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Getting Around Kolkata

Getting Around Kolkata: Guide to Public Transportation

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Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a classic juxtaposition of old and new. The city's transportation reflects this as well, where mass rapid transit meets hand-pulled rickshaws. Indian Railways controls the Metro train system, while West Bengal Transportation Corporation (WBTC) runs buses, trams/streetcars, and ferries. WBTC recently introduced an unlimited single-day, all-in-one 100 rupee travel pass for seamless travel across these services. However, budget-conscious visitors will find the train to be most useful, particularly if traveling between the city's north and south. If you're headed across town, taxis or app-based cabs such as Uber are the most convenient option. Here's how to navigate transportation in Kolkata so you can get the most from your trip.

How to Ride the Kolkata Metro Train

The Kolkata Metro opened in 1984. It was India's first rapid transit system and first underground railway, although sections of it are aboveground. Despite not being as modern as other Metro systems in India, it's well-maintained and provides decent service. The Metro's main line is a north-south corridor. However, several new lines are being constructed, including a much-needed east-west corridor linking Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake (this will be the first underwater Metro line in India). When complete, it will connect Kolkata's two busiest railway terminals (Howrah and Sealdah), and two of its biggest business districts (BBD Bagh and Salt Lake City Sector V).

• Routes: Two Metro lines are operational right now. Line 1 (North-South) runs from Noapara in Kolkata's north near Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport , through Esplanade in the heart of the city, to Kavi Subhash Metro Station at New Garia in the south. Line 2 (East-West) is currently functional from Salt Lake Sector V to Phoolbagan.
• Types of passes: Tokens are convenient for single trips, while rechargeable Smart Cards are preferable for regular travelers. A Smart Card, providing unlimited rides for tourists, is also available. It costs 250 rupees for one day or 550 rupees for three days.
• Fares: Fares are based on distance traveled and range from 5 rupees to 25 rupees for a single trip, one way. A fare chart is available online .
• How to pay: Tokens and Smart Cards can be purchased at Metro stations. Smart Cards cost from 100 rupees, which includes a 60 rupee deposit. A minimum balance of 25 rupees must be maintained. Smart Cards can be recharged at ticket counters, recharging machines at the stations, or online (if you have an Indian bank card and cell phone number).
• Hours of operation: On Line 1, trains run from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and from 9 a.m. on Sunday. There are departures every 6 to 15 minutes, with the most frequent services between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Trains on Line 2 run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Schedules are subject to change and a timetable is available online .
• Important things to know: Certain sections of each carriage are reserved for women, senior citizens, and physically disabled passengers.
• Tips: Download the official Kolkata Metro railway app (Android devices only) for train information and recharging of Smart Cards.

Riding the Bus in Kolkata

Kolkata's extensive network of buses will take you anywhere you want to go in the city, and cheaply too. However, there is a steep learning curve due to the complexity of the bus routes. The buses are a mix of private and government-operated services of vastly varying quality. The best ones are the latest electric air-conditioned models but older non-air-conditioned ones are more prevalent. There are also privately-operated minibuses, many of which depart from the stand on the eastern side of BBD Bagh.

Tickets can be purchased from the conductors aboard the buses. Determining the bus routes can be challenging though. The WBTC Pathadisha app is useful but it's only available on Android devices. Alternatively, the WBTC website has some information about routes and fares. Tickets for WBTC buses start from 8 rupees for non-air-conditioned services, and 20 rupees for air-conditioned services. The fares for private buses are higher and start from 20 rupees for non-air-conditioned and 50 rupees for air-conditioned services.

Certain WBTC bus routes go via Kolkata airport. These are VS1 and VS14 Airport to Esplanade, VS2 Airport to Howrah Station, V1 Airport to Tollygunge, AC40 Airport to Howrah Maidan, and S10 Airport to Nabbana. The buses depart from in front of the terminal every 10-30 minutes between 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. There's also a night service , including NS1 and NS10 from Airport to Howrah Station.

Trams (Street Cars) in Kolkata

A remnant of the British colonial era, the tramway in Kolkata dates back to 1902 and is the oldest operating tramway in Asia. Taking a ride on a tram is an atmospheric, fun way of experiencing Kolkata and its heritage. The trams are slow and pass through interesting old parts of the city, making them ideal for sightseeing. Six tram routes are currently functional, running north-south: Route 5 Shayambazar-Esplanade, Route 11 Shayambazar-Howrah Bridge, Route 18 Bidhannaghar-Howrah Bridge, Route 25 Gariahat-Esplanade, Route 24/29 Tollygunge-Ballygunge, and Route 36 Khidderpur-Esplanade. Details of routes are available online . Tickets for a one-way trip cost 6 to 7 rupees.

