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Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is one of India’s largest cities and a major port, historically serving as the commercial and transportation hub of eastern India. Formerly known as Calcutta, it was the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911. The city retains a colonial charm reflected in its grand architecture, tramways, and literary heritage. Known as the intellectual and artistic hub of India, Kolkata is home to iconic landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, the Howrah Bridge, and the Indian Museum.

Arriving/Departing from Kolkata

Kolkata's airport, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), is located in Dum Dum, approximately 17 km from the city centre. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, with Air India Express operating regular routes connecting major Indian and global cities.

For airport transfers, travellers can opt for prepaid taxis, app-based cab services like Uber and Ola, AC and non-AC government buses, or the Kolkata Metro (Noapara Station is the closest to the airport). Passengers should arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures for a seamless check-in experience.

Best Places to Visit in Kolkata

Kolkata is home to architectural marvels, historic landmarks, and cultural treasures that showcase its colonial and spiritual heritage.

• Victoria Memorial: A grand marble tribute to Queen Victoria, which houses a museum of British-era artefacts. It has an entry fee of ₹50 for Indians and ₹100/500 for SAARC nationals and foreigners.
• Howrah Bridge: An iconic cantilever bridge connecting Kolkata with Howrah over the Hooghly River, offering stunning city views, especially at sunset.
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple: This 19th-century riverside Goddess Kali temple attracts devotees year-round.
• Indian Museum: India’s oldest and largest museum, founded in 1814, features sculptures, fossils, mummies, and rare artefacts. Entry costs: ₹20 for Indian adults, ₹50 for children, and ₹500 for foreign visitors.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral: This is an Indo-Gothic masterpiece from 1847, known for its 201-ft spire, stained glass windows, and Florentine frescoes.

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• Kumartuli: This is a historic potters’ quarter that has been sculpting Durga idols for over 300 years.
• Prinsep Ghat: A scenic riverside promenade built in 1841 with a Palladian porch and breathtaking views of Vidyasagar Setu.
• Marble Palace: A 19th-century mansion blending European and Bengali architecture with a collection of Western sculptures, Victorian furniture, and rare paintings.
• Jorasanko Thakur Bari: The ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, now a museum showcasing his life and works. There is an entry fee of ₹10 for Indians and ₹150 for foreigners.
• Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden: Established in 1787, this 109-hectare garden houses over 1,400 plant species, has artificial lakes, and is India’s oldest herbarium. Its Great Banyan Tree, a world record holder, is a major attraction. There is an entry fee of ₹10 for Indians and ₹150 for foreigners.

Best Places to Shop in Kolkata

Kolkata is a paradise for shoppers, offering everything from handwoven sarees to street-side bargains.

• New Market: Established in 1874, it is a historic shopping hub for clothing, accessories, electronics, and Bengali sweets.
• Gariahat Market: A must-visit market for saree lovers, offering authentic Bengal cotton and silk sarees at reasonable prices.
• Dakshinapan Shopping Complex: A government-run centre that specialises in handicrafts, ethnic wear, and home décor, featuring state emporiums like Biswa Bangla and Kashmiri Emporium.
• Bara Bazaar: A bustling wholesale market for textiles, spices, and household goods at unbeatable prices.
• South City Mall: A premium shopping destination with luxury brands, restaurants, and entertainment options.

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• Hatibagan Market: One of Kolkata’s oldest and busiest markets and a go-to spot for budget-friendly cotton sarees, ethnic jewellery, and traditional Bengali attire.
• College Street Book Market: This is the world’s largest second-hand book market — a haven for rare books, academic texts, and stationery.
• Chowringhee Road: This bustling shopping hub in central Kolkata offers a mix of clothing, jewellery, terracotta items, and street food.
• Quest Mall: Kolkata’s top luxury shopping destination, the mall features international brands, fine dining, and electronics.

