Kolkata

What are the most recommended things to do in Kolkata?

Visit Victoria Memorial for colonial architecture and museum exhibits.
Explore Howrah Bridge and take a boat ride on the Hooghly River.
Stroll through Indian Museum, one of the oldest in India.
Shop and eat at New Market and Park Street.
Discover Marble Palace and its art collection.
Experience cultural events at Rabindra Sadan and Nandan Complex.
Visit Kalighat Temple and Dakshineswar Kali Temple for spiritual experiences.
Walk around Eco Park for outdoor activities and photography.
Enjoy street food like kathi rolls, puchkas, and mishti (sweets).
Take a tram ride to experience the old-world charm of Kolkata.

Introducing Kolkata

Kolkata is located on the left bank of the Hooghly River in the Ganges Delta of India. Although Kolkata has only a history of more than 300 years, it is the most populous and largest city in India, and one of the largest commercial cities in the East.

Kolkata is a city steeped in intellectual thought, having produced many world-renowned poets, thinkers, and filmmakers, and hosting numerous avant-garde theatre and art exhibitions daily. Kolkata has a particular appreciation for literature and art, and a tradition of welcoming emerging talent, making it a "city of wild creativity."

The city is also known for its Bengali film industry and arthouse films. It has a long tradition of filmmaking and boasts many renowned directors. The city is also renowned for its appreciation of Indian classical music. Many writers, such as Rabindranath Tagore, have left behind a rich literary tradition.

Climate and best time to travel

Kolkata has a tropical dry and wet climate, with pleasant cool seasons and dense festivals, making it the best time to travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: 1-2 days

Most Popular FAQs for Kolkata

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is the capital of West Bengal and was the capital of British India until 1911. It is known for its colonial architecture, cultural heritage, literature, arts, and political history. The city is a major educational, cultural, and commercial hub in eastern India.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Kolkata is located in eastern India on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. It is accessible via Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, major railway stations (Howrah and Sealdah), metro, buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rideshare apps. Many attractions in central Kolkata are walkable or reachable by short rides.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Victoria Memorial: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Indian Museum: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
Kalighat Temple: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Best time to visit: October to March for pleasant weather.
Evenings for Park Street and riverfront photography.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Victoria Memorial: ₹30–₹50, tickets available onsite and online.
Indian Museum: ₹40 for adults, tickets at entrance.
Marble Palace: ₹200 for foreigners, advance appointment recommended.
Temples: generally free entry, donations welcome.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Online booking recommended 1–2 days in advance for Marble Palace and Victoria Memorial events.
Indian Museum and temples usually do not require advance booking.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Victoria Memorial: 2–3 hours
Indian Museum: 2 hours
Marble Palace: 1–2 hours
Temples and riverfront: 1–2 hours
Shopping and Park Street: 2–3 hours
Eco Park: 2–3 hours

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Victoria Memorial: central dome, museum galleries, gardens
Indian Museum: fossils, mummies, sculptures, minerals
Marble Palace: art collection, sculptures, antique furniture
Kalighat and Dakshineswar Temples: sanctum, rituals
Hooghly River: Howrah Bridge views, boat rides

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Victoria Memorial: guided tours and audio guides in English, Hindi, and Bengali
Indian Museum: guided tours in English and Bengali
Marble Palace: guided visits by appointment
Temples: local guides often available in Bengali and Hindi

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Victoria Memorial gardens and terrace
Howrah Bridge at sunrise or sunset
Eco Park lake and open landscapes
Park Street with illuminated streets in the evening
Marble Palace courtyards

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at Victoria Memorial, explore gardens, then museum galleries.
Visit Indian Museum and nearby Marble Palace.
Walk or take a tram along Hooghly River and Howrah Bridge.
End with Park Street or Eco Park for dining and relaxation.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Victoria Memorial: evening light shows on special occasions.
Eco Park: open until evening with illuminated areas.
Park Street: night dining and cultural events.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Weekends and holidays are busiest at Victoria Memorial and Indian Museum.
Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded.
October–March is peak tourist season; monsoon months (June–September) are quieter.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Public toilets and drinking water available at major attractions.
Cafes and food stalls at Victoria Memorial and Eco Park.
Souvenir shops at Victoria Memorial and Park Street.
Benches and shaded areas in gardens and parks.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Wheelchair access available at Victoria Memorial and Indian Museum.
Marble Palace has limited accessibility due to stairs.
Children-friendly areas: Eco Park, gardens, museum exhibits.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Major attractions accept cards and digital payments (UPI, Paytm, credit/debit).
Street vendors and small shops may require cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Park Street: Peter Cat, Mocambo, Flurys for local and international cuisine.
New Market: street food stalls, local eateries.
Eco Park: cafes and food courts within the park.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options widely available in temples and restaurants.
Halal food options available in central Kolkata areas like Park Street and New Market.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Victoria Memorial area: The Oberoi Grand, The Lalit Great Eastern
Park Street: Hyatt Regency Kolkata, Novotel Hotel
Near Howrah Station: The Peerless Inn, Taj Bengal

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Howrah Bridge
Kalighat Temple
Marble Palace
Indian Museum
Eco Park