Visit the Science City
Engage with interactive science exhibits and enjoy various attractions in one of the largest science centers in India.
Top hotels & flights
Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Kolkāta.
Top Hotels in Kolkāta
Top Flights to Kolkāta
Popular activities
Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Kolkāta.
Tours
Explore Park Street
Stroll down Park Street, known for its food, nightlife, and colonial architecture.
Discover the Marble Palace
Visit the Marble Palace, a nineteenth-century mansion filled with art, sculptures, and a private zoo.
Take a Tram Ride
Experience Kolkata's unique mode of transportation by taking a tram ride through the city's streets.
Visit St. Paul's Cathedral
Visit the beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral, an Anglican cathedral noted for its magnificent Gothic architecture.
Relax at a spa
Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment.
Day trip to Sundarbans National Park
Explore the world's largest mangrove forest and spot wildlife.
Visit the Howrah Bridge
See the iconic cantilever bridge.
Explore Science City Kolkata
Dive into a world of science and discovery at Science City, the largest science center in India, offering interactive exhibits and shows.
Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Explore the spiritual vibes at Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a famous historical temple on the outskirts of Kolkata.
Explore College Street and Coffee House
Visit the famous College Street, known for its bookstores. End the stroll with a hot cup of coffee at the historical Coffee House.
Visit the Victoria Memorial
Explore the iconic Victoria Memorial, a large marble building, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, which now serves as a museum with an impressive collection of artifacts.
Explore the Indian Museum
Discover the oldest and largest museum in India, featuring exhibits on archaeology, art, anthropology, and more.
Shopping
Shop at New Market
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of New Market, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Kolkata, offering a wide range of goods from clothing to electronics.
Outdoor
Boating in the Hooghly River
Enjoy a peaceful boating experience on the Hooghly River, with views of the Howrah Bridge and the cityscape.
Walk in the Botanical Gardens
Explore the extensive Botanical Gardens featuring a wide variety of plant species and the famous Great Banyan Tree.
Experience Eco Park
Visit Eco Park, an urban park with a variety of attractions like a butterfly garden, cycling trails, and a lake with boating facilities.
Evening Stroll in New Town Eco Park
Enjoy an evening walk in the largest urban park in India, featuring a beautiful lake, gardens, and art installations.
Evening at Princep Ghat
Spend a tranquil evening at Princep Ghat, enjoying the sunset views over the Hooghly River and relishing the ambiance of this iconic riverside location.
Location videos
Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.
From travelers
Watch & explore
Practical info
The essentials for planning your time in Kolkāta.
Currency
₹ | INR | Indian Rupee
Population
14.8 million
Languages
Bengali, Bengali, Hindi, English
Local guide
What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Kolkāta.
What people love
Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) is a vibrant city located in the state of West Bengal, India. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Kolkata:
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Rich Cultural Heritage: Kolkata is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a blend of British colonial architecture, historical landmarks, and traditional Bengali culture. Visitors can explore iconic sites such as the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Marble Palace.
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Culinary Delights: Kolkata is a paradise for food lovers, offering a variety of delicious street food, traditional Bengali cuisine, and fine dining options. Don't miss trying popular dishes like roshogolla, mishti doi, kathi rolls, and puchkas (pani puri).
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Festivals and Events: Kolkata is famous for its vibrant festivals and events, including Durga Puja, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. The city comes alive with colorful decorations, cultural performances, and elaborate pandals during this time.
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Art and Literature Hub: Kolkata has a thriving arts and literary scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and bookstores showcasing the works of renowned artists and writers. Visitors can explore places like the Indian Museum, Academy of Fine Arts, and Oxford Bookstore.
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Warm Hospitality: The people of Kolkata are known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. Travelers can experience the joy of mingling with the locals, trying out the local dialect, and immersing themselves in the city's welcoming atmosphere.
Overall, Kolkata offers a unique blend of history, culture, cuisine, and hospitality, making it a fascinating destination for travelers to explore.
Enjoy your trip to Kolkata!
What to know
Traveling to Kolkata, West Bengal, India, can have some cons that visitors should be aware of:
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Weather: Kolkata experiences hot and humid weather for most of the year, with temperatures soaring during the summer months. The monsoon season, from June to September, can bring heavy rainfall which may disrupt travel plans.
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Crowded and congested: Kolkata is a densely populated city, leading to crowded streets, traffic congestion, and noise pollution. Navigating through the bustling city can be challenging, especially during peak hours.
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Air pollution: Like many other major cities in India, Kolkata faces issues with air pollution. Visitors with respiratory issues may find the air quality in the city to be poor, especially in certain areas with heavy traffic.
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Hygiene and sanitation: Some parts of Kolkata may have issues with cleanliness and sanitation. Travelers may need to take precautions to avoid water or food-borne illnesses.
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Beggars and touts: Tourists in Kolkata may encounter beggars and touts in popular tourist areas. It's important to be cautious and aware of scams or harassment in such situations.
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Language barrier: While English is widely spoken in Kolkata, especially in tourist areas, travelers may still encounter language barriers when interacting with locals who primarily speak Bengali.
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Cultural differences: Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions in Kolkata. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of cultural practices to avoid unintentionally causing offense.
Overall, while Kolkata is a vibrant and historically rich city, travelers should be prepared for the challenges that come with exploring a bustling metropolis in India.