Kolkata
Discover Kolkata
Kolkata (Bengali: কলকাতা Kalkātā, Hindi: कोलकाता Kolkātā), formerly Calcutta, is the capital and largest city of West Bengal and the cultural capital of India. Kolkata is an "in your face" city that shocks and charms the unsuspecting visitor. Long known as the cultural capital of India and home to the Bengali Renaissance, the "City of Joy" (the sobriquet became more famous after the publication of a novel of the same name) continues to spawn generations of poets, writers, film directors and Nobel Prize winners.
What to Experience in Kolkata
Taste of Kolkata...
Kolkata has old traditions about eating out. Wilson's Hotel (which later became the Great Eastern Hotel) is credited to have been the first western-style hotel/restaurant in Kolkata, serving what was then forbidden food for Indians, particularly Hindus. One could be treated as an out-caste if caught eating there, but the idea caught on and others followed. Many of the restaurants that line the streets in the Esplanade area have been around for more than a hundred years. The joy of food in Kolkata is in its Indian foods. Nizam's (23/24, Hogg St), close to New Market, is credited with the invention of the famous "kathi kebab roll" and still serves up the best of the best. For Mughlai dishes, there are several places to eat in the Park Circus area and there are others all over the city. In terms of sweet, Kolkata is best known for its "rosogollas" (রসগোল্লা rasagollā), consisting of balls of "chhena" (a moist, softer cheese than paneer) cooked and permeated in a light rose-scented syrup. Although the origin of rôsogolla is disputed between Odisha and Bengal, the first canned rosogollas were sold in this city in 1930, after which they took off in popularity across South Asia. A variant of the dish is "rosomalai" (রসমালাই rasamālāi) where the chhena balls are immersed in sweet thickened milk instead of syrup, providing a creamier feel to the sweet. Besides Bengali foods, Kolkata is also the home of Indian Chinese food.
Culture & Religion
Culture
Kolkata is known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage and it was the birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought. The city has a tradition of political graffiti depicting everything from outrageous slander to witty banter and limericks, caricatures and propaganda. Kolkata has been called the "City of Palaces", because of the numerous palatial mansions built all over the city. During British rule, the city witnessed a spate of frenzied construction activity of buildings largely influenced by the conscious intermingling of Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental and Islamic schools of design. The layout of much of the architectural variety in Kolkata owes its origins to European styles and tastes imported by the British and, to a much lesser extent, the Portuguese and French. However, many of these structures are in various stages of decay, as of 2022.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Kolkata into what it is today.
Kolkata's history is intimately related to the British East India Company, which arrived in 1690, and to British India, of which Calcutta became the capital in 1772. Job Charnock was widely known as the founder of Calcutta. There were 3 villages named Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata. Later the village Kalikata became the city of Kolkata. But some Indian historians have disputed this claim, arguing that Kolkata developed naturally over a period, centred on the ancient Kali temple at Kalighat and the port at Kidderpore. Whatever its origins, Calcutta flowered as the capital of British India during the 19th century, the heyday of the Raj. The University of Calcutta, the first modern Indian university, was founded here in 1857. Calcutta became the centre of Indian arts and literature and the national movement for independence got its start here. However, with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1911 and the pains of the partition of Bengal in 1947, a violent repressive and feudal state machinery was operational for nearly the first two decades after independence. Calcutta became plagued by power outages, labour unrest, disappearing industry and violence from the ideologically-motivated Maoist movement (the Naxalbari movement) in the 1970s. In 1985, the then-Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi referred to the city as a "dying city" because of the social and political traumas....
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Kolkata.
Durga Puja (দুর্গাপূজা Durgāpūjā), a festival honouring the Hindu goddess Durga, takes place between September and October. The biggest festival for Hindus in Bengal, Kolkata takes on an almost carnival-like ambience. Streets shut down for the construction of pandals (প্যান্ডেল, pyānḍel), large stands that depict events from the Ramayana and crowds flock to the biggest and best ones. Durga Puja in Kolkata has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. A good time to visit, unless you have a fear of crowds. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the main club cricket league in India. It is one of the world's most widely attended sporting events, and if you are in Kolkata during the season (April–May), consider watching the home team (Kolkata Knight Riders) play at Eden Gardens. In addition to the IPL, India's national team also plays some of its international matches at Eden Gardens.
