Kolkata

Kolkata

About Kolkata

The “City of Joy”, one of India's most culturally vibrant and historically significant cities, renowned for its splendid colonial architecture, majestic heritage buildings, historic temples, cultural arts, literary legacy, colourful festivals and Bengali cuisine. Kolkata, which is the capital of West Bengal, was formerly the capital of British India on the eastern bank of the river Hooghly. The historic character of the city is combined with modern urban life, creating a rich tapestry of history, culture, spirituality, art and entertainment. The city has many iconic sites to offer, such as the majestic Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, the splendid Indian Museum and St. Paul's Cathedral. Among other popular attractions are Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kalighat Temple, Belur Math, Marble Palace, Prinsep Ghat and the famous Eden Gardens. It is also famous for the colourful Durga Puja celebration, traditional Bengali music, literature, theatre, handloom textiles and artistic neighbourhoods like the Kumartuli in which artists make beautiful clay idols. Whether you're wandering through historic streets, admiring colonial monuments, taking a quiet boat ride down the river, visiting ancient temples, doing some shopping in the traditional markets or sampling traditional Bengali cuisine, Kolkata is an experience that you can never forget.

Best Time to Visit Kolkata

October to March is the best time to visit Kolkata as the weather is relatively pleasant, perfect for sightseeing, exploring old historical sites, visiting the temples, river cruise and checking out the numerous cultural sites of Kolkata. It is a very pleasant time to visit all these places in the winter season (November to February) in Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum and the beautiful riverside ghats. October is a particularly spectacular month to visit as the city is filled with the celebration of Durga Puja, with beautiful rituals, cultural events and street food. The spring months (February-March) are also a great opportunity to visit city museums, gardens, markets and the historic districts. Heavy rainfall and high humidity occur during the monsoon season (June-Sep), while the greenery and refreshingness of the city and environs are added to. On a sunny day, it can be hot and humid outside during the summer (April/May season), and it may be less comfortable to view sights outdoors, especially in the afternoon.

Kolkata: Places, Experiences & Food
Places to Visit in Kolkata

• Victoria Memorial
• Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu)
• Vidyasagar Setu
• Indian Museum
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple
• Kalighat Kali Temple
• Belur Math
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Marble Palace
• Prinsep Ghat
• Eden Gardens
• Science City
• Eco Park (Prakriti Tirtha)
• Jorasanko Thakur Bari
• Birla Planetarium
• Alipore Zoological Garden
• Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden
• Kumartuli
• College Street
• Indian Coffee House
• New Market (Hogg Market)
• South Park Street Cemetery
• Mother House (Missionaries of Charity)
• Netaji Bhawan
• Rabindra Sarobar
• Maidan
• Shaheed Minar
• Kolkata Town Hall
• Writers' Buildings
• General Post Office
• Millennium Park
• Outram Ghat
• Babughat
• Nakhoda Masjid
• Pareshnath Jain Temple
• St. John's Church
• Birla Mandir
• National Library of India
• Nicco Park
• Nalban Boating Complex
• Tiretta Bazaar (Old Chinatown)
• Bow Barracks
• Sabarna Sangrahashala
• Gurusaday Museum

Things to Do in Kolkata

• Architecture and beautiful gardens of Victoria Memorial
• Howrah Bridge and enjoy spectacular views of the Hooghly River
• Boat ride along the Hooghly River
• Indian Museum and discover its fascinating collections
• Famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple
• Spiritual atmosphere of Kalighat Temple
• Visit Belur Math and peaceful surroundings
• Heritage of Kolkata at Jorasanko Thakur Bari
• Pottery workshops and artisan culture of Kumartuli
• Cricket match or explore the historic Eden Gardens
• Discover the fascinating exhibits at Science City
• Boating, cycling, and outdoor activities at Eco Park
• Beautiful Indian Botanic Garden
• Colourful markets of New Market and Gariahat
• Vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and cafes of Park Street
• Traditional Bengali theatre, music, and cultural performances
• Celebrations of Durga Puja and admire the beautifully decorated pandals
• Historic streets and traditional neighbourhoods of North Kolkata
• Mother House and learn about the humanitarian legacy of Mother Teresa
• Photography around the city's iconic bridges, monuments, and heritage buildings
• Discover traditional Bengali art, handicrafts, and handloom textiles
• Explore the city's historic churches, mosques, and Jain temples
• Yellow taxi ride through the streets of Kolkata
• Bengali film or cultural performance at a traditional cinema or auditorium
• Peaceful evening at Rabindra Sarobar
• Flavours of Kolkata's famous street food

What to Eat in Kolkata

• Kolkata Biryani
• Kolkata-Style Puchka
• Kosha Mangsho
• Macher Jhol
• Shorshe Ilish
• Chingri Malai Curry
• Daab Chingri
• Doi Maach
• Bhetki Paturi
• Luchi and Aloor Dum
• Ghugni
• Telebhaja
• Beguni
• Mochar Chop
• Fish Fry
• Fish Kabiraji
• Mughlai Paratha
• Chicken Chaap
• Chelo Kebab
• Kolkata Egg Roll
• Jhalmuri
• Churmur
• Dimer Devil
• Muri Ghonto
• Shukto
• Cholar Dal
• Aloo Posto
• Rasgulla (Roshogolla)
• Sandesh
• Nolen Gur Sandesh
• Mihidana
• Sitabhog