are temples lined up along the Hooghly River with ghats or stairs that lead down to the water.  

Every day you’ll see locals praying, meditating, washing clothes, and even drinking this water.  

Visiting is a great way to not only learn about Hindu culture but also see the local life on the waterways.

17.   Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple  

Another famous temple in Kolkata is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple.

Despite the name, it’s actually dedicated to Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali rather than the warrior goddess herself.  

In pictures, it almost looks like an etching or 2D drawing due to the trippy line patterns on the architecture of the domes! Or maybe that’s just me, haha. Either way, it’s awesome to look at.   

It was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1855 who was a devotee of Kali.  

Inside there is the main Bhavatarini temple on nine domes, then outside there are shrines dedicated to Shiva here and a temple for Rada-Krishna.

If you’re on a temple trail, this is quite close to Belur Math as a next stop.

But, you will need to cross the river to access it. The local ferries here have a direct connection over the water. Ticket prices are 6 rupees ahead.

Or, click here to book a Kolkata temples tour which includes this one

18. Visit Kolkata for Durga Puja!  

Durga Puja is celebrated all over the world for those of the Hindu faith, but it is a huge and famous celebration in Kolkata.  

Many people from around the world visit the city during this time and it has huge events going on for 10 days. It’s all about celebrating the warrior goddess Durga.  

The city goes a little crazy around this time. So, you’ll find roads are blocked off, buses and taxis are packed to the rafters and people will walk the streets all night.  

There will be raucous music, street parades, and people singing and praying in the streets.  

Temples will be rammed, attractions and shops may be closed. It really is a big deal here.

During this time, I would highly recommend booking a quiet hotel. It’s a 24-hour party and you may struggle with the endless noise.  

I stayed at the Oberoi Grand and made sure I had an indoor-facing room away from the road.

Pandals of Durga Puja  

Although it would be a bit of a scrum and you may be queuing for hours, one of the best ways to see and experience Durga Puja is to visit the many ‘Pandals’.

Pandals are a series of temporary altars that are created for the festival and usually draw many talented artists to create them.  

The city even has a competition for the best Pandals and so you’ll find those big companies shed a LOT of money to sponsor these.

Pilgrims during Durga Puja will walk the streets all night, queueing to visit and giving offerings to the Goddess here.  

We actually visited one the day after Durga Puja and it was completely empty!

I couldn’t believe the size of it. Seriously, It was like a HUGE temple in itself.

The Pandal we went to had massive gold hands, faces of the goddess, and lotus flowers the size of elephants! I couldn’t get over the epic details and talent.  

It’s definitely something I would recommend seeing if you find yourself in Kolkata during the festival. But, if you don’t like mass crowds, I would do what we did and wait til the next morning when it’s emptier.  

19. Check out College Street Book Market

Did you know that the world’s largest second-hand book market is right here in Kolkata? You can find it on College Street and it even has the nickname Boi Para or “Book Town.”

Although I loved being here over Durga Puja, I was gutted that it was closed over the festival and if we went there no stalls would be open!  

It spans over 1 million square feet and has long been associated with the universities, colleges, and learning centres in the area.

You can find rare books here, including first editions at dirt cheap prices. So keep your eyes peeled for a bargain that you could make a fortune on back home.  

A highlight of any visit here is meant to be the old Indian Coffee House. It has been the haunt of many famous writers including Rabindranath Tagore. So, sip on a chai and watch the chaos of the market.

The nearest tram stop for College street is Esplanade Tram Depot

Markets to visit in Kolkata  

20. visit mullick ghat flower market at sunrise.

Every morning, thousands of flower sellers come to Mullick Ghat to sell their freshly cut blooms by the kilo! All the while they will be bartering and making sales with locals.  

Lots of colour, chaos, petals and people await you and you’ll experience the sights, smells and sounds of this amazing market.

The best time to visit is at sunrise as this is when the flowers are freshest. So, you’ll get to see all the nice colours and the best of the bunch!  

It can be a bit of a maze making your way around. But, that’s part of the fun. You’ll see lots of conversations and money being passed around too.  

This is one of the top things that I would recommend in Kolkata. So don’t miss out!  

Click here to read more reasons why you should visit the Mullick Ghat Flower Market and top tips

21. Explore the labyrinth of New Market in Kolkata  

Another market that should be on your list is New Market. It’s a huge space that’s mainly undercover and has everything you could need from an abattoir to saaris!

As it was monsoon around here, we were pretty much ice skating on the floors and much of it was flooded. So, we were wading through dirty, murky water with entrails and eggshells floating around.

It was NOT very pretty. But, some of the markets were amazing to see like the fruit and spices stalls. Also, there were bright and colourful clothes and jewellery to admire.

We found some unexpected delights in here like the Lalit Great Eastern Bakery.

Where they sell off their amazing (quite expensive cakes) from their hotel here for dirt cheap prices. I got a mouth-watering chocolate brownie for 50 rupees!  

Although the market is undercover, there are some great food stalls around the outside too.  

We stopped off at an Islamic eatery outside. Many of the local hole-in-the-wall restaurants in India are associated with different religions due to eating requirements and cooking traditions.

For example, many Hindus don’t eat meat but Muslims do. So, there are different restaurants.  

We treated ourselves to chai and some buttered toast here as a snack and the owners were so friendly. It was only 12 rupees (15p) each!  

22. Go Shopping on Esplanade

Another colonial area is Esplanade which still uses the old shopping street buildings from years ago.  

It’s a huge area that connects with Park Street another famous shopping street. So, it’s a great place to start out.  

Esplanade has lots of mainstream Western stores like Nike and Puma, some Indian chains like Bata, and huge shopping malls. But, that’s not really the fun part about this street.

The fun part is seeing all the amazing stalls that have been set up on either side of the Esplanade and   trying to battle through the crowds here.

You’ll have guys selling sunglasses, shampoo, toys, clothes, fake designer wallets, vanity mirrors, everything you could think of really!  

My hotel, the Oberoi, was in the middle of this street. So I passed it pretty much every day.

The same sellers would be shouting at me to buy something and each day I’d still say no lol. It became a little thing.

Dark tourism things to do in Kolkata  

23. visit the mother house of the missionaries of charity.

One of the main attractions in the city is to visit Mother Teresa’s tomb in Kolkata.  

It sits in the Mother Teresa Memorial home and, although it does sound a little morbid, it’s a nice little tomb to celebrate her life.  

Inside you can visit the museum to learn all about her life’s work. People often call her Saint Teresa here.  

She came from Albania and taught in a convent in Kolkata for many years. But she was so moved by the poverty in Kolkata she started to provide charity to the city.

She eventually won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work and she rubbed shoulders with the likes of Gandhi in her time.

After the museum, you can pay respects to her tomb and even visit her bedroom which has been preserved. Inside the room are her desk and original appointment book, her writing chair, and her telephone.  

On the day of her death, she attended mass. Then she came back and died in her bed.

After your visit there is a small café outside that has some nice souvenirs if you’d like to take something home to remember your visit.  

Entry is FREE but it is by donation. All proceeds will be donated to the missionaries of charity. You will need to take your shoes off to see the tomb.  

Opening times vary throughout the week and it’s closed on Thursdays.

24. Learn about the Black Hole of Calcutta  

I have always heard about the Black Hole of Calcutta, but I didn’t really have any idea what it meant really. It sounded something similar to the Bermuda Triangle but that wasn’t the case at all.  

The Black Hole of Calcutta was a tragedy that took place for three days starting on the 20th June 1756. It started with the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, taking over the Old Fort William with his army.  

He then proceeded to shove over 146 men and women into a small dungeon in the fort.

This room was only around 4.3 × 5.5 metres or 14 × 18 feet. Many of the European men and women in here died of heat exhaustion and suffocation. Only 23 men survived.  

It was a terrible tragedy and it was wildly beefed up in the newspapers back home in the UK.

This was in the hope that the British would send a relief effort to rescue the men and send their armies from Madras to recapture Calcutta. Which they did and Siraj was overthrown and killed in the Battle of Plassey.

You can visit a memorial dedicated to the ‘smothered’ in St John’s Church and what remains of   the Old Fort William at the General Post Office.

25. Get spooked at South Park Street Cemetery  

Another fascinating place that is hidden away in South Park Street Cemetery.  

Often labelled as the most haunted place in all of Kolkata, there are 1600 gothic tombs that make up the graveyard. Established in 1767, it was used for European members of society, mainly the officers of the British East India Company and their families.  

It fell into disuse around 1790 and was completely abandoned in 1830. Today, it is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.

Similar to Highgate Cemetery in London , the are lots of elaborate gothic tombs built around here. They’re all covered in green moss and there are ancient fern trees too.  

Some notable tombs are a bust of Henry Derozio, a radical Indo-Portuguese thinker, Walter Landor Dickens, Charles Dickens’ Son, and Sir William Jones, the founding father of the Asiatic Society.

Look out for the tomb shaped like a pineapple core! It was made for Rose Alymer who was just 17 years old when she died of Cholera. Walter Savage Landor, a famous poet, was in love with her and wrote a poem for her tomb.

The graveyard is open from 10 am – 5 pm and costs 50 rupees per person to enter. You must sign a guestbook. A kind volunteer here took us on a really informative tour and we tipped him for his time.  

Read my post on South Park Street Cemetery with what to expect when visiting

Foodie things to do in Kolkata

26. go on a kolkata street food tour  .

Kolkata is known for its street food, so if you’d rather go on a street food tour, there are a few that take place each evening.  

You’ll try a range of famous Kolkata street foods like;

• Fish Curry (Macher Jhol)
• Kolkata Biryani (yes each place has their own version in India and it’s almost criminal to just call it ‘Biryanai’)
• Mutton Curry (Kosha Mangsho)
• Phuchka – similar to Gol Gopan or Pani Puri
• and… so much more! (There are vegetarian options for those that do not eat meat)

So, make sure you book your food tour here to learn all about them

27. Try Hot Kati Rolls  

If you’re feeling peckish and looking for foodie ideas, you have to try one of Kolkata’s famous Hot Kati Rolls.  

There are many dotted around the city, but the original is a ‘hole-in-the-wall’ (quite literally) counter that can be found on Park Street. It’s the ultimate street food and can be compared with a kebab back home.  

You’ll get a wrap, filled with hot chicken, onions, spices, some unidentifiable sauce, and it will be all wrapped up and fried on the counter!  

It is absolutely delicious, ridiculously cheap at 50 rupees and crowds of locals come here to eat each evening.  

There are no seats inside as it’s just a street food counter, but just nearby you can sit down and enjoy.

28. Wander down Park Street

Park Street in Kolkata is a famous shopping street but it’s also the place where you can find some of the most amazing restaurants and bars in the city!

As well as the Hot Kati Roll, you have some of the most famous restaurants dotted along here like Peter Cat.  

We wanted to get in here but unfortunately, the waitlist was over an hour and we were already hungry.  

So, we popped into the famous Mocambo instead that has been open since 1956. It used to be on what was known as ‘Cabaret Row’ back then and singers used to belt out covers of US pop stars of the era.  

The whole vibe in here is vintage with low light, red tassel lampshades and the waiters are all in their historic finery.  

It serves up a great mix of classic Kolkata dishes like its famous grilled Beckty, a Bay of Bengal delicacy. Plus, it has a range of European classic dishes too.  

I had the Beckty sizzler and washed it down with a minty Mojito. It was absolutely fantastic and great value for money too!  

29. Try Sugar Cane Juice

Sugar Cane Juice can be found all over India but I found so many stalls selling it in Kolkata. So, you must try it if you get the chance.

We were watching them make it outside of Kalighat Temple. Essentially they run sugar cane through a press and then juice it!  

The result is a rather green-looking but refreshing sweet drink that will cool you down with the heat. Just be careful as they often mix it with local water.  

30. Sample the original Rasgulla

Every state has a sweet that they are famous for. Indians have a massive sweet tooth and so you’ll always find a famous shop in every city serving up sickeningly sweet sugary treats.  

In Kolkata, they are famous for Rasgulla and it’s almost a crime not to try it while you’re here!  

Rasgulla was invented right here in the city by Nobin Chandra Das in 1868. It’s a spongey syrupy dumpling made of chhena and semolina dough.

Now, it’s not only popular in Bengal but all over India too. I have tried Rasgulla many times in India, but they really are something special in this city.

The most famous sweet shop to try in Kolkata is K. C. Das. People queue up to buy boxes of the desert to take home. So, you must try some to see if they live up to the hype.  

Things to do in Kolkata at night time  

31. go on a hooghly river cruise  .

One thing I really wanted to do in Kolkata was a river cruise. Kolkata has the roaring Hooghly River, or Ganga, snaking through it and it brings together many of the cities main attractions.

We were recommended to book with Vivada Cruises who are a highly rated day cruise company in the area. We were not disappointed!

We opted for the 3-hour evening cruise, which included chai, snacks, and a stop at Belur Math for the evening aarti.

Not only were we treated to the most amazing colourful sunset over the river, but we also got to see a lot of the local life on the river and wave to people under the Hooghly Bridge.

It was an unforgettable experience and those ‘snacks’ were pretty much a whole meal. We were so stuffed we couldn’t eat another bite!

It only cost 1,000 rupees plus GST which is incredible value for money. They also do a lunch and dinner cruise for 1,500 rupees + GST.

Click here to read my full review of my Hooghly River Cruise

32. Visit Belur Math Temple Complex

One of the highlights of my evening cruise was a visit to Belur Math . It’s a HUGE temple complex that spans 40 acres on the banks of the Hooghly River.  

It’s the Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission who is a spiritual organisation.  

It was founded in the 19th century by Sri Ramakrishna, known as the Prophet of the Modern Age, and his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda, a forward thinker, and religious leader.  

Although there are 4 temples, plus education and medical centres in Belur Math, the Sri Ramakrishna Temple is the jewel in its crown.

Here, we got to see the magical evening aarti. Where the priests of the temples lead the local pilgrims in prayer.  

Women must observe in one section and men must be on the other as is the custom. You’ll quickly be ushered on by security if you end up in the wrong place.  

You can also buy all sorts of books with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda in the library afterward.

33. Watch the sound and light show at the Victoria Memorial  

If you’re looking for something unique to do in the evenings, why not visit the Victoria Memorial for a sound and light show?

By day, this incredible building is gleaming white in the sunshine, but after the sun sets it’s lit up beautifully against the night sky in all different colours.

In the memorial gardens, there is a sound and light show that has a magic water fountain with music and commentary.

One show is in Bengali and one show is in English, so make sure you get the right time!

34. See the city light up at night  

Something that I really didn’t expect to love so much was the city lit up at night time.

Although the colonial architecture is lovely in the day, it really comes alive at night when it’s all lit up.

The Howrah Bridge is also lit up and many of the buildings on the Hooghly come alive in different colours, so they make an amazing reflection on the river.

After our cruise, we were in for a real surprise as they had a street parade as part of the celebrations.  

We got to see all sorts of Durga floats, heading down the strip. Some were decorated with massive idols and others had dance troops performing scenes from sacred texts.

Kolkata at night time is really something special and you don’t know what surprises you may find!  

Day trips from Kolkata  

35. visit the sundarbans national park  .

The Sundarbans National Park is a treasure in West Bengal and is somewhere you should definitely visit if you’re in the area.

It’s a huge mangrove forest and bio reserve that is also inhabited by tigers. It spreads over both Bangladesh and India on the Ganges Delta.  

Personally, I would recommend a two-day one night trip as a minimum. Day trips are possible from Kolkata but depart at 4 am!

I went on an overnight trip to the Sundarbans with Sundarbans Chalo !

They are a budget tour company but came highly recommended and the value for money was crazy.

My trip cost 4500 rupees (£48 /$56 USD) which is a total bargain. This included;

• Return transfers to the Sundarbans (4 hours each way)
• A sunset cruise 
• A double room with private bathroom
• All meals (2 lunch, 2 breakfast and 1 dinner, tea & snacks) 
• A cultural dance performance
• A full 8 hour day cruising on the Sundarbans
• All my permits, photograhpy and entrance fees too.

You can’t really turn your nose up at that!

The things you absolutely cannot miss in the ‘City of Joy’  

I know that 35 things to do is a LOT and maybe you just want to prioritise the most important attractions.  

So, I’ll suggest some of the MUST DO sites to limit down your options;

• Victoria Memorial
• Mullick Ghat Flower Market  
• Kalighat Temple  
• Howrah Bridge
• The Mother House  
• South Park Street Cemetery  
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple

My top travel tips for Kolkata  

1. plan to stay connected  .

Buying an Indian SIM card in Kolkata: Getting an Indian SIM card for your phone is really simple. You can even do it on arrival at Kolkata Airport.

I would recommend an Airtel SIM for West Bengal and the North East. You’ll get packages where you’ll receive 1GB per day for 30 days. It’s recommended as it has the most signal.  

Use a WiFi hotspot: Failing that, you can stay connected with a WiFi Hotspot . I use Keepgo to stay online without the fuss of buying a SIM card.  

2. Don’t forget travel insurance

While you think of it, if you haven’t yet, make sure you have travel insurance!  

It’s always a necessary thing to have for peace of mind. I always use World Nomads for their reliable policies.

3. How to get exchange money in Kolkata  

I have never actually exchanged British currency in India itself. I’ve always just rocked up and got my money out of an ATM when I got here.  

I always use SBI, or State Bank of India as they give you FREE withdrawals and I’ve never had an issue with International Cards.

I know that sounds reckless to some but I really hate having to exchange money in India. I’ve been ripped off in the past.  

My biggest tip would be to NOT use the services at the airport. They have ridiculous rates.

Go to a currency converter in the city and use the ‘Currency Converter’ app to check the rates for the day. Then see what exchange they will give you.  

4. Prepare for some uncomfortable sights

Kolkata is a densely populated city and has a lot of poverty, so you can expect to see sights that may make you feel uncomfortable.

It cannot be avoided and many times I feel totally helpless as I wish I could help in some way.

More than 24% of India’s people live below the poverty line.

But, there are ways that you can support the people in the city. Supporting local businesses, buying products from people who are selling on the street, giving any money you can, and donating to organisations like the Missionaries of Charity all help to improve livelihoods.  

5. Always remember to haggle and look out for scams

Although I found that Kolkata had a lot fewer scams than the likes of Delhi, it wasn’t completely immune. Especially with things like transport.

Yellow Ambassador Cabs were an awesome way to get around. But, I found they were constantly overcharging.

At one point, a local even got involved and told him he was ripping us off (thank you to whoever you were!). My biggest advice here is to make sure the meter is switched on. Or, agree on a price before you get in.  

The same goes for auto-rickshaws (three-wheeled tuk-tuks), it was always a hassle to get a good price! So, there are a few ways to get around it.

I would use Uber for cabs, as it’s cheaper and you get a fair price. Or, get the metros and trams which are far more economical.  

The buses here looked like a death trap to me.   I’ll go through some more transport options below;  

How to get around Kolkata while you’re here

Getting from kolkata airport to kolkata city.

When you land at the airport, if you haven’t already scheduled a pickup, you have some choices.

All the locals gravitate over to the Pre Paid Taxi counter owned by the Bidhannagar City Police.

It’s an awesome service with cheap non-air-conditioned ambassador city cabs. They are a union, so you’ll pay a fixed price and get given a receipt/ticket that you’ll hand to the driver.  

But, they only take cash, so make sure you have rupees on you.

For me, a ride from the airport to my hotel on Esplanade in the centre cost 300 rupees! If I booked a transfer with my hotel directly they charged 4000.

If you’d prefer, there is both an Uber and an Ola (a competing app) counter here but it’s more expensive.  

Both counters will give you access to a WiFi hotspot so you can book one if you don’t have data.  

Then you just wait out at their collection point. You do need the app on your phone to use the service. So, make sure you have it.  

Click here to get a special discount on your first ride with Uber.

Transport options in Kolkata  

While you’re in the city, there are plenty of ways to make your way around.   As one of the most populated cities in India, you’ll find the city has thousands of buses, trams, ferries, rickshaws, taxis, and even an underground metro to help everyone get moving!

By Bus: Buses were plentiful here, but they were also crazy. They would zoom around the city shouting for passengers, while locals chased after the bus and hopped on.

Same as most of India, but I really struggled with the local language here (Bengali). So, I didn’t even attempt it. But, it is a cheap way to get around if you know where the bus is headed.

By Tram: Kokata is famous for its trams and its the only tram network in the whole of India. So, if they are running you must hop on. Unfortunately for us, these were under construction on our visit.

By Metro: The underground metro in Kolkata is really cheap and efficient. But, it only has one line that runs through the central spine of the city.

You pay per kilometre and tokens start out at 10 rupees for 5 kilometre and max out at 25 rupees for 25 kilometres. It’s quick but there’s no air con so it’s pretty sweaty.  

By Rickshaw: You can get private and shared rickshaws here. Private will be the more expensive option. Always make sure that you haggle for a price before you get in or ask for the meter to be switched on. At night, if you’re in a private rickshaw, DO NOT allow anyone else to get in.

By Taxi / Uber: Yellow ambassador cabs are king in this city and they are plentiful but can rip you off! I preferred Uber, click here to read my article on how to use it with a discount code.

By ferry: The Hooghly River is the way that many people travel around the city. There are public ferries that run every 15-20 minutes throughout the day until around 9 pm at night. Tickets cost 6 rupees a journey and have many stops along the river.

A small note on hand pulled rickshaws in Kolkata

Kolkata is the only city in India where hand-pulled rickshaws are still running.  

Although I struggled morally to see it and it’s not something I would personally support. I understand it’s their livelihood and they’re struggling for trade. Many live hands to mouth.  

So, if you feel like it, you can use them for short journeys. They would be more than happy to have you.  

Outside Kalighat temple I simply tipped them without a ride as I felt heartbroken to see them ask so many for work and everyone pass by.  

Where to stay in Kolkata  

I stayed in the beautiful Oberoi Grand Kolkata. This was like an oasis to return to after a hot sweaty day out exploring in the monsoon!  

Their hotel is almost an attraction in itself and an icon of the city as it’s the second oldest hotel.

You can stay in one of their beautiful deco-like rooms with four-poster beds and it has a gorgeous washroom with a bathtub.

I would highly recommend booking a room indoor facing as the traffic is quite loud, especially during festivals.

Their delectable buffet breakfast at ThreeSixtyThree comes included and they have a refreshing pool with free smoothies!  

Click here to book your stay at Oberoi Grand for the night

Heading to North East India? Read more of my articles!

Top things to do in North East India

A complete guide for Hornbill Festival

Longwa Village travel guide

Best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh

Top things to do in Dirang

My ultimate Tawang travel guide

How to find the double-decker root bridges in Meghalaya

A complete travel guide for Guwahati

Kamakhya Temple guide

A complete Kaziranga Safari guide

Majuli Island tips

My top North East India travel tips

Save these things to do in Kolkata for later!

Thursday 8th of December 2022

Nice post,Kolkata is full of beauty and culture.

Sophie Pearce

Hi Survi, yes I completely agree! Sophie x

Leandro Starling

Sunday 27th of September 2020

I agree with you

Tuesday 6th of October 2020

Thanks Leandro! Sophie x

Sameer Patel

Friday 6th of March 2020

Great post, Kolkata is one of the most beautiful city and has the third biggest population of any city in India. You are a great travel blogger, thanks for sharing an interesting article with us. Keep share more!

Saturday 7th of March 2020

Hi Sameer, I completely agree with you! Kolkata is one of the most amazing cities :) more to come ! Thank you for reading. Sophie x

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Kolkata travel blog — the fullest kolkata travel guide for first-timers.

Different from the steady, slowness of Mumbai or the smoky haze of Delhi, the city of Kolkata (former name Calcutta) is a wonderful combination of Indian brilliant features and old British architecture. The city dubbed “The city of Joy”. So, is Kolkata worth visiting, how to visit Kolkata, what to do in Kolkata and how to plan a budget trip to Kolkata for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Kolkata travel blog (Kolkata blog, Calcutta blog) with the fullest Kolkata travel guide blog (Calcutta travel guide, Kolkata tourist guide, Kolkata city guide, Kolkata guide) from how to get to Kolkata, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Kolkata to help you maximize your trip as follows!

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Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and was formerly the capital of India when it was under the British Raj in 1773. Today it is a city steeped in tradition, colonial architecture, cultural festivals, noisy car horns and vibrant street food.

Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River about 80 km (50 mi) west of the border with Bangladesh, it is East India’s main commercial, cultural and educational center, while the Port of Kolkata is a long-running port and India’s oldest riverside port and its only major riverside port. The city nicknamed the “City of Joy” is considered the “cultural capital” of India and as of 2019, six Nobel laureates have been associated with the city.

Overview of Kolkata (#kolkata travel blog)

Kolkata city, also known by another name as Calcutta, is the capital of the State of West Bengal, East India, located along the banks of the Hooghly River in the north-south direction with an area of 206.1 km² and a population of over 15 millions of people (The metro area population).

The city’s history begins to be recorded after the East India Company came to do business in Bengal in 1690. Once the capital and leading city of India, Kolkata experienced a period of economic stagnation shortly after India gained its independence in 1947 because of the unstable political situation with the chaotic flow of migrants, the Bangladesh war, the Naxal liberation movement, the constant conflict uprisings. The period from 1960 to 1990 was a period of stagnation for the Indian economy, a series of large factories had to close or reduce payroll and businesses were forced to restructure. The shortage of capital and resources was exacerbated as demand for the products of some of India’s traditional industries dwindled and during this period Kolkata was nicknamed the “dead city”.

It was not until the 1990s that the Indian economy in general and Kolkata in particular recovered thanks to significant economic reforms, especially the “Look East” policy of which Kolkata was the highlight. Therefore, Kolkata is home to many industrial factories of famous Indian corporations, with a wide range of products such as: mechanical engineering, electronics, steel, tanning, textiles, jewelry, and automobiles, railway products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, tobacco, foodstuffs, jute fiber…

Kolkata is also famous in the world for its rich cultural and artistic heritage. As the ancient capital of India, Kolkata is the birthplace of many artistic and cultural ideas. The city has the traditional type of drama performed in the folk theater, as well as the famous film industry, dubbed Bollywood.

This city is a beautiful blend of classic and modern. A flourishing metropolis, it has preserved its essence in the forms of music, dance and literature. The presence of beautiful buildings, museums, eateries, markets, temples, churches, fortresses and theaters makes Kolkata a place where visitors will always feel that they are running out of time. Visitors come to Kolkata from all over the world to immerse themselves in the city’s heritage!

Kolkata is a chaotic city. Not as big as Mumbai or Delhi, the city thrives on its people, culture and past. Kolkata or Calcutta was the first capital before it was moved to Delhi. The city is almost 300 years old and is an eclectic mix of a glorious decaying past and a promising new future. The British built some amazing buildings during their heyday and today Kolkata flaunts colonial architecture with pride.

It was home to the Indian Independence Movement which aimed to end British rule in India. This revolutionary spirit has defined Kolkata as the city of revolutionaries and intellectuals. It is considered the cultural capital of India, which has produced generations of artists, poets, writers, film producers and Nobel laureates.

Today with a population of more than 15 million, Kolkata is India’s 4th largest city with a diversity of cultures and religions (Hindu (74%) and Islam (23%), the rest being Hindus, Sikhism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Jainism and Pais).

When to come (#kolkata blog)

The best time to visit Kolkata is from October to March. The temperature is cooler and the sky is clear. The weather is mild, even during the coldest months of December and January. If you like festivals, then October is a great time to go. The Hindu festivals of Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, and Kali Puja are held around October or November every year.

Getting to Kolkata

Those flying to Kolkata will arrive at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport also known as Kolkata Airport and Calcutta Airport which located 15km away from the city center. Taking a plane is the fastest way to travel because there are direct flights here from Vietnam by Indian airlines. The airport is about an hour north of the city, so you’ll need to make arrangements to get to your hotel.

The opening of direct flight routes between Hanoi/Saigon and Kolkata in about 3 hours by low-cost airline INDIGO, plus a 30-day e-visa at a cost of only $25 is enough to make Kolkata an interesting destination for a short journey to the land of the Ganges civilization.

Getting around Kolkata

Kokata has a budget subway system, but it’s not yet widespread. Kolkata Metro is still under development. Currently, it only has one active line that takes you from North to South. Not sure when they will be operational but there are other lines and stations in the works. Trains are crowded but clean and cheap, with each trip starting at just INR 5.

Kolkata is one of the few remaining cities in India that still have these hand rickshaws in existence. They do it voluntarily so it’s not a form of labor exploitation. It’s more of a novelty than anything and probably best for short distances only.

Where to go and what to do in Kolkata? (#kolkata travel blog)

Many of the most interesting tourist spots in Kolkata are centrally located and easily accessible by foot (if the weather is good) or by taxi. There are a variety of great heritage sites lining the busy streets that recall the city’s glorious past, including museums, churches, temples and remnants of British rule. However, in the city is not only the sights of this period, Kolkata is also known as a cosmopolitan home of all nationalities, Marwaris, Parsis, Anglo Indians, Jews, Armenians and Chinese.

The BBD Bagh area is located north of the city center, surrounded by beautiful and impressive British-Indian buildings, including the Writers Building and Raj Bhavan. To the southeast are the city’s lungs, the vast green Maidan including the garden of Eden and Fort William.

Howrah bridge

Address: Kolkata, West Bengal 700001, India

Construction started in 1935, the Howrah Bridge is the sixth largest largest suspension bridge in the world with total length of 705m, and an important landmark in the tourist monuments of India. This bridge is an engineering wonder that hides a whole world within its large slabs. Near Howrah Station, this legendary bridge provides a travel option for millions of people daily. Visiting the Howrah Bridge is a journey into the classic part of Kolkata. The many markets located here are paradise for adventurers and photographers.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Address: Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700076, India Hours: 6 AM–12:30 PM, 3–8:30 PM

About 20km north of central Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali is a Hindu temple located in Dakshineswar. It is one of the holiest temples in Kolkata and a sacred pilgrimage site for millions of Hindus worldwide. To come here, you can take a public bus, which is cheap but extremely dusty and dirty and insecure, so most tourists will book an Uber ride from the center of Kolkata, it only costs about 9$ to ride a 7-seater car, of course. The car is relatively old and in winter, the driver does not turn on the air conditioner!

Built in the Navaratna architectural style, Dakshineswar Kali consists of three floors with nine towers distributed on the upper two floors. The spiers are sharp with light pink tones with reddish brown borders, looking from a distance like a large background, not bringing the 3D effect like the Russian onion church. To be fair, standing in for a photo shoot is like taking a picture with a pre-made backdrop!

According to history and legend, the temple was built during 1847-1855 from a religious dream of Rani Rashmoni, a famous Hindu woman and philanthropist in India. That period. And of course, she gave up all her fortune and possessions to build this temple. Currently, her statue is placed in a small temple outside the main temple as a tribute to her.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is free to enter for visitors. However, according to strict requirements of Hinduism, all must return shoes, bags, phones, cameras at the outside storage area to enter the temple. This restricts most non-Hindu tourists, only taking pictures without praying.

St. Paul’s Cathedral (#kolkata travel blog)

Address: 1A, Cathedral Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071, India Hours: 10 AM–6 PM

The cathedral is a magnificent white structure and is one of the main attractions in Kolkata. It is part of the Anglican Communion. Church of St. Paul’s has beautiful Gothic architecture and the foundation for the church which was laid in 1847. It is the largest church in Kolkata and is also considered the first Episcopal church in Asia. The Cathedral complex also has an internal library along with several types of visual arts.

Another rare place of serenity in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Kolkata is St Paul’s Church, located at 1A, Cathedral Road, Kolkata, right next to the Victoria Memorial. When the British Christians in Kolkata increased significantly, the old church of Saint John could no longer accommodate, the British government considered the option of building a larger church. And that is why Saint Paul Cathedral was started construction in 1839 and completed in 1847. The church was built in Gothic Revival style with its vertical pillars and pointed arches, and is also the first Protestantism church in Asia. Saint Paul’s Church is now the largest church in Kolkata and also the seat of the Diocese of Kolkata. Opening hours are daily from 10am to 6pm.

Botanical garden (#kolkata blog)

Address: Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal 711103, India Status: Open (5 AM – 7 AM for Morning Walkers 9 AM – 5 PM for Visitors)

Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanical Garden is also known as Calcutta Botanical Garden. And you don’t have to be a botanist to enjoy its serene beauty: The garden is home to some of the rarest and most interesting plants. Besides a collection of more than 12,000 species of orchids, bamboo and palm trees spread over 109 hectares, the garden is also home to The Great Banyan, which measures 1082.68 ft in circumference. Somewhere on the grounds is also the abandoned but stunning Roxburgh Memorial, which was the residence of the Garden’s first director. This is a must-visit  Kolkata tourist place.

Marble Palace

Among the many highlights of the Kolkata tourist map, the marble palace is one of the most attractive. The 19th-century palatial residence is one of the most beautiful royal palaces, exuding splendor. Many brilliant artistic statues, elegant glassware and wonderful works of art are displayed at the palace.

Address: Belur, Howrah, West Bengal 711202, India Hours: 6:30–11:30 AM, 3:30–8:30 PM

This beautiful building located on the West bank of the Hooghly River. It is the temple of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, a Hindu religious and spiritual organization. The temple is noted for combining Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements to symbolize unity among religions. Belur Math is about 7-8 km north of Howrah Bridge. It’s easy to visit on your own, but if you want to go on a guided tour, then you can book one through Klook.

Mother House (#kolkata travel guide blog)

Address: 54A, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Rd, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016, India Hours: 9 AM–12 PM, 3–5:30 PM

The life story, the contributions of Mother Teresa, who was honored to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and many other honors of the world, many people must have heard. And my biggest urge when coming to this Kolkata city is once to visit Mother’s old house, which is also her resting place – house number 54A A.J.C Bose Road, Kolkata.

Mother Teresa came from faraway Albania but chose India as her homeland, choosing the poor Indians to serve her whole life. Being able to go to the house where Mother once lived, seeing with my own eyes her simplicity and austerity, I admire her immensely! The small room about more than 5 square meters where Mother used to live and work from the 1950s until her death in 1997 is surprisingly simple, with no furniture except a small wooden bed, a small wooden table and chair set. Messages are placed next to each other. I can imagine everyone’s emotions when looking at the simple wooden bench, like a student’s bench, without a backrest on which Mother has been working diligently for so many years, the drinking mug, the frayed canvas bag, thin old sweater coats, leather sandals worn down thousands of miles… Mother refused the Nobel Peace Prize money and demanded that it be delivered to the poor in India, Mother always refuse even the most basic comforts. Mother refused all, because she could bear…

Surely Mother’s wish when she died was clear, so her grave was also simply covered with white stone. There is only a cross, candles and flowers and prayers around her grave. A pure and peaceful space in stark contrast to the noisy streets outside… On Mother’s grave, people put a plastic box to hold prayers. I didn’t write down a wish, just wrote a simple “Thank you Mother Teresa! Your life has inspired me so much”, because being here is also a blessing in life!

