Kolkata is considered the cultural capital of India and is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It was the capital of British India, and the remains are still evident in the old buildings, churches and synagogues. From its various historical monuments, delectable cuisine, vibrant festivities, shopping destinations, public parks and a plethora of other places to explore – Kolkata has something for everyone.
If you want to experience the best art, culture and history that India has to offer, pack your bags and head over to this outstanding city.
Things to do in Kolkata
For history lovers, the Shaheed Minar is a great place to start. This 158-feet monument is a combination of Egyptian, Greek and Turkish architecture. If you are a bookworm, head over to College Street, which is Asia’s largest book market. If you want to spend some quality time with your loved one, Princep Ghat is a great place. Hold your partner’s hand, sip on a hot cup of chai while watching an amazing sunset.
Tourist attractions in Kolkata
The best places to visit in Kolkata are Victoria Memorial, Birla Planetarium, Esplanade, Alipore Zoo, National Library, Birla Temple, Kalighat Temple, Indian Museum and Jorasanko Thakur Bari.
Places to Shop in Kolkata
Head over to the Gariahat Market street-side stores selling fashionable men’s/women’s/children’s wear, shoes, accessories, junk jewellery, traditional clothes and other items. You can visit the Dakshinapan Market nearby which has many state emporiums selling traditional fabrics, handicrafts, bags and furniture.
If you are looking for the best brands, there are plenty of shopping malls such as South City Mall, Axis Mall, Quest, Avani Riverside Mall and Mani Square Mall to meet all your shopping needs!
Best time to visit Kolkata
The best time to visit Kolkata is between October and March.
Modes of transport
You can explore the city via buses, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, local trains, taxis, metro and private cabs. Trams and rented cars are also available.
Weather in Kolkata
Kolkata is pretty hot all year round. The temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius during summers, which is from April to June. The city experiences heavy showers during the months of July to September. December to March is the winter season when it tends to get chilly, and the temperature can drop down to 12 degrees Celsius.
Airport in Kolkata
The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (IATA: CCU) is the main airport of the city, situated 17 km away from the centre of Kolkata. IndiGo handles regular flights from Kolkata to key destinations such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Lucknow.