Kolkata, India's second biggest city, is a perpetually ongoing festival of human existence, concurrently luxurious and squalid, refined and frantic, pointedly futuristic, while beautifully in decay. A vibrant 350-year-old metropolis located on India's Eastern Coast, the capital of West Bengal thrives on contradictions and imposing spectacles; nothing is commonplace in this city. Famously known as the City of Joy, Kolkata is, in every sense, the artistic, cultural and intellectual capital of the country. Kolkata's streets are vivid, hectic, chaotic, and yet, brimming with life and creativity. Driven by the indomitable spirit of the self-made middle class, the city has created a beautiful juxtaposition of the old colonial-era charm with the nascent upcoming hipster culture that thrives amongst the city's millennial residents.
Starting from admiring the flourishing art scene in the city to going on rewarding gastronomical explorations to wandering amidst the countless bazaars to sitting by the banks of the Hooghly and enjoying a peaceful sunset, Kolkata is soaked in layers and layers of heritage and culture, and peeling off each layer to look beneath the hood is a very rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience. As the famous quote goes, "If you want a city with a soul, come to Calcutta".
Formerly the capital of the British empire before the government was shifted to Delhi, Kolkata has a distinct tinge of its royal past lingering in every nook and cranny of the city. If you want to soak in some of the city's regal past, take a walk along the streets of North Kolkata, which houses some of the oldest mansions in the city, swathed with vines and a persistent sense of aristocratic pride. Kolkata is home to Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral house, which has now been converted into a museum and houses a staggering collection of family portraits and paintings. There are plenty of ghats all over the city where you can sit and enjoy a sunset while sipping on tea, one of the most noted of these being the Prinsep Ghat, which offers stunning views of the Vidyasagar Setu in the backdrop. Close by is Millennium Park, which is a beautified waterfront park from where you can avail boat rides and cruises.
Kolkata has a very lively nightlife, and the entire stretch along Park Street houses innumerable bars and pubs where you can party the night away. Kolkata's street food is famous all across the country, and the city is lined with eateries and food stalls at every corner, where you can savour local Bengali food, or try out local snacks such as Jhalmuri, or Ghugni Chaat.
The autumn and winter months between October and February are the best time to visit Kolkata, as the weather is perfect and festivities are aplenty. This is the season which witnesses the peak arrival of travellers, especially during Durga Puja. Kolkata, with an eastern tropical climate, has light winters, hot and somewhat humid summers. Summers are the least desirable options for a traveller, and monsoons, although lovely, is not exactly the best season worth a visit.
Weather in Kolkata
Now
35°C
Upcoming Kolkata Weather
Monday
27-37°C
Tuesday
27-36°C
Wednesday
27-37°C
How to Get to Kolkata
Plane
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is Kolkata's main line to India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. To get to the city center, 12.5 miles away, it's best to hail a taxi for ₹150-250.
Train
Getting in to Kolkata via train will take you to either the Howrah terminal or the Sealdah station. Howrah station connects to the ferry service.
Car
There are several roads in to the city. If you're coming in from Deulti, for example, get on NH 117 in Hastings or take the NH 6.
Bus
You can book journeys into Kolkata with private bus companies such as Shohagh and Shyamoli. There are also government-run buses from Monday to Friday offering a round trip between Esplanade Bus Station and Dhaka for ₹600
How to Get Around Kolkata
Public Transportation
The public transport system in Kolkata encompasses the railway, bus, and tram. Services run every 10-15 minutes and more frequently during rush hour. Tickets go for ₹5-20.
Taxi
The traditional yellow cabs are cheap, or use the red taxis if you prefer digital payment. The fare is ₹25 for the first 1.2 miles and ₹7 per mile thereafter.
Car
You can choose to book a private rental or do a self-driving rental from Carzonrent or EasyCabs for ₹1,726 per day.
Shopping Streets
Don't miss the South City Mall at Lake Gardens. Or visit Gariahat, Kolkata's main shopping district with a market as well as Indian and global brands.
Groceries and Other
Expect to pay around ₹47 for a quart of milk and ₹62 for a dozen eggs.
TOP 10 TOUR PLACE KOLKATA
Opened to traffic in 1943, the Howrah Bridge (officially called Rabindra Setu, after renowned Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore) crosses the Hooghly River to link Kolkata with its twin city of Howrah. The bridge has a single span without any pylons connecting it to the river bed, and it's one of the longest bridges of its type in the world. Approximately 150,000 vehicles and one million pedestrians use the bridge each day. To get a feel for why it's said to be the busiest bridge in the world, you really must walk across it!
Location: Just north of BBD Bagh (formerly known as Dalhousie Square) central business district.
Victoria Memorial is an imposing white building that was completed in 1921 and currently serves as a museum. Constructed in memory of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, it houses a fine art history collection and a gallery from the British Colonial period including many impressive paintings, sculptures, and books. The building's exterior is evocatively illuminated at night.
Location: The southern end of the Maidan.
When to Go: When to Go: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed Monday).
Cost: Indians, 30 rupees. Foreigners, 100 - 500 rupees.
This old and very popular Hindu temple, dedicated to Bhavatarini ("savior of the universe", an aspect of Goddess Kali), was founded in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni. Widowed at a young age, she very successfully took over her wealthy husband's zamindar (land ownership) business. Apparently, the idea to establish the temple came to her in a dream before a pilgrimage to Varanasi. The temple was made famous by spiritual leader Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who was appointed as its chief priest.
Location: Rani Rashmoni Road, May Dibas Pally, Dakshineshwar, northern outskirts of Kolkata on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River.
Open: October to March, daily from 6:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. until 8.30 p.m. April to September, daily from 6:00 a.m until 12.30 p.m and 3:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
The ninth oldest museum of the world and largest in India, the Indian Museum is located in the city of joy - Kolkata. The foundation stone of the Indian Museum was laid down in the year 1814 and has been a centre of multidisciplinary activities ever since. Popularly known as 'Jadughar', it has the finest collection of contemporary paintings, sacred relics of Buddha, Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures. In addition to these, the Indian Museum boasts of some of the most exquisite collections of ornaments, fossils, skeletons, antiques, armours, and stunning Mughal paintings.
Presently, the museum has 35 galleries which have been divided into six categories namely Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Economic Botany. For those inquisitive about history, there is also a library and bookshop present within the museum premises. Indian Museum recently celebrated its bicentennial anniversary with great fervour in February 2014. With its splendid collection, the museum takes you back in time to witness our fascinating past.
(5)St. Paul's Cathedral Kolkata
Located in the heart of the City of Joy - Kolkata, St Paul's is an Anglican cathedral that operates under CNI – Church of North India. It is a must-visit for those who seek enriching historical and architectural pleasure on their vacation trips. In the heart of the city, this colossal structure reminds you of the colonial times and takes you down the memory lane. Travellers keep this among the top few must-visit places when they come to Kolkata. It looks most beautiful during the Christmas holidays, when the cathedral, the garden around it as well as the surrounding streets are all bathed in light and festivities.
(6)SCINCE CITY
One of its kind in India, the Science city was inaugurated on 1st July 1997. It is a major attraction for the residents of Kolkata as well as for the people visiting Kolkata. It is one of the finest and the largest science museums in the world and provides a fun way of learning science. Under the National Council of Science Museums, the Science City in Kolkata is the largest science centre in the entire Indian Subcontinent. It is a governmental organisation under the Ministry of Culture and the main motto of the Science City was the popularisation of science. It is located at the crossing of the EM Bypass and the JBS Halder Avenue in Kolkata. The science city is a perfect blend of education with fun. There is a special section dedicated to the aquatic world wherein you can learn every minute detail about the various fishes and insects in the aquatic world. Some of the most exotic fishes can be seen in these aquariums. All in all, science city is going to offer you a phenomenal experience with your friends and family and totally make your holiday worth it.
The ground floor of the science city comprises of some optical illusions which are very interesting to look at. It is always so much fun to watch yourself taking a variety of shapes in front of the optical mirrors. The city is located on the crossing of Eastern Bypass and Park Circus at Kolkata and should be a sure shot stop on your trip to Kolkata. It is a favourite amongst kids as well as adults. Tornado, the energy ball, ocean waves and quicksand are a must watch. Time Machine is a common favourite amongst all the visitors. It gives one the opportunity to travel to outer space from where you can travel back in time and enter the age of dinosaurs by being a part of the artificial Jurassic Park. You can try the ropeway as well and get a bird's eye view of the city.
(7)ECO PARK
New Town Eco Park (Prakriti Tirtha) is an urban park in New Town, Kolkata and the biggest park so far in India.The park is situated on a 480 acres (190 ha) plot and is surrounded by a 104 acres (42 ha) waterbody with an island in the middle.The park was conceptualised by Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee in July 2011.West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) is the overarching body coordinating the construction of the park, along with different other government bodies responsible for implementation of different works inside the park.
Location:The Eco park is located along the Major Arterial Road (part of Biswa Bangla Sarani) in Action Area - II of New Town at 10 km away from Kolkata International Airport. The park is surrounded by the Kolkata Museum of Modern Art on the North, the upcoming Central Business District and International Financial Hub on the east, the Kolkata International Convention Center, HIDCO Bhawan and Rabindra Tirtha on the south and existing human settlement of Jatragachi/Hatiara on the West. It is well connected with VIP Road and EM Bypass. Buses are available from Ultadanga, Baguiati, Kolkata Airport, Salt Lake and Chingrighata.
(8)BISWA BANGLA GATE:
Biswa Bangla Gate, popularly known as Kolkata Gate, is the new icon of a rising Bengal, the same way London Eye is for the UK and Eiffel Tower is for Paris.Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has left no stone unturned in trying to make a new Bengal and not so long ago, she came up with the idea of having a gateway to modern Kolkata, one that would welcome tourists, entrepreneurs, scholars, guests and people of all talent as they landed at the airport and began driving into the city. It would be a gateway so iconic that no one would be left in any doubt that Bengal is rising and the new Bengal is here and now.
Location
Narkelbagan crossing, near Rabindra Tirtha in Action Area 1, New Town, Kolkata.
(9)Mother Teresa's Mother House
Mother Teresa is highly regarded for founding the Missionaries of Charity and devoting her life to helping ill and outcast people in Kolkata. Visit the Mother House to see her tomb, the bedroom where she lived, and a small museum dedicated to showcasing her life. It displays items such as her handwritten letters, spiritual exhortations, and personal belongings including saris, sandals, and crucifix. The Mother House is a place of silence and contemplation. Many people choose to meditate there while visiting because of its serene, uplifting energy.
Location: 54A, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road.
Open: 8 a.m. until noon and 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., daily except Thursday. Also closed on August 22, Easter Monday, and December 26.
(10)Belur Math
From the riverbank of Dakshineswar Kali Temple, take a boat 20 minutes down the river to Belur Math. This peaceful leafy complex, set on 40 acres of land, is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda (a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa). The main shrine, dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, has unique and distinctive architecture that combines Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic styles. It's worth experiencing the evening aarti ceremony, which beings at sunset. Unfortunately, photography isn't allowed on the premises.
Location: Belur Road, Howrah, on the western bank of the Hooghly River. About an hour north of the city center.
Open: October to March, daily from 6.30 a.m. until 11.30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. April to September, daily from 6:00 a.m until 11.30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
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