Indian Museum

Address: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016, India Hours: 10 AM–5 PM/Monday: Closed

The grandeur and magnificence that the Indian Museum carries in its premises and inside its galleries is not to be found anywhere else. The Indian Museum is the oldest and largest in the country. It was founded in the early 19th century and today boasts many rare items on display. The museum has one of the original Egyptian Mummies along with many rare paintings and artefacts from bygone eras. Visitors of all ages find something to do here as there is something fun for young and old.

Tagore’s house

Address: Ganesh Talkies, 267, Rabindra Sarani, Singhi Bagan, Jorasanko, Raja Katra, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007, India Hours: 10:30 AM–5 PM/Monday: Closed

Coming to Kolkata, if you find your way to Tagore House on google map, you will not find it because it is popularly known as Jorasanko Thakurbari – Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral house built in 1785 spreads over 35,000 square meters. This is where Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 6, 1861, and where he spent most of his childhood and took his last breath on August 7, 1941.

He is recognized worldwide as one of the few comprehensive talents in the world. He is a playwright, poet, musician, novelist, educator, philosopher, and humanist. He composed his first opera – Valmiki Pratibha – at the age of 20. He composed more than 2,000 songs and created the Rabindra – sangeet – an important Bengali musical genre that bears his name. His short stories and novels hold an important place in Bengali literature. And perhaps he is the only poet in the world to have composed national anthems for both countries: Amar Shonar Bangla for Bangladesh and Jana Gana Mana for India. It is interesting that Hinduism is the majority in this second most populous country, but the song “God is the soul of all beings” composed by him in 1911 has been the national anthem of India since 1950.

Rabindranath Tagore is not only a representative cultural representative of India, he is also the first Asian poet to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, a genius who has left mankind with a large number of graphic works. voluminous and rich. His typical poetry collections that are popular are Gitanjali (Song Offerings), Balaca, Gardener, Fruit picking season, Birthday…In the large house, there is a museum displaying his works and pictures. Admission to the museum is 300 Rupees, and if you want to take pictures of the outside of the building, you have to pay 50 Rupees for a camera.

St John’s Church

Address: 2/2, Council House St, opp. Dewars Garage, Lal Dighi, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001, India Hours: 10 AM–4 PM/Sunday: Closed

Saint John’s Church, was one of the first public buildings built by the East India Company after Kolkata (Calcutta) became the capital of British India. It functioned as the Anglican Church in Calcutta for the city’s modest English community until 1847.

The construction of Saint John’s Church began in 1784, modeled after the Church of Saint Martin-in-the-Field of London. It is the third oldest church in the city, next to the Armenian church and the old Mission Church.

Writers Building

Address: H8FX+GGJ, Binoy Badal Dinesh Bag N Rd, Lal Dighi, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001, India

A few streets away from St. John’s Church is the East India Company Building, a very influential company. to the formation and development of the old city of Kolkata, now this is the Secretariat Building of the Government of West Bengal and also the office of the Minister of West Bengal. Under British rule, the East India Company traded mainly in cotton, silk, pepper, tea, dyes and opium. The company also ruled over a large area of India, exercising military power and assumed administrative functions, gradually, pursuing its trade; it effectively functions like a large corporation. The company dissolved on January 1, 1874.

Victoria Memorial

Address: Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071, India Hours: 10 AM–5 PM

The most famous landmark in Kolkata is the Victoria Memorial which made of white Markrana marble. This building has a base size of 103m x 69m and is up to 56m high. The building was built between 1906 and 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and is now a museum and tourist attraction under the auspices of the Indian Ministry of Culture. In January 1901, following the death of Queen Victoria, 1st Baron of Kedleston, Curzon, then Governor-General of India, proposed the establishment of a memorial to her. He proposed the memorial would be a stately castle, with a museum where visitors can get a glimpse of the wonders of the past.

This monumental memorial, located on the calm banks of the Hooghly River, is the perfect blend of Mughal and European architectural styles. Atop the central arch of the Victoria Memorial is a 4-tall statue of the Angel of Victory with 9m high. Surrounding the dome are allegorical sculptures representing Art, Architecture, Justice and Charity, while above the North porch are for Motherhood, Prudence and Learning. In terms of design, the Victoria Memorial was inspired by the famous Taj Mahal also of India, with a main central dome, four small domes, octagonal base, tall gate, terrace and tower corner.

A little further south is the Victoria Memorial, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. This place is considered the city’s love letter to the Queen of England Victoria – who has never visited this place. The memorial displays not many items except for a piano that the queen never played once, a writing desk in the castle Windsor, and numerous idyllic paintings. However, for the visitors to Calcutta, they were extremely excited about this memorial. Despite the ups and downs of time, the Monument is still kept by the people here until today.

William Emerson (1843-1924), president of the Royal Institute of British Architects was the principal architect of this monumental work, which, along with his other associates, was responsible for the design of the surrounding landscape. As mentioned, this is the most famous scenic spot in this city, so you can buy an entrance ticket (only 20 Rupees/person) but you have to wait in line for a long time. The best time to visit is in the early afternoon when the light is favorable to get better pictures than in the morning.

Mullick Ghat Flower Market – Hawkers Committee

Address: p222, 1, Strand Bank Rd, Fairley Place, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001, India Hours: 5:30 AM–8 PM

Located right at the foot of the famous Howrah bridge is the bustling Mullick Ghat flower market, bustling, and full of garbage. This is considered one of the largest wholesale flower markets in Asia, dating back a century. From dawn, trucks, trailers, motorbikes, bicycles bring all kinds of flowers to the market, where about 2,000 retailers come to trade. In Kolkata in particular and India in general, flowers are widely used in beliefs and festivals. Flowers offered are mainly marigolds, jasmines, lotus flowers and countless other flowers sold in series or by weight… Honestly, if the garbage were better controlled, more civilized, this flower market would be save more beautiful impressions to visitors.

Park Street

Park Street is a paradise for shoppers and foodies. Located in the South Kolkata area, Park Street is one of the places where visitors can find the most legendary eateries, roadside shops and small cafes that date back to the birth of Kolkata. A must try around Park Street iare Jhalmuri, Egg rolls, Chinese and various fish.

Coming here, I often drink tea on Park Street famous for its coffee shops and visit South Park Street Cemetery – a place that still keeps many painful vestiges of the Indian colonial past.

Park Street Cemetery is a very quiet and sacred place with graves, many of which have been remodeled. Around Sudder Road, the Museum of India is the country’s largest (and one of the best) in the country, stocking a wide range of artifacts from archeology to art.

I often go to the Tollygunge Club for a drink, a beautiful but old golf club that still bears the vestiges of imperial times. And in the afternoon I like to visit a racecourse called Maidan, this place is like the Cheltenham Cup in the Indian style that happens every day.

If I have a chance, I still love to visit India’s largest cricket stadium with a capacity of 90,000. The Eden Gardens field was considered a rather scary stadium, especially for trials.

Sundarban National Park (West Bengal)

Address: RVPM+8MW, Kolkata, West Bengal 743370, India

The Sundarbans is an area of mangroves in the Bay of Bengal, spanning the Hooghly River in West Bengal to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh. It is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, the most sought after being the endangered Bengal tiger. Sundarbans is over a hundred kilometers from Kolkata but you can explore it on a day tour.

What and where to eat? (#kolkata travel guide blog)

Experience Bengali cuisine on a fascinating food tour in Kolkata with Avik of A Chef’s Tour and sample more than ten delicious dishes such as Bengali fish curry, slow cooker lamb curry, puchkas and kanda bhaji.

Local Kolkata cuisine is known for its combination of bitter and sweet flavors, extensive use of rapeseed and poppy seeds, as well as freshwater vegetable and fish curries. It is a far cry from the creamy, meat-rich cuisine of North India or the Indian food of Western countries. Bhojohori Manna is one of the city’s most popular places for Bengali home cooking, and it makes for an addictive fish fry (smooth white fish fillet, deep-fried and served with mustard sauce clear sinuses).

Address: 23 & 24, Hogg St, near Axis Bank Atm, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700087, India Hours: 11 AM–11:30 PM

Nizam’s has been open since 1932 and is credited with inventing kathi rolls, a popular Indian street food that originated in Kolkata. In its original form, kathi roll was a grilled skewer of meat wrapped in paratha bread, but the term has expanded to include wraps of similar designs using different ingredients. According to the restaurant’s menu, kathi was invented as an easy way to eat grilled meat. Nizam used to sell kathi kebabs and parathas but the British didn’t like getting oil on their hands, so they came up with the idea to roll kebabs and bread in thin sheets of paper and kathi roll was born.

Address: Marina Garden Court, 191, 7 Point, Park St, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017, India Hours: 10 AM–11:30 PM

Arsalan is a Mughlai restaurant known for serving some of the best biryanis in Kolkata. Biryani is a popular Indo-Islamic dish made from long grain rice (such as basmati) seasoned with various spices such as saffron, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, buttermilk and garlic. It can be made with various meats and vegetables in a thick gravy cooked over a low flame in a pot covered with flour.

Address: Stephen Court Building, 18 A, Park St, opposite KFC Restaurant, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016, India Hours: 12–11 PM

Peter Cat is a recommended restaurant in Kolkata. They are known for their chelo kebab (385 INR), traditionally a Persian dish made with grilled meat, buttered saffron rice and fried eggs. Peter Cat is home to their chelo kebab which is considered a  “protected product of West Bengal”.

Ganguram & Sons

Address: Survey Park, Santoshpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700075, India Hours: 8 AM–10 PM

Ganguram & Sons is featured in the Kolkata travel list. They have been around since 1885 and are known for making some of the best Bengali sweets in Kolkata. One of their most popular sweets is mishti doi (INR 32). It’s a delightful fermented sweet yogurt made by sweetening boiled milk and letting it ferment overnight. The earthen pot is always used to make mishti doi in order to facilitate evaporation through its porous walls and thicken the yogurt.

Don’t forget the Chinese food

Kolkata used to have a vibrant Chinatown thanks to immigrants who began arriving in the late 18th century, first to work in Calcutta’s sugar mills, then under British rule to work in the prosperous port or leather business. While the Chinese population in Kolkata is decreasing as the community sees opportunity in the West, the hybrid cuisine – Chinese dishes combined with Indian spices and cooking methods  that originated here is still alive. popular across the country. Kolkatans are addicted to it: the sweet and spicy chili chicken, and the stir-fried and vegetable noodle dish called Hakka noodles (named for the ethnic group that makes up a large percentage of Kolkata’s Chinese immigrants) is particularly popular.

Finally, see the city from above with the view from the bar on top of the Lindsay hotel, opposite the New Market shopping complex like immersing yourself in this smoky city. Fun, western pop tunes are booming here, and you can grab a beer and some snacks.

Shopping in this city is also very attractive, can be bargain. The New Market on Lindsay Road is packed with shops selling clothes, jewelry, home items, and more. It’s also a great place to buy yarn and has many skilled seamstresses who can tailor it to your needs. Dakshinapan Shopping Center, Gariaha Road has many state-owned stores, selling a variety of items at bargain prices, while Swabhumi, near the Hyatt Regency, is both a cultural center and a shopping mall. Shop big selling clothes and jewelry.

The Cottage Central Industrial Store at 7 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, is a very good place to buy handicrafts from all over India at affordable prices.

There are also many shops selling souvenirs, fabrics, silks, jewelry, etc., giving you the opportunity to choose your favorite items at reasonable prices.

Big stores are usually open from 10am to 6pm. Some stores are only open for half a day on Saturdays. Most shops are closed on Sundays, especially around Park Street.

Where to stay

Looking for the best area to stay in Kolkata and many would suggest Park street or Sudder street. These are the general “tourist areas” in Kolkata with many hotels, shops and restaurants, as well as easy access to the Kolkata metro.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• ITC Royal Bengal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata ( Agoda , Booking )
• ibis Kolkata Rajarhat – An Accor Brand ( Agoda , Booking )
• Polo Floatel Kolkata ( Agoda , Booking )
• The Oberoi Grand Kolkata ( Agoda , Booking )
• The Park Kolkata Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata ( Agoda , Booking )
• The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata ( Agoda , Booking )
• Novotel Kolkata Hotel and Residences ( Agoda , Booking )
• Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport, an IHG Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• LBD RESORTS & HOTELS KOLKATA ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Kolkata on Agoda.com or Booking.com

In general, Kolkata is still quite poor and backward, polluted from water to air, so for a luxurious trip, Kolkata is definitely not the destination. Although in this city, the imprint of poverty is still there, Calcutta is really a vivid picture of the human spirit, very dark, refreshing and profound. However, if you want to know how life has given us more blessings and comfort than others, go to places like Kolkata to see the need to appreciate what we have.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Kolkata you can refer to

• Kolkata Private Car Charter
• 4D3N Sunderbans Cruise from Kolkata
• Cook And Dine Experience With A Local In Kolkata
• Bengali Cook And Dine Experience in Kolkata
• Pocket WiFi (BKK & DMK Airport Pick Up) for India
• 4G SIM Card (IN Delivery) for India from StarRoam
• Kolkata Market Tour
• Kolkata Temple and Spiritual Day Tour
• Kolkata Morning Tour
• Kolkata Food Walking Tour
• Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour
• Street Shopping Walking Tour in Kolkata

Read more India guide here .

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Kolkata Tourism and Travel Guide

All you need to know about kolkata.

Read real accounts of travellers in Kolkata, upcoming events, latest news, and find all you need to know to discover City of Joy!

Get Planning: Find Where To Stay in Kolkata

Choose from best hotels in Kolkata, and the best resorts in Kolkata to experience the city of contrasts at its best, and make your stay more comfortable in Kolkata.

Discover The Best Kolkata Itineraries

When in Kolkata: Don't Miss These Travel Experiences

Spend Your Weekend In These Locations Near Kolkata

Here Are The Recommended Restaurants In Kolkata

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Best Time to Visit Kolkata

Peak Season : October to March is the best time to visit the city. October sees the beginning of autumn in Kolkata, which apart from ushering in the festival season, makes for pleasant weather. In winters, temperatures drop to as low as 9°C, and there’s occasional rainfall too.

Shoulder Season : June to September are the months when the monsoons hit Kolkata, rendering the city into lush green haven. For travellers who don’t mind the rain, this is when the city is at its most beautiful.

Off-season: April to May is the time when Kolkata is scorching hot, but after sundown, the heat is bearable. Hotel prices and air fares drop during these months, and so does the tourist population.

Budget for Kolkata

For Budget Travellers: INR 800 - 1200 a day

• Accommodation in hostels and basic fan rooms in guesthouses: INR 350-700
• Food in local shops and street eateries: INR 100-200
• Public Transport in metro and buses: INR 5 - 100
• Sightseeing (Entry-tickets & shows): INR 10 - 200 (INR 500 and upwards for foreign nationals)

For Mid-range Travellers: INR 1500 to INR 3000 a day

• Accommodation in mid-range hotels and homestays with air-conditioning and TV sets: INR 1000 - 2500
• Food in mid-range cafes and restaurants: INR 300 - 500
• Local transport in auto-rickshaws and yellow taxis: INR 100 - 300
• Sightseeing & Tours: INR 10 - 1000 (INR 500 and upwards for foreign nationals)

For Luxury Travellers: INR 7500 and upwards

• Accommodation in 4* or 5* hotels: INR 5000 and upwards
• Food in upscale restaurants and bars: INR 1000 and upwards
• Local transport in cabs: INR 350 and upwards
• Sightseeing, Guided Tours: INR 1000 and upwards

Breathedreamgo

The transformational travel guide

Best places to visit in Kolkata

Table of Contents

Best places to visit in Kolkata: An insider’s guide 

Guest post by Kolkata local Bedabrata Chakraborty .

Kolkata is known as The City of Joy. It’s the capital of West Bengal and a blend of sights, sounds, feels, and colours. Some parts of the city are modern while some are steeped in history. It could therefore be a little overwhelming to first time visitors to Kolkata.

In fact, I am a Kolkata lad and yet, at times, I wish there is some clearer direction in the eclectic mix. So, for the benefit of anyone curious about Kolkata tourism, here are my top tips about things to do in Kolkata. I have tried to include the best places to visit in Kolkata from my perspective as a local. But I’m always open to discovering more places.

Where to stay in Kolkata

A favourite place to stay in Kolkata is The Fairlawn Hotel, a historic property that exudes charm and is brilliantly located among the shops and cafes of Sudder Street, and close to Park Street and the top tourist attractions. The Lalit Great Eastern is a slick hotel built on the site of a historic property. It has a nice outdoor pool and some of the rooms are grand indeed! You can never go wrong with a Taj hotel of course and the Taj Bengal is perfect example — a beautifully designed hotel, it’s also landmark in Kolkata.

Historical places in Kolkata

Kolkata, or Calcutta as it was called then, was the capital of India for most of the British rule. It therefore boasts beautiful colonial architecture — and most are functional and well-maintained to this day. While the capital was moved to Delhi in the year 1911, Kolkata is visibly steeped in history. There are many temples mosques, churches, museums, parks, and river-fronts that, combined, make Kolkata a traveller’s delight.

Art and culture

Given the high standards of educational and intellectual pursuits in Kolkata, the city is called the cultural capital of India. The esteemed poet and philosopher, and the first Nobel Laureate from India (as well as Asia), Rabindranath Tagore, and the Oscar winning film director Satyajit Ray both hail from this city. Kolkata is still the hub for music, arts, and theatre in India. Classical artists have to go through the rite of passage of performing before audience in Kolkata in order to establish themselves at the national level.

Handloom and handicraft

Kolkata is a treasure trove of beautiful cotton and silk handloom and handicrafts that are manufactured in the towns and villages of Bengal. The taant sari, Baluchari sari, khaddar fabrics and sholapith (Indian cork) and terracotta sculpture pieces are must-buys. Most of these items are still sold at traditional markets where you chat up the seller over a cup of tea.

