Things To Do
in Kolkāta
Kolkāta (Kolkata) is the cultural and intellectual capital of eastern India, famous for its colonial architecture, grand festivals, and lively street life. The city sits on the banks of the Hooghly River and blends Mughal, British and Bengali influences in its food, art and daily rhythms. Kolkata is known for its literary salons, classical music, and the world-famous Durga Puja celebrations that transform the city each autumn.
While congested and busy, Kolkata rewards visitors with rich history, exceptional cuisine, and warm, conversational locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Kolkata and feel the vibrant energy as you make your way to a boutique hotel on Park Street. Check into your heritage-inspired room and freshen up for the day. Head out to sample steaming kathi rolls and aromatic masala chai at an iconic street stall.
Explore the colonial-era Coffee House on College Street and lose yourself in its vintage ambiance. Sip a creamy coffee while chatting with students and intellectuals. Browse the endless shelves of bookstores lining the thoroughfare.
Return to Park Street for an early dinner at a classic Indian-European restaurant serving Chelo Kebabs. Savor lush curries and chocolates at Flurys, the century-old patisserie. End the night with a leisurely walk under a canopy of streetlights and live music spilling from nearby bars.
Begin at Victoria Memorial as dawn breaks, admiring its gleaming marble façade against lush gardens. Join a guided tour to learn about the building’s colonial history and stories. Capture photographs of the serene lily ponds reflecting the majestic architecture.
Head to the nearby Maidan to witness locals playing football and cricket on vast green fields. Grab a street-side cut fruit bowl sprinkled with chaat masala to fuel your exploration. Continue to the Kolkata Race Course for a glimpse of British-era equestrian tradition.
Walk down Dalhousie Square to view the illuminated colonial buildings lining the Hooghly River. Sip on local tea from a tea vendor while you watch ferries glide by. End the night at a rooftop bar overlooking the river and the lit-up Howrah Bridge.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🚕Short taxi/auto-rickshaw ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
| 🚌Local public transport (bus/metro single fare) | $0.10-0.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural and literary history with world-class festivals (especially Durga Puja)
- Exceptional and diverse food culture from street food to fine dining
- Strong architectural and photographic opportunities (colonial, riverfront, temples)
- Warm, conversational locals and thriving arts scene
- Heavy traffic, crowding and periodic pollution
- High humidity and monsoon-related travel disruptions
- Infrastructure in older parts can be chaotic (narrow lanes, limited parking)
- Language barriers outside tourist areas if not using Bengali or Hindi
- "Nomoshkar (নমস্কার)" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Dhonyobad (ধন্যবাদ)" - Thank you
- "Ektu kom diye bolben? (একটু কম দিয়ে বলবেন?)" - Can you make it a bit cheaper? (useful when bargaining)
- "Kothay? (কোথায়?)" - Where?
- "Koto daam? / Koto? (কত দাম?)" - How much does it cost?
- "Bhalo achhi (ভালো আছি)" - I am fine
Places to Visit in Kolkāta
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic cantilever bridge across the Hooghly — dramatic at dawn, dusk and when lit at night; good for wide-angle urban shots and river life.
Grand white-marble monument with well-kept gardens: symmetrical architecture, sculptures and reflective pools ideal for golden-hour photography.
Riverside promenade with colonial-era pavilion and steps leading to the water — excellent for sunset silhouettes and river activities.
Artist quarter where clay idols are crafted — intimate street scenes of artisans at work, especially during the pre-Durga Puja season.
Old mansions with ornate interiors and vintage streets offering characterful architectural and street-life photography in the early morning.
Book-strewn lanes, readers at pavement stalls, and historic coffee houses — atmospheric black-and-white or candid portrait opportunities.
Food in Kolkāta
Kolkāta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Soft, syrupy cottage-cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup — a Bengali sweet available at famous shops like K.C. Das and Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Ghosh.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked spicy mutton curry, rich and aromatic — found in traditional Bengali restaurants and popular during celebrations.
Grilled meat or paneer wrapped in paratha bread; try the original style at Peter Cat (Park Street) or cart vendors on Park Street and New Market lanes.
Light, mustard- or turmeric-flavored fish curry made with local freshwater fish; available in most Bengali homes and restaurants.
