About Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of the state of West Bengal, & is a city culturally strong and traditionally rooted. This city, formerly known as Calcutta, has been the cultural center of India since the British Raj. Labeled as the 'City of Joy, the Cultural Capital of India, Kolkata is a city with character and remnants of the British Raj visible in its Victorian-style architecture, trams, and nomenclature of the place. Kolkata is famous for its people, culture, food, music, literature, and movies. It is one of the densely populated cities in India along the banks of river Ganga with a heritage as dense.

Kolkata is famous for its colonial edifices and modern amusement houses. The Victoria memorial is where Queen Victoria spent some years of her life. Today, a major metropolitan, the city also houses the oldest museum in India- the Indian Museum containing the only 'Mummy' in India amongst other valuable artifacts. Some other interesting places are the Eden Garden, Bellur Math Temple, Aurobindo Ashram, Birla Planetarium, Nicco Park, Marble Palace, and Howrah Bridge. The famous Durga Puja in October draws many people to the city. If you happen to walk in, you will find many photographers and videographers trying to catch the colors of the lively place. Nightlife in the city revolves around restaurants, pubs, and discotheques where the crowd gathers.

1: Fort William

Fort William is a must-visit tourist attraction in Kolkata, situated at the banks of river Hooghly & named after King William III of England. Fort William, established during the tenure of the British Raj in 1696, was the guardroom of this two-storied building, where the black hole tragedy took place. The area around the fort is a field where several exhibitions & fairs take place. To date, it is a military area & the Arsenal inside it is worth watching, but prior permission from the commanding officer is required.

2: Victoria Memorial

Kolkata Victoria memorial hall is a fabulous museum established in the year 1921. The credit for designing and drawing the plan for this monument goes to Sir William Emerson, President of the British Institute of Architects. Victoria Memorial is a fantastic place that will take tourists into the world of history, where one can view the photos and effigies of prominent personalities who made an incredible contribution to the glory of India. Today, the Victoria memorial is one of the finest art museums in Kolkata.

3: Eden Gardens

Eden garden of Kolkata is one of the major tourist attractions in Kolkata. An Eden garden is a cricket stadium where people have witnessed the history of Indian cricket. It is the oldest cricket playground in the country & has undergone tremendous modernization & can capacitate about 120,000 persons. Eden gardens of Kolkata fall into the category of must-see places.

4: Birla Planetarium

Birla planetarium of Kolkata is one of the largest planetariums in Asia. It came into existence in 1962 & the credit for establishing this center of science, communication & environment goes to Birla Education Trust. It is at the Eastern metropolitan bypass of Kolkata. Birla planetarium provides a parlance where astronomical presentations take place. It gives information about our solar system, galaxies, the life span of stars, space, planets, and other heavenly bodies in the most interactive manner via audio and video aids.

5: Marble Palace

The Marble palace of Kolkata is a must-visit tourist attraction spot built-in 1835 by Rajendra Mallick & is an exquisite art gallery. Marble palace houses marvelous pieces of art, sculptures, pictures & oil paintings. Its major highlight includes Reuben's masterpieces. You can also find the original paintings of Rembrandt, Reynolds, and Van Goyen. It also has a zoo, where visitors can find several birds and animals.

6: Writers Building

The construction of the Writers building began as early as 1690. It got its name because it served as the dwelling place for the junior writers of the East India Company. The Kolkata Writers' Building is at the northern end of Dalhousie Square. Today, it serves as the Secretariat of the West Bengal Government. This gigantic building, also known as Mahakaran, houses all the official documents and other records of the West Bengal Govt.

7: Nicco Park

Kolkata Nicco Park, situated at Salt Lake, is an amusement park & is like the Disneyland of West Bengal with lots of games and rides. Its most recent addition is the Cave ride which is very interesting and adventurous. It is a spacious park covering about 40-acre land. Nicco Park is more popularly known as Jheel Meel. Its main highlights include the beautiful rose garden and the food park, where one can enjoy mouth-watering yummy dishes.

8: Saheed Minar

Saheed Minar, situated near Esplanade on the Kolkata Maidan, was initially known as Octerloney Monument and is named after its founder, Sir David Ochterlony. This magnificent monument was established in 1848 to mark the founder's victory in the Nepal War (1814-1816). The construction of Kolkata Saheed Minar follows an architectural variety. If standing at the top of the Minar, tourists will get an excellent view of the hub city of Kolkata.

9: National Library

National Library in Kolkata is one of the biggest libraries in the country, supported by the Dept of Culture, Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Government of India. It is on 30 acres of Belvedere Estate in Kolkata. The national library has a collection of books and periodicals from different parts of the country. Here, you can find books in almost all the Indian languages.

10: Asiatic Society

Asiatic Society of Kolkata, founded by Sir William Jones, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in 1784, is the first edifice on Park Street. The purpose of Calcutta Asiatic society is to spread eastern education. Some scholars who have made an incredible contribution in writing on varied subjects for the journal include William Jones, Charles Wilkins, Nathaniel Trassi Halhead, Henry Thomas Colbrook, John Herbert Harrington, and William Carrey. Asiatic society is like an extensive reservoir of books and manuscripts.

11: Indian Museum

Kolkata Indian museum, founded in 1814, is one of the oldest museums in Asia. It is in Chowringhee on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road. In the must-watch category are the 4,000-year-old mummy and the urn that is said to contain the ashes of Buddha. Indian museum is more commonly known as 'Jadughar' as in the house of magic, where you can also enjoy the fossils, coins, Gandhara art, stones & many more. Indian museum reveals the life history and culture of Indians from ancient times till date in a beautiful manner.

12: Science City

Science city is truly a unique center of science, communication, and the environment, on Kolkata's Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. It can capacitate about 2215 people. The science city of Kolkata consists of the main auditorium, an auditorium, and eight fully air-conditioned seminar halls. These seminar halls are equipped with the latest technology and audiovisual systems.

13: Nehru Children Museum

Amid the hustle & bustle of Chowringhee road lies the Kolkata Nehru Children's museum. The fabulous collections of the Nehru Children's museum of Kolkata include puppets depicting the great Indian epics and gorgeous dolls dressed up in national costumes of different countries. Nehru Children's museum also consists of an elementary science gallery & working models of railway crossings.

14: Academy Of Fine Arts

Kolkata Academy of Fine Arts is one of the finest art galleries in India. Eight galleries on the ground floor serve as parlance to have glimpses of the works of the best contemporary artists. The academy of fine arts in Kolkata is truly a place to feast your eyes as it takes you into a new world of creation and innovation. It has a gallery dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore. This oldest academy in the country contains a superb collection of Indian textiles, sculptures, and miniature paintings.

15: Birla Academy Of Art & Culture

Birla Academy of Art & Culture came into existence in the year 1966. Situated at Rabindra Sarobar, Kolkata, it is a systematically maintained art gallery that depicts the cultural heritage of India most beautifully. It showcases Indian modern art and gives an impetus to creativity and talent. Kolkata Birla Academy of Art & Culture houses the mind-blowing paintings of the medieval period, woodcarvings, archaeological manuscripts, textiles, ancient Indian sculptures & others.

16: Centre Of International Modern Art

Kolkata Centre of International Modern Art, established in the year 1993 under the aegis of ABP Ltd, a leading Indian media group, is one of the premier art galleries in India. The Centre of International Modern Art maintains a comprehensive database and a systematic evaluation system. CIMA art gallery of Kolkata focuses on Indian contemporary art. It has been playing the role of a catalyst in giving a boost to creative excellence.

17: Asutosh Museum Of Indian Art

Kolkata Asutosh Museum of Indian Art is truly one of its kind. It is a reservoir of valuable collections consisting of Bengal Patachitra paintings, Katha Shilpo art & others. At the Centenary Building of Kolkata University. The purpose of setting up this university art museum was to collect, preserve and display the antique items of Indian art, with a focus on Eastern India, especially Bengal. Asutosh Museum of Indian Art conducts archaeological excavations and rural cultural surveys.

18: Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan in Kolkata is mainly known for Vishva-Bharati University, which provides a platform for the convergence of western and eastern cultures. Its foundation was laid by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The best part about this international university is that it exhibits the Indian tradition modestly while simultaneously incorporating the best of other cultures.

19: Sunderbans

Sunderbans is a very famous wildlife sanctuary in our country. It is the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger & is also referred to as Sunderbans tiger reserve. In the Kolkata Sunderbans national park, you can find the estuarine crocodile, wild boar, and several varieties of birds and snakes. Apart from the Bengal tiger, it also houses other wildlife animals like monkeys, herons, spotted deer, kingfishers, wild pigs, and white-bellied eagles. It is located in the south of Kolkata and stretches to Bangladesh. Also, Sunderbans is the largest delta of the world formed by the unification of three rivers-the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.

20: Digha Beach

Digha is about 185 km from the city in the southeast of Kolkata. In the list of must-visit Kolkata excursions, Digha beach is on the top. It is a splendid beach resort consisting of a 6 km long beach. It’s about five hours drive from there. Digha beach is worth visiting, as its shallow water will help rejuvenate the tourists. The whole atmosphere over there is very soothing and serene.

21: Botanical Gardens

The botanical garden of Kolkata is 8 km from the city, on the west bank of the Ganga, covering an area of about 273 acres. The main attraction of the garden is the banyan tree, said to have the second largest canopy in the world. Over here, one can find a plethora of beautiful orchids and other colorful flowers. The garden also has a library, where one can find a valuable collection of books on botany.

22: Kalighat Kali Temple

Located on the banks of the river Hooghly, Kalighat Kali temple is a famous temple in Kolkata dedicated to Goddess kali, believed to be the destroyer & a liberator. For Hindus, the Kali temple at Kalighat is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations.

23: Dakshineshwar Temple

Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is a fabulous temple located on the bank of the Ganges, north of Belur Math in Kolkata, dedicated to Goddess kali. It is a spacious temple covering an area of about 25 acres. It is one of the largest temples in Kolkata.

24: Magen David Synagogue

Kolkata Magen David Synagogue, located on Jewish Synagogue Street, is one of the oldest pilgrimage destinations in the city. Its foundation was laid by Elias David Joseph Ezra, paying tribute to his dear father & provides an excellent view of this hub city.

25: Saint Johns Church

Kolkata St. Johns Church is on Council House Street beside B.B.D. Bagh. Owing to this fact, it is also sometimes referred to as the stone church. Its architecture represents Greek design. The church contains the sculpture of Job Charnock, which is highly artistic. Then, there is a fabulous dome with a pitcher attached to it.

26: Saint Pauls Cathedral

Kolkata St. Paul's Cathedral is the first Episcopal Church of the Orient. Bishop Wilson patronized the construction of this beautiful church in 1839. The hall of the cathedral is large, containing splendid carved wooden pews and chairs. Its eastern walls are covered with mind-blowing colorful artwork.

27: Nakhoda Mosque

Kolkata Nakhoda Mosque is the largest mosque within the city. It can capacitate about 10,000 persons, located near the junction of Chitpore Road and Mahatma Gandhi Road. Nakhoda mosque is on the lines of Akbar's tomb in Sikandra. This magnificent mosque contains a spacious prayer hall, a dome, and two minarets. Inside the mosque, an exhibition takes place, which displays artistic extravaganza & ornamentation.

28: Belur Math

Calcutta Belur Math was founded in 1938 by Swami Vivekananda, the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, paying homage to his guru. It is at a distance of 6.4 km from Howrah Station on the banks of the Hooghly River. Belur math has a big prayer hall, where one can find the statue of Ramakrishna. Belur Math is a pilgrimage place & that houses a beautiful monastery and several temples and is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna mission.

29: Pareshnath Jain Temple

Pareshnath Jain temple is a famous temple of Kolkata built by an art connoisseur named Ray Badridas Bahadur in 1867. Kolkata Pareshnath Jain temple is a mind-blowing place of worship, the beauty of which is enhanced by mirrors and colored stones. It houses four temples, out of which the main temple is in honor of the 10th Jain Avtaar, Sri Sital Nath Ji. Pareshnath Jain temple of Kolkata also contains a cozy greeting room and a museum.

30: Durga Puja

Kolkata Durga Puja festival is celebrated on a large scale with great pomp and gaiety. It is celebrated to worship mother Durga, the Goddess of power (Shakti). It celebrates the victory of maa Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Durga Puja of Kolkata, India usually takes place during the autumn period from September-October. The weather is pleasant, giving the air a festivity touch. Durga puja is a time for socializing with friends, family, and relatives. People dressed in their new clothing, visit pandals, eat mouth-watering food and enjoy the drumbeats.

31: Nabobarsho

Kolkata Nabobarsho festival marks the beginning of Bengali New Year and the arrival of summertime. It takes place in the mid of April. On the Naboborsho, the markets are beautifully decorated with garlands, auspicious mango leaves & sola pith ornaments.

32: Rabindra Sarovar

The erstwhile Dhakuri Lake is an artificial tank spread over 75 acres and is home to various migratory birds from Siberia and Russia. The lake is surrounded by gardens, a children's park an auditorium, making it a popular recreational spot perfect for idyllic picnics.

33: Alipore Zoo

Alipore Zoo dates back to the British era & the park’s beauty is awe-inspiring and makes for an ideal canvas for photography enthusiasts and a perfect afternoon family getaway, especially on a light monsoon afternoon.

34: Park Street And Camac Street

Park Street, proximate to Camac Street, is an upmarket shopping area in south Kolkata and offers some world-leading brands. Whether in Kolkata for business or leisure, a walk on Park Street and Camac streets is well worth the time. The nightlife in Park Street is famous.

35: Salt Lake Stadium

Owned by the Indian Football Federation, Salt Lake Stadium is the second largest in the world and is home to some high-profile international and national events.

36: Aquatica

Sprawling over an area of 8 acres, Aquatica is a theme park & an ideal escape during the hot and humid summer days. Flocked mainly by young people, the artificial waves, tornadoes, dance floors & several adventure water rides are the prime attractions of Aquatica.

37: Eco Tourism Park

Eco Tourism Park is an urban park situated in Rajarhat. Spread over an area of 480 acres and surrounded by 104 acres of water bodies. Locally known as Prakriti Tirtha, this park has ecological zones, theme gardens, and urban recreational spaces. There are different zones wildflower meadows, bamboo gardens, tropical tree gardens, bonsai gardens, rose gardens, tea gardens, cactus, and butterfly gardens. An amphitheater and boating facilities are also available. Eco Tourism Park is open on weekdays from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

How To Reach

By Air - Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata is located at Dumdum, 15 km away from the main township.

By Rail - Rail connectivity of Calcutta is also very good. Kolkata has two major railway stations; one is located in Howrah and the other is at Sealdah, with the former being the stop for majority of the interstate trains.

By Road - Road connectivity of Kolkata to adjoining areas is also wisely planned. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminal that lies in the heart of the city. From here, one can easily get a bus as well as taxi for travelling to the cities within West Bengal as well as in the neighbouring states. Even road connectivity to Bangladesh is smooth and comfortable, with frequent Bus service.

Getting Around - Kolkata is well connected by metros, local trains, taxis and cabs. Although trams are the archetypal colonial remains, they now remain limited to certain sections of the city only. Tourists can also take a horse-carriage ride or tanga ride around some parts of the city.

Famous Eatables

Famous Dishes and Places to Eat in Kolkata: Exploring the Culinary Delights

1. Kolkata Biryani at Arsalan or Shiraz:

Kolkata Biryani is a culinary masterpiece that combines aromatic rice, succulent meat (usually chicken or mutton), and a blend of spices. The biryani is cooked in the "dum" style, where the meat and rice are layered together and slow-cooked in a sealed pot to infuse the flavors. Arsalan and Shiraz are legendary establishments known for their delectable Kolkata Biryani. The fragrant rice, tender meat, and rich flavors make it a must-try dish in Kolkata.

2. Kathi Rolls at Nizam's or Kusum Rolls:

Kolkata is famous for its Kathi Rolls, a street food delicacy that originated in the city. Nizam's and Kusum Rolls are iconic eateries known for their mouthwatering rolls. The rolls consist of a paratha or roti wrapped around skewered and grilled meat (usually chicken or mutton), along with a medley of onions, chutneys, and spices. The combination of flavors and textures in Kolkata's Kathi Rolls is a treat for your taste buds.

3. Puchka (Pani Puri) at Vardaan Market or Dacres Lane:

No culinary journey in Kolkata is complete without indulging in Puchka, the city's version of the popular street food snack Pani Puri. Vardaan Market and Dacres Lane are bustling spots where you can find vendors serving these crispy hollow puris filled with tangy and spicy flavored water, mashed potatoes, and a variety of chutneys. The burst of flavors and the explosion of textures in Kolkata's Puchka will leave you craving for more.

4. Kosha Mangsho at Golbari or Aaheli:

Kosha Mangsho is a traditional Bengali dish that showcases the city's love for rich and flavorful curries. Golbari and Aaheli are renowned restaurants where you can savor this melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. Kosha Mangsho is slow-cooked with tender pieces of mutton, caramelized onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a thick, velvety gravy with tender meat that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or Kolkata's famous Luchi (deep-fried bread).

5. Sandesh at KC Das or Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick:

Sandesh is a quintessential Bengali sweet and a must-try dessert in Kolkata. KC Das and Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick are iconic sweet shops where you can indulge in this delightful treat. Sandesh is made from fresh cottage cheese (chenna) and sugar, flavored with ingredients like saffron, cardamom, or rose water. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the subtle sweetness of Kolkata's Sandesh will leave you wanting more.

6. Jhalmuri at Princep Ghat:

When it comes to Kolkata street food, Jhalmuri holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Princep Ghat, situated by the banks of the Hooghly River, is a popular spot to savor this beloved snack. Jhalmuri is a mixture of puffed rice, peanuts, chopped onions, tomatoes, spices, and tangy tamarind chutney. The combination of flavors and textures in Jhalmuri is a delight to the senses.

7. Mishti Doi at Bhim Chandra Nag:

No journey through Kolkata's culinary delights is complete without savoring Mishti Doi, a sweetened yogurt delicacy. Bhim Chandra Nag is a renowned sweet shop where you can indulge in this traditional dessert. Mishti Doi is made by thickening milk, sweetening it with jaggery or sugar, and allowing it to ferment overnight in earthen pots. The result is a creamy and mildly sweet yogurt with a subtle hint of caramel. Enjoy the creamy goodness of Mishti Doi to end your meal on a sweet note.

8. Chelo Kebab at Peter Cat:

For a delightful fusion of Mughlai and Continental flavors, head to Peter Cat, a legendary restaurant in Kolkata. Their Chelo Kebab is a signature dish that showcases succulent kebabs served over a bed of aromatic rice, accompanied by a boiled egg and butter. The tender meat, flavorful rice, and rich buttery sauce create a harmonious combination that is sure to please your taste buds.

9. Fine Dining at 6 Ballygunge Place:

For an elevated dining experience in Kolkata, head to 6 Ballygunge Place. This iconic restaurant celebrates the rich flavors of Bengali cuisine and offers a range of traditional dishes. From the comforting Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa fish in mustard sauce) to the aromatic Chingri Malai Curry (Prawn curry in coconut milk), 6 Ballygunge Place ensures an authentic and memorable culinary journey. The elegant ambiance and impeccable service add to the overall dining experience.

10. Fine Dining at Oh! Calcutta:

To experience the essence of Bengali cuisine in an elegant setting, Oh! Calcutta is the place to be. This upscale restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on traditional Bengali dishes. From the iconic Hilsa preparations to the flavorful Prawn Malai Curry, Oh! Calcutta takes you on a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Bengal. The warm ambiance, attentive service, and delectable dishes make it a perfect choice for special occasions.

Kolkata's culinary delights reflect the city's love for food and its vibrant cultural heritage. From the iconic Kolkata Biryani to the mouthwatering Kathi Rolls and the indulgent Sandesh, the city offers a diverse range of flavors. Embark on a gastronomic adventure through Kolkata's famous dishes and immerse yourself in the culinary legacy of this captivating city.

Weather & Quick Info

Kolkata is a vibrant city & has many historical sites & museums.

The best Time To Visit is From September to February.

The ideal time required to explore Kolkata is 2-3 days.

Kolkata has many nearby tourist destinations like Henry’s Island(127km), Piyali Island(69km), Barrackpore(30km) & many more.

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Hotel Babul

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Kolkata, Sikkim, Darjeeling Tour

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Updated 24 Jul 2018

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Port Blair Hoavelock Tours

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