The food and cuisine of Kolkata is legendary

Kolkata is the hub for the most delectable sweets and desserts in India. The biryani in Kolkata is a unique style of Mughlai cooking that is not available elsewhere in India. The street food of Kolkata can be fodder for a standalone article. Moreover, Kolkata is still the most affordable city in India in terms of food. You can visit Kolkata just for a gastronomy trip.

Tram cars in Kolkata

Kolkata is the only city in India that has tram cars. Started in the year 1902, it is still a popular mode of transport among locals. In today’s fast paced lives, a leisurely ride in the tram car, meandering through the busy city, is sheer romance. I had my first date in the tram car! From personal experience, it is a well-tested recipe for sparks to fly.

Durga Puja in Kolkata

Durga Puja is an autumnal festival to worship Goddess Durga. While this is a Hindu festival, the celebrations in Kolkata are of grand proportions that break religious boundaries and adopt a secular flavour. The whole city is covered with lights, and marquees are erected in various parks and neighbourhoods to install the Durga idol. The festival lasts for five days. People walk the streets in colourful clothes and the city is awake all five days and nights. The celebrations reach carnival proportions and Kolkata becomes a living art gallery!

In addition to a host of tourist places in Kolkata, there are a host of tourist attractions in the visit that can be reached by bus, cars or local trains. This heading is discussed in more details later in this post. Read this post, a Complete Guide to Durga Puja in Kolkata for everything you need to know to attend. 

If you are a planning a trip, you should keep at least 3 or 4 days on hand for Kolkata sightseeing. While the places are not far, most tourist activity here require some time. Kolkata has a robust public transport city by way of bus, trams, yellow taxis, radio cabs, local trains, metro and ferries across Ganga. One may also choose to rent a car but if you want a more authentic experience, go with the flow. While the local language is Bangla, most people understand and speak a workable amount of Hindi and English so even if you are not conversant in Bangla, you should be fine. Solely based on my personal favourites, below is a list of the most popular places to see in Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial

Dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, this magnificent marble structure in the heart of Kolkata carries an extensive collection of marble statues, artifacts, oil paintings, and old manuscripts. It is now a museum that also has a dedicated Calcutta gallery. The well-maintained sprawling lawns around the building are called the lungs of the city.

Indian Museum

The Indian Museum bears the honour of being the largest and perhaps the oldest museum in Asia. It has a host of galleries with a rich collection of objects of art and natural history. As a child we loved the dinosaur skeleton and the mummy remains on display here. As an adult, I tend to gravitate towards the ancient art and textile galleries. The Indian Museum is not far from the Victoria Museum so if you are a museum buff, this museum can easily take you the entire day.

Birla Planetarium

The Birla Planetarium is located opposite to the Victoria Memorial. They have regular shows on astronomy, space science and Indian philosophy in connection with stars and planets. The projection is on a spherical ceiling which makes the visual so much more real. The show times are divided as per audio language – English, Bangla, and Hindi. I first visited this place as a six-year-old and was totally awestruck. I visited the Planetarium again last year and it did not fail to engage me as an adult.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

If you are in the Victoria Memorial – Birla Planetarium area, you are in the vicinity of another beautiful building, St. Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral was completed in the year 1847 and is a great en of example of Gothic architecture in India. I especially love the powerful organ they have been playing here since forever. St. Paul’s Cathedral holds the best Christmas service in Kolkata that I have attended. The sound of the organ bellowing under the high ceilings gave me goose bumps. Because of the surging crowds, the Christmas service these days is restricted to the members of the parish.

Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge is iconic to Kolkata. It is a suspension-type, balanced cantilever bridge on the River Hooghly and is adjacent to Howrah Station, the largest and oldest railway station in the city. No wonder it sees heavy traffic and footfall daily. Howrah Bridge is a beautiful piece of industrial architecture and has been featured by the Hindi film industry, aka Bollywood, in a loads of movies since the 1950s. If you are not clicked with Howrah Bridge in the backdrop, others would doubt if you have really been to Kolkata.

Kalighat Temple

The Kalighat Temple ranks high among tourist places in Kolkata. The shrine houses a very unique and abstract idol of Goddess Kali and is considered to be an extremely holy Hindu pilgrimage. The temple in its present form was built in early 1800s in the Chala or Bengal hut style. It is located in the southern part of Kolkata and draws huge number of devotees every day of the year.

Places to visit near Kolkata

In addition to the famous places in Kolkata, there are an endless number tourism options around the city. For covering the popular ones, you would need at least a month. Here is a list of some of the top tourist places to visit near Kolkata. 

Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan, about 165 kilometres from Kolkata, is a university town that was made famous by Rabindranath Tagore. It is the headquarters of Biswa Bharati University. The beautifully designed campus, replete with intriguing wall art, statues, and sculptures, invokes a sense of peace.

Bishnupur temple town has a rich collection of terracotta temples. Built by the Malla dynasty during the 17th century, Bishnupur is about 150 kilometres from Kolkata and was a hub of music and art in previous years. In addition to the grand temples, one can get a feel of the cultural pursuits of Bengal in Bishnupur .

Sunderbans or Sundarban (“Beautiful Forest”) is a mangrove forest area about 100 kilometres from Kolkata. The mangrove forest was formed by the confluence of several rives and the delta they created: Ganga, Meghna (Bangladesh) and Brahmaputra. This place is extremely rich in biodiversity. Sunderbans are home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger.

READ: Guide to the Sunderbans in India .

Digha Beach

Digha is a beach on the Bay of Bengal. It is about 200 kilometres from Kolkata and takes about four hours to reach. It is a popular picnic spot and draws huge crowd during holiday season.

Darjeeling is the most popular hill station in West Bengal and is part of the Himalayan range. It is an overnight journey from Kolkata. The town was developed as a holiday destination in the British era. Apart from natural beauty of the Himalayas, is an eclectic fusion of British as well as local Bhutia and Nepalese cultures. Taking the “toy train” up to Darjeeling is a special treat. 

Pro-tips from a Kolkata travel expert

Kolkata is close to the sea, which makes it humid except for the winter months. Summer lasts from April until September and may not be comfortable for tourist activities. End of September until March is the best time to visit Kolkata.

Apart from historical places in Kolkata, you could also look out for happening night life in Park Street area. It is a thriving city so all modern amenities and medical facilities are easily available. That said, Kolkata offers old world charm like no other city in India and that keeps drawing us back to this romantic City of Joy time and again.

Insider’s Guide to Kolkata: A guest post by Kolkata local Bedabrata Chakraborty of Delhi-Fun-Dos.

Bedabrata, along with Sundeep, runs the award winning travel and lifestyle blog Delhi-Fun-Dos.com. A favourite of tourism boards and sought after for reviewing heritage properties as well as luxury travel, they have a unique approach. They not only cover popular sightseeing options but also write about local arts, crafts and cuisine.

First time in Kolkata by Mariellen

In 2010, I was hosted by India Tourism on a trip to Kolkata, Darjeeling , and Sikkim . These are my memories of Kolkata.

I traveled for about a year in India, altogether, almost always by myself — with no guide, no group, no tour, no accomplice — before visiting Kolkata for the first time in 2010. But in spite of all that experience, I felt like an India newbie in Kolkata. I found the city overwhelming. In Kolkata I felt out of my depths. The city is so immense and sprawling, with every single inch occupied by something or someone, and most of it in a state of decay.

Luckily I was in Kolkata as a guest of India Tourism, and they took care of everything. I was met at the airport by Shrabani, my guide, and later I met Sattarupa of India Tourism. I stayed in a good hotel (the New Kenilworth), that was centrally located, I had a car and driver, and a guide who listened to me. Shrabani and I spent three days driving around the city as I attempted to get a handle on it.

Kolkata is immensely rich in both history and notoriety. It is known for being home to some of the world’s poorest people and one of the darkest moments in British colonial history (from the British perspective): the Black Hole of Calcutta. But also, it was the capital of the British Raj until 1911; it has spawned some of the 20th century’s greatest Indians, such as Sri Aurobindo, Rabindranath Tagore and Satyajit Ray; and it was the inspiration for Mother Teresa to fulfill her potential as a saintly person.

I went to Kolkata with my imagination filled by mythic images and ideas and I think it will take some time for me to process my impressions. I honestly cannot tell whether Kolkata failed to live up to my expectations; or whether it surpassed them to the point of overwhelming satiation. I can say one thing for sure: I have never been anywhere like Kolkata before. At times it reminded me of Havana, at times London, at times other big Indian cities. But it is very unique and I think I would need to spend more time there to appreciate and understand its positive qualities.

I met the Mother Superior of Loreto Convent School when I was in Darjeeling, and she had been in Kolkata for years. She said, “I love Kolkata!” with genuine affection. I was really surprised and curious, and I asked her why. She explained that Kolkata  is a very human city; it’s not like a city, but more like a very large small town. She said it reminded her of villages in Ireland where she grew up. “The people are so warm and helpful,” she said. She really gave me pause.

The problem with being a tourist is that you get such a superficial experience of a place. You need to live there to really know it. I love Delhi because I have lived there, and I have got to know it. Kolkata is likely one of those places that grows on you; that you learn to love. Like Delhi, it is not that tourist friendly, not a very easy place. But familiarity with such places often breeds affection.

The highlight of my three days in Kolkata was the morning we went to Dakshineshwar Temple and then took a boat ride on the Hoogly River (the lower Ganges) to get to the Belur Math on the other side, downstream. This temple was at the top of my must-see list: I have come across mentions of it in several places, including the book Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda, and it has been recommended to me by many people. I was not disappointed. I found it to be a peaceful, calm and yet intensely spiritual place — which is the perfect ‘energetic mix’ for me.

The main temple is dedicated to Kali, the goddess of Kolkata. The complex also includes 10 Shiva lingams and a shallow pit that was used for animal sacrifice. It also houses a small, simple hut where Ramakrishna meditated before starting his mission proclaiming that all religions are all the same.

I lined up to offer flowers to Kali and lit incense to bless the women of my family (including an as-yet-unborn niece!) and I felt very moved, very emotional. I felt the power of the place. From there we negotiated getting a boat to ourselves to go down the river to Belur Math, which is the extremely well-maintained headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. I loved the peace and order of this place, such a contrast to the chaos and decay of much of the rest of Kolkata.

There is a memorial to Vivekananda and a very unique temple that was designed to represent all the world’s great religions. No photography was allowed, so I didn’t get a picture of the temple, but I did sneak a few snaps, much to the chagrin of my guide, Shrabani. She was understandably worried that she would be blamed for my lapse, so I told her her just to walk away and pretend she doesn’t know me.

Another highlight was the short visit we made to Mother Teresa’s home. This moved me more than I imagined it would. I loved the simplicity of the place, and the easy accessibility of her tomb — where, inexplicably, pictures were allowed. I was also quite fascinated to see her tiny, simple room, where she died under a crown of thorns hung on the wall, a religious artifact she had fashioned herself.

As we were leaving, Shrabani and I were talking to a lovely young nun, wearing the familiar white and blue sari of the Missionaries of Charity, when an old nun, bent over with age walked in, and we all got a start as she bore an uncanny resemblance to Mother Teresa. She also emanated a power that is quite indescribable, but we all felt it. I got chills and really felt moved, for the second time in Kolkata. The first time was at the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple.

The other place I loved in Kolkata was, by chance, across the street from my hotel. One morning just after breakfast I walked over to the Aurobindo Bhavan, without knowing what I would find. Turns out, it was the birthplace of Sri Aurobindo, and it is now a peaceful cultural and meditation centre in honour of the great Bengali thinker and spiritual leader. My teacher, Swami Brahmdev at Aurovalley Ashram near Haridwar is a disciple of Sri Aurobindo’s teachings.

Other highlights of my stay in Kolkata included sampling the famous Bengali sweets — one day, Shrabani and I went to Halidram’s and ate sweets for lunch! — having dinner with Sattarupa from India Tourism at the historic Tollygunge Club, walking around the Victoria Memorial and strolling in the Maidan, and visiting Kumartuli, the area where the figures of Kali and other Hindu gods are made. We walked down several narrow, close streets lined with small workshops where artisans were building the figures that are made of wooden frames, covered with straw and then clay. The final touches are paint and clothing, but when we were there, it was still early in the process. Most of the figures are used during Durga Puja and Kali festivals in the fall.

I also went to a Jain temple, Rabrindanath Tagore’s house, shopping for a Bengali cotton sari, and the Marble Palace — which “apparently” houses two paintings by Rubens (among a jumble of other trash and treasures). I saw one called the Marriage of St. Catherine, but I have no idea whether this a real Rubens or not. The collection is housed in an old mansion, and the whole thing has an “it and I have decayed together” air about it, a line from Great Expectations, if you don’t know your Dickens.

No pictures were allowed here either — come to think of it, no pictures were allowed just about everywhere I went! But I walked away from my guide and took a few anyway. I cannot justify breaking the rules … except to say that my intentions were not dishonourable and I have always treated rules as suggestions.

Kolkata is the centre of the tea trade in India. India Tourism arranged for me to meet a tea master. Unfortunately I missed the tea auctions, which have been taking place in Kolkata for at least 150 years, but I had a very nice and informative time at the offices of Contemporary Tea Company, whose tea gardens are in Assam (Diksam Estate). The tea master taught me how to taste tea and I discovered it’s a lot like wine tasting.

I also visited the Botanical Gardens, famous for one of the world’s largest banyan tree, which is estimated to be about 250 years old. The trunk died and rotted away many years ago; all that’s left are the aerial roots.

In retrospect, I cannot believe I packed in so much into two-and-half days!  But no wonder I felt so tired, sweaty and grimy at the end of each day. I spent so much time running around, but perhaps not enough time just sitting still and getting to know Kolkata. I don’t regret it. It’s just too bad there wasn’t enough time for me to get a better sense of the people, the place and the culture.

I never got to Kalighat and the main Kali temple. My guide felt it was too crowded and unpleasant. I could have insisted, they would have taken me there … but as always in India I try to be very aware of the signs and signals, and they seemed to be gently dissuading me. Also, I felt completely satisfied with my puja at the Dakshineshwar Kali temple. So, in the end, on my last morning in Kolkata, I chose to go to Sri Aurobindo Bhavan instead. I’m sure Swamiji would be pleased.

While in Kolkata, I was a guest of India Tourism. But as always, views expressed are my own and are in no way influenced by accepting a press trip. 

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Professional travel writer Mariellen Ward is the founder of award-winning Breathedreamgo. Mariellen has a BA in Journalism and has been travel writing and blogging since 2005. She has won many awards, including a National Tourism Award from Incredible India Tourism, and writes for some of the world’s leading publications including BBC Travel and NatGeo Traveller India.

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Things to do in Kolkata: Where to eat, drink, stay and what to do in the city of joy in 2021

By Arman Khan

Kolkata is a city stuck in time. The phrase one often hears from both the city's harshest critics and those who can’t get enough of it. If you look purely at its trademark yellow ambassador taxis, those Victorian Gothic structures in North Calcutta and the many Rajbaris, the first impression is that of a city clinging on to a nostalgic past, to a time when things moved unhurriedly at their own pace, when the rivalry of Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen made headlines.

But Kolkata has survived it all. And while at it, has managed to retain all the elements that made it so irresistible to the British and now to a new India as well.

Kolkata travel guide: What's new and cool in the Eastern city

The usual suspects always work. Such as The Oberoi Grand with its stately rooms; ITC Sonar with its super diverse menu that gives traditional Bengali dishes a contemporary spin; and The LaLiT Great Eastern which is also in proximity to the New Market area and Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.

However, if you want to go for the old world charm, go for the colonial-era clubs in Kolkata that also provide accommodation. The food and accommodations are surprisingly easier on the pocket compared to the contemporary luxury hotels. Tollygunge Club spread over five acres is replete with multi-cuisine restaurants and a golf club; The Calcutta Club , established in 1907 after the nearby Bengal Club only admitted whites, is also a great option. If you’re planning on going full royal, go for The Rajbari Bawali, a short drive outside the main city of Kolkata with its history dating back to almost a century and also the location where Netflix’s Bulbbul was almost entirely shot.

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There are some iconic places in Kolkata that you simply can’t miss if this is your first time in the city – and demand repeat visits if you've been there before. Head for a quick shot of espresso at the iconic Flurys with their walnut cake; and if you want to try traditional breakfast dishes by Kolkata’s Muslim community, a constellation of restaurants at Park Circus is your home. While these may not be the most luxurious of the places, you can’t miss the Dal Ghosht at Zeeshan — and that’s the breakfast too. The famous Chinese breakfast at the Chinatown of Kolkata — the Tiretti Bazaar is quite an experience too, you’ll see Chinese vendors selling everything from fishball soup to the choicest dimsums. But you need to reach there at 5 AM to get the best of the lot.

The lunch and dinner counterpart is another Chinatown in the Tangra area of Kolkata, particularly the famous Beijing restaurant. Go for a swig of beer and the most inventive cocktails at The Biker’s Cafe which is just a 20 minute drive. For the most authentic Bengali lunch, Kewpie’s is your best bet — almost like an aesthetic cousin of the Parsi cafés of Mumbai. Head to 6 Ballygunge Place for the best of Bengali seafood, particularly the pabda macher jhal jhol and Sylheti shorshe ilish.

You can also head to the Connaught Place of Kolkata — Park Street. The newest addition to the nightlife scene there is Ølterra with its range of craft beers. While the Kolkata branch of Pa Pa Ya is famous for its Asian pizzas, and those meaty cheung funs with crispy edges. Don’t miss out on the popular chello kebabs at both Peter Cat and The Bar-B-Q on Park Street.

