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Travellers' Choice 2026

Kolkata, West Bengal, India

West Bengal, Indiacolonial architectureDurga Pujastreet food

Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, offers a rich blend of history, art, and culinary delights. Explore its colonial architecture, vibrant festivals, and bustling street markets.

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ItineraItinera AI · Kolkata

Essential Kolkata

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Things to do

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Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial

4.3
(27,919)

heritage

Howrah Bridge
Travellers' Choice

Howrah Bridge

4.9
(34,406)

heritage

Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Travellers' Choice

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

4.9
(46,092)

spiritual

Belur Math
Travellers' Choice

Belur Math

4.4
(60,484)

spiritual

Indian Museum
Travellers' Choice

Indian Museum

4.6
(37,831)

heritage

Kalighat Kali Temple

Kalighat Kali Temple

4.3
(52,853)

spiritual

Places to stay

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Mint Hostel
Travellers' Choice

Mint Hostel

4.9
(10,431)

from ₹1,500/night

Hotel Hindusthan International
Travellers' Choice

Hotel Hindusthan International

4.7
(1,882)

from ₹4,500/night

The Oberoi Grand
Travellers' Choice

The Oberoi Grand

4.7
(63,861)

from ₹12,000/night

Restaurants & dining

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Signature dishes

phuchkakathi rolljhal murimishti doirasgollasandeshkosha mangshohilsa
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Itineraries to help you plan

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History & CultureMust-See

A history-packed Kolkata trip

ZM
By Zara Mitchell

Explore the iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage of Kolkata. From ancient temples to colonial architecture, this itinerary covers the must-see historical sites and hidden gems of the city.

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Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial

4.6

(7,939)

Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge

4.1

(386)

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

3.9

(8,952)

Family FriendlyOutdoor Activities

Kolkata with kids — the perfect family trip

RP
By Ravi Patel

A family-friendly adventure in Kolkata packed with activities for all ages. Nature walks, local markets, and experiences the whole family will love and remember.

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Belur Math

Belur Math

4.7

(6,704)

Indian Museum

Indian Museum

4.2

(2,811)

Kalighat Kali Temple

Kalighat Kali Temple

4.8

(1,593)

RomanticCouples

Romantic getaway in Kolkata

AR
By Aisha Rahman

A curated couples escape in Kolkata — sunset views, signature cuisine, and intimate cultural experiences. Perfect for anniversaries and honeymoons.

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College Street / Para

College Street / Para

4

(817)

Rabindra Sarobar Lake

Rabindra Sarobar Lake

4.5

(10,614)

Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial

4.6

(7,939)

Featured guide

Go deeper into Kolkata

How to do Kolkata in 7 days
Travel Guide

How to do Kolkata in 7 days — the complete guide

Plan this trip

At a glance

Kolkata is known for

colonial architectureDurga Pujastreet foodliterary heritagetramsriverside ghatsmuseumsspiritual sites

Explore further

Day trips from Kolkata

Easy escapes worth adding to your trip

Bishnupur
200km3.5hr

Bishnupur

Explore the extraordinary 17th–18th century terracotta temples in laterite.

Vishnupur Gharana classical music tradition.

Shantiniketan
170km3hr

Shantiniketan

Visit Rabindranath Tagore's ashram and university.

Poush Mela fair in December.

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
4hrs by road+boatFull day

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve

Explore the world's largest mangrove delta and spot Bengal tigers.

Overnight stay in launch essential.

Culture

Local customs to know

01

remove shoes before entering temples

02

dress modestly in religious sites

03

be mindful of photography restrictions

04

tip service staff

05

bargain in markets

Insider knowledge

Travel tips for Kolkata

01

Always agree on a taxi price before getting in—metered fares are rarely used.

02

Visit the flower market at Mullik Ghat beneath Howrah Bridge for a unique experience.

03

Try the local street food, especially phuchka and kathi roll.

04

Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

05

Attend Durga Puja in October for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Getting there

How to reach Kolkata

By Air

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport

By Train

Kolkata has several major railway stations including Howrah Junction and Sealdah Station.

By Road

Well-connected by national highways and bus services.

Need to know

Practical information for Kolkata

Getting Around

01

Metro

North-south and east-west lines operational; 3rd cross-river line under construction.

02

Yellow Ambassador Taxis

Iconic, metered taxis; increasingly rare.

03

Auto-rickshaw and Hand-pulled Rickshaw

Common in Bow Barracks area; last human-pulled rickshaws in India.

04

Uber/Ola

App-based cab services available.

05

Kolkata Tram

Oldest tram network in Asia; routes being preserved for heritage experience.

On the Ground

Time zoneIST (UTC+5:30)
Electricity230V, Type C and Type D plugs
CurrencyINR — Indian Rupee. Cash-heavy country; credit cards accepted in major establishments.
ATMsATMs widely available; international cards accepted at major banks.
CardsMajor hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants accept cards. Smaller establishments are cash-only.
TippingTipping is customary but not mandatory. 10% for restaurants, round up for taxis.
Drinking waterTap water is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled water or water purification methods.
LanguageBengali. English widely understood in tourist areas.
SIM cardAvailable at airport and local stores. International SIM cards also work.
VisaVisa requirements vary by nationality. Check the Indian government's official website for details.

Kolkata travel tips

Common questions travellers ask before visiting Kolkata

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about Kolkata

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