Kolkata
India · West Bengal · 9 m
Description
Kolkata (কলকাতা), formerly Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and lies on the banks of the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges. Once the capital of British India, it remains one of the country's foremost cultural and intellectual centers. Kolkata is renowned for its grand colonial architecture, historic bookshops, vibrant literary and artistic heritage, traditional sweets, and the iconic tram network that still operates in parts of the city. Landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and the Howrah Bridge define its skyline, while the annual Durga Puja festival transforms the city into a spectacular open-air gallery of art and devotion. Blending colonial heritage with Bengali traditions and a lively urban atmosphere, Kolkata is one of India's most distinctive and captivating cities.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: October – January
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Victoria Memorial
- Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu)
- Durga Puja (October)
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple
- Indian Museum
- Kumartuli
- College Street Book Market
- Park Street
- Bengali Sweets and Street Food
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Marble Palace
- South Park Street Cemetery
- Prinsep Ghat
- Belur Math(Day trip)
- Kalighat Kali Temple
- Mother House
- Science City
- Eco Park
- Botanical Garden (Great Banyan Tree)(Day trip)
- Vintage Tram Ride
- New Market
Getting there
- Airports:
- CCU
- Train stations:
- Howrah Junction
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry