Things To Do
in Kolkāta
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal, known for its rich historical significance, vibrant culture, and intellectual heritage. The city is famous for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries, cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and distinguished landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and the Howrah Bridge.
It serves as a major hub for literature, cinema, theater, and street food, embodying a unique blend of traditional and contemporary life.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, viewing its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Don't forget to explore the museum inside for a glimpse into Kolkata's history.
Head to the Indian Museum, the oldest museum in India, to see the diverse collection of artifacts. Later, stroll through the nearby Chowringhee area and enjoy some local street food.
Take a sunset walk along the Kalighat River. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Bengali restaurant.
Start at the Howrah Bridge for breathtaking views of the Hooghly River. Capture some photos of the bustling life around the bridge.
Visit the Marble Palace, an exquisite mansion showcasing impressive art pieces and sculptures. Relax at Maidan park afterward, absorbing the vibrant city life.
Join a boat ride on the Hooghly River to witness the city's skyline come alive with lights. Dine at a riverside café.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and historical significance
- Diverse culinary scene with delicious street food
- Vibrant art and music festivals
- Affordable cost of living compared to other major Indian cities
- Warm and welcoming people who value hospitality
- Heavy traffic and congestion
- Pollution and environmental concerns
- Extreme weather conditions including humidity and monsoons
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors compared to other cities
- Challenges with infrastructure development and maintenance
Best Activities in Kolkāta
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the lush greenery and serene lakes in this 18th-century garden, home to a wide variety of plants and trees.
Enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, cycling, and nature walks in this expansive urban park with lakes and gardens.
Engage in activities such as cricket, football, or simply relax in this vast open field in the heart of the city.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kolkāta with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kolkāta
Visit one of these nice places.
A grand marble building with lush gardens, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
An iconic cantilever bridge, providing impressive panoramic views of the Hooghly River and the surrounding area.
A picturesque ghat alongside the Hooghly River, perfect for capturing beautiful sunsets and cityscapes.
Renowned cricket stadium with a scenic setting, ideal for capturing vibrant sports and city life.
Food in Kolkāta
Kolkāta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular street food consisting of a paratha wrapped around spicy fillings like kebabs, eggs, or paneer. Must-try at Nizam's or Bedwin Street in New Market.
Must-Try!
A simple yet delicious Bengali fish curry often served with steamed rice. Best enjoyed at 6 Ballygunge Place or Kewpies Kitchen.
A renowned Bengali sweet made of cottage cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup. Visit KC Das or Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick for the authentic taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kolkāta better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling marketplace offering a wide array of street food options, including phuchka, kathi rolls, and Bengali sweets.
Known for its vibrant street food stalls offering a variety of kebabs, rolls, and chaats, complemented by the bustling nightlife.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kolkāta, it is important to show respect for elders by using appropriate language and gestures, and seeking their guidance in decision-making.
Greetings such as 'Namaste' and 'Pranam' are commonly used to show respect. It's important to be mindful of traditional gestures and customs when interacting with people.
When dining with others, it's respectful to wait for the eldest or most senior person to start eating before beginning the meal. Additionally, using the right hand for eating and giving and receiving items is considered polite.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kolkāta with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kolkāta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Kolkata, but it is appreciated in restaurants and for services such as hotel staff and tour guides.
Cash is widely accepted in Kolkata, although credit cards are becoming more common especially in larger establishments. It's always good to have some cash on hand for small vendors and businesses.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kolkāta.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Kolkāta is during the winter season when the weather is pleasantly cool and dry. This is an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer in Kolkāta is hot and humid, with temperatures often rising above 40°C. It is not the best time for outdoor activities, but it's a great time to explore indoor attractions and enjoy cultural events and festivals.
During the monsoon season, Kolkāta experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity. While the city may look lush and green during this time, outdoor activities may be limited due to the rains. It's a good time to experience a different side of the city's natural beauty and to enjoy the cooler, albeit humid, weather.
Kolkāta at Night
Hiking in Kolkāta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans National Park offers a unique experience of hiking through mangrove forests and observing diverse wildlife, including the famous Bengal tiger.
Though a bit further from Kolkāta, the West Bengal Himalayan region offers stunning hiking trails in areas like Darjeeling and Kalimpong, with breathtaking views of the mountains and tea gardens.
Located in the Alipurduar district, this reserve provides hiking opportunities amid diverse flora and fauna, along with scenic views of the surrounding hills.
Situated in the Darjeeling district, this park features several trekking routes leading to amazing viewpoints, including the famous Sandakphu peak offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Although a bit further away, this trek in the Uttarakhand region offers magnificent views and is a popular choice for those seeking a challenging hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kolkāta through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kolkāta by plane.
The main international airport serving Kolkata, located in Dum Dum, it is one of the busiest airports in India.
Located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, it serves both domestic and international flights and is approximately 600 km from Kolkata.
Located in Bagdogra, West Bengal, it serves as a gateway to the north-eastern states of India and is about 560 km from Kolkata.
Located in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, it primarily serves domestic flights and is around 650 km from Kolkata.
Officially Biju Patnaik International Airport, it serves Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and is approximately 440 km from Kolkata.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic and linguistic group in Kolkata, speaking Bengali.
A significant business community originally from the Marwar region of Rajasthan.
People from the neighboring state of Bihar, contributing to the workforce in various sectors.
Another important community, especially in trade and retail.
A diverse group with cultural roots in the region, contributing to the city's demographics.
A small but notable community, primarily involved in the culinary sector.
A community with British ancestry, historically significant in the cultural tapestry of the city.
Various indigenous groups, though smaller in number compared to others.
The Soul of Kolkāta
Discover the essence of Kolkāta through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Kolkata, with a rich history and a passionate fan base. The city has iconic cricket stadiums like Eden Gardens and has produced many notable players.
Football enjoys immense popularity in Kolkata, often regarded as the football capital of India. The city is home to top clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, and the sport holds a special place in the hearts of its residents.
Kabaddi is a traditional sport that is quite popular in Kolkata, especially at local levels. The sport has gained attention with the advent of National Kabaddi leagues.
Badminton has been growing in popularity in Kolkata, with many players emerging from the region. It is played in schools and clubs throughout the city.
Tennis has a dedicated following in Kolkata, with numerous clubs and academies training young players. The city hosts several tennis tournaments at various levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kolkāta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Kolkata offers a plethora of vegetarian dishes such as Aloo Poshto, Mochar Ghonto, and Dhokar Dalna. Several restaurants including Kaidi Kitchen and Banana Leaf cater specifically to vegetarian preferences.
While vegan options are less common, some restaurants like Bohemian and Fabcafe offer vegan-friendly dishes. It's advisable to communicate dietary restrictions clearly when dining out.
Finding purely gluten-free options can be challenging, but many places are accommodating. Look for rice-based dishes like Bhaat, Chingri Bhaat or explore global cuisine for gluten-free alternatives.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kolkāta with these cultural adventures.
