Overview
About Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, was the capital of British India until the early 20th century, and it still carries the grandeur of that era in its avenues, domes and colonnaded buildings. Spread along the east bank of the Hooghly river, it is one of India's largest cities and its cultural capital in the minds of many, with a deep love of literature, cinema, music, football and long conversations over tea.
The city is a place of layers. Stately landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, the Writers' Building and St Paul's Cathedral stand alongside old Bengali mansions in the north, the image-makers of Kumartuli, the bookstalls of College Street and the busy riverside ghats. Yellow taxis, trams on a few remaining routes, hand-pulled rickshaws and India's first metro all share its roads and rails.
Kolkata is also one of the country's great food cities, famous for its sweets, fish curries, kathi rolls and street snacks. Visiting during Durga Puja, when the entire city turns into an open-air gallery of themed pandals and lights, is an experience like no other, and UNESCO has recognised the festival as intangible cultural heritage.
- Victoria Memorial
- Howrah Bridge
- Durga Puja
- Bengali sweets
- Colonial architecture
- Literature and art
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Kolkata
Landmarks
Victoria Memorial
A white marble memorial hall set in large gardens, now a museum of paintings, manuscripts and artefacts from the colonial period.
Howrah Bridge
The iconic cantilever bridge across the Hooghly, carrying a constant stream of people and vehicles. It is best seen from the river or Mullick Ghat flower market.
St Paul's Cathedral
A Gothic Revival cathedral near the Victoria Memorial with fine stained-glass windows and a quiet interior.
Princep Ghat
A riverside promenade with a colonial-era memorial and views of the Vidyasagar Setu, especially pleasant at sunset.
Museums & Culture
Indian Museum
The oldest museum in India, with vast collections of sculpture, fossils, coins, art and a well-known Egyptian mummy.
Jorasanko Thakur Bari
The ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, now a museum that tells the story of his life and the Bengal Renaissance.
Marble Palace
A 19th-century mansion in north Kolkata filled with marble, sculptures, paintings and chandeliers. Entry usually requires a permit obtained in advance.
Kumartuli
The potters' quarter in north Kolkata where artisans sculpt clay idols for Durga Puja and other festivals.
Temples
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
A large riverside temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, closely associated with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
Belur Math
The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission across the river, with a striking temple that blends Hindu, Islamic and Christian motifs.
Kalighat Temple
One of the most important Kali temples in India and a Shakti Peetha, crowded with devotees throughout the day.
Nearby Excursions
Sundarbans
About 100 km away, the vast mangrove delta is home to the Royal Bengal tiger and is explored on boat tours lasting one or more days.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Kolkata
- 1
Ride a tram or the metro
Take a ride on one of the surviving tram routes, or use the metro, India's first, for a quick way around the city.
- 2
Take a boat on the Hooghly
Ferries and boats from the ghats offer views of Howrah Bridge, the riverside temples and colonial buildings.
- 3
Browse College Street
Hunt for second-hand books and visit the historic Indian Coffee House on the stretch known as Boi Para.
- 4
Eat along Park Street
Kolkata's best-known dining street has old-world restaurants, bakeries and cafes, and is especially festive around Christmas.
- 5
Go pandal-hopping at Durga Puja
During the festival, walk through neighbourhoods at night to see elaborate pandals, idols and lighting displays.
- 6
Take a heritage walk in north Kolkata
Explore old mansions, temples and narrow lanes in areas such as Shobhabazar and Bagbazar with a local guide.
- 7
Visit the Botanical Garden
Across the river at Shibpur, the garden is home to the Great Banyan Tree, one of the widest trees in the world.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Kolkata
The best time to visit Kolkata is October to February. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
25°C to 40°C
Hot and very humid, with occasional evening thunderstorms known as Kalbaishakhi bringing brief relief.
Monsoon
July to September
25°C to 33°C
Heavy rain can cause waterlogging and traffic delays, but the city is green and it is a quieter time to visit.
Winter
October to February
12°C to 28°C
The best season, with pleasant weather and a packed calendar including Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Christmas on Park Street and the book fair.
Getting there
How to Reach Kolkata
By Air
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at Dum Dum is about 15 km from the city centre and has flights to most Indian cities and several international destinations. Prepaid taxis, app cabs and a metro connection are available.
By Rail
Kolkata has several major stations. Howrah, across the river, and Sealdah are the busiest, with trains from all over India, including Rajdhani services from Delhi. Kolkata (Chitpur) and Shalimar stations handle some long-distance trains.
By Road
National highways connect Kolkata with Bhubaneswar, Siliguri, Patna and the rest of eastern India. Buses run from the Esplanade and Karunamoyee terminals, while yellow taxis, app cabs, buses, the metro and ferries handle travel within the city.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Kolkata
Kathi roll
Paratha wrapped around kebabs, egg or paneer with onions and sauce, a Kolkata invention sold across the city.
Puchka
Kolkata's version of pani puri, filled with spiced mashed potato and tangy tamarind water.
Kosha mangsho
A slow-cooked, dark and spicy mutton curry, often eaten with luchi on special occasions.
Macher jhol
A light fish curry with potatoes and spices, an everyday staple in Bengali homes.
Kolkata biryani
A mildly spiced, fragrant biryani that famously includes a soft potato and sometimes an egg.
Rosogolla, sandesh and mishti doi
Bengal's celebrated sweets, from syrupy cottage cheese balls to delicate sandesh and sweetened set yoghurt.
What to Buy in Kolkata
- Tant, Baluchari and Jamdani sarees
- Books at College Street
- Terracotta and dokra crafts
- Sweets to carry home
- Bargains at New Market
Travel Tips for Kolkata
- Use the metro to avoid traffic during peak hours, especially when crossing long distances.
- If you plan to visit during Durga Puja, book stays well in advance and expect huge crowds in the evenings.
- Keep an umbrella handy in the monsoon and allow extra travel time for waterlogged roads.
- Insist on the meter or use app cabs when taking yellow taxis.
FAQs
Kolkata Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Kolkata?
October to February is the best time to visit Kolkata, when the weather is pleasant and festivals such as Durga Puja and Christmas fill the city with life.
How many days are enough for Kolkata?
Three to four days are enough to see Kolkata's main landmarks, temples and museums and enjoy its food. Add two days for a trip to the Sundarbans.
What is Kolkata famous for?
Kolkata is famous for the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Durga Puja, its sweets and street food, colonial architecture and its rich literary and artistic culture.
When is Durga Puja celebrated in Kolkata?
Durga Puja is usually celebrated in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar, and is the biggest festival in Kolkata.
Which railway station is best for Kolkata?
Howrah and Sealdah are the main railway stations. Howrah serves most trains from western and southern India, while Sealdah handles many trains from the north and suburban routes.
Why is Kolkata called the City of Joy?
Kolkata is called the City of Joy for its warmth, festivals, love of art and food and the spirit of its people.
