YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO KOLKATA

Essential Information

• Country, State: India, West Bengal
• Timezone: GMT +5:30
• Languages Spoken: Bengali, Hindi, English
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Weather and Climate

• January – February: Pleasant and cool, 15°C to 25°C
• March – May: Hot and humid, 30°C to 40°C
• June – September: Monsoon, heavy rain and high humidity, 25°C to 35°C
• October – December: Mild and dry, 20°C to 30°C

Discover Kolkata: A City Overview

Kolkata, affectionately called the “City of Joy,” is a vibrant cultural capital where colonial-era grandeur blends with a dynamic contemporary arts, literature, music, and theatre scene. Former capital of British India, it dazzles with landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Writers’ Building, lively neighbourhoods, street-food corridors, and the iconic Howrah Bridge spanning the serene Hooghly. With bookish avenues, spirited festivals, and warm hospitality, Kolkata offers an immersive journey through heritage and modern life.

Best Time to Visit Kolkata for Optimal Weather

• October – March: Ideal weather
  • Pros: Pleasant temperatures for sightseeing, festival season, outdoor activities
  • Cons: Peak tourism; expect higher prices and larger crowds
• June – September: Monsoon season
  • Pros: Lush greenery, fewer tourists, potential deals
  • Cons: Heavy rain may disrupt plans; localized flooding possible

How to Get to Kolkata & Visa Requirements

• Flights: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) has excellent global and domestic connectivity.
• Trains: Major junctions include Howrah, Sealdah, and Kolkata (Chitpur), connecting all parts of India. 
• Visa Requirements: Most foreign nationals need a visa; many are eligible for e‑Visa. Check the latest rules with the Indian Embassy/Consulate.
• Airport Transfers: Prepaid taxis, app cabs (Uber, Ola), and prepaid counters are available at the airport.

Fun/Historical Facts

The Great Banyan Tree at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden is over 250 years old and sprawls across roughly 14,500 sq m—so vast it resembles a forest.
Famous People from Kolkata:

• Rabindranath Tagore: Nobel Laureate
• Satyajit Ray: Filmmaker
• Mother Teresa: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
• Sourav Ganguly: Cricketer

Top Things to See and Do: Kolkata Attractions

Top 10 Attractions in Kolkata

1. Victoria Memorial: Grand marble monument and museum of the Raj era
   • Address: Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
2. Howrah Bridge: Iconic cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River
   • Address: Howrah Bridge, Kolkata, West Bengal
3. Indian Museum: One of India’s oldest and largest museums
   • Address: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade HQ, New Market Area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
4. Kalighat Kali Temple: Major shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali
   • Address: Kalighat Rd, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026
5. Science City: Interactive exhibits, Space Theater, and 3D shows
   • Address: J.B.S. Haldane Avenue, Kolkata, West Bengal 700046
6. St. Paul’s Cathedral: Neo-Gothic cathedral with stained glass
   • Address: 1A, Cathedral Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
7. Mother House: Missionaries of Charity HQ and Mother Teresa’s tomb
   • Address: 54A, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Rd, Ripon Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
8. Eden Gardens: Historic international cricket stadium
   • Address: Eden Gardens Rd, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021
9. Marble Palace: 19th-century mansion with art, sculpture, and antiques
   • Address: 46, Muktaram Babu St, Jorasanko, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007
10. Belur Math: Ramakrishna Mission headquarters by the river
    • Address: Belur, Howrah, West Bengal 711202

Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path in Kolkata

• Kumortuli: Historic potters’ quarter crafting festival idols
  • Address: Kumortuli, Kolkata, West Bengal
• South Park Street Cemetery: Atmospheric colonial-era cemetery
  • Address: 184, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Rd, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017
• Prinsep Ghat: Riverfront promenade ideal for sunset and boat rides
  • Address: Fort William, Kolkata, West Bengal 700021
• College Street Boi Para: Legendary book district for new and used books
  • Address: College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal
• Terracotta Temples of Bishnupur (Day Trip): Exquisite Malla-era temple art
  • Address: Bishnupur, West Bengal

Local Festivals and Events in Kolkata

• Durga Puja (Oct/Nov): Citywide artful pandals, performances, and processions
• Kolkata International Film Festival (Nov): Global cinema showcase
• Kolkata Book Fair (Jan/Feb): One of Asia’s largest literary fairs
• Poila Baisakh (April): Bengali New Year with cultural events and feasts

