Kolkata is one of the most fascinating cities in India, with a rich history spanning centuries. Museums like the Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial offer a glimpse into India's diverse heritage, while Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Belur Math provide a space for spiritual introspection. The city has been home to celebrated literary figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay. While looking at the culinary side of the town, it caters to a wide range of taste buds, including hot, spicy, minty, sweet, creamy, sweet and sour. Puchka, jhalmuri and ghughni are some of the most well-known dishes in Kolkata. Besides, the winter season in Kolkata is for freshly prepared Nolen-gur sweets like Mishti-doi (sweet curd), Paaesh and the very popular Sandesh. The city has various aspects, from the mouthwatering aroma of street food to the enthusiasm of cricket matches at Eden Gardens or the intellectual fervour of discussions at the coffee houses.
Distinctive crafts skills like conch shell designing, dhokra metal art, and masks showcase people's creativity. The city of joy has several vibrant markets for those who enjoy shopping. You can see an exquisite range of sarees, including laal paad, tant, kantha, baluchari, or swarnachari. The city is lively, filled with friendly people and lots of energy. Durga Puja is when the entire city gets drenched in celebrations. Book your Paris to Kolkata flights now with IndiGo to experience this city's joy.
Places to visit in Kolkata
Kolkata is a lively hub of art, traditions and ideas. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the best places to visit in Kolkata:
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata is a beautiful church with a long legacy and enthralling design. With its fancy architecture and serene ambience, the Cathedral is one of the most visited landmarks in the city. The site gives a glimpse of Indo-Gothic architecture, characterised by its towering spires and intricate stained glass windows. Its interior boasts impressive frescoes, adding to its allure. Its magnificent design and serene ambience make it a popular tourist attraction and a significant place of worship. St. Paul's Cathedral is a symbol of Kolkata's cultural heritage.
- Howrah Bridge: The Howrah Bridge is a famous and iconic bridge in Kolkata. It's a massive steel bridge that spans the Hooghly River, connecting the city of Kolkata with the industrial town of Howrah. The bridge is a vital transportation link, allowing vehicles, pedestrians, and trains to cross the river. One remarkable feature of the Howrah Bridge is that it has no nuts or bolts in its construction. Instead, it was built using rivets, making it a unique engineering marvel. The bridge's design is characterised by its truss structure and the lattice of steel girders.
- Belur Math: Belur Math is a spiritual and cultural centre near Kolkata. It is the centre of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekanand, a renowned spiritual leader and disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The architecture of Belur Math is a blend of different styles, reflecting a harmony of religions and ethnic groups. The main temple inside the premises is the Swami Vivekananda Temple. The uniquely designed temple symbolises unity and diversity, representing the teachings and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda.
- Indian Museum: The Indian Museum is one of the world's oldest museums, established in 1814. It is a treasure trove of historical artefacts, fossils, sculptures, exquisite textiles, art pieces and an impressive array of historical documents. The place is an important cultural and historical institution in the city. It is one of the largest museums in the country, with its collection spanning a wide range of disciplines like archaeology, anthropology, geology, and art. Visitors can explore its numerous galleries, including the Egyptian, Buddhist, and Mughal sections, gaining insight into India's diverse history.
- Victoria Memorial: The Victoria Memorial is an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of the city's colonial legacy. The grand marble edifice honours Queen Victoria and her era. The memorial blends Indo-Saracenic and British architectural styles, with its towering central dome, intricate carvings, and lush gardens creating a stunning visual spectacle. Within its galleries, you can explore an exclusive collection of sculptures, paintings, and historical artefacts that depict India's colonial past.
- Science City: Science City is a remarkable institution established in 1997 that fosters scientific curiosity and education. Spanning over an area of 20 acres, it is one of the largest science centres in the country. The facility offers a plethora of interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and immersive science-related activities, making it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Science City houses a Space Odyssey, Evolution Park, and a captivating Earth Exploration Hall, among other attractions. It also hosts science shows, workshops, and educational programs.
Kolkata Airport (CCU)
Kolkata Airport, also known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), serves as the city's gateway, located 12 km from the heart of Kolkata. With three terminals, the airport seamlessly caters to all the flights to Kolkata. Terminal 1 is responsible for domestic flights, whereas Terminal 3 caters to cargo flights. Terminal 2, designed for international travel, offers services like complimentary trolleys, strategically placed ATMs, currency exchange kiosks, and secure luggage storage lockers, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable journey.
Various transportation options connect the airport to the city centre, from swift train services and well-connected metro routes to reliable taxis and buses, providing travellers with a range of choices for a smooth transition. Beyond its functional role, the airport is a visual delight that mirrors Kolkata's charm, offering an elevated travel experience through efficient operations and aesthetic appeal.
