Best Places to Visit in Kolkata-Travel Guide
Kolkata is the Capital City of West Bengal, located in eastern part of India. With approximately 15 million people, Kolkata is the third most populous metropolitan city in India.
A brief history of Kolkata in West Bengal
Though archaeologists believe that Kolkata has been inhabited for over two thousand years, its documented history begins only after the arrival of the British East India Company, in 1690. Kolkata used to be known as Calcutta and was a city that was originally developed by the British East India Company in the 17th century. It became the Capital of British India from 1711 controlled by the British East India Company and it remained so until 1911, after that King George V announced to shift the capital in Delhi.
Most of the famous & Intellectual minds like Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Satyajit Ray, Meghnad Saha, Jagadish Chandra Bose are shaped the identify of Kolkata.
In Kolkata all the regional & cultural festivals are celebrated with full of Joy & Happiness. Durga Puja is the most famous festival in Kolkata.
The Kolkata Metro was the first metro in India, with its first section opening on October 24, 1984. The initial line was a 3.4 km stretch between Esplanade and Bhowanipur. Also the First Mobile Phone Call in the year 1995, was made between the Union Minister of Communications, Shri Sukh Ram in Delhi and the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri Jyoti Basu, in Kolkata. It was not just a conversation but the beginning of a technological revolution.
At a glance we can say our beloved Kolkata is the City Of Joy with full of Culture & Heritage.
Best time to visit in Kolkata
The best season to visit Kolkata is winter. April to September the weather of Kolkata is pretty hot. To feel the vibrant of the street in Kolkata you can visit in between end of September to –March when the weather is pleasant. It’s a HUGE city & there are so many things to do in Kolkata. So you can spent 7-10 days to explore the city.
How to Reach Kolkata
Reaching Kolkata is pretty easy & there is full of options over there. Hence this is a Metro city in India Kolkata is well connected with Air, Rail and Road.
- By Air – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport(CCU) is the most famous and primary airport in Kolkata. You can connect all the major cities in India and also you can get international flights from CCU.
- By Rail – Kolkata is very well connected by rail network across the India. Rail is very comfortable as well as affordable in India, so you can reach Kolkata very easily by rail. Two busiest stations in Kolkata is Howrah Station & Sealdah Station. Apart from that Kolkata station is also one of the famous station in Kolkata.
- By Road – National highways and it’s well connected bus services help the travelers to visit in Kolkata very smoothly. Most of the major cities across India is connected with Kolkata by bus service. The Esplanade Bus Terminus is located in centre of the city which is the biggest bus terminus in Kolkata.
How to travel within Kolkata(Local Transport)
Kolkata the City Of Joy will offer you various types of ride to enjoy the whole city. Travelling with the local vehicles will be a life time memory for any visitors.
- Metro – Metro is the pride of Kolkata. India’s first metro was inaugurated in Kolkata in the year 1984. You can skip the road traffic to explore the city by travelling with Metro. Almost the whole city is covered by Metro lines like spider. This is very affordable and comfortable journey as well.
- Yellow Taxi – The most iconic Yellow Ambassador Taxis are the symbol of Kolkata. Travel with this taxi within the city will give nostalgic feelings.
- Buses – People among the Kolkata mostly use buses for the travel. Buses are the most affordable and commonly used transportation service within the city. North-South,whole city is connected by various government & private bus service.
- Ferry Service – To enjoy the scenic beauty to river Ganga, taking fresh breath, ferry is the one of the enjoyable transportation service in Kolkata. To cross the Hooghly River(Also called Ganga by Locals) to reach Howrah city ferry service is very famous and refreshing.
Apart from this you can also travel within the city by Cabs(Ola, Uber, In-drivers), Auto-Rikshaw, Trams etc.
Best Hotels in Kolkata
Kolkata is just not a city of narrow old street, colonial culture or heritage culture it also have some finest hotels in India. Some hotels are from British periods and some are newly made with luxury amenities. Whether you’re here for business or leisure purpose or both of it the city is the perfect stay waiting for you.
Let’s have a look on the Best Hotels in Kolkata—
The Lalit Great Estern Hotel
This is the first Luxury hotel in Asia located in centre of Kolkata. The walls of this hotel tell the story about heritage & colonial history of Kolkata. This is one of the most Luxurious hotel in Kolkata.
Location: Dalhousie
Price Range: Starting from approx 11,000/Night
Taj Bengal, Kolkata
Taj Bengal is the Landmark of five star hotel in Kolkata. It’s beautiful garden, wonderful decorations and peaceful ambiance makes you feel like heaven on earth. Beautiful bird call in the morning with a cup of coffee walking along the garden will make you clam from inner mind.
Location: Alipore
Price Range: Starting from approx 25,700/Night
ITC Royal Bengal
ITC Royal Bengal is a 5-star hotel in Kolkata full of modern amenities and facility. It’s elegant architecture, warm hospitality, majestic rooms view will make you feel royal. The top-notch food quality, spa, body massage and many more facility is perfect for spent a leisure day in Kolkata.
Location: EM Bypass
Price Range: Starting from approx 18,800/Night
The Park Hotel
The Park hotel is the heartbeat of historic Park Street. This is the hotel for young traveler who love party and want to enjoy the night life of Kolkata. In the park street some famous café, hotels, restaurants are there to enjoy and explore the city.
Location: Park Street
Price Range: Starting from approx 18,000/Night
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
This is one of the best 5-star hotel in Kolkata for business purpose visit. This is located in prime location in Kolkata near iconic Yuva Bharati Krirangan Saltlake.
