Kolkata – The cultural capital of India
Widely regarded as the ‘Cultural Capital of India’, Kolkata is the perfect blend of modernity, culture, and traditions. As much as the heritage buildings leave the city with an old-world charm, the glamourous malls and plush restaurants are a constant reminder of Kolkata’s cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Things to do in Kolkata
- Ride on a vintage tram across the bylanes of North Kolkata
- Enjoy the sunset while taking a romantic boat ride at Pricnep Ghat
- Witness the Seven Wonders of the World at Eco Park
Tourist attractions in Kolkata
- Fort William – Named after King William III of England, Fort William is a 17th-century fort built on the eastern banks of River Hooghly. The monument is famous for its iconic Black Hole prison cell.
- Victoria Memorial – The majestic marble palace-museum is a tribute to Queen Victoria of England. It houses a huge collection of artefacts, paintings, and sculptures dating back to the British era.
- Various temples and monuments – Kalighat Temple, Dakshineshwar Temple, Belur Math, Indian Museum, Birla Planetarium, and St. Paul’s Cathedral are a few other prominent attractions in Kolkata.
Places to shop in Kolkata
- Gariahat Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations in South Kolkata. From fashionable clothing and footwear to traditional and silver jewellery, home décor and electronics, the market stocks just about everything you might be looking for.
- Dakshinapan Shopping Complex is a good option if you want to purchase local handicrafts, khadi items, and souvenirs.
- To get your hands on international brands, visit the famous city malls, such as Quest Mall, and Acropolis Mall.
Best time to visit Kolkata
October to March is the perfect time to explore Kolkata at its best. The city also celebrates Durga Puja in October, which is the biggest festival in the state.
Modes of transport in Kolkata
Kolkata has a good network of private and government buses plying on various routes. They are cheap and convenient for daily commute. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are widely available across the city. Besides, app cabs, such as Uber and Ola, are also available easily. The fastest mode of transportation in Kolkata is Metro Rail.
Weather in Kolkata
Summers (March and June) are hot and humid in Kolkata. July marks the onset of monsoon, which brings moderate to heavy rainfall through September. Winters (December to February) are pleasantly cool with the average minimum temperature hovering around 10 degree Celsius.
Airport in Kolkata
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport serves domestic and international flights. Serving over 20 million passengers daily, it ranks 5th among India’s busiest airports.
IATA code: CCU