Kolkata is the cultural heart of India that beats in history, spirituality, and literature. This metropolitan city has well-preserved traditions and values in its attractions scattered all over the city. Kolkata tourism allows you to explore British Raj-era architecture, graceful gardens, beautiful temples, and unique historical monuments.
The tourism of Kolkata enables travelers to enjoy many aspects of the City of Joy. Kolkata is a place where visitors can feel the unique blend of vintage and modern through its beautiful buildings, museums, cuisines, markets, temples, churches, fort, and theaters. After exploring this city, one thing is sure its beauty is more than just pleasing to your eyes, it'll stick to your heart, forever!
The following comprehensive Kolkata travel guide will provide all the essential details to make your vacation unforgettable. Whether you are planning your vacation with your family, friends, or partner, the surprising elements await you with quintessential charm.
Kolkata Tourism
Kolkata is one of the most vibrant holiday destinations with rich architecture, art, culture, and history. This city in West Bengal is home to many fascinating tourist attractions that cover sightseeing, events, festivals, cultural significance, and cuisine. Overall, Kolkata tourism offers a wide variety of choices to keep you pleasantly engaged for an enjoyable holiday.
Why Visit Kolkata
Again, as stated multiple times, the choice to visit Kolkata will be an unforgettable experience, to say the least. You can spend time admiring the architectural wonders of the place, get your hands on some of the best literary pieces at various renowned book markets, or visit the national museum to reminisce on the glory of a distant past. Those are just for starters. Overall, you will uncover every aspect - from modernity to cultural diversity - on a City of Joy Kolkata tour.
Language spoken in Kolkata
Bengali is majorly spoken by people in Kolkata. Apart from it, languages English and Hindi are also widely spoken here.
Where is Kolkata Located
This city is settled on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River and has great historical significance.
Places to Visit in Kolkata
Tourist attractions in Kolkata reflect the past beautifully and redefine modern beauty effortlessly. You will find rejuvenating gardens, peaceful lakes, historical buildings, museums, vast libraries, and sports stadiums here. And each of these attractions will make your sightseeing more interesting. Belur Math, Victoria Memorial Hall, Birla Planetarium, Indian Museum, Science City, Eden Garden, Howrah Bridge, Eco-Tourism Park, and Kolkata Zoo are among the top places that you should not miss on your Kolkata tour.
Things to do in Kolkata
Kolkata, as a tourist attraction, is greatly charming and stores fun and action in every corner for every age group. This city's broad spectrum of activities will add a unique experience to your travel diaries. You can enjoy thrilling adventures, have some picnic times, stroll in lush gardens, and uncover the pages of history by exploring old age structures. The list of things to do includes a wildlife safari in the Sundarbans, getting a dose of insights at the Science Center, taking rides in Nicco Park, boating in Salt Lake, and taking a ferry at night to witness Howrah bridge.
Shopping in Kolkata
For the entire West Bengali, Kolkata is a major hub for shopping, bringing people from different parts of the state. You can enjoy shopping in Kolkata at various cosmopolitan markets offering international and national products. Bara Bazaar, New Market, Sunshine, Quest Mall, Chowringhee Road, Hatibagan Market, and Oxford Bookstore are must-try shopping places while enjoying the Kolkata trip. These Kolkata markets are famous for clothes, shoes, fashion items, jewelry, food, household items, and much more. Undoubtedly, shopping is an integral and fun part of any vacation, and Kolkata tourism has an unmatchable vibe to let you enjoy a shopping spree at various corners of the city.
Best Time to Visit Kolkata
For multiple reasons, October to February is the best time to plan a trip to Kolkata. The foremost reason is that the pleasant climate condition will grace your sightseeing and make it more interesting. And the other factor is that you can attend some significant festivals in Kolkata during these months. By choosing the winter season for your visit, you can enjoy Diwali, Christmas, the International Book fair, and New Year in Kolkata. Monsoon brings heavy rain showers with thunderstorms that may ruin your sightseeing plans. However, summer is hot and humid, making the weather balm and uncomfortable for sightseeing. Therefore it is the least advisory season to visit this season.
How to Reach Kolkata?
You can reach Kolkata in multiple ways, including air, train, and rail. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is a major airport linked with major cities of the country and serves international flights. Regular bus service from other major cities is another good option to reach Kolkata by road. Apart from it, Howrah and Sealdah are two major railway junctions that connect this city with other major states of India. After reaching the airport and railway junctions, you will get many transport services, including bus, auto, cab, and taxi, that you can take to reach your desired place in Kolkata.
How to get around in Kolkata?
Mini-buses, private cabs, and autos are decent choices for local transportation in Kolkata. It is advised to cover the short distance by walking as you can observe the local lifestyle. You can also enjoy a fun tram ride to explore the city through the streets. Tram still operates in the city and offers an incredible experience for your Kolkata tourism.
How many days are required for Kolkata tour?
Kolkata has so much to offer, and you will require 2-3 days to cover all its major tourist attractions. However, with good planning, you can enjoy sightseeing and indulge in fun activities in Kolkata in your 3 days tour package of Kolkata.
Accommodation in Kolkata
Your choice of staying on vacation matters a lot for your overall traveling experience. You will surely need comfortable and reasonable accommodations to come back for the best sightseeing experience. Kolkata has a wide variety of hotels for you. Whether looking for 5-star hotels in Kolkata, semi-luxury hotels, or budget-friendly stays, this city has it all for you. The Oberoi Grand Kolkata, Taj Bengal, The Rajbari Bawali, Hyatt Regency Kolkata, The Corner Courtyard, The Ivy House, The Astor, and Calcutta Bungalow are among the top choices for your stay in Kolkata. You can choose any of them as per your preferences to make your vacation in Kolkata remarkable.
Where to eat in Kolkata?
Kolkata has a diversity of culinary experiences reflecting its cultural diversity. From international cuisines to unique best seafood, the choices of food options are limitless for you which you can verily enjoy at this city's top restaurants and cafes. 6 Ballygunge Place, Mocambo, Rendezvous, Alfresco, Sree Hari Mistanna Bhandar, and Mitra cafe are among the must-visit restaurants in Kolkata.
Travel Tips for Kolkata Tourism
- You must respect and enjoy the local culture and customs, and doing this will enhance your entire tour experience.
- While shopping in the street markets of Kolkata, make sure to use your bargaining skills.
- Do not forget to enjoy the tram-train ride in Kolkata for a unique experience.
- After arriving at the airport or railway station, it is better to ask your taxi driver to go with the meter.
- Make sure to enjoy the rich and vibrant festivals of Kolkata, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