Climate
Kolkata has three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summer, from March–May, is hot and humid with temperatures touching 38-42°C. Monsoon starts in June and lasts till September or October. This is the time when heavy showers sometimes lead to waterlogging in a few areas. Winter is from November to February. This is the best season to visit the city, as the weather is very pleasant with temperatures ranging between 8 and 20°. Being in West Bengal, the native language of the people of Kolkata is Bengali. However, most educated locals also speak English and some Hindi. Many shopkeepers and taxi drivers can communicate in broken English, and government offices will typically have English-speaking staff on duty. Although it is generally not a problem getting by with English, learning some Bengali will make your trip much smoother.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsAlthough the airport is large and spacious, after immigration it lacks the facilities generally associated with busy international airports; there is no cafe, only one sit-down restaurant, very limited number of small shops, and no free Wi-Fi. Toilets are also sparse and far apart. The airport has a well-established facility of prepaid taxis and air-conditioned buses connecting it to the city centre. Parking facilities at the airport terminal include two underground parking levels accommodating 3,000 cars, and outdoor car parking which can handle an additional 2,000 cars. DigiYatra facility is available at departure gates 2B and 3A, security hold area 1, 2 and 3 and boarding gates 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. Kolkata is served by five major railway stations across the metropolis, which connects the city to almost all the major stations in India. Most local trains serving Kolkata run from Howrah and Sealdah stations....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Kolkata has an extensive public transport network, from the modern rapid transit system to the century-old heritage tram system. Taxis and cabs are a popular mode of transport in Kolkata. Both are easily available, relatively cheap, and will use their meters, at least in theory. The usual way to call such vehicles is to hail one on the street. Besides, there are dedicated taxi stands at Howrah and Sealdah stations. Older vehicle models are often referred to as "taxis", while newer ones are referred to as "cabs". Mainly, three types of taxis and cabs are available in Kolkata: yellow cabs, white taxis, and app cabs. However, taxi and cab drivers sometimes refuse to go to some remote locations (like Behala, Bansdroni, Howrah) where they wouldn't get any passengers while returning. If they agree, they will demand high pay; be ready for such a situation.
Where to Stay
Kolkata has long had a concentration of budget backpacker hotels in the Sudder Street area and many of these are colonial era gems, albeit decaying ones. Sudder Street is centrally located and is well connected by public transport. Both the major railway stations at Howrah and Sealdah have many hotels around them. Most of them might be only licensed to accommodate Indian citizens. Be sure to not walk with a local "friend" or guide, unless you want to have higher prices. There are some hotels in South Kolkata. The growth of the IT Sector and hospital facilities in East Kolkata has led to development of hotels in that district. However, if money is of no object, you can stay at Great Eastern, ITC Sonar, Taj Bengal and JW Marriott Kolkata. British-era clubs such as Tollygunge Club, Calcutta Club (AJC Bose Rd), Saturday Club (Theatre Rd) and Bengal Club (Russel St) have lavish rooms for rent. However, they only accept bookings through members.
Money & Budget
Traditionally Kolkata had certain shopping areas or districts. The New Market area was considered the core of fashionable marketing. That was the marketplace for the British and later patronised by the more sophisticated Indians. There are large markets in Burrabazar, Hatibagan-Shyambazar, Gariahat and Lake Market. There were several specialised markets: electrical goods at Chandni Chowk, jewellery at Bowbazar, books at College Street, fish at Maniktala, flowers at Jagannath Ghat, the Maidan market for sports goods and so on. The malls are a more recent addition, mostly in the South and East. The South City Mall and the Quest Mall in South Kolkata are two of the biggest in the city, whereas the Axis Mall, City Centre and Mani Square are some notable ones in the East.
Language & Talk
Being in West Bengal, the native language of the people of Kolkata is Bengali. However, most educated locals also speak English and some Hindi. Many shopkeepers and taxi drivers can communicate in broken English, and government offices will typically have English-speaking staff on duty. Although it is generally not a problem getting by with English, learning some Bengali will make your trip much smoother. Some Bengalis in Kolkata are sensitive to other Indian languages, and there has been prejudice against non-Bengali speakers in the city, especially those who come from Hindi-speaking states like Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh (UP).
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Kolkata is one of the safest metropolitan areas in India, and the people are friendly and helpful, unlike in most of India's other large cities. Violent crime in Kolkata is more or less like any other large Indian city. There has been some incidents of chain, bag and mobile snatching in railway stations and empty roads. Be on guard for anybody trying to help you by giving you unsolicited directions or travel advice. Do not blindly rely on the advice of taxi and auto drivers. Carry your cash and cards in a secure money belt, with only enough cash for a few hours at a time in your wallet or other accessible place. Beware during the rush hours in bus terminals and railway stations as many pickpockets will try to get your belongings. Visitors outside the city are often magnets for beggars, frauds and touts. In South Kolkata, beggars often knock at the glass windows of cars. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Kolkata
The city of Joy
yellow and white tram on road during daytime
white building during daytime
Howrah Bridge
Citylights...
Sunset in the City of Joy
Evening Sunsets
a large bridge spanning over a large body of water
timelapse photography of sedan on road at night
yellow vehicle traveling on road
The city of Joy
yellow and white tram on road during daytime
white building during daytime