Best Places to Eat in Kolkata

Kolkata’s culinary scene is a blend of Mughlai, Bengali, and Chinese influences. Here are some of the city’s must-visit eateries:

• Peter Cat: A Park Street landmark best known for its Chelo Kebab, an Iranian platter. The restaurant is open daily from 12 PM to 11 PM, with an average cost of ₹1,400 for two.
• Flurys: An iconic tearoom on Park Street, renowned for its English Breakfast, Chicken Puff, Rum Ball, Cube Cakes, and Viennese Coffee. It operates daily from 7:30 AM to 11 PM, with an average cost of ₹1,000+ for two.
• Arsalan: A popular Mughlai restaurant chain best known for its biryani, kebabs, and Mutton Rezala. It is open daily from 11 AM to 11:30 PM, with an average cost of ₹850 for two.
• Bhojohori Manna: A beloved Bengali restaurant chain that serves home-style classics like Bagda Chingri Malai Curry, Ilish Bhapa, and Shukto. Hours vary by location, operating from 11 AM/12 PM to 10:30 PM/11 PM, with an average cost of ₹850 for two.
• Beijing: Serves authentic Calcutta-Tangra Chinese cuisine with must-try dishes like Fried Meatballs and Special Duck Roast. It is open daily from 12 PM to 10:30 PM, with an average cost of ₹1,200 for two.

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• Dacres Lane: One of the city’s oldest street food hubs, it is home to eateries like Apanjan, known for its fish fries, and Chitto Babur Dokan, famous for stew and bread. It operates daily from 8 AM to 10 PM or 11 PM, with an average cost of ₹500 for two.
• Nizam’s: The birthplace of the Kathi Roll, this place has been serving mutton and chicken rolls, biryani, and kebabs since 1932. It is open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM, with an average cost of ₹400 for two.
• Bijoli Grill: A renowned Bengali restaurant chain celebrated for Fish Fry, Daab Chingri, Bhetki Paturi, and Kosha Mangsho. It operates daily from 12 PM to 11 PM, with an average cost of ₹1,200 for two.
• Putiram Sweets: A 150-year-old sweet shop near College Street, known for its Rajbhog, Rosogolla, Dalpuri, and Kochuri. Timings vary by location, typically opening between 7 AM and 8 AM and closing between 9 PM and 10 PM.
• Paramount Sherbats & Syrups: A century-old institution in College Square famed for its Daab Sharbat, Grape Crush, Cream Lassi, and Kesar Malai. It is open daily from 12 PM to 9 PM, with prices starting at ₹250.

Best Getaways Around Kolkata

Looking for a break from the city? These nearby destinations make for a perfect weekend escape:

• Sundarbans – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, located about 130 km from Kolkata.
• Shantiniketan – Located around 210 km from Kolkata, this cultural hub was founded by Rabindranath Tagore and is home to Visva-Bharati University, Tagore’s ashram, art schools, and vibrant festivals like Poush Mela.
• Digha – A coastal town with sandy beaches, seafood delights and breathtaking sunrise views, about 180 km away.
• Bishnupur – Known for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees, just 140 km from Kolkata.
• Raichak – A peaceful riverside getaway with luxurious resorts and historical forts, around 50 km from Kolkata.

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For offbeat getaways near Kolkata, consider:

• Chandannagar – Located around 48 km from Kolkata, this is a former French colony with well-preserved colonial buildings and a beautiful riverside promenade.
• Henry’s Island – This tranquil beach escape is 130 km from Kolkata and is perfect for birdwatching and fresh seafood.
• Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary – Located 20 km from Kolkata, this lush sanctuary in Sonarpur is home to rare birds, butterflies, and orchids, ideal for birdwatching and nature walks
• Gangani – Dubbed ‘The Grand Canyon of Bengal,’ featuring dramatic laterite formations, is about 130 km by road from Kolkata.
• Natungram – A rural craft hub in East Burdwan, this place is 140 km from Kolkata and is the venue for the annual Wooden Dolls Fair. It is famous for wooden dolls like owls, Radha-Krishna, and Lakshmi figurines made by artisans who have upheld this 250-year-old tradition.