Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is the capital and largest city of West Bengal. Due to its vibrant culture, history, and the warmth of the people, it makes it a lively city, which has given it the nickname, the “City of Joy”. The city is brimming with history, culture, and intellectual energy, which offers a perfect blend of vintage and modernity. Being one of the most beautiful cities in India, Kolkata is famous as the cultural capital of India. It is world-renowned for music, dance, and literature.
Dotted with so many museums, tourist attractions, and parks, Kolkata is one of the popular tourist destinations in India. It has several beautiful edifices, vibrant markets, temples, churches, and eateries that attract tourists from all over the world. If you are planning your Kolkata tour with family or friends or a solo trip, our Kolkata travel guide will help you explore all its attractions. Our guide includes all the information to plan your Kolkata trip, the best time to visit, how to reach it, and the top attractions to see in Kolkata.
Best Places to Visit in Kolkata
Are you planning to visit Kolkata soon? Well, you will be mesmerized by the charm of Kolkata and its people. It was the former British capital, which has an exemplary past that can be seen through its historical monuments. You will walk through magnificent monuments, buildings, and museums that give a glimpse of history. Moreover, these ancient architectures reflect the intricate artistry and the skills of the artisans. However, the tourist attractions in Kolkata are not limited to the monuments; several other things are a must-visit. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Kolkata:
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge tops the list of the best places to see in Kolkata. Well, it’s not just another attraction but an integral part of Kolkata’s identity and a must-visit destination. We have often seen Indian cinema featuring Howrah Bridge in films/movies. Probably this has made it even more popular than ever before. Due to its immense popularity, some tourists even travel to Kolkata just to see this magnificent bridge.
The bridge was built in 1943, replacing the Pontoon Bridge. Later, it was renamed Rabindra Setu in honor of Rabindranath Tagore. It is a popular landmark of Kolkata that connects Kolkata to Howrah. The view from the bridge of the Hooghly River during sunset is breathtakingly beautiful. It seems like an endless lake where the sun is going down to the horizon. You will be mesmerized by its beauty. Apart from praising the beauty of the site, there are a lot more things to do at Howrah Bridge.
Victoria Memorial
One of the most fascinating things to see in Kolkata is the Victoria Memorial. It is a 54-metre-high building which is famous for its beautiful architecture in white marble. The construction of the building was completed between 1906 and 1921. Dedicating a memorial to Queen Victoria, this building was built. But it has now converted into a museum, which attracts thousands of tourists daily. Tourists from different parts of the world visit Victoria Memorial daily and marvel at its beautiful Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Inside the building, there are 25 galleries with many sculptures and portraits of national leaders, along with arms and armour. This is amongst the top historical places in Kolkata that you must explore for an insightful trip and enjoy a refreshing activity.
Indian Museum
This place is a must-visit for every art lover. It is one of the best museums in the region to see the rare collections of artwork, artefacts, paintings, fossils, and antiques. You will be amazed to know that this is the ninth oldest museum in the world. People in Kolkata have named it “Jadughar” (Magic House). One can experience the magic and wonder here while exploring the history and culture in this museum. Hence, it is one of the best places to see in Kolkata. You will see historical collections, archaeology, and art from foreign countries, like Egypt, and other countries are displayed here. The place usually remains crowded on weekends, so visiting on a weekday will give you ample time and space to explore the museum effortlessly.
Mother’s Wax Museum
Located in the New Town, Mother’s Wax Museum is one of the most visited places in Kolkata. This is India’s very own Madame Tussauds Museum, like in the UK. You can see famous personalities and Bollywood celebrities in live-looking wax figurines. From historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, to contemporary figures like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan, and other celebrities. You will be amazed to see the accuracy of these wax statues with the real figures. It will be almost impossible to walk around the place without appreciating the skill of the artists. It would be a really amazing experience for you and your family, especially your kids. Spend your time enjoying photo sessions.
Kalighat Temple
Kalighat Temple is located in Kolkata’s locality of Kalighat. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a prominent deity that Bengalis worship. There isn’t a day for Bengalis without worshipping the goddess. Even thousands of devotees flock to the Kalighat temple to worship the deity. The idol or Kali Maa is adorned with beautiful silk sarees and donning her flower garlands. You will feel the divine presence here. With the sounds of temple bells, aartis, and bhajans, Kalighat is truly one of the most happening places in Kolkata that no one should ever miss visiting on their Kolkata tours.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Another popular landmark of Kolkata and a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site in Kolkata is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Located on the Eastern Ghats of the Hooghly River, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. There is a belief that everyone’s wishes are fulfilled at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. The world bows down here to seek the deity’s blessings. If you are on a Kolkata tour with your family, you must visit this sacred place to get the blessings of the divine. And not only the spiritual seekers, but also the tourists who love to appreciate architectural marvels, must visit this temple. You will see the architectural brilliance of the temple with a symmetrical layout.
Kolkata, the City of Joy, has so many things to offer its visitors. Tourists who plan their trip to Kolkata explore these top attractions. While exploring these attractions, you can also get engaged in other activities for an unforgettable experience. Choose the right Kolkata tour package and discover the most engaging experience of the city. Let’s see what else you can do in the City of Joy with your friends and family.
Top Things to Do in Kolkata
The City of Joy offers a myriad of things to do for an unforgettable experience. Whether you are on a solo trip or a family trip to Kolkata, our Kolkata travel guide encompasses all the information on the top things to do in Kolkata. Whether it is relishing scrumptious street food or admiring the wildlife, we have curated a list of the best things to do in Kolkata for a memorable trip.
Enjoy Street Delicacies
One of the top things to do in Kolkata that no one should ever miss is relishing Bengali cuisine and the street food of Kolkata. The City of Joy is world-famous for its street delicacies and mouthwatering cuisines. Even if you have Rs. 50 in your pocket, you can have a hearty meal. Your Kolkata tour is just incomplete without relishing the diverse culinary delights scattered across the city. Do not miss trying the Puchka, Jhalmuri, Dum Biryani, and Ghugni.
Enjoy Exhilarating Rides in Amusement Parks
When in Kolkata with friends or family, you should not miss enjoying exhilarating rides in amusement parks. Kolkata is brimming with many amusement parks with many rides. Besides, you will see live entertainment activities, captivating shows, and much more that will make your trip memorable.
Enjoy a Boat or Ferry Ride on the Hooghly River
One of the best things you can do to make your Kolkata trip memorable is to enjoy a boat or ferry ride on the Hooghly River. This is something really refreshing and mesmerizing, especially if done in the evening at the time of sunset. You will have the best view of the Howrah Bridge from the ferry in the evening when the bridge is lit up.
Admire Wildlife in the Natural Habitat at Sundarbans
Sundarbans is a mangrove forest, which is one of the largest of its type in the world. It is famous for its wide range of fauna. If you are a nature or wildlife lover, you must visit this place to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Not only does this make your trip adventurous, but you also spot several flora and fauna, especially the Bengal Tiger.
Enhance Your Knowledge at Science City
One of the best things to do in Kolkata is to visit the Science City. It is accessible for tourists of all ages. Tourists usually, on their Kolkata trip with family, visit this place. This place is the epitome of knowledge and intellect. This gives an optical illusion of the space.
Best Time to Visit Kolkata
Kolkata primarily experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity. It is a hot city, which is not ideal for summer vacation. The best time to visit Kolkata is during winter from November to February.
Kolkata experiences higher temperatures during the summer season, which falls from March to June, when the temperature can soar up to 40°C.
Post monsoon or even monsoon is also a good time to visit Kolkata. But if you want to witness the colorful and vibrant festivities, then September and October are the best times to visit Kolkata. Last September or early October, the 10-day Durga Puja or Pujo festival is celebrated. The entire city gets illuminated with lights, and the Dhak sound will feel with zest and fervour. And, due to the pleasant weather, it is also the best time to visit Kolkata.
Ideal Kolkata Tour Itinerary
Kolkata is a culturally vibrant city with myriad attractions and landmarks. People with a time issue visit Kolkata for 2 days, which is also sufficient to explore the city. But, if you want to cover the entire Kolkata and witness its majestic spots, then you need at least 3 days.
A three-day Kolkata tour package offers a perfect immerse yourself in the charm of the City of Joy. You will get sufficient time to explore the top attractions as well as binge on the street food of Kolkata. So, you must have 3 days in hand to explore this lively city and return home with lovely memories of your Kolkata trip.
How to Reach Kolkata
Kolkata is a metropolis and is well-connected to the major and minor cities in India via its domestic and international airports, roadways, and railway stations. You can opt for any transportation mode based on your budget and schedule to reach Kolkata.
By Plane: Kolkata has its own international and domestic airport called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Regular flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Pune, and Lucknow to Kolkata. Both direct and layover flight options are available.
By Train: If you want to travel to Kolkata by train, you will get direct trains for Sealdah and Howrah. These two are the major Railway Stations of Kolkata and are connected with all the major cities in India. It is also a gateway to Northeastern India. Whether you visit Kolkata via Sealdah or Howrah, you get prepaid taxis outside the station. Ferries are also available from Howrah to get you to Kolkata. You will reach Babu Ghat, which is also the bus station of Kolkata. From there, you will get taxis, buses, and auto rickshaws to reach your destination.
By Road: Kolkata is well connected to major cities in India by road. You get regular bus services from different parts of the country, especially states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.