By Karishma Shetty , GQ India

By Gaurav Sonavane , GQ India

Check out the Flower Market under Howrah bridge first thing in the morning for your Insta grids. Cover all the galleries and museums on the first day itself. And no, they’re not all the same. Although the Victoria Memorial is the Mecca of Calcutta, its best portions (Victoria’s clothes, her correspondences etc) are closed to the public. Unless you want photos of the facade and gardens for your 'gram, you could skip it. 

Head instead to the nearby Indian Museum which has everything from skeletons of the elephant used in the Grand Delhi Durbar of 1911, two actual mummies from Egypt, an entire section dedicated to stones and minerals, and a beautiful section dedicated to textiles. Do sign up for the heritage walks organised by the National Museum too — the old Jewish quarter at Armenian Street is a feast for the senses, or for that matter any street in North Kolkata.

Prominent art galleries in Kolkata include the Birla Academy of Art and Culture which attracts hundreds of visitors almost daily, as well as Experimenter, CIMA and Emami.

Before you go on a shopping spree at Camac Street (the updated Park Street of Kolkata and its central business district), or Quest Mall , don’t forget to check out the Sabyasachi Flagship Store , which is closed on Sunday. With its sheer maximalism and impressive use of mirrors, you’ll be hurled into a new world altogether. And yes, you can visit it even if you’re not getting married.

Even if you’re not in the remotest bit interested in pottery, the Potter’s Hub at Kumortoli, Kolkata is an experience in itself — the centre where almost all the Durga idols are carefully crafted.

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Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kolkata and beyond. From iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Dakshineswar Kali Temple to exploring the vibrant streets and markets, our Kolkata sightseeing tours are meticulously crafted for every traveler. Delve into the city’s rich history and uncover hidden gems with our curated experiences.

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Kolkata, the “City of Joy,” is a gateway to endless possibilities. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, marvel at architectural gems like the Victoria Memorial, and savor the flavors of Bengali cuisine in its bustling markets. But West Bengal offers so much more – from tranquil coastal escapes to captivating cultural journeys.

Experience the sacred shores of Gangasagar, a pilgrimage site of immense spiritual significance. Explore the pristine beaches of Mandarmoni and Bakkhali, where relaxation and rejuvenation await. Discover the artistic soul of Shantiniketan, where the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore lives on. Or delve into the terracotta temple towns of Bankura and the rustic beauty of Purulia.

For a truly unforgettable adventure, embark on a journey into the heart of the Sundarbans National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a labyrinth of mangrove forests, home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger and a myriad of unique wildlife. Experience the thrill of a boat safari as you navigate this incredible ecosystem.

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Kolkata Tourism, Kolkata Tour Packages

Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta), the capital city of West Bengal, is a city of every traveller’s dream. With architectural splendour, rich art galleries, vibrant culture and historical significance, Kolkata is undeniably one of the most important cities of the country with a significant past and culture, religious importance, along with a rich art and literary history. Referred as the “City of Joy”, Kolkata is indeed a place of delight for travel lovers. Kolkata Tourism offers a wide range of engaging choices to visitors, ranging from sightseeing, events, activities, cuisine and culture.

Varied grand architecture belonging to colonial era and beyond which presents a compelling contrast to the modernity of this metropolitan city, is something that one must experience at least once in his/her lifetime. The city is equally popular for the cultural events that are organised here. From Kolkata book fair to the splendid Durga puja celebrations, there are ample of cultural and art-related activities that one can be part of during a Kolkata tour .

It is the land where great thinkers, writers, visionaries and artists were born. Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Swami Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jagadish Chandra Bose and sportsman like Sourav Ganguly and Leander Paes are a few of the renowned personalities. Mother Teresa also spent considerable amount of her life in this city. Owing to this, this city is often referred with a popular saying which states - ‘What Bengal thought today, India thought tomorrow’.

History of Kolkata

There are many stories behind the name Calcutta/Kolkata. According to some, the city was named as Kalikata, which was created by combining the three village names. However, as per other researchers, the name was given owing to its geographical location. As the city is situated at the river side, it is named Kolikata with Kol referring to the depressions on the river banks. The most popularly believed reason behind the name Kolkata is after the name of Hindu Goddess Kali which later became Calcutta. However, in 2001, the city was renamed as Kolkata.

Three villages namely Kalikata, Gobindapur and Sutanuti together constitute the city of Kolkata, which is located at the banks of River Hooghly. During 13th century, trade started flourishing in the city; Saptagram is earliest town known to have established trade relations with foreign lands.

In 1686, British East India Company started a factory in Sutanuti. It was a part of expansion plans of British India. By 1535, Portuguese had settled here while in 1655 Dutch arrived in Chinsurah and in 1697 French arrived in Chandernagore and in 1755 Danes in Serampore. All these ports along with the villages of Kalikata, Gobindapur and Sutanuti served as the prime centre of trade till 18th Century.

However, the recorded history of the city is during the British rule. From 1772 to 1911, Kolkata served as the capital city of British India as the capital was shifted to Delhi, while from 1912 to 1947, it was the capital of Bengal and later after independence, it became the capital city of West Bengal.

The city has seen many battles and freedom movements as well. For instance, in 1756 Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-Ud-Daula, attacked and took control of the city; later in 1757, during Battle of Plassey, Nawab was defeated. From the year 1830 to 1930, many nationalistic movements started from this city.

Places to visit in Kolkata

Kolkata boasts of many interesting sightseeing choices that cater to all kinds of interests. Irrespective of how you are travelling or with whom you are holidaying, you will find many engaging options to enjoy and explore in this city. From historical buildings, art galleries, ancient temples, colonial churches, gardens, stadium to shopping markets and eateries, there are many amazing places to see in Kolkata.

Architecture lovers will be mesmerised with the structural beauty of building like Victoria Memorial hall, Raj Bhavan, Writers’ Building, etc. Mother House, which is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity which was founded by Mother Teresa, is also a popular sightseeing place in Kolkata. Tomb of Mother Teresa is also located here. For sports fanatics, a visit to Salt Lake Stadium/Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Eden Garden is must. For shopping, places like Bara Bazaar, College Street, Gariahat and new market are perfect.

The city is religiously significant as well. It is considered as one of the 52 shakti peethas. Hence, many devotees visit the Kalighat Kali Temple to offer prayers to the Goddess Kali. Along with Kalighat Kali Temple, there are many other prominent temples in the city that are worth visiting such as Birla Mandir, ISKCON Temple, Belur Math, Dakshineshwar Temple, etc.

Along with all these, other popular places to visit in Kolkata are Rabindra Sarobar, Howrah Bridge, Fort William, Indian Museum, Marble Palace, South Park Street Cemetery, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tipu Sultan Mosque, Shaheed Minar, Alipore Zoological Gardens, Aquatica Water Park, Nicco Amusement Park, etc

If time permits, you can also visit to many places around Kolkata such as terracotta temples of Bishnupur, Sundarbans National Park, Shantiniketan, beaches in Digha and Mandarmani and many more.

Location of Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal state, is situated within lower Ganges Delta in eastern part of Indian sub-continent. It lies along the eastern bank of River Hooghly.

How to reach Kolkata/Calcutta

Kolkata is easily accessible from all the parts of the country. The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport is connected to all the prominent cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Port Blair, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, etc.

It is also linked by railways to the rest of the country. The city has two main railway stations which are located in Howrah and Sealdah. From super-fast trains to express, there are many trains running to the city from all over India.

For those who are travelling by road the city is well connected by roads. One can either take a private and state run buses or hire a cab to the city from nearby areas. Esplanade Terminus is the main bus stand of the city. Along with buses running from Shillong and Tripura to Kolkata, there are buses between Kolkata, Dhaka and Bhutan as well.

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Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Kolkata

• Dakshineswar Kali Temple Kolkata
• Howrah Bridge Kolkata
• Park Street/Food Street Kolkata
• Indian Museum Kolkata
• Victoria Memorial Kolkata
• Birla Temple Kolkata
• Kolkata Race Course
• Eden Gardens Kolkata
• Marble Palace Mansion Kolkata
• Kalighat Kali Temple Kolkata
• Fort William Kolkata
• Writers’ Building Kolkata
• St. Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata
• National Library Kolkata
• Mother House Kolkata
• Eco Tourism Park Kolkata
• Mother's Wax Museum Kolkata
• Nicco Park Kolkata
• Birla Planetarium Kolkata
• BBD Bagh Kolkata
• Science City Kolkata
• Belur Math Kolkata
• Alipore Zoological Gardens Kolkata
• Millennium Park Kolkata
• Shaheed Minar Kolkata
• Aquatica Water Park Kolkata
• Armenian Church Kolkata
• College Street Kolkata
• General Post Office Kolkata
• Kumartuli Kolkata
• Lal Dighi Kolkata
• Misti Hub Kolkata
• Nakhoda Mosque Kolkata
• Netaji Bhawan Kolkata
• Police Museum Kolkata
• Prinsep Ghat Kolkata
• Raj Bhavan Kolkata
• Shobhabazar Rajbari Kolkata
• St. John’s Church Kolkata
• Star Theatre Kolkata
• Town Hall Kolkata
• Tram Museum Kolkata
• Vidyasagar Bridge Kolkata
• Rabindra Sadan Kolkata
• Tipu Sultan Mosque Kolkata
• Rabindra Sarobar Kolkata
• Shantiniketan Kolkata
• Sundarbans National Park Kolkata
• Elliot Park Kolkata
• Wet-O-Wild Kolkata
• Hooghly Imambara Kolkata
• Nehru Children’s Museum Kolkata
• Snow Park, Axis Mall, Kolkata
• Babughat Kolkata
• Mandarmani Beach Kolkata
• Digha Beach Kolkata
• Bandel Church Kolkata
• Maddox Square Park Kolkata
• Muhammad Ali Park Kolkata
• Santosh Mitra Square Kolkata
• Patuli Floating Market Kolkata
• Kolkata Gate / Biswa Bangla Gate
• Maidan / Brigade Parade Ground Kolkata
• Vivekananda Setu / Bally Bridge Kolkata
• Chintamani Kar Bird sanctuary Kolkata
• Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary Kolkata
• ISKCON Radha Govinda Temple Kolkata
• Swami Vivekananda's Ancestral House Kolkata
• Jorasanko Thakurbari / House of the Thakurs Kolkata
• Birla Industrial and Technological Museum Kolkata
• Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden Kolkata
• Nature Park Kolkata

Best Places for One Day Trips From Kolkata

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One Day Trips From Kolkata

Here is the list of 17 best places for one day trips from kolkata, 1. sight the best wildlife at sundarbans.

Known For : Marichjhanpi Ghoramara Island New Moore Island

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest straddling India and Bangladesh, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique ecosystem and rich biodiversity. Home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, and a myriad of bird species, it offers a captivating wildlife experience, best explored through boat safaris navigating its intricate network of water channels.

Best Time: September to March

3 Sundarbans Attractions

2. Spend some time at the Farmhouse in Falta

Falta, a serene riverside town near Kolkata, offers quaint farmhouses that provide a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. Spending time at a Falta farmhouse promises lush green surroundings, fresh produce, and the calming ambiance of the Hooghly River, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Distance from Kolkata: 52 km

3. Visit the Crocodile and Mangrove forest in Bakkhali, West Bengal

Known For : Bakkhali Beach Henry's Island Jambu Dweep

Bakkhali, close to Sunderbans, is a secluded white sand beach, lined with casuarinas and boasting a 7km stretch that offers serene sunsets. Easily accessible from Kolkata, 3.5 hours from Joka, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Crocodile and Mangrove forest and Benfish Harbour.

Distance from Kolkata: 126 km

Best Time: October to March

6 Bakkhali Attractions

4. Embrace nature at Mukutmanipur, West Bengal

Known For : Parasnath Hills Kangsabati dam Ambikanagar

Mukutmanipur, a scenic beauty surrounded by hills, boasts Asia's second-largest earth dam and a picturesque lake that offers breathtaking sunset views and boating facilities. Located 250 km from Calcutta, it's accessible by road and rail, with attractions including the Parasnath Hills, Banpukuria Deer Park, and the ancient town of Ambikanagar. Whether for the dam's splendor or the serene landscapes, Mukutmanipur promises an escape into tranquility.

Distance from Kolkata: 263 km

4 Mukutmanipur Attractions

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5. Marvel at the backdrop of Himalayas at Dooars, West Bengal

Known For : Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary Sumsing and Suntalekhola Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Dooars, derived from 'Doors' (meaning Doors to Bhutan), is a picturesque region in West Bengal showcasing the magnificence of the Eastern Himalayas, dense forests, abundant wildlife, and sprawling tea gardens. Stretching between the rivers Teesta and Sankosh, it serves as a gateway to Bhutan and Northeast India. Key attractions include Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Gorumara National Park, and the scenic Bhutanghat near the Bhutan border.

Distance from Kolkata: 674 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

4 Dooars Attractions

6. Take a weekend getaway to Diamond Harbour

Diamond Harbour, situated just south of Kolkata on the banks of the Hooghly River, offers a refreshing weekend getaway with its serene river views and colonial history. It's a popular spot for boat rides, capturing mesmerizing sunsets, and relishing fresh seafood delicacies. The nearby historical attractions, like the Chingrihkali Fort, add to the allure, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

Distance from Kolkata: 56 km

7. Marvel at the History of Barrackpore

Barrackpore holds immense historical significance as the first British cantonment and the starting point of India's revolt against British rule. The town offers lush parks for relaxation and pristine temples that exude tranquility and positivity. A visit promises a blend of peaceful retreat and insight into a pivotal chapter of Indian history.

Distance from Kolkata: 31 km

8. Explore Bishnupur the land of terracotta temples

Known For : Rasmancha Lalji Temple Susunia Hill

Bishnupur in West Bengal's Bankura district, just 135 Km from Kolkata, is renowned for its 17th-century terracotta temples, a legacy of the Malla Dynasty's royal patronage. Aside from its rich historical and cultural heritage, Bishnupur is famed for the art of weaving the Baluchari Saree. Key attractions include the Bishnupur Museum, Jor Bangla Temple, and the terracotta Rasmanch, with shopping for Baluchari sarees being a must for visitors.

Distance from Kolkata: 137 km

12 Bishnupur Attractions

9. Visit Santiniketan - Rabindranath Tagore's Eternal Abode

Known For : Tagore's ashrama Poush Mela Amar Kutir

Santiniketan, envisioned by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is a harmonious blend of education, art, and nature in West Bengal. It's home to Visva Bharati University, where one can immerse in Tagore's philosophy and experience the cultural richness through its festivals, especially the vibrant Poush Mela. A visit promises a deeper connection to Tagore's literary works, serene landscapes, and the timeless legacy of Bengali arts and crafts.

Distance from Kolkata: 167 km

Best Time: Mid August to March

15 Santiniketan Attractions

10. Relax at Tajpur beaches, Kolkata

Tajpur Beach, approximately 170 km from Calcutta, captivates with its mystifying waves, dense tamarisk tree forests, and a plethora of adventure activities like zorbing and paragliding. Easily accessible via a 3-hour drive from Calcutta, it offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping experiences. Key attractions include strolls along the shore, adventure sports, and the nearby fisherman villages by River Mohana.

11. Go to Raichak to see the Rustic Forts

Known For : The F fort Diamond Harbour Lighthouse at Diamond Harbour

Located only 50 kms away from Kolkata and yet a world apart, Raichak, is a riverside town and is nothing short of a breath of fresh air in its ultra urban and commercialized surrounding. With the Hooghly river on its side and the numerous forts that add to its earthen charm, this town manages to be a getaway you will not want to miss.

Distance from Kolkata: 54 km

8 Raichak Attractions

12. Visit Chinsurah - the most beautiful city of west bengal

Chinsurah or Chuchura (as it is called) is a town in the district of Hooghly, West Bengal. Situated on the bank of the Hooghly river, Chinsurah was once considered as the most beautiful city of West Bengal. Today, this town stands as an example of elegant architecture, with a plethora of architectural marvels that include churches, mosques, gardens, clock towers, etc.

13. See the embellishments of Terracotta art at Deulti

Deulti, located in West Bengal, is a celebration of intricate terracotta art that adorns its temples and architecture. The village beautifully showcases the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the region, with the ornate carvings narrating tales of mythology and folklore. A visit to Deulti offers a deep dive into traditional craftsmanship, against the backdrop of a tranquil rural setting.

Distance from Kolkata: 61 km

14. A Serene getaway to Piyali island

Piyali Islands, often dubbed as "Pseudo Sunderbans," is a tranquil 75 km getaway from Kolkata, offering similar vegetation and topography as the famed Sunderbans. Accessible by car or train followed by a trek, this serene destination is where the rivers Matla and Piyali converge, offering opportunities for wilderness strolls, bird watching, boat rides, and exploring the surrounding villages.

15. Relax at Junput, Kolkata

Junput, located about 145 km from Kolkata, offers a serene sea beach experience with its casuarina groves, rhythmic sea waves, and the breathtaking convergence point of the rivers Rasulpur and Ganga. Key attractions include a lighthouse and a fisheries museum. Moreover, popular destinations like Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, and Talshree are just an hour's drive away.

Distance from Kolkata: 154 km

16. Visit Taki, West Bengal

Taki, a serene village located 80 km from Kolkata on the banks of River Ichamati, offers urban dwellers an authentic glimpse into rural Bengal's beauty and tranquility. A mere 2.5-hour drive or a train journey from Sealdah to Hasnabad brings you to this retreat, where one can view the Bangladesh border across the river, distinguished by boatmen using national flags on their boats.

