Kolkata has grown from being a city of historical importance to being one of the largest and densely populated cosmopolitan metros of India. The transition from once British Calcutta to Kolkata is evident in the city’s architecture, demography as well as culture.
The modern-day Kolkata has been built alongside the remnants of its historic past. The city is a popular tourist attraction for those who want to experience authentic Bengali culture and cuisine as well as bask in the sights of towering colonial architecture.
Things to do in Kolkata
There is an assortment of activities in Kolkata one could indulge in, which include taking a ride in the heritage hand-pulled rickshaws, getting lost in blissful ferry rides across the Hooghly River and enjoying a peaceful dinner at the hanging restaurant of Biswa Bangla Gate overlooking the entire new urbanity of Kolkata.
Popular tourist attractions of Kolkata
Kolkata has an abundance of tourist attractions, including the marvellous Victoria Memorial, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Science City, Fort William, Mother’s Wax Museum, Howrah Bridge, the rumoured haunted South Park Street Cemetery, just to name a few.
Places to shop in Kolkata
Shopper’s haven is what Kolkata is also best known for. The early morning authentic Chinese food market of Terreti Bazaar, the cheap electronics market of Chandni Chowk, the flower market of Mullick Bazaar and the grandiose wholesale market of Dharmtala never fail to captivate.
Best time to visit Kolkata
The autumn to winter season i.e., October to February is the ideal time to visit Kolkata, as the weather is pleasant during this period. Also, one gets to witness the extravagant glory of the Durga Puja festivities spanned across the city during this time. Christmas and Bakr-Eid are also widely celebrated in this truly secular and cosmopolitan city.
Modes of transport
Public buses running to every corner of the city, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, hand-pulled rickshaws, e-rickshaws, post-colonial era yellow ambassador taxis, trams, mobile app-based call cabs, local trains and a well-connected underground and surface metro rail make the total milieu of surface transport. River ferries are also available.
Weather in Kolkata
Weather in Kolkata is dynamic with three seasons being distinctly apart. The summer months, from March to May, are mildly hot with above 80% humidity, while the monsoon months, from June to July, experience heavy downpour, and the winter months, from November to January, experience temperatures below 10°C.
Airport in Kolkata
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (IATA: CCU) is one of the busiest airports of the eastern zone and operates domestic flights to almost any corner of the country and international flights to every major city of the world.