Kolkata Travel Guide (West Bengal/Eastern India/India/South Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Kolkata
List of Places to Visit in Kolkata
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Kolkata: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Kolkata
Best Things to Do in Kolkata: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Kolkata
Food and Drink Scene of Kolkata
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Kolkata: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Kolkata: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Kolkata
Best Time to Visit Kolkata
Do’s and Don’ts of Kolkata
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Kolkata
- Health in Kolkata
Getting to Kolkata: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Kolkata
Where to Go Next from Kolkata: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Kolkata

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital of the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. It is a city of contrasts, where modern high rises and ancient temples coexist, and colonial architecture is mixed with new developments. Kolkata is known for its vibrant art scene, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. Its history can be traced back to the British East India Company, and its culture is a unique blend of Indian, British, and Bengali influences.

List of Places to Visit in Kolkata

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kolkata is a city steeped in history and culture, and its museums and historical places are a great way to explore its past. Some of the must-visit places include:

Victoria Memorial: This iconic marble building was built in the early 20th century and is dedicated to Queen Victoria. It houses a museum that showcases Kolkata’s rich history.
Indian Museum: Founded in 1814, this is the oldest museum in India and is home to an impressive collection of art, archeology, and natural history exhibits.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: Built in 1847, this Gothic-style cathedral is one of Kolkata’s most beautiful buildings and a popular tourist attraction.
Belur Math: This temple complex, located on the banks of the Hooghly River, is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. It is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Natural Attractions of Kolkata: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kolkata is not just a city of history and culture, but also a city of natural beauty. Here are some of the best outdoor attractions:

Sunderbans National Park: Located a few hours from Kolkata, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for nature lovers. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Maidan: A large green park in the heart of Kolkata, Maidan is perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
Hooghly River: Take a ferry ride on the Hooghly River to see the stunning Howrah Bridge and the city skyline from a different perspective.
Eco Park: This urban park is spread across 480 acres and features a butterfly garden, a wetlands area, and a musical fountain.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kolkata

Kolkata has some great hiking and biking routes for those who love the outdoors. Some of the popular ones are:

Rabindra Sarovar Lake: This beautiful lake is surrounded by parks and is a popular spot for jogging and cycling.
Maidan: This large green park is perfect for a leisurely bike ride or stroll.
Botanical Gardens: These beautiful gardens feature a wide variety of plants and trees and are a great place for a peaceful hike.
Salt Lake Central Park: This large park has a jogging track and cycling path and is a great spot for outdoor activities.

Best Things to Do in Kolkata: Activities and Tours

Kolkata has a lot to offer in terms of activities and tours. Here are some of the best:

Food Tour: Take a food tour of Kolkata’s famous street food and try out delicacies like puchkas, jhal muri, and kathi rolls.
Heritage Walk: Join a heritage walk through Kolkata’s colonial architecture and explore the city’s rich history.
Boat Ride on the Ganges: Take a boat ride on the Ganges to see the stunning scenery and witness the religious rituals performed along the river.
Shopping Tour: Explore Kolkata’s bustling markets and bazaars, known for their handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kolkata

Day 1: Visit Victoria Memorial and Indian Museum Day 2: Take a walking tour of Kolkata’s colonial architecture Day 3: Explore Sunderbans National Park on a day trip Day 4: Visit Belur Math and Dakshineswar Kali Temple Day 5: Take a boat ride on the Ganges and visit the Howrah Bridge Day 6: Go on a food tour of Kolkata’s street food Day 7: Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts in Kolkata’s markets

Food and Drink Scene of Kolkata

Kolkata is known for its delicious food and unique local beverages. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

Puchka: Also known as golgappa or panipuri, this is a popular street food in Kolkata.
Jhal muri: A spicy snack made with puffed rice, vegetables, and spices.
Kathi Rolls: A popular street food consisting of a paratha wrapped around meat or vegetables.
Macher Jhol: A traditional Bengali fish curry.

Local Beverages

Tea: Kolkata is famous for its tea, which is known as “chai” in the local language.
Lassi: A popular yogurt-based drink that is thick and creamy.
Sugarcane Juice: Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice is a popular drink in Kolkata.

Where to Stay in Kolkata: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kolkata has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some of the best places to stay include:

The Oberoi Grand: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Kolkata.
Backpackers Paradise: A budget hostel located in the popular Sudder Street area.
Rajbari Bawali: A beautiful heritage hotel located a few hours from Kolkata.

What to Buy in Kolkata: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kolkata is known for its handicrafts, textiles, and sweets. Some of the best things to buy include:

Terracotta pottery
Baluchari sarees
Darjeeling tea
Sandesh (a local sweet)

Local Culture and Customs of Kolkata

Kolkata has a rich cultural heritage, and its people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Bengali is the official language, but English and Hindi are also widely spoken. Dress modestly when visiting temples or other religious sites, and remove your shoes before entering. Kolkata is known for its festivals, including Durga Puja, which is a major religious festival celebrated in October.

Best Time to Visit Kolkata

The best time to visit Kolkata is between October and February when the weather is pleasant and mild. Summers in Kolkata can be very hot and humid, while monsoons can be very wet and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kolkata

Do:

Try the city’s street food
Respect local customs and traditions
Learn some basic phrases of the local language

Don’t:

Eat or drink anything from street vendors that looks unhygienic
Wear revealing clothes when visiting religious sites
Take photographs of people without their permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Kolkata

Kolkata is a relatively safe city, but it’s always best to take standard safety precautions. Avoid traveling alone at night and be aware of your surroundings when walking in crowded areas.

Health in Kolkata

Make sure you drink bottled water and avoid eating street food that doesn’t look hygienic. It’s also a good idea to carry mosquito repellent during the monsoon season to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.

Getting to Kolkata: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kolkata

The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the major airport in Kolkata, located around 17 km from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Kolkata

Kolkata is well-connected by bus to other cities in India. The Esplanade Terminus and the Karunamoyee Bus Station are the major bus stations in Kolkata.

Other Options

Kolkata is well-connected by train to other cities in India. The Howrah and Sealdah railway stations are the major railway stations in Kolkata.

How to Get Around in Kolkata

Kolkata has a good public transport system that includes buses, trams, and metro trains. Taxis and autos are also available for hire.

Where to Go Next from Kolkata: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

Darjeeling: A hill station known for its tea plantations and stunning mountain views.
Sundarbans: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mangrove forests and Royal Bengal Tigers.
Shantiniketan: A university town known for its vibrant art scene and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Kolkata is a city that has something for everyone - history, culture, nature, food, and more. This comprehensive travel guide should help you plan your trip to Kolkata and make the most of your time in this vibrant city.