2024 Kolkata Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
The mega-city of Calcutta (Kolkata in the local language) was named after Kali, the Hindu goddess of creation and destruction. That the city was named after change is not at all surprising. A visit to Kolkata is a visceral experience in constant movement. With one of the largest urban populations of anywhere in the world, prepare to have your senses overwhelmed on every level. Sure, there's pollution, traffic congestion and indefatigable poverty. But there is also an intellectual, artistic and political history second to none in India. Visit attractions dating from the British Raj (the British East India Company arrived here in 1690) , see the Kalighat temple dedicated to Kali or volunteer for Mother Theresa's Mission. Try the famed Bengali sweets at local restaurants , or dine on street food. Try a historic palace hotel in the Esplanade section of the city center , or choose from any number of budget lodging around Sudder Street.
Today's Weather
Clear with poor air quality 16-29℃
Popular Attractions
Maidan
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Science City - Kolkata
Victoria Memorial
Kalighat
Kolkata: The Cultural and Historical Heart of India
Immerse yourself in Kolkata, a city that pulsates with history, art, and an undeniable spirit of resilience. Once the capital of British India, Kolkata is rich in colonial architecture, from the grand Victoria Memorial to the bustling Howrah Bridge. Explore the vibrant local culture in areas like College Street, the world’s largest second-hand book market, and visit the artistic hub of Kumartuli, where idols of Hindu gods are meticulously crafted. Experience the flavors of authentic Bengali cuisine, including sweets like rasgulla and mishti doi. This guide will lead you through Kolkata’s literary cafés, historic landmarks, and cultural festivities that showcase why it’s lovingly known as the “City of Joy.”
#familytravel
Kolkata's Tramways
Kolkata's tramways offer a unique and scenic way to explore the city. Here are some tips and recommendations for making the most of your ride:
1) Best Routes:
1. Route 1 (Esplanade to B.B.D. Bag): This route offers a glimpse of some of Kolkata's historic landmarks and vibrant streets. You’ll pass through the heart of the city, including the famous Esplanade area.
2. Route 3 (Taratala to Ballygunge): This route provides a more leisurely ride through residential areas and offers a view of how local life unfolds in different parts of Kolkata.
3. Route 21 (Taratala to Shyambazar): Ideal for a long ride, this route covers a broad area of the city, providing diverse urban landscapes from busy commercial zones to quieter neighborhoods.
2) Tips for Enjoying the Ride:
1. Travel Time: Trams can be slow due to traffic and frequent stops, so plan your journey accordingly. Try to avoid peak hours to have a more comfortable experience.
2. Seating: Trams can be crowded, especially during rush hours. Aim to board at less busy times if you prefer a seat, or enjoy the standing experience for a more authentic local feel.
3. Comfort: Kolkata's trams might not always have air conditioning, so dress comfortably and stay hydrated.
4. Photography: The trams provide a great opportunity for street photography, capturing the vibrant life of Kolkata as you travel.
5. Fare: The fare is quite affordable. Keep small change handy, as it can make transactions easier.
6. Safety: Keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded trams.
#trams #tramways
🌟 Kolkata's Finest Stays: Lalit Great Eastern 🏨✨
Nestled in the heart of Dalhousie Square, The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata at 1, 2, 3, Old Court House St is your cozy nook in the bustling city of joy! 🌆
Kick back in rooms that define comfort with a capital 'C'—spacious, spotless, and snug as a bug in a rug. With a staff that's all smiles 😊 and service that goes the extra mile, you'll feel like royalty without the royal pains!
Start your day with a breakfast buffet that's a feast for the senses 🍳—variety is the spice of life, and your taste buds will thank you. Whether you're here for the sights, the sounds, or just to unwind, The Lalit Great Eastern is where you'll find your piece of peace in Kolkata. 🛏️🌿
#Kolkata #KolkataHotel #KolkataTravel
This is my best moments Friend Forever ❤️❤️❤️
Friendship is forever true. And if there are no friends in life, there is no fun in life and the fun of traveling with friends is different. So I sometimes go out with friends. But most of my life has been solo travel, and I have never had any fun traveling alone. I have traveled to 13 countries in my life. I have had more fun traveling to the countries that I am traveling with my friends. 🤟🤟🤟🤟
Alipore Jail Museum - Kolkata
Alipore Jail Museum is well maintained and information place to visit. It’s located in Kolkata and near Victoria Palace. Jail is historic as many famous freedom fighters were jailed here and spent time during freedom struggle of India from Britishers. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose many cells are still there and many freedom fighters were hanged here. It was sad to watch all the documentation available on the premises and it also gives peek into the struggle and that freedom didn’t come free. A must visit place for all Indians. #museum #freedom #Aliporejailmuseum #kolkata #Jailmuseum
South City Shopping Mall - Kolkata
South City mall is one of the biggest mall in Kolkata. It is located at center of busy locality of Kolkata. There so are many brands and restaurants chain in the Food Court. Brand like Zara, Mac, Shrpora, And, Only, Adidas and many more have their retail stores and have good collections. Retail chains like Pantaloons, Shopper Stops, Spencer’s and many more. On top flor of mall there is a food court which have around 15-20 different restaurants which caters from Punjabi, Chinese, KFC, Dominos etc. Overall if one wants to shop and eat it’s a good place. There is also a Inox theater in the mall and plays all trending and new releases. #travelinsipiration #Summerevenings #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer
Japanese Garden - Kolkata
Japanese Garden in Ecopark Kolkata is small but beautifully designed garden and have a Temple, FushimaInnari Tori gate’s installation and few more attractions. It looks good and gives some Japanese vibes. There is also a restaurant inside which was closed so not sure if it’s a Japanese restaurant and sells Japanese cuisines or not. This is in front of Lake and takes 15-20 min to visit. #summervacation #eveningwalks #celebratewithtrip #japanesegarden #Visitkolkata #Kolkataphotography #photography #travelphotographer #summervacationtravel #Summerevenings #travelinsipiration
Colorful day at SS Hogg market&Howrah bridge
It was a colorful day at S. S. Hogg market & Howrah bridge in Kolkata where colour of life is present. SS Hogg market which is known by it's newly given name "New Market" is full of life. There is saying, if you were in Kolkata but have never visited SS Hogg market then literally you had never been there. Street shops at New market made it a major tourist attraction. People from all over West Bengal as well as from other part's of India and neighbouring Bangladesh use to go there for shopping. This market contains high ends products as well asbl low end products. Don't forget to visit New Market if you're in Kolkata now. Another tourist spot named Howrah bridge is also a must see bridge. The structural beauty of this bridge amazed me.
A day with Victoria & Netaji in Kolkata
It was a great day at Victoria memorial in Kolkata. It's located at the heart of cosmopolitan city Kolkata. Now it's the most popular tourist destination in Kolkata. The structural beauty of the monument amazed me. This memorial is a sign of India's colonial past as it was built in memory of then British India's Empress Victoria. The memorial hall hall has been turned into a Museum now. But what an irony. The then anti occupation Independence activist Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is featured in this Museum
Kaidi Kitchen - Fun place to eat and enjoy
This restaurant is jail themed and have variety of dishes on menu to choose from. We ordered mandarin rice and vegetables and soups. Everything was delicious and was in enough for 2 people. Ambience was nice, clean and calm. They have good place to sit and enjoy sports in there lounge. Staff was nice and Dressed up as police and few were dresses as jail residents. Tables were in Jail kind of chamber which was fun 🤩 There were kids who were really enjoying with police dressed staff. Overall a nice place to visit to have delicious food. #foodie #kolkata #westbengal #Visitindia #themecafes #urbanexplorer #awesomepic
a well day spent in Kolkata india 🇮🇳 9 days are not enough too many tourists spotted
easy flights ✈️. just bring along your passport and luggage 🧳 and your visa if u not indian residents as I’m a foodie I enjoyed there foods especially the biryani 😋😋😋 in a cheaper price u can eat a lot more 🍛🍛🍛 even a solo traveller 🧳 nothing to worry as the people there are generous 🥰🇮🇳❤️🙏
perfect stay at Taj Bengal
the hotel hospitality is very friendly and we were welcome by service staff even we arrive the hotel at midnight.
breakfast must have at Taj Bengal, their varieties is so sumptuous.
King Fisher beer is perfect with hot weather in Bengal.
Will definitely stay again at Taj Bengal.
five star service
five star cleanliness
five star friendly staff
five star food
Durga Pooja - Kolkata
#passionpassport
Durga Puja in Kolkata is the grandest of all festivals celebrated in the capital city in honour of Goddess Durga during the period of Navaratri. While the festival of Durga Pujo is without a doubt celebrated grandiosely across the world, in Kolkata, the vigour with which it is celebrated is second to none. It is celebrated for 10 days, starting from the sixth day until the ninth day, the Pandals with grand idols of Goddess Durga are open for visitors. The tenth day, also known as Dashami marks the Visarjan (immersion in water) of the idol with grand celebrations and processions.
Kolkata - Victoria Memorial
#passionpassport
Another relic of the British Raj in India, the Victoria Memorial is located in the heart of Kolkata, in West Bengal. This white marbled opulent structure was built in memory of Queen Victoria to celebrate her 25 years of rule over India and is almost a replica of the Victoria Memorial in London. Victoria Memorial is an iconic structure that is synonymous with the city of joy!
The memorial is surrounded by a lush green and well-maintained garden, which spreads over 64 acres and has numerous statues and sculptures in it. A sixteen-foot tall bronze statue of victory, mounted on ball bearings at the top of the memorial, serves to heighten the overall appeal and grandeur of the entire complex. Victoria Memorial is breathtaking and marvellous, especially at night, when it is illuminated. The Sound and Light shows that take place in the evening are an added delight, and a must watch. All in all, the place is a must visit for people to wish to relive the essence of the Victorian era in the modern day world. #kolkata #westbengal #travel #passionpassport
Indian sweets gulab jamun
gulab jamun Indian food dessert and delicious recipes in india, gulab jamun is a famous sweets gulab, beautiful name gulab jamun , it's known to all. very good tasty 👍 guys, i love it in india is found all city and restaurant actually this is West Bengal India recipes. beautiful and round shape, good marketing for selling it.and more sweets recipes have delicious food, and it's seen three items as red colour , black and white mostly yummy food. mix sugar, oil , biking powder and spicy etc.
East India , Central india is used sweet shop.
#urbanexplorer
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India's West Bengal state. Founded as an East India Company trading post, it was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911. Today it’s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals. It’s also home to Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, whose tomb is on site.
#lightthecity
#awesomepic The Angelical St. Paul’s Cathedral was built in 1847 and displays a remarkable Gothic Revival architectural design. The building suffered massive damage during an earthquake in 1934 and was rebuilt with a new design. The church’s construction is attributed to the British rule in Calcutta and is perhaps one of the few buildings with Indo-Gothic Architecture. #awesomepic
New Market, Kolkata, West Bengal...
Kolkata,India ,New year boat party under 76 years old Howrah bridge,with full family including 94yrs grand father
#happynewyear
Incredible Indians, from the fear of an addictive trip to India!
Many people will ask me why I go to this country, including my family. In fact, I didnt know it at first. I like to watch Indian movies. The profound and cheerful rhythm makes me feel that this is a magical country. Perhaps it was also curiosity. Later, I learned something about religion. India slowly left a deep imprint on my mind.
India is a country that is demonized. We are surrounded by anecdotes about this country, most of which are slightly malicious, and some prejudices that are difficult to eradicate. We like to judge it condescendingly, just as Westerners do to us. The actual experience in India has made a big difference in my impression of it. I hope everyone can have their own independent judgments, at least to maintain basic objective.
I came to know that Indians are very friendly. Sometimes you walk on the street and haven't waited for the local Indians to take pictures of you. Of course, this behavior has scared away many Chinese people. In fact, this is a way for Indians to welcome us. Its okay to get used to it. And we should also accept this popular approach.
As a neighboring country with a similar population to China, religion and caste have determined that India cannot develop as fast as China. The most impressive thing in India is not the Taj Mahal, not the curry, not the Ganges water, not the various temples. We need to let go of arrogance, experience different cultures, experience the religious philosophy of India, and feel the customs and customs of the ancient civilization. .
Kolkata, India's third-largest city, is like a miniature of the world. Here you can see the poor caste and homeless low caste tramp, and you can see elegant gentlemen in the golf club. The noble and despicable coexistence is the truest portrayal of Kolkata. In Kolkata, you can stroll through the chaotic alleys, through the centuries-old colonial buildings; taste authentic Hakka snacks in Chinatown, learn about the different Chinese cultures; explore the most authentic Bangladeshi cuisine. In the Forge House, you can have a soulful conversation with the great Indian poets, or learn about the volunteer life at Mother Teresa's home of love. This visit will be an unforgettable experience.
Sudder Street is a gathering place for backpackers in Kolkata, and cheap hotels attract travelers from all over the world. The neighborhood has a general sanitation environment but brings together a variety of small shops, currency exchange points and affordable restaurants and bars. Similar to the wholesale market, there are a lot of traditional Indian clothing shops. The street in Kolkata is full of people and people. The scene is very lively. In the alleys, there are some restaurants that are cheap and affordable!
India's Chinatown is located in a small village called Ta Pa, on the outskirts of Kolkata. It has a history of nearly 200 years. His origins can be traced back to 1778. Traders from Fujian Province came to Calcutta to find business opportunities in British merchant ships. When thinking about what to do business, I found that there was a lot of sugar cane growing in the Kolkata region. At the same time, India also had a lot of sugar. So I opened a sugar factory in a place called Taji on the outskirts of Kolkata. Since then, this Fujian businessman has become The Chinese who first came to Kolkata, later the Fujian businessman had a good business and the business was getting more developed. Therefore, he needed more helpers to help him run the factory. So he brought more than 100 folks from his hometown to India. And this factory has become the earliest Chinese gathering place.
India Chinatown can be said to be the one with the lowest visibility in Chinatown. The reason is that there are fewer Chinese in Chinatown Street in India, and the streets are also relatively run-down. Therefore, the low popularity has become a natural thing.
It really looks at life. The first impression of India at the first stop is too much impact. Howrah Railway Station is the second oldest railway station in India and one of the two main railway stations in Kolkata. The entire appearance of the train station looks very new, and there are many people inside and outside the station. There are KFC and Pizza Hut in the station, and the problem of eating is solved smoothly. Howrah Railway Station has a luggage storage cloak room, which is open 24 hours a day. Baggage can be stored with valid documents. Each piece of luggage must be locked and locked. If there is no lock, it will not be allowed to be stored. The deposit fee is paid at the time of pickup.
Kolkata and London Abu Dubai Beijing
Nice architecture… love this place too
Wonderful place in the city of Joy
Kolkata 🥰
indigo Airlines Staff is Good.
Their service is top-notch.
i Satisfied
Love birds
Spent time with my lovely partner
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Kolkata