Distance from Kolkata: 67 km

17. Machranga Dwip - the Kingfisher Island of West Bengal

Machranga Dwip, also known as Kingfisher Island, sits in the middle of river Ichamati, flanked by India and Bangladesh. This verdant haven, perfect for nature lovers, offers picturesque views, boat rides, and glimpses of distant Bangladeshi settlements. To reach the island, one can travel to Hasnabad from Kolkata (75 km) by road, bus, or train and then take a motorboat from either Hasnabad or nearby Taki.

Distance from Kolkata: 90 km

Kolkatta also called as the 'city of joy' is indeed a beauty in itself. Visiting these beautiful one day trips from Kolkata will make you feel refreshed.

This post was published by Harshitha

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FAQs on Best Places for One Day Trips From Kolkata

How can i plan a day trip in kolkata.

• Victoria Memorial: Start your day at this iconic monument that stands as a testimony to the British Raj in India. It opens at 10:00 AM and offers not only historical insight but also beautiful gardens.
• St. Paul's Cathedral: Close to Victoria Memorial, this is an architectural marvel and is the first Episcopal Church in the eastern world.
• Late Morning:
• Indian Museum: Head to the oldest and largest museum in India to witness a vast collection of antiques, art, and archaeological findings.
• Grab a snack: Try some traditional Bengali sweets like rasgulla or sandesh from a nearby sweet shop.
• Howrah Bridge: Visit this iconic cantilever bridge which is also one of the busiest bridges in the world.
• Belur Math: A serene temple complex on the banks of the Hooghly River, it's the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission.
• Park Street: This is Kolkata's entertainment hub. Enjoy shopping, or relax in one of the numerous cafes and restaurants.
• Traditional Bengali Meal: There are several restaurants like 6 Ballygunge Place or Bhojohori Manna where you can enjoy authentic Bengali cuisine.
• Prinsep Ghat: End your day with a serene boat ride on the Hooghly River from Prinsep Ghat. The illuminated Howrah Bridge in the background adds to the experience.
• Make use of Kolkata's efficient metro system to avoid traffic during peak hours.
• Keep some bottled water handy.
• If you have specific interests like arts or history, you can customize the itinerary accordingly. For example, art lovers might visit the Academy of Fine Arts while history buffs might opt for the Marble Palace.

Where can I go for a ride near Kolkata?

• Sundarbans: Located about 100 km from Kolkata, it's the world's largest delta and mangrove forest. It offers boat rides through dense mangroves and a chance to spot the famous Bengal tiger.
• Mandarmani: About 170 km away, Mandarmani is a seaside resort village known for its long drivable beach.
• Santiniketan: Approximately 160 km from Kolkata, it's a cultural hub founded by Rabindranath Tagore. A place of historical and cultural significance, it offers serene landscapes.
• Raichak: Located on the banks of the Hooghly river, about 50 km from Kolkata, it's perfect for a relaxed riverside outing.
• Taki: About 80 km from Kolkata, Taki is situated on the banks of the Ichamati River and offers a peaceful riverside experience with boat rides.
• Bakkhali: Located about 130 km from Kolkata, Bakkhali offers a calm beach destination with views of the Bay of Bengal.

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• 17 Enchanting Road Trips From Kolkata You’d Love To Take In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Synonymous with culture, and high on life, Kolkata is a city which celebrates its people every single day. From its artistic grandeur to its rustic street food, and from its rich history to its inspiring culture, Kolkata is not just a place but an experience in itself.

Likewise, there are few hidden gems near the city of joy which make for amazing road trips from Kolkata . Be it for a day-trip or a weekend getaway, embark on an enchanting road trip that takes you to the unseen wonders near Kolkata.

17 Best Road Trips From Kolkata Under 500 km

Here are a few road trips from Kolkata that you can take under 500 km. You can start from Kolkata and with plenty of opportunities to take halts in between, it would be a great ride if you follow the correct path as suggested below:

• Falta – A River Town
• Raichak – For A Short Tour
• Chinsurah – The City With A Colonial Past
• Deulti – A Calm And Mystical Village
• Piyali Island – The Gateway To Sundarbans
• Sunderbans – With A Shimmering Coastline
• Bakkhali – Located Between Islands
• Bishnupur – A Town With Breathtaking Architecture
• Mandarmani – A Pristine Gem
• Digha – A Coastal Resort Town
• Mukutmanipur – A Natural Resort
• Jamshedpur – Visit The Myriad Of Attractions

1. Falta – A River Town

Also popular as a river town, Falta is one of the ideal weekend getaways from Kolkata . With a bunch of picnic destinations, with the confluence of river Damodar and Hoogly, the place has been nurtured as a rivertown resort. If you are looking for the best bike trip from Kolkata, then visit Falta. There are some farmhouses, temples and ferries that give a riverside tour.

Route: Bankura – Beliator – Sonamukhi – Khandaghosh – Nischintapur – Diamond Harbour Distance: 52 km Time Taken: 2 hours Best Time To Visit: All year round Famous For:  Hoogly river

Must Read: Durga Puja In Kolkata: A Guide To Feel The Joy Of This Festival

2. Raichak – For A Short Tour

Image Source

Located in the town of Diamond Harbour, Raichak happens to be a great choice for those who’re looking forward to go on a short tour from Kolkata . Considered to be one of the best and famous picnic spots near Kolkata , it is a serene destination perched on the banks of River Hooghly. Be it the popular lighthouse at Diamond Harbour or the ancient Raichak Fort, unravel the treasures of Raichak on a memorable road trip. This is also one of the most popular long drive destinations near Kolkata . 

Route: Bankura – Beliator – Sonamukhi – Khandaghosh – Nischintapur Road Distance: 53 km away Time Taken: 2 hours and 20 minutes Best Time To Visit: September to April Famous For:  Historic architecture

Suggested Read : 60 Best Places To Visit In Kolkata That Reflect Its True Art

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3. Chinsurah – The City With A Colonial Past

Image Credits: Biswarup Ganguly for Wikimedia

Chinsurah is a city in the Hooghly district and was once a part of the Dutch settlement in India. A short bike trip from Kolkata is very much recommended to visit Chinsurah and tour around this historic place. The old military barracks, Hooghly Imambara, Bandel Church, Aqua Marina water park and Sobuj Deep are some of the best attractions to visit in the city.

Route: Via Delhi Road Distance: 53 km Time Taken: 1 hour and 30 minutes Best Time To Visit: December to February Famous For:  European settlements along Hooghly

Suggested Read : Shopping In Kolkata: A Guide To Help You Spend Money On The Right Item!

4. Deulti – A Calm And Mystical Village

Image Credits: Tarun Samanta for Wikimedia

Deulti is a village nestled on the Rupnarayan river and one of the most popular weekend getaways from Kolkata by road. If you like the calm mysticism of a village, then this little wonder will shine on your tour. Enjoy the quietness of this little retreat. You will be astonished by the panoramic views, charming landscape and an immense range of  flora and fauna. Picnic at the Leisure Park or visit Kolaghat, a fish town nearby or just simply stroll through the many paths of the village, we are sure it will be a wonder for you.

Route: Via Makardah Road and NH 16 Distance: 67 km Time Taken: 1 hour and 30 minutes Best Time To Visit: November to January Famous For: Author late Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

Suggested Read : Visit These 11 Haunted Places In Kolkata And Discover Their Real Ghost Stories

5. Piyali Island – The Gateway To Sundarbans

Another great opportunity for a bike trip from Kolkata is in the form of Piyali Island. It is one of the main entry points to Sunderbans and located in an area away from hustle and bustle, making it the perfect place for weekend getaway. Connected to the islands of Sudhanyakhali and Netidhopani by waterways, the island meets at the confluence of the Piyali and Malta rivers. Enjoying a boat ride and birdwatching is a great pastime at the island.

Route: Eastern Metropolitan Bypass Distance: 69 km Time Taken: 3 hours Best Time To Visit: October to March Famous For: Paddy fields

Suggested Read : 9 Best Beaches Near Kolkata Which Are The Ideal Getaway For A Relaxing Vacation

6. Sunderbans – With A Shimmering Coastline

Nestled on the shimmering coastline of Bay of Bengal, the enthralling wonder of Sunderbans make for one of the most engaging road trips from Kolkata . A World Heritage Site of Bangladesh, the dense Sunderbans are spread across a land that measures about 10,000 square kilometres. From the delta region in India to three different districts in Bangladesh, embarking on a road trip to Sunderbans is once-in-a-lifetime.

Route: Kolkata – Canning – Godkhali Ferry Ghat Distance: 114 km away Time Taken: 3 hours and 30 minutes Best Time To Visit: September to March Famous For: White tigers

Suggested Read: 33 Best Things To Do In Kolkata: Know What Makes It The City Of Joy

7. Bakkhali – Located Between Islands

Bakkhali is considered another of the great weekend getaways from Kolkata by road. With plenty of places to visit, you will never get bored of your vacation to Bakkhali. It is part of the Sundarbans islands that are located between islands. Some of the top destinations in the island include Henry Island, Bakkhali beach, Jambudwip, Mangrove Resort Garden, the Watchtower and more.

Route: Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and NH 12 Distance: 125 km Time Taken: 4 hours Best Time To Visit: October to March Famous For: Coastline villages

Suggested Read : 6 Luxurious Villas In Kolkata Which One Must Visit And Enjoy A Relaxing Stay!

8. Bishnupur – A Town With Breathtaking Architecture

In search of a great escape for a short road trip from Kolkata but not too far from the city? Head towards the fascinating town of Bishnupur. Home to numerous Hindu temples, the town is known for the breathtaking architecture of its temples that are made from locally produced terracotta. Set in the Bankura district, the town is also famed as Vishnupur and serves as a beautiful escape for a day.

Route: Bankura – Beliator – Sonamukhi – Khandaghosh – Nischintapur Road – SH 2 Distance: 140 km away Time Taken: 4 hours and 15 minutes Best Time To Visit: October to March Famous For: Medieval terracotta temples

Suggested Read : 29 Super Romantic Places In Kolkata For Couples Hit By Cupid’s Bow

9. Mandarmani – A Pristine Gem

Set along the shoreline of Bay of Bengal in the northern region, travelers can make the most of a day trip from Kolkata by heading towards the seaside town of Mandarmani. Although chances are high that you might not have heard the name before, Mandarmani is a gem of East Midnapore district in West Bengal which is famous for being a home to the red crabs.

Route: NH 16 – NH 116B Distance: 171 km away Time Taken: 4 hours and 20 minutes Best Time To Visit: October to May Famous For: Seaside resort village

Suggested Read : 29 Best Romantic Restaurants In Kolkata For A Date To Remember!

10. Digha – A Coastal Resort Town

Located in the district of Purba Medinipur, Digha is one of the most popular seaside towns in the whole of West Bengal. Famous for its low gradient beach, Digha also happens to be one of the top places to visit near Kolkata that qualifies for an amazing road trip from Kolkata.

Route: NH 16 – NH 116B Distance: 183 km away Time Taken: 4 hours and 45 minutes Best Time To Visit: October to March Famous For: Sharks, rays and sea snakes

Suggested Read : 7 Hotels In Kolkata Handpicked For You For A Delightful Stay

11. Mukutmanipur – A Natural Resort

Image Credits: Wikimedia

Mukutmanipur is a quaint and small village in the Bankura district of West Bengal. One of the best weekend getaways from Kolkata by road, Mukutmanipur has recently gained recognition as a picnic outing and weekend getaway for people living in the city. The village is essentially located near water bodies and boating has been favored by many tourists. The green forests and hillocks comprise a picturesque beauty that you cannot resist to capture in your camera. This is also one of the most travelled to long drive destinations near Kolkata . 

Route: Via Raja Ram Mohan Sarani and NH 16 Distance: 228 km Time Taken: 5 hours and 30 minutes Best Time To Visit: October to March Famous For: Kangsabati and Kumari rivers

Suggested Read : 8 Best Adventure Sports Near Kolkata To Kick Start Your Vacation

12. Jamshedpur – Visit The Myriad Of Attractions

Set on one of the best road trips from Kolkata to Jamshedpur that happens to be the first ever planned industrial city of India. Considered to be the heart of Jharkhand, Jamshedpur offers a myriad of attractions that ranges from wildlife sanctuaries to refreshing gardens like that of Jubilee Park. Apart from that, the city is also famous for being home to the tenth largest steel plant in the world of Tata Steel.

Route: NH 16 Distance: 283 km away Time Taken: 6 hours and 40 minutes Best Time To Visit: October to March Famous For: Tata Steel Zoological Park

Suggested Read:   33 Best Things To Do In Kolkata: Know What Makes It The City Of Joy

5 Road Trips From Kolkata Above 500 km

Here are 4 amazing road trips from Kolkata which take a little more distance to travel yet worth it. Above 500 km, what motivates you to drive are the serene natural abodes that lie ahead:

• Darjeeling – A Summer Paradise
• Kalimpong – The Offbeat Vibes
• Dooars Region – Mother Nature’s Resting Place
• Gangtok – The Most Picturesque Town
• Lachung – An Ideal Winter Paradise

13. Darjeeling – A Summer Paradise

Be it a car ride or a bike trip, a journey to the summer paradise of Darjeeling has to be one of the favorite road trips from Kolkata for all the travelers alike. Reckoned to be one of the popular hill stations near Kolkata , Darjeeling is set at a height of 6,700 feet that lets the travelers unwind in the refreshing environs of unspoilt nature. Also, don’t forget to try some of the best adventure sports in Darjeeling during your trip here!

Route: Badshahi Road – NH 12 Distance: 616 km away Time Taken: 15 hours and 45 minutes Best Time To Visit: March to mid-June and October to December Famous For: Tea plantations

Suggested Read : 12 Finest Homestays In Kolkata Which One Must Visit To Experience The Best Of The City!

14. Kalimpong – The Offbeat Vibes

Kalimpong is all about good vibes and chilled out feels which makes it a fascinating escape on the list of best road trips from Kolkata . The journey could be a bit tiring but the experience will be worth your money and efforts. Away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan, experience pure bliss with plenty of things to do in Kalimpong . They include paragliding, visiting haunted places, exploring wildlife and attaining peace at the monasteries. Perfect for a bike trip from Kolkata , this destination calls for a long-stay getaway. 

Route: Badshahi Road – NH 12 Distance: 624 km away Time Taken: 15 hours and 55 minutes Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to December Famous For: Colonial-era buildings

Suggested Read : 9 Best Guest Houses In Kolkata Which Offers A Relaxing Stay In The Vibrant City!

15. Dooars Region – Mother Nature’s Resting Place

Image Credits: Rajib Nandi for Wikimedia

Dooars or Dooars region is one of the most naturally rich places to visit in West Bengal . Although, it is located a little farther away from Kolkata, visiting here would be worth it with the multitude of attractions. You will get to feel the chills on your way as the path is pretty scenic and the moment you realize you are in a different world, you get a nice clean peek of the Himalayas. The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Buxa Fort, Teesta Barrage, Bhutanghat and Jayanti river are some of the best places to visit. 

Route: Gajoldoba, Sevoke and Chalsa road (it is a vast region and multiple options are there to travel from) Distance: 650 km Time Taken: 10 hours Best Time To Visit: April to June; October to December Famous For: Alluvial floodplains

Suggested Read : 13 Delightful Honeymoon Places Near Kolkata That Will Add To The Romance

16. Gangtok – The Most Picturesque Town

The capital city of Sikkim happens to be the most picturesque town in the Northeast India to enjoy one of the most thrilling road trips from Kolkata . Perched at a height of 5,410 feet, Gangtok houses people of multiple ethnicity that makes it a living testimony of unity in diversity. From the attractions to people, from natural wonders to rich history, and from the monasteries to the breathtaking views, there is no dearth of surprises in Gangtok. Also don’t forget to experience paragliding in Gangtok when you travel around for a thrilling experience. 

Route: Badshahi Road – NH 12 Distance: 672 km away Time Taken: 17 hours and 15 minutes Best Time To Visit: September to June Famous For: Buddhist pilgrimage sites

Suggested Read : 11 Lavish Resorts In Kolkata For A Comfortable Yet Memorable Stay

17. Lachung – An Ideal Winter Paradise

Located in the heart of Sikkim, Lachung is one of the popular mountain villages perched amidst the snowbound peaks on all sides. Overlooking the pristine Lachung River, this incredible winter paradise makes for an unforgettable escape on one of the most interesting and longest road trips from Kolkata . Of pine forests, hot springs, and waterfalls, Lachung Valley is an overall stunner to be honest!

Route: NH 12 Distance: 743 km away Time Taken: 20 hours Best Time To Visit: October to June Famous For: Buddhist Lachung Monastery

Further Read: Kolkata Cuisine: From Traditional Curries To Sweet Specialities, Here’s All You Need To Try

So, here were a few awesome road trips from Kolkata that speak for itself as as to why you should visit here while planning for your trip to Kolkata .  From historical cities to islands and small villages, there is a lot of variety to tour around. Make sure to research about the weather before visiting as driving conditions might be challenging!

Disclaimer : TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Road Trips From Kolkata

Which is the best time to visit kolkata.

October to March happens to be the best time to visit Kolkata though the city of Joy enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year.

Which are some of the nearest destinations for amazing road trips from Kolkata?

Raichak, Sunderbans, Bishnupur, Mandarmani, and Digha are some of the best and nearest places to enjoy amazing road trips from Kolkata.

What is the distance from Kolkata to Darjeeling road trip?

Darjeeling is set at a distance of about 616 km from the city of Kolkata.

What are some weekend destinations near Kolkata in monsoon?

Jamunadighi, Tajpur and Bagriposi are among the best pick if you are looking for a quick monsoon escape from Kolkata. The weather in the mentioned places stays pleasant and favorable during this time of the year, with landscape getting greener with every rainfall.

How far is Kolkata from Shantiniketan?