Location: Salt Lake
Price Range: Starting from approx 15,000/Night
Apart from this list of hotels there is many more top rated 5-star, 3-star and normal category hotels are available in Kolkata. You can find tons of economic & high class hotels with full of facilities and beautiful rooms available here in Kolkata.
Top 10 places must visit in Kolkata
Kolkata is not just a city. If you want to explore it you have to feel its culture, emotions, food, history, art. If you are visiting Kolkata or Planning to, here are the top 10 places you should never miss.
Victoria Memorial Hall
When we talk about must visit places Victoria memorial is that iconic place you have to visit first. This was build in memory of Queen Victoria. You can explore the museum inside the hall and the garden & lake is the perfect for photo shoot & evening walk. You can spend quality time with your partner.
Google Map Location: Click Here⇱
Entry Fees: For Indian- Rs.50/- (per head) / For Foreigners- 500/- (per head)
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge is the Heart Beat of Kolkata. This is also known as Rabindra Setu. You can enjoy the sunrise as well as night view of river Ganga from Howrah Bridge.
Google Map Location: Click Here⇱
Entry Fees: N/A
Indian Museum
Indian Museum is the one of the oldest museum in the world as well as largest museum in Asia. Here you can see the rare collections of armor and ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies and Mughal paintings etc.
Google Map Location: Click Here⇱
Entry Fees: Rs.75/-(per head)
M.P. Birla Planetarium
Birla Planetarium is the largest planetarium in Asia situated near Victoria Memorial. If you have interest in constellations you must have to visit here.
Google Map Location: Click Here⇱
Entry Fees: Rs. 140/-(per head)
Dakhineswar Kali Temple
Dakhineswar Kali Temple is one of the spiritual place in West Bengal. This temple is dedicated to Maa Kali named as Maa Bhabatarini. Lacks of devotees visit here daily to get blessing.
Google Map Location: Click Here⇱
Entry Fees: N/A
Princep Ghat
Princep ghat is located beside the river Ganga(Hooghly River) is a beautiful place to enjoy the sunset. You can also enjoy the boat ride on the banks of river Ganges.
Google Map Location: Click Here⇱
Entry Fees: N/A
Eco Park
Eco Park is the Kolkata’s largest urban park located in New Town. There is many more things to enjoy quality time with your family & friends.
Google Map Location: Click Here⇱
Entry Fees: Rs.30/-(per head)
New Market
New Market is located in middle of Kolkata. If you want for shopping in Kolkata New Market will be your first choice. From clothes and accessories to spices and items you don’t even know you need — New Market has everything.
Google Map Location: Click Here⇱
Entry Fees: N/A
Alipur Zoo
Alipur Zoo also known as Culcutta Zoo is the oldest Zoological garden established in India. Those who love wild life animal must visit this place with your family & friends.
Google Map Location: Click Here⇱
Entry Fees: Rs. 50/-(per head)
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Culcutta, official known as Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, located in Shibpur, Howrah(Part of Greater Kolkata). This is the paradise of nature lover. This is spread across 270+ acres area. This is famous for the 2nd largest Banyan Tree(The Great Banyan Tree).Rare species of plants and the scenic greenery is perfect for nature photographer.
Google Map Location: Click Here⇱
Entry Fees: For Indians- Rs.30/-(per head) / For Foreigners- Rs.100/-(per head)
These list is not the ultimate, there is much more to explore in the City Of Joy–Kolkata. Apart from the listed places you can also visit St.Pauls Chathedral Church, Marble Palace, Rabindra Sarobar, Science city, Nicco park, Mother’s Wax Museum etc.
Famous Food to try in Kolkata
If you’re a true food lover searching for the best and most budget-friendly food in India, Kolkata should be on the top of your list! Kolkata as well as West Bengal is the heaven of Flavor, spices and tradition. Here we are going to share the best food items you must try if you are visiting in Kolkata.
- Phuchka- This is the most popular street food in Kolkata. All over the India this is also called as Pani-Puri. This is cripsy puri’s stuffed with potato and fill with tangy & spicy water.
- Kolkata Biriyani- Kolkata is famous for it’s own style Biriyani. This biriyani is full of flavors. This is made with Meat and most importantly Potatoes which makes it unique from others biriyani of India.
- Kati Rolls- Kati Kebab roll is one of famous street food in Kolkata. This is made with a paratha and filled with meat and vegitable and various types of spices.
- Bengali style Fish Curry- One of classic Bengali side dish is fish curry. The people of Bengal love various types of fish curries. You must try this item of fish in Kolkata- prawn Malai curry, Doi Katla etc.
- Rosogulla & Misti Doi- Kolkata is famous for the sweets. Two most popular sweets in Kolkata is Rosogulla & Misti Doi you must try it once in life. Nabin Chandra Das is the inventor of Rosogulla.
Quick Travel Tips
- Use metro for easy and affordable travel
- Try local street food, but choose clean vendors
- Carry cash for markets and small stalls
- Visit riverside spots in the evening for the best experience
- Don’t miss the nostalgic tram ride through Maidan!
Final Thoughts
The Cultural Capital of India—Kolkata—is not just a travel destination; it is a living landmark of Indian history. Here, every narrow lane tells a story, and every bite bursts with unforgettable flavors. When you visit here the people of Kolkata will welcome you with open arms and leave you with some beautiful memories.
The things I mentioned above are not the end; it’s just the beginning–because Kolkata still have many more things waiting to be discovered.
Have you been to Kolkata? Comment your favorite place or food below! Share this guide with your travel buddy!