Sweetened fermented yogurt, caramelized and thick — a classic Bengali dessert served in clay pots at sweet shops like Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic shopping market with dozens of food stalls and Bengali snack vendors; try kathi rolls, jhal muri and sweets from established counters.
Busy market in South Kolkata with street vendors selling puchka (known locally as phuchka), churmur, and fish stalls displaying fresh catches.
Evening street-food scene with tea stalls, bekari (baker) items and quick snacks frequented by students and intellectuals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A respectful 'Nomoshkar' (Namaskar) or a simple 'Hello' is common; a slight head nod or folded hands (Namaste) is polite.
Remove shoes before entering temples and many homes, dress modestly in religious places, and avoid taking photographs where prohibited.
Eating with the right hand is customary; avoid wasting food and accept offers politely. In some homes and eateries, meals follow traditional sequences—be open to trying them.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon in many areas. Be patient and courteous in busy public spaces; bargaining is expected in markets but keep it friendly.
Safety
Tipping in Kolkāta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5–10% in restaurants where service is good (check if service charge is included), a small tip for hotel porters and taxi/ride-hailing drivers is common. For rickshaw drivers, round up or agree on price first.
Cash is widely used for street food, market purchases and small vendors. Cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels and stores; UPI and mobile wallets (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) are popular for electronic payments. Carry small notes for tips and rickshaws.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
April–June are hot and humid with temperatures often above 30–35°C (86–95°F). Stay hydrated, schedule outdoor activities for mornings and evenings, and expect sweaty conditions in the city.
June–September bring heavy rains and occasional flooding; travel can be slowed by waterlogging. Bring quick-drying clothes, waterproof footwear, and plan flexibility for outdoor plans.
September–November is Durga Puja season — the city is at its liveliest with pandals, lights and cultural programs. Book accommodation early and enjoy spectacular cultural displays.
December–February are mild and pleasant (10–25°C / 50–77°F); mornings can be foggy. This is the best time for sightseeing, river cruises and outdoor photography.
Kolkāta at Night
Hiking in Kolkāta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Renowned trek in northern West Bengal offering Himalayan views (including Everest and Kanchenjunga). Requires a multi-day trip from Kolkata (overnight travel to Darjeeling/Phalut start).
Forested trails and wildlife-focused treks in Jalpaiguri district; accessible by road from Kolkata with an overnight stay en route.
Less-crowded, low-altitude trails and nature walks within a few hours’ drive—good for weekend nature outings and short hikes.
Boat-based excursions and short guided mangrove walks near the Sundarbans National Park area; best for wildlife and unique ecosystem experiences rather than steep hikes.
Airports
How to reach Kolkāta by plane.
Primary international and domestic airport serving Kolkata, ~15–20 km from central Kolkata. Accessible by taxi, app-based rides, and limited metro connectivity (airport metro links under expansion/planned phases).
Small heliport used for occasional helicopter services and VIP movement; not a regular commercial option for most travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population — Bengali Hindus and Muslims who shape the city’s language, culture, cuisine and festivals.
Significant populations of people from other Indian states (Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh) and business communities such as Marwaris; diverse linguistic presence.
Historic Anglo-Indian neighborhoods and Christian communities contribute to Kolkata’s colonial-era institutions, schools and churches.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Kolkata and across India; Eden Gardens is one of the world’s largest and most famous cricket stadiums hosting international and domestic matches.
Strong local passion for football with historic clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal commanding fervent support and derby rivalries.
Kabaddi, athletics and traditional sports are played in suburbs and neighborhoods; local tournaments are community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kolkāta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are plentiful: shorshe posto, aloo posto, dal, cholar dal and many street-friendly snacks. Mention 'veg' clearly; many mithai shops and restaurants have pure-veg sections.
Vegan options require caution—ghee, milk and mustard oil are common. Explain no dairy when ordering; many Bengali dishes are fish- or dairy-based, but South Indian and many street snacks can be vegan if specified.
Halal meat is available at Muslim-run eateries and many larger restaurants; confirm if you need Halal-certified meat.
Rice-based dishes and fish curries are naturally gluten-free, but breads and many snacks contain wheat. Ask about batter ingredients for fried items.