Shantiniketan is situated at a distance of approximately 162 km from Kolkata. There are numerous trains running between both the destinations. You can also hire a cab or taxi from Kolkata to reach Shantiniketan.

What are the top places to visit in Jamshedpur?

Jubilee Park Dimma Lake Here a few amazing places to visit in Kamshedpur: Tata Steel Zoological Park, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Hudco Lake, Russi Modi and Centre for Excellence.

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• 11 Reasons Why You Should...

11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kolkata

A uniquely important center of history, art, and culture in India, Kolkata is a city everyone ought to visit at some point. If you are looking for some motivation to get on with your trip, here are our top 11 reasons why you ought to visit the “City of Joy” right now.

Former capital.

Having served as the capital of British India for more than a century, Kolkata is rich with historical significance . It was home to the headquarters of the British East India Company and later became the capital of British territories in the subcontinent during the British Raj. The city’s architecture and culture are rich with traces from this era.

Dynamic markets

Mallik Ghat Flower Market, Fairley Place, BBD Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

College Street, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

1. Chinatown

As home to India’s only remaining Chinatown, Kolkata serves as the safe keeper of the country’s waning Chinese immigrant population and culture. Terreti Bazaar , or Old Chinatown, is one of Kolkata’s richest cultural offerings, and worth visiting for delicious street food, historic Chinese temples, quirky streetside stalls and more.

Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Tong On Church, one of Kolkata’s historic Chinese Temples | © Arup1981 / WikiCommons

Exceptional architecture

From the stunning colonial-era Victoria Memorial to the ever-busy Howrah Bridge , Kolkata’s architecture will no doubt impress. With a variety of historic churches, synagogues, temples, old mansions and colonial buildings, Kolkata’s structures pull off old-world charm unlike few other cities can.

Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Kolkata, India

Howrah Bridge, West Bengal, India

Uniquely cosmopolitan

As home to large populations of Chinese, Armenian, Jewish, and other immigrant communities over the past couple of centuries, Kolkata is uniquely cosmopolitan among Indian cities. Each of these communities has contributed to Kolkata’s social, historical, political, cultural and architectural growth, putting on display a unique blend of cultures that will amuse visitors.

Kolkata has a rich culinary tradition that every foodie ought to experience at some point. Home to delicious street food , mouthwatering Bengali sweets and desserts, historic Indo-Chinese restaurants and a variety of legendary eateries, Kolkata is among India’s top cities to sample delicious food.

Literary capital

Kolkata has been India’s unofficial literary capital for quite a while, and the title is to stay. As the hometown of Rabindranath Tagore, and several other highly influential figures in Indian literature and thought, the City of Joy is a pilgrimage for fans of Indian writing. Kolkata is also home to some of the country’s most historic publishing houses.

Football capital of India

As a hub of football lovers in a country engulfed with cricket fever , Kolkata is a fascinating place to visit for sports enthusiasts. The Calcutta Football League, founded in 1898, is not only the oldest association football league in Asia but also one of the oldest football competitions in the world.

2. Kumortuli

Kolkata’s pottery district, the only surviving bit of its once glorious artisans’ colony, is a uniquely fabulous experience any art lover ought to have. With narrow lanes lined with artisans completely immersed in their work on terracotta sculptures—usually idols of Hindu gods—Kumortuli has an almost otherworldly quality.

Kumortuli, Kolkata, India

Kumortuli | © Bernard Gagnon / WikiCommons

Kolkata is India’s only city with an operating tram network. The oldest in all of Asia, Kolkata’s tram system is a delightful and unique experience visitors are guaranteed to enjoy. Immersed in old-world charm and running through some of the most historic parts of the city, these charming rides are every bit worth a visit to Kolkata.

Historic Rail Network

Kolkata has one of India’s most historic railway networks. A source of much fascination to visitors, the city’s ever-busy railway stations juggle more passengers than most others in India. The Howrah Junction Railway Station, built in 1854, is the oldest and busiest train station in India. With 23 operating platforms, it also has the highest train-handling capacity among railway stations in the country.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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The 11 Best Day Trips From Kolkata

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The lush West Bengal countryside has some surprising destinations that can easily be explored on day trips from Kolkata . Many places of interest lie along the Hooghly River upstream of Kolkata, which was a busy trading route during British colonial rule. Just be aware that the roads out of the city aren't in great condition, adding extra time to the journey.

Serampore to Bandel: Early European Heritage

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Before members of the British empire started using Kolkata as a capital city in 1690, European traders had already set up outposts along the Hooghly River: the Portuguese in Bandel, the Dutch in Chinsurah, the Danish in Serampore, and the French in Chandannagar. Old churches, colleges, cemeteries, and heritage buildings are remnants of this well-preserved history. The impressive 19th century Hooghly Imambara (assembly hall) is a great example of Bandel's Islamic heritage.

Getting There: The towns are clustered over a 25 kilometer (15.5 mile) stretch beginning an hour north of Kolkata, on the Howrah side. Trains run from Howrah Station to Bandel, and you can hire an auto rickshaw from there to explore the area. Alternatively, take a private tour , or West Bengal Transport Corporation's new European Settlements Boat Ride on weekends.

Travel Tip: If you have time, the two Bengal terracotta temples at nearby Bansberia are worth seeing as well.

Barrackpore: The Oldest British Cantonment in India

jcdl/Flickr/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The British established Barrackpore as an army cantonment in the late 18th century. It later became a riverside summer retreat for British rulers when Kolkata was used as their capital city. Two important Indian uprisings against British rule happened there, in 1824 and 1857. These days, the Indian Army and West Bengal state government occupy most remaining buildings. Flagstaff House serves as a retreat of the Governor of West Bengal. Its grounds house 12 statues from the era of British colonial rule. Other attractions include Lady Canning's grave, Gandhi Ghat memorial, Gandhi Museum , Annapurna temple, and the ruins of British bungalows.

Getting There: Barrackpore is opposite Serampore, on the Kolkata side of the Hooghly River. Take Barrackpore Trunk Road or a train from Sealdah Station in Kolkata. Travel time is 45 minutes to an hour.

Travel Tip: Permission to visit Flagstaff House can be obtained from Raj Bhavan .

Bawali: A 300 year-old Bengali Zamindar's Mansion

Rajbari Bawali

The Rajbari Bawali was once the home of the Mondal royal family who developed Bawali into an affluent temple town. It has been carefully restored and turned into a heritage hotel that provides a peek into the lavish lifestyles of the erstwhile Zamindars of Bengal, who were influential landowners during the time of British rule. Antiques and old photos create plenty of old-world charm. Pay the on-site restaurant a visit for lunch or dinner, Bengali food is served and it's superb.

Getting There: Head south of Kolkata on Diamond Harbour Road. Travel time by road is about an hour and a half.

Travel Tip: Evenings are most atmospheric, when the mansion is evocatively illuminated and there's a cultural program featuring live Baul folk musicians. The Durga Puja festival is celebrated with elaborate rituals and food, usually in October.

Dhaniakhali: Sari Weaving

Atul Tater / Getty Images

The weaver community in Dhaniakhali village makes lightweight and soft traditional cotton Tant saris. Each household has at least one hand-loom and you can watch the weavers at work. In addition, visit a dyeing unit and Dhaniakhali Sari Museum .

Getting There: Dhaniakhali is about two hours northwest of Kolkata via National Highway 19. It's possible to go on a private tour . A local train from Howrah Station is a cheaper option and takes just over an hour.

Travel Tip: Tant saris are available for purchase at Dhaniakhali Sari Museum. Stop by Tarakeshwar to visit the Shiva temple on the way.

Bishnupur: Ancient Terracotta Temple Art

Amitabha Gupta/Getty Images

West Bengal's most famous terracotta temples at Bishnupur were built by the ruling Malla dynasty in classic ‘Bengali hut’ style between 16th-19th centuries. They're adorned with exquisite decorative carvings and have been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of particular interest are the Ras Mancha, Jor Bangla, Madan Mohan, and Shyam Rai temples with panels depicting scenes from Hindu epics The Mahabharata and The Ramayana .

Getting There: Bishnupur is well connected to Kolkata by rail, with a travel time of about three hours. Most conveniently, take the early morning air-conditioned 12883/Rupasi Bangla Express from Santragachi Junction Station.

Travel Tip: Baluchari silk saris and terracotta horses are popular purchases in Bishnupur.

Ambika Kalna: Diverse Temple Architecture

Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images

Ambika Kalna (simply known as Kalna) rivals Bishnupur as a temple town. Although the terracotta temple art is more detailed in Bishnupur, Kalna has more temples and a wider variety of temple structures. These include the Nava Kailash 108 Shiva temple complex , extensive Rajbari temple complex constructed by local kings, 17th-century Siddeshwari Kali temple, Anantabasudev temple, the 25 pinnacle Gopaljiu temple at Gopalbari, and twin temples of Jagannath Bari. Kalna is also a renowned muslin and jamdani sari weaving center.

Getting There: Head north of Kolkata on State Highway 6 or National Highway 19 (goes past Dhaniakhali). Travel time is under three hours. Regular local trains run from Sealdah and Howrah stations to Ambika Kalna but can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Travel Tip: Kalna has too many temples to be covered in a day, so start early and focus on the prominent ones mentioned above. Nearby Guptipara and Baidyapur offer more temples and Bengali heritage.

Shantiniketan: Rabindranath Tagore's University Town

Suprabhat Dutta/Getty Images

Shantiniketan is a popular destination for travelers interested in Bengali arts, music, and literature. Nobel Laureate and poet Rabindranath Tagore founded the town and Visva Bharati University in 1901 at the site of his father's ashram. You can explore the university campus, centered around the Uttarayan Complex where Tagore lived and wrote much of his poetry. It has an excellent museum dedicated to him. Nearby, Srijini Shilpagram art village celebrates the tribal heritage of India.

Getting There: Take a train northwest from Howrah Station to Bolpur. Travel time is about three hours, and it's quicker than by road.

Travel Tip: Read Tagore's Nobel Prize-winning collection of poetry "Gitanjali" before you visit. The museum is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Baul folk musicians perform at Sonajhuri tribal market on Saturdays. The Poush Mela fair, in late December, attracts many Bauls too.

Pingla and Sabang: Handicraft Villages

RNMitra/Getty Images

More than 200 artisans who specialize in Bengal Patachitra painting live in Naya village in Pingla and each house is this village is filled with colorful art. Artisans living in Sharta village in Sabang weave delicate Madur floor mats. The West Bengal state government and social enterprise Bangla Natak have established both places as rural crafts hubs . You can see the artisans at work and buy directly from them.

Getting There: Pingla is about three hours east of Kolkata via National Highway 16. The closest railway station is Balichak, 30 minutes away. Sabang is a further 40 minutes from Pingla. Hence, it's best to travel by car from Kolkata. Contact TourEast , Bangla Natak's tourism initiative, for more information.

Travel Tip: The villages can be visited all year round but Pingla is most vibrant during the annual POT Maya festival, usually in November. Drop into the Folk Art Center in each place to learn about the handicrafts. Workshops are also held there.

Sundarbans National Park: The World's Largest Mangrove Forest

A remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans National Park is spread over 3,861 square miles (10,000 square kilometers) on the Bay of Bengal between India and Bangladesh. There are 102 islands in the Indian part, and about half of them are inhabited. Notably, the Sundarbans is the only mangrove forest in the world to have tigers. However, the real appeal of the Sundarbans is its natural beauty and enchanting villages. Do try the locally-collected mangrove honey.

Getting There: The Sundarbans can only be accessed by boat. State Highway 3 goes up to Godkhali, the gateway to the Sundarbans, about three hours southeast of Kolkata. Independent travel is quite laborious, so it's best to go on a tour . The tour company will arrange the necessary permits for foreigners as well.

Travel Tip: It's possible to visit the Sundarbans on a long day trip from Kolkata but ideally stay there at least one night to experience village life and explore the narrow waterways.

Bakkhali: Pristine Beaches and Fresh Seafood

Bakkhali is an offbeat option for a quick beach break on the deltaic islands bordering the Sundarbans. Its long and wide stretch of sand is quite undeveloped, and you can walk along it to Fraserganj Beach where there are windmills and ruins of an old port building. Only 10 minutes away, serene Henry Island is a must-visit for its views and resident red crabs. Bishhalakshmi temple and a crocodile breeding center are other attractions.

Getting There: Head south on National Highway 117/12 from Kolkata to reach Bakkhali in about three and a half hours.

Travel Tip: Go during winter to avoid the extreme heat and humidity.

Mayapur: Spiritual Capital of International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Pavel Sipachev/Getty Images

The International Society for Krishna Conciousness (ISKCON), better known as the Hare Krishna movement, has its headquarters in holy Mayapur next to the Ganges River. Hindus believe that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a special incarnation of Lord Krishna, was born there in the 15th century. The ISKCON temple complex is magnificent, and it's an outstanding place to learn about Vedic culture and philosophy . The town is dotted with many more beautiful temples dedicated to Krishna too. A boat ride on the river is enjoyable.

Getting There: Mayapur is about four hours drive north of Kolkata along National Highway 12. ISKCON Kolkata conducts day trips by bus . There's also a direct public bus from the Esplanade bus stand. If going by train, you'll need to disembark at Nabadwip or Krishnanagar.

Travel Tip: Experience the energetic and uplifting evening Sandhya aarti (worship ritual) at the temple. It starts around 6:30 p.m.

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$71 Find cheap flights from Kolkata to New Delhi

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from kolkata to new delhi departing on 4/30. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to new delhi.

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Cheap flight deals from Kolkata to New Delhi (CCU-DEL)

Flights from kolkata to new delhi - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends into flights from kolkata to new delhi to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from kolkata to new delhi, if your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to new delhi on a wednesday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. on the other hand, sunday is the most expensive day to fly from kolkata to new delhi. for your return ticket, we recommend flying on a sunday and avoiding mondays for the best deals., what is the cheapest month to fly from kolkata to new delhi, the cheapest month for flights from kolkata to new delhi is september, where tickets cost $91 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are october and december, where the average cost of tickets is $170 and $163 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from kolkata to new delhi, to get a below average price on the flight from kolkata to new delhi, you should book around 1 day before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 2 days before departure., which airlines provide the cheapest flights from kolkata to new delhi, in the past 3 days, the cheapest one-way tickets to new delhi from kolkata were found on air india ($71) and air india express ($74), and the lowest round-trip tickets were found on indigo ($140) and air india ($147)., which airlines fly most frequently between kolkata and new delhi, indigo connects kolkata to new delhi with up to 13 flights per day. air india also offers 4 flights per day, while vistara follows with 4 flights per day., which airlines fly non-stop between kolkata and new delhi, there are 4 airlines that fly nonstop from kolkata to new delhi. they are: air india, indigo, spicejet and vistara. the cheapest price of all airlines flying this route was found with spicejet at $76 for a one-way flight. on average, the best prices for this route can be found at spicejet., how many flights are there between kolkata and new delhi per day, each day, there are 23 nonstop flights that take off from kolkata and land in new delhi, with an average flight time of 2h 25m. the most common departure time is 6:00 am and most flights take off in the morning. each week, there are 161 flights and there are the same amount of flights each day 23., which cabin class options are there for flights between kolkata and new delhi, there are 4 cabin class options for the route. these are first, business, economy and prem economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., how long does a flight from kolkata to new delhi take, nonstop flights from kolkata generally make it to new delhi in 2h 20m. the flying distance between the two cities is 815 miles., what’s the earliest departure time from kolkata to new delhi, early birds can take the earliest flight from kolkata at 5:30 am and will be landing in new delhi at 7:50 am., what’s the latest departure time from kolkata to new delhi, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from kolkata to new delhi jets off at 10:30 pm and lands at 12:50 am., good to know, when to book flights from kolkata to new delhi, faqs for booking flights from kolkata to new delhi, how can i get to the city centre from new delhi airport.

There are several ways to get from New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport to the downtown area. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates a bus service to the city, while the Delhi Airport Metro Express offers a fast and efficient mode of transport. Ola and Uber are ride-sharing companies you can consider using, or you can opt for car rental or an airport taxi.

Are there any ATMs at New Delhi Airport?

Yes, there are a few ATMs to be found at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. Citibank and Indus Ind Bank each have a machine in the domestic arrivals area of Terminal 3, and there are also several banks with airport offices, including Union Bank of India, SBI and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Where can I grab a quick bite to eat at New Delhi Airport?

There are well over 40 ‘Quick Service Restaurants’ at New Delhi Airport where you can grab some food to go as soon as you’ve got off your flight. Your options include @Cafe in the Terminal 3 arrivals area for some coffee and a light snack, while if you are at Terminal 1 there is a KFC as well as Chicago Pizza.

Are there any hotels located at New Delhi Indira Ghandi International Airport?

Yes, there are two hotels on-site at New Delhi Airport. You will find the ibis New Delhi Aerocity Hotel between Terminals 1 and 3, where you can book a room for the duration of your stay, or if you are in transit within the airport, there is the Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport directly in Terminal 3.

What is the cheapest flight from Kolkata to New Delhi?

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Kolkata to New Delhi was $71 for a one-way ticket and $140 for a round-trip.

Do I need a passport to fly between Kolkata and New Delhi?

Which airlines offer wi-fi service onboard planes from kolkata to new delhi.

flydubai, and Emirates offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Kolkata to New Delhi flight route.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Kolkata to New Delhi?

The Airbus A321-100/200 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Kolkata to New Delhi flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from Kolkata to New Delhi?

oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between Kolkata and New Delhi, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

On which days can I fly direct from Kolkata to New Delhi?

There are nonstop flights from Kolkata to New Delhi on a daily basis.