Day Trips from Kolkata: Explore Beyond the City

• Bishnupur (4–5 hours by car or train): Terracotta Temples
• Shantiniketan (3–4 hours by car or train): Visva-Bharati University
• Sundarbans National Park (4–5 hours by road and boat): Mangroves

Photography Hotspots: Insta-Worthy Locations in Kolkata

• Howrah Bridge: Sunrise/sunset silhouettes from both banks
• Victoria Memorial: Reflective pools and marble façade
• Kumortuli: Artisans at work in narrow lanes
• South Park Street Cemetery: Moss-clad tombs and gothic mood
• Prinsep Ghat: Hooghly vistas and lit colonnade

Planning Your Stay in Kolkata

Recommended Length of Stay

• 3-5 days to experience the best of Kolkata

Top Places to Stay in Kolkata

Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Galaxy
  • Address: 6, Sudder St, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 
• Hotel Minerva
  • Address: 11/3, Lindsay Street, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700087 
• Park Street Hotel
  • Address: 17, Park St, Mullick Bazar, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 

Mid-Range Hotels

• The Lindsay
  • Address: 8A & 8B, Lindsay St, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700087
• Hotel Hindustan International
  • Address: 235/1, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Rd, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020
• The Senator Hotel
  • Address: 15, Camac St, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017 

Luxury Hotels

• The Oberoi Grand
  • Address: 15, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013 
• Taj Bengal
  • Address: 34B, Belvedere Rd, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027 
• ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
  • Address: JBS Haldane Avenue, E.M. Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal 700046 

Getting Around Kolkata: Transportation Options

• Public Transport: Metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains cover most corridors.
• Taxis & Cabs: App-based cabs (Uber, Ola) and yellow taxis are widely available.
• Auto Rickshaws: Ideal for short trips; confirm fare where meters aren’t used.
• Walking: Park Street, College Street, and BBD Bagh reward on-foot exploration.

Preparing for Your Trip to Kolkata: Practical Information

What to Pack for Your Kolkata Adventure

• Light, breathable clothing (especially in warmer months)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Umbrella/raincoat for monsoon
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Travel adapter (Types C, D, M)

Useful Apps for Travel in Kolkata

• Google Maps: Navigation and transit
• Ola/Uber: Cab bookings
• Zomato/Swiggy: Food discovery and delivery
• IRCTC Rail Connect: Train ticket booking

Local Customs, Safety Tips, and Cultural Etiquette

• Dress modestly at religious sites; remove shoes when required
• Respect local customs; ask before photographing people
• Avoid public displays of affection
• Be wary of touts; negotiate taxi/auto fares beforehand
• Dispose of litter responsibly; avoid counterfeit goods

Food, Fun, and Finds: Experiencing Kolkata

Top Restaurants in Kolkata

• Peter Cat: Chelo Kebab speciality
  • Address: 18A, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
• 6 Ballygunge Place: Authentic Bengali cuisine
  • Address: 6, Ballygunge Place, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
• Kewpies: Home-style Bengali fare
  • Address: 2, Elgin Ln, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020
• Flurys: Historic tea room, cakes and pastries
  • Address: 18, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Must-Try Dishes

• Rosogolla
• Mishti Doi
• Machher Jhol
• Kolkata Biryani
• Phuchka

Nightlife and Entertainment in Kolkata

• Someplace Else: Live music venue with energetic vibe
  • Address: The Park Hotel, 17, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
• Roxy: Trendy nightclub with lively DJ sets
  • Address: The Park Hotel, 17, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
• Trincas: Iconic restaurant-bar with live performances
  • Address: 17B, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Souvenirs and Markets: What to Buy in Kolkata

• Dakshinapan Shopping Complex: Handicrafts and textiles
  • Address: 2, Gariahat Rd S, Dhakuria, Jodhpur Park, Kolkata, West Bengal 700068
• New Market: Clothing, accessories, flowers, and food
  • Address: Lindsay Street, Dharmatala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700087
• College Street Book Market: New and used books
  • Address: College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal
• Terracotta Items from Bishnupur: Pottery, jewellery, décor