Kolkata Guide: Planning Your Trip

Pic Credit: Wikipedia

Kolkata, the City of Joy in India, is known for its rich culture and history. Explore iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, enjoy diverse cuisine, and witness vibrant festivals. With bustling markets, historic architecture, and warm hospitality, Kolkata offers a unique blend of tradition and modern life, making it a captivating destination.



Planning Your Trip

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March are the best months to visit Kolkata.with pleasant temperatures for exploring. Avoid the hot and humid summers and heavy rainfall during the monsoon.
  • Language: Hindi and English.
  • Currency: Indian rupee.
  • Time Zone: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) +5.5 hours, also known as Indian Standard Time. India does not have daylight saving time.
  • Getting Around: Navigate Kolkata with ease using yellow taxis, the efficient metro, buses, trams, and auto-rickshaws. Walking is perfect for local exploration, and app-based ride-sharing services offer additional convenience for seamless travel experiences.
  • Travel Tips: Respect local customs, try delicious street food, and explore historical places in Kolkata. Use yellow taxis and the metro for travel. Visit during festivals, be aware of the weather, and stay cautious in crowds. Learn a few Bengali words, enjoy local markets, and have a great time soaking in Kolkata's vibrant atmosphere.

Getting There

Kolkata is easily accessible by air through Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and by train via Howrah and Sealdah railway stations. The city's well-connected road network accommodates buses and private cabs. Once in Kolkata, navigate seamlessly with yellow taxis, app-based rides, and the efficient metro system for a delightful travel experience.



Things to Do

8 Best places to explore in Kolkata

1. Barrackpore

Pic Credit: The Barrackpore Diaries

Barrackpore is a historic town near Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Known for its colonial heritage, it houses the Barrackpore Cantonment and the Government House. The town played a significant role in India's freedom struggle. Visitors can explore historical landmarks like the Gandhi Ghat and experience the tranquil surroundings along the Hooghly River.

  • Entry fee: Free

2. Mayapur

pic credit: Prabhat Khabar

Mayapur is a special town on the Ganges River in West Bengal. It's important for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). People come to visit the big temples, especially the ISKCON Temple, for spiritual reasons. Mayapur is a peaceful and meaningful place for those who want to connect with their culture and religion.

  • Timings: 4:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m on all days of the week.
  • Entry fee: Free.

3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple

pic credit: Wikipedia

Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Built by Rani Rashmoni in the 19th century, it has a main temple and smaller shrines. People visit for spiritual solace and admire the temple's beautiful architecture, surrounded by bathing ghats along the Hooghly River.

  • Timings: 6 am–12:30 pm, 3:30–8:30 pm.
  • Entry fee: Free.

4. Digha

pic credit: Wikipedia

Digha, a popular coastal town in West Bengal, India, offers serene beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Known for its shallow waters and sandy shores, Digha attracts tourists seeking a peaceful seaside getaway. The town also features marine aquariums and casuarina tree-lined promenades, providing a refreshing retreat by the Bay of Bengal.

  • Timings: 06 a.m to 07 p.m all days.
  • Entry fee: Free.

5. Howrah Bridge

pic credit: Wikipedia

Howrah Bridge is an iconic cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River, connecting Kolkata and Howrah in West Bengal, India. Completed in 1943, it is one of the busiest and most recognizable landmarks in the region. The bridge is known for its architectural grandeur and panoramic views of the city, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

  • Entry fee: Free.

6. Tajpur

pic credit : Wikipedia

Tajpur, in West Bengal, is a peaceful beach known for its golden sands and calm waters. It provides a serene escape away from the busyness. Less crowded than other beaches, Tajpur offers a tranquil environment for relaxation, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet seaside retreat.

  • Entry fee: Free.

7. Sundarbans

pic credit : Wikipedia

The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest in the delta region of the Padma, Meghna, and Brahmaputra river basins. Spanning India and Bangladesh, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the Bengal tiger. The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vital ecosystem, characterized by dense mangrove vegetation, wildlife, and intricate waterways.

  • Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 Pm except sunday and saturday.
  • Entry fee: 60-100.

8. Santiniketan

pic credit: Wikipedia

Santiniketan, located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India, is a unique educational and cultural center. Founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1901, it houses Visva Bharati University. Santiniketan is known for its open-air classrooms, artistic ambiance, and cultural festivals, particularly the Poush Mela. The town reflects Tagore's vision of an integrated learning environment in close connection with nature and the arts.

  • Timings: 9 a.m to 5 p.m on all days.
  • Entry fee: Free.

Some other places to visit Near Kolkata :-

  • Kamarpukur
  • Bardhaman
  • Henry’s Island
  • Murshidabad
  • Cuttack
  • Darjeeling
  • Siliguri

Q1. How to reach Kolkata ?

Getting to Kolkata is easy! If you're flying, use the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. For trains, you can arrive at Howrah or Sealdah stations. Buses and taxis are great for road travel, and the city's metro makes getting around simple. Kolkata's well-connected transportation options ensure a smooth journey, allowing you to explore the vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and diverse experiences the city has to offer.

Q2. What is the best time to visit Kolkata ?

The best time to visit Kolkata is during the winter months, from October to March. This period offers a pleasant and mild climate, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions comfortably. The weather is cooler, and it's the festive season with Durga Puja being a major celebration, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoons bring heavy rainfall, so it's advisable to plan your visit during the cooler months for a more enjoyable experience.

Q3. What to eat?

Kolkata, known as the "City of Joy," is a culinary delight with its diverse and delectable food offerings. From street-side stalls to iconic eateries, the city boasts a rich gastronomic culture. Indulge in local favorites like kathi rolls, puchka (pani puri), and Bengali sweets such as rasgulla and sandesh. Don't miss the authentic Bengali cuisine with dishes like macher jhol (fish curry) and shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce). The bustling markets and historic eateries make Kolkata a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a flavorful journey through its culinary heritage.

Q4. How many days are needed to explore Kolkata?

Ans. 3-4 days are ideal for exploring Darjeeling but it depends on your itinerary and planning.

Q5. How much would it cost to visit Kolkata?

Ans. ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 per head would be sufficient to explore Kolkata for 3-4 days.