Which is the best airline for flights from Kolkata to New Delhi, Vistara or IndiGo?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Kolkata to New Delhi are Vistara and IndiGo. With an average price for the route of $161 and an overall rating of 7.8, Vistara is the most popular choice. IndiGo is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $151 and an overall rating of 7.0.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Kolkata to New Delhi?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Kolkata to New Delhi.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Kolkata to New Delhi?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to New Delhi from Kolkata is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Kolkata to New Delhi?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to New Delhi with an airline and back to Kolkata with another airline. Booking your flights between Kolkata and DEL can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Kolkata to New Delhi?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to New Delhi from Kolkata up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from CCU to New Delhi

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $82 or less one-way and $964 or less round-trip.
• The national airline, Air India, regional carrier Jet Airways and the low-cost carriers GoAir and IndiGo all use Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), otherwise known as Kolkata Airport, as a hub – you can book with any one of them for your flight from Kolkata to New Delhi.
• Travel Club operates a few lounges at Kolkata Airport if you need a place to relax before your flight. There is one serving the International Hall, and another located airside on the Mezzanine Level that serves the Domestic Hall; this is also where you will find the Travel Club Lounge Annex. You can purchase a pass at the door to access any of the lounges.
• Thinking about parking your car at Kolkata Airport before your flight from Kolkata to New Delhi? If so, you can set your mind at rest: the airport has over 2,000 outdoor parking spaces located around its main terminal building as well as an underground parking garage with capacity for a further 3,000 vehicles.
• Among the airport services you can find at Kolkata Airport are medical inspection rooms in both Arrivals and Departures, which are open 24 hours a day. There is also 24-hour luggage storage and lockers, as well as a few smoking rooms located around the terminal building for both domestic and international passengers.
• Left some essential travel items at home? If so, you can pay a visit to Apollo Pharmacy, which is located landside in the Domestic Hall at Kolkata Airport. Here you can replace any forgotten items or pick up a few travel aids to make your flight from Kolkata to New Delhi more comfortable.

Prefer to fly non-stop from Kolkata to New Delhi?

Find which airlines fly direct from Netaji S. Chandra to Indira Gandhi Intl, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

Kolkata Netaji S. Chandra to New Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl

Air India, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, +15 more

Air India, American Airlines, +16 more

Air Canada, Air India, American Airlines, +13 more

Air Canada, Air India, +14 more

Air Canada, Air India, American Airlines, +14 more

Air Canada, Air India, +15 more

Air India, American Airlines, British Airways, +14 more

Air India, American Airlines, +15 more

Nonstop returns

New Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl to Kolkata Netaji S. Chandra

Air Canada, Air France, Air India, +15 more

Air Canada, Air France, +16 more

Air Canada, Air France, Air India, +16 more

Air Canada, Air France, +17 more

Air Canada, Air France, Air India, +14 more

Air Canada, Air France, +15 more

Top 5 airlines serving from Kolkata to New Delhi

My wife with 5 month son were traveling. No proper support was provided for luggage handling. Although it was requested in prior. My wife sole manage everything and was not as expected.

This was an old 320 without a screen or USB charging port even in the business class. The food could have been better.

a real good flying experince. Everything was excellent right from check-in to baggage collection at destination.

Food is tasting bad, and it is a fusion but not authentic.

Excellent experience and now my preferred airline. Even a fantastic meal with dessert in a 2 hour flight.

off late the crew and the air in the flight is becoming that of a budget airline not the earlier Vistara .

It wasn't clear from where to board flight international or domestic Airport

Information was not clear from where to check in international or domestic Airport at Ahmedabad.

The deplaning experience was bad, since they did not get the aerobridge at Madras on arrival and the bus felt like a local train during office hour rush

i bought a biz class fare but a few days before vistara always changes my biz class flight to economy .. happened to me 4 times .. seated could be wider .. boarding could be more organized .. crew did their best but not enough resources all in all very poor experience

I like nothing, we couldn’t utilize your booking. Unfortunately I lost my money with you.

Indigo attempts to make you pay for a seat during check in. I opted to not do this. The result - they allotted me and my minor son seats apart. In the interest of making maximum money, they seem to have lost common sense too. Similarly, even during the flight, the crew are busy trying to serve food to those who’ve already paid for it. By the time they’re done, it’s time to land and no one else is able to get anything. Sadly this seems to be what makes them profitable, customers just need to bear with it till a better airline comes along.

As usual invariably delayed Lots of time in getting chkd in baggage

Staff needs to be trained in managing customers better. Indigo appears to be a low cost airlines in all aspects.

Flight was delayed and also lots of mosquitoes on the flight

Two times the gate was changed and flight got delayed

INDIGO Never On Time & Always Prefer to Shuttle Passengers Like shuttle Corks

I did not like the communication gap existing amongst the staff and the customer. My flight to Nagpur was delayed by two and half hours but it was informed to me on email ( not by W.A. or SMS) when I have already left my home in Baner area. I was painfully detained at airport with luggage when the gate no. 10 was changed to 5. I'll never recommend your flight to anybody.

Seats don't recline, no charging points. New aircraft and very clean. Crew should serve some water atleast.

Wife and I were seated in separate seats across the aisle

There was inordinate delay without any plausible reason. This has become a normal feature of Indigo now a days.

I have been an NRI living abroad for the last 35 years, but I had one of my worst experiences recently at the Dharbhanga airport, especially with the ground staff. Their behavior was very rude; one of the staff members almost abused me and charged me extra for my laptop and cable that I was carrying from Dharbhanga to Delhi, where I had an international flight. Despite being careful with the weight limits, the ground staff treated me very poorly, making it one of the worst flying experiences of my life.

Staff could have been helpful when traveling with kids and seniors. Not at all professional staff, just some janitors who do not understand hospitality. The food was horrible; the tomatoes tasted foul. The flight was small and the legroom was not good.

Flight was changed without proper monitor display. Boarding process was confusing with no announcements.

Flight arrived on time even though boarding and takeoff were delayed. No infant seatbelt provided. Crew was a bit indifferent. Baggage was damaged and representatives refused to write up a damage report.

IGI T-1 terminal is under renovation. So, the boarding and check in process took extremely long, due to reduced number of kiosks. Further, the flight was delayed by 1 hour 15 mins. The same was not being properly informed to the passengers because of which a feeling of slight chaos was evident amongst the passengers. All this further increased the discomfort, which was already in the menu due to the ATR aircraft. Lastly, the Spicescreen website wasn't working properly due to pathetic interface and poor wifi connectivity, which otherwise could have been a pass-time during the flight. Such issues were not expected from Spicejet and need to be taken care and handled in a better manner in future.

The flight 3 time delay I was so nervous and full tired

Flight cancelled without notice at the 11th hour, refund not done now one week passed

Timing Should be Accurate to Fly Flight was Delay By 3 hrs

Fly has been canceled 3 hours before departure. That happens after 2 delayed departures. No automatic compensation. Spicejet refused to give us compensation form. Bad service.

Landing at Delhi IGI AIRPORT was not smooth.It made us bit nervous. Then the rest was ok. Staff and the crew are very efficient.

Mediocre staff, crappy food selections and no entertainment for a 14 hour flight. The only good thing was that it was a direct flight.

Not comfortable for sitting. Sits are too close to each other and it’s too hard for butt..you need to improve your entertainment section like tv programming, Movies, it’s so hard to kill 15 hrs in long flights .you don’t serve good food like other competitive airlines thats my opinion

It would have been perfect if there was onboard entertainment.

Interment is zero tv wasn’t work phone charger plug doesn’t work moves doesn’t work

Food could be better they need a better caterer in DC flight from India always has better food

Everything! To start with, seats, food tray table, entertainment console all are broken! Imposing duty free baggage fees for $250 as a surprise penalty cannot be appreciated! Airlines should be responsible for transferring the checked baggages to the connecting flight. Having customer go through the transfer is painful considering the travel tiredness! No soft drinks served on flight is another crumble!

Air India need a big change of in all departments.

The aircraft was very old, felt like poor economy seats. Entertainment was not working. Plug point was broken. For the coat of a business class ticket, I was very disappointed and dissatisfied. Crew on flight to Mumbai were good, on way back they were mediocre

No first drink available for 10 hours so make it easy for beer or wine

Flight got canceled, didn’t help much to reschedule flights, rescheduled flights took more that 40 hours for me to reach back home, with lots of layover and didn’t provided lounge even they told to do so. TV in airline was not working either.

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Travel from Kolkata to Varanasi: A Memorable Spiritual Travel

Varanasi, a city that breathes spirituality, invites you to journey on a unique travel experience. Here, ancient traditions intertwine with everyday life, offering a glimpse into the timeless wisdom of the East. From the ethereal sunrise over the Ganges River to the enchanting Ganga Aarti, Varanasi captivates with its vibrant ghats , historical temples, and soul-stirring rituals. It’s a destination where seekers find solace, where the divine whispers in every sacred corner, and where the soul finds its long-awaited homecoming. Prepare to be enchanted as you delve into the profound tapestry of Varanasi’s spiritual essence. Join us on a captivating journey from Kolkata to Varanasi.

Travel Journey Options from Kolkata to Varanasi

Embarking on an enlightening journey from Kolkata to Varanasi is an enriching experience. Several travel options are available, each offering a unique perspective on the journey.

Kolkata to Kashi By Air:

The quickest way to reach Kolkata to Varanasi is by air. Flights from Kolkata to Varanasi are frequent and easily accessible, ensuring a swift and comfortable journey. The journey time is approximately 1 hour 15 mins with several flights running this route.

Kolkata to Banaras By Train:

For those seeking a more leisurely adventure, taking a train ride from Kolkata to Varanasi is an excellent choice too. The scenic route allows you to witness the changing landscapes of rural India, immersing yourself in the diversity of the country. The approximate journey time is 14 hours 55 mins with trains such as 13151 Jammu Tawi Express and 12357 Durgiana Express running this route.

Kolkata to Varanasi By Road:

If you prefer the freedom of the open road, a road trip from Kolkata to Varanasi is also a great option. The journey unveils the rustic beauty of the countryside, with opportunities to explore small towns and sample local delicacies along the way. The distance between Kolkata to Varanasi is approximately 676 KM with a travel time of 14 hours.

Enchanting Tourist Destinations in Varanasi

The city of Varanasi is known for its spiritual and cultural heritage. There are several places that showcase the rich heritage of this city and take you back into the bygone era. One cannot miss feeling revered yet enchanted in this place.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

As the first rays of the sun illuminate the city, make your way to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple . This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the pinnacle of spiritual significance in Varanasi. The mesmerising architecture, adorned with intricate carvings is a sight to behold. Pay your respects and re-energise yourself in the divine energy that resonates within the temple’s hallowed halls. Do not forget to add this serene place to your Varanasi tour plan from Kolkata.

Boat Ride along the Ganges River:

A visit to Varanasi is incomplete without a serene boat ride along the sacred Ganges River. Glide across the calm waters, witnessing the morning rituals, colourful ghats, and the devotion of the pilgrims. Allow the gentle sway of the boat to transport you to a realm of tranquillity and introspection. Adding this experience to your Varanasi tour plan from Kolkata checklist should not be missed.

Visit to Sarnath:

Venture just a few kilometres away from Varanasi to Sarnath, a place of immense historical and spiritual significance. It is here that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the ruins of ancient monasteries, visit the Dhamek Stupa, and delve into the profound teachings of Buddhism. Explore Sarnath in your Varanasi tour plan from Kolkata.

5 Reasons Why you Should Opt for Niraan - The Tent City, Varanasi

1. scenic ghat views:.

Imagine waking up to the beautiful sights of the famous ghats right from your cottage! At Niraan – The Tent City, Varanasi, each cottage offers panoramic views of the serene ghats, allowing you to soak in the tranquil ambience of Varanasi.

2. Complete Tour Experience:

Niraan -The Tent City, Varanasi offers a comprehensive travel experience that covers all the must-visit attractions in Varanasi . From the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the majestic Dhamek Stupa, Banaras University, and the vibrant Dashawamedh and Assi Ghats, you’ll get to explore the essence of Varanasi in one seamless journey.

3. World-Class Facilities:

Niraan – The Tent City, Varanasi boasts world-class facilities to ensure your comfort and convenience. Indulge in relaxation at the spa, savour delectable cuisine at the on-site cafe, conduct business seamlessly at the business centre and unwind at the clubhouse – all designed to enhance your stay.

4. Luxurious Accommodations for Every Budget:

Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveller or seeking luxurious indulgence, Niraan – The Tent City, is the best place to stay in Varanasi as it offers a range of cottages to suit your preferences. Each tent is tastefully designed with the necessary amenities, providing a cosy and comfortable abode during your stay.

5. Culinary Delights:

Taste buds rejoice! Niraan – The Tent City, Varanasi delights guests with a tantalising array of mouthwatering cuisine. From traditional local delicacies to international flavours, the culinary offerings at Niraan – The Tent City, Varanasi will take your taste buds on a delightful journey.

So, for an unforgettable and tourist-friendly experience in Varanasi, make Niraan – The Tent City Varanasi your home away from home . Immerse yourself in the charm of the ghats, embark on a complete tour plan, enjoy world-class facilities, savour delicious cuisine, and unwind in luxurious cottages. Niraan – The Tent City, Varanasi promises an experience that will leave you with cherished memories of Varanasi.

Kolkata to Varanasi is a trip that transcends time and space, transporting you to a realm of spirituality and self-discovery. Whether you choose to travel by flight, embark on a train journey, or on an adventurous road trip, the path to Varanasi is paved with transformative experiences. So, pack your bags, go on a Varanasi tour package from Kolkata, and prepare to embark on a spiritual expedition like no other.

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Journey Made Easy: Top Tricks for Delhi-Mumbai-Kolkata to Bengaluru Route

The technology hub of India, is a bustling city famous for its IT industry, cool climate and rich cultural history. Bengaluru has a well-connected transport network enabling easy travel from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. This article will highlight various modes of transportation available to the residents of these towns as they head towards Bengaluru.

Delhi To Bengaluru:

The fastest route to take from Delhi to Bangalore is by air. A number of flights operated by domestic as well as international airlines connect Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi with Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore. The time taken by an airplane flying between the two cities ranges from 2 hours and 30 minutes to three hours making it convenient for travels.

On the alternative side, traveling on train is also possible through New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) headed to Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC). Every day Rajdhani Express and Karnataka Express trains ply between these two destinations. The average duration by train from New-Delhi to Bengaluru may range between 30-32 hours depending on the type of train chosen.

For those who prefer road travel there are many bus services and private taxis that one can get at Delhi going to Bangalore. It takes approximately 35-40hours depending on traffic snarl-ups encountered or route used since this city lies about 2,000 kilometers away.

Mumbai To Bangalore:

Air is another quick way for someone coming out of Mumbai reach Bangalore conveniently via Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) connecting with domestic flights at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore. Flight duration on this route takes about 2-2.5 hours.

Optionally, one can board a train at Mumbai CSMT Railway Station (CSTM) that will take him or her to Bengaluru City Railway Station (SBC). There are other trains like the Udyan Express and the Mumbai Rajdhani Express operating on this route. The journey by train takes around 24-26 hours.

However, road transport is also an option from this city to Bangalore but it is a long way off. The trip can be made in buses or private cabs. This distance is around 1,000 kilometers and it will normally take about 18-20 hours to go by road.

Kolkata To Bangalore:

Flying directly from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru enables tourists to get into Bengaluru easily, within just about three hours of flight time and with flights operated by several airlines between these two cities.

One can also reach via train from Kolkata Howrah Junction (HWH) up-to Bengaluru City Railway Station (SBC). Take for instance Howrah Yesvantpur Express or Shatabdi Express among others running between these two locations. Journeying by rail can last between 28-30hours.

This too would imply moving along the road leading from Kolkata up till Bangalore which becomes even longer distance wise though not so short a period of travel either; mostly buses are used and sometimes personal taxis provided covering approximately 2,000 kms taking anything from 36 to 38 hours.

Thanks to different transportation options, it is quite easy to reach Bengaluru from cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Air travel, train rides or road trips; there are different ways in which you can get to Bengaluru from the above cities thus enabling you to easily explore the attractions and experiences of this vibrant city.

IPL 2024: History of cricket in Kolkata

Apr 26, 2024

IPL in Kolkata

Kolkata’s Eden Gardens will host the 42nd match of IPL 2024 at 7:30 PM (April 26). Head over to this iconic stadium to see the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.

Kolkata’s love for cricket

Cricket has a rich history in Kolkata, reflecting the city's passion for the sport. From historic venues and matches to energetic sports culture, Kolkata’s cricketing history is worth exploring.

Early beginnings

Cricket was introduced to Kolkata during British colonial rule. The Calcutta Cricket Club, established in 1792, is one of the oldest cricket clubs in India and played a significant role in promoting the sport in the city.

Eden Gardens

One of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world, Eden Gardens, is located in Kolkata. It was established in 1864 and has witnessed numerous historic matches, including the first-ever Test match played in India in 1934.

International Cricket

Kolkata has been a prominent venue for international cricket matches since the early 20th century. Eden Gardens hosted its first Test match between India and England in 1934, and its first One-Day International (ODI) match in 1987.

Memorable matches

Some of the most memorable cricket matches have taken place at Eden Gardens. One notable match was the 2001 Kolkata Test between India and Australia, where India made a historic comeback after being asked to follow on, ultimately winning the match.

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Indian premier league (ipl).

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), owned by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, is one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League. Eden Gardens serves as their home ground.

Historical significance

Kolkata has produced several cricketing legends over the years, including Sourav Ganguly, one of India's most successful cricket captains.

Modern developments

The city has modernised its cricket infrastructure, with facilities for coaching, training, and hosting matches meeting international standards.

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