Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is an enchanting destination in West Bengal, globally renowned for its literary legacy, ancient establishments, spellbinding natural creations, architectural styles and art. The city served as the capital of India under the British Raj and is the present-day administrative seat of the state. It is a significant educational, commercial and cultural hub of the Eastern part of India. Apart from this, Kolkata has a plethora of tourist spots that are sure to leave you in awe with their beauty. The city is popular for its mouth-watering cuisines and splendid festive celebrations, including Durga Puja.
Things to do in Kolkata
The best way to start your Kolkata tour is by offering prayers at Dakshineswar Kali Temple. You can hit the Howrah Bridge for enjoying a spellbinding view of the city. Do remember to get a whiff of the lip-smacking cuisines prepared in authentic flavours of Kolkata.
Tourist attractions in Kolkata
From age-old forts to magnificent temples, Kolkata is brimming with tourist attractions representing the city's regal past, art, architecture and natural beauty. Botanical Garden and Rabindra Sarovar are among the most pristine spots in the city. Other places to visit here are Tagore's House, Kalighat Kali Temple, Fort Williams, Indian Museum and Tipu Sultan Palace.
Places to shop in Kolkata
Bustling with local markets, designer stores and elite malls, Kolkata is an ideal destination to spoil yourself with a shopping spree and fill your bags with the best of everything. Gariahat, Vardaan Market, Bara Bazaar and Hatibagan Market are the best places to buy affordable items. You can visit Quest Mall and City Centre Mall for luxury shopping. The city is home to the country's largest book market, College Street.
Best time to visit Kolkata
Autumn and winter months from October to February are the perfect time for visiting Kolkata when the weather is pleasant.
Modes of transport
Kolkata offers several transportation options that make travelling within the city a manageable task. The means of transport used to provide an easy commute include local buses, metros, ferries, trams and auto-rickshaws. The inter-city transport modes used for travelling to and from Kolkata are flights, trains and state-operated buses.
Weather in Kolkata
Summers in Kolkata are extremely hot with temperatures ranging from 29°C to 45°C and high humidity. The city receives heavy showers and thunderstorms during the monsoon season. The temperatures during the winter season range between 15°C and 29°C, which ensure mild weather that is neither too hot nor too cold.
Airport in Kolkata
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (IATA: CCU) is served by more than 100 weekly flights operated by IndiGo to facilitate easy transfers to and from Kolkata. The airport offers round-the-clock arrivals and departures to allow people to travel at their convenience. To know more, visit www.goindigo.in.