Things To Do
in Chandannagar

Lightly spiced Bengali fish curry made with local freshwater fish; available at most local restaurants and homestyle eateries.

Must-Try!

Prawns cooked in a mild coconut-milk based sauce—rich and best in restaurants that serve Bengali seafood.

Classic Bengali sweets—soft syrupy cheese balls and sweetened fermented yogurt—found at local bakeries and sweet shops across town.

Crispy fried snacks and tangy hollow pani-puri (phuchka) sold by street vendors and stalls near the Strand and markets.

A bustling market near the town center where you can sample street snacks, buy fresh produce and locate small sweet shops for mishti doi and rosogolla.

Evening stalls near the river that sell tea, telebhaja, phuchka and quick snacks—great for an inexpensive riverside supper.

A folded-hand 'Namaskar' or 'Nomoskar' and a smile are polite. Show respect to elders and be modest in dress, especially at religious sites.

Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes; follow any signposted rules and avoid taking photos where prohibited.

Avoid overt public displays of affection; bargaining is common in markets but do so politely; accept shared community spaces and be tolerant of local rhythms.

Ask permission before photographing people, particularly close portraits or religious activities—some may expect a small tip for posed shots.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5–10% in restaurants if service is good (or round up), small tips (₹10–50) for tea stall servers, autorickshaw drivers and hotel porters. For guides or drivers on full-day trips, tip more generously depending on service.

Cash (Indian rupee) is widely used for small purchases and street food. Digital payments (UPI apps, Paytm) are common in many shops and restaurants; credit/debit cards are accepted at larger establishments but may not work at small stalls—carry small change.

April–June are hot and humid with temperatures often above 30–35°C (86–95°F); heat and humidity can be tiring—plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and stay hydrated.

June–September bring heavy rains and occasional flooding; river levels rise and some low-lying areas can be waterlogged—carry a raincoat, waterproof bags for gear and allow extra travel time.

October–November are pleasant with festival activity (Durga and Jagaddhatri Puja). This is a lively time to experience local culture and favorable weather.

December–February are cool and comfortable (10–22°C / 50–72°F), ideal for sightseeing, photography and long walks along the Strand—bring a light jacket for early mornings and nights.

Primary international airport serving Kolkata, approximately 40–60 km (depending on route) from Chandannagar; accessible by taxi or train to Howrah and then road transfer—plan 1–2 hours depending on traffic.

Smaller regional airport to the west (used for some domestic flights); farther away and less convenient for Chandannagar, usually a 2–3 hour drive if flying into this airport.

The majority community, culturally active in local festivals, arts and religious life.

An important part of the town’s social fabric with visible cultural contributions and community life.

Smaller groups and families retain aspects of the town’s French colonial past reflected in architecture and some local traditions.

Communities engaged in river-related livelihoods, markets and small-scale trade dominate local economy and everyday scenes.