A special Paat Rani (Jute Queen) tourist tram service also operates four daily round-trips from Esplanade Tram Depot to the Tram World museum at Gariahat Tram Depot. Jute products are displayed and sold inside the tram. The cost is 99 rupees for the ride, plus 30 rupees for museum entry.

Ferries in Kolkata

Ferries crisscross the Hooghly River and are useful for avoiding congested roads, especially during rush hours. The ferries depart from the ghats along the river every 15 to 20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The main ghats on the Kolkata side are Chandpal Ghat (beside Babu Ghat), Shipping Corporation Ghat, Fairlie Place Ghat (for the Dalhousie BBD Bagh business district), Armenian Ghat, Ahiritola Ghat, Sovabazar Ghat, Bagbazar Ghat (for Kumartuli, where Durga idols are handcrafted ). On the Howrah side, the main ghats are Howrah Station, Golabari Ghat, Bandha Ghat, Ramkrishnapur Ghat, and Belur Ghat (for Belur Math). Expect to pay upwards of 6 rupees for a ticket.

Taxis in Kolkata

You'll come across Kolkata's iconic yellow Ambassador taxis all over the city. They can be flagged down from the roadside and should charge by the meter. Fares start at 30 rupees, and increase by 3 rupees for every 200 meters after the first 2 kilometers.

Rideshare apps such as Uber and Ola (the Indian equivalent) are popular in Kolkata. The fare comprises a 47 rupee base fare for pickup, plus a minimum fare of 63 rupees. The per kilometer rate is 8.40 rupees.

Auto Rickshaws in Kolkata

Auto rickshaws operate on fixed routes in Kolkata. They are shared with other passengers, and you can hop on and hop off anywhere along the route. The fare is around 10 rupees for the journey. However, similar to buses in Kolkata, the routes can be hard to decipher if you're not familiar with them.

In addition, Uber has started offering Uber Toto services using a fleet of 500 non-polluting electric rickshaws. The rickshaws can be booked on the app at a cost of 30 rupees base fare, plus a 15 rupee booking fee and a minimum fare of 30 rupees. They operate in Howrah, Barasat, and Madhyamgram in North Kolkata, and Rajarhat, and Salt Lake in East Kolkata.

Hand-Pulled and Cycle Rickshaws in Kolkata

Kolkata is one of the few cities in the world that still has hand-pulled rickshaws. These days, they're mostly located in areas such as New Market, College Street, and Burrabazar in central Kolkata. A fare of 20 rupees is reasonable, but tips will be appreciated.

Ubiquitous cycle rickshaws are being replaced by battery-operated e-rickshaws in several areas of the city. You'll need to negotiate the fare.

Tips for Getting Around Kolkata

• Streets in Kolkata often go by more than one name, having been renamed by successive governments as part of decolonization. You'll find that residents and taxi drivers commonly refer to streets by their better-known old names. Some examples are: Camac Street (Rabanindranath Thakur Sarani), Park Street (Mother Teresa Sarani), Elgin Road (Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani), and Ballygunge Circular Road (Promothesh Baruah Sarani).
• Keep in mind that Kolkata has numerous one-way streets that reverse direction at certain times of the day (usually morning and afternoon) to facilitate the movement of traffic to and from the central business district. This also causes bus routes to switch. Google Maps shows the one-way streets.
• Buy a 100 rupee Tram Pass for free entry into the Tram World museum, as well as unlimited travel on all trams for the day. This includes the special Paat Rani (Jute Queen) tourist tram.
• Public transportation is avoidable during rush hours as it gets really crowded and uncomfortable.
• Take the Ahiritola/Sovabazar-Howrah Ferry for a spectacular view of the Howrah Bridge. The Dakshineswar-Belur Ferry provides an outstanding view of Vivekananda Setu and Nibedita Setu bridges.

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Kolkata Metro

Mikuláš Hudec

Updated on: September 22, 2023

There are many different ways to get around Kolkata thanks to its robust public transit system, which is available to both residents and tourists. This network connects many of the city’s top attractions, including the Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, and Howrah Station. Buses, trams, auto rickshaws, and ferries are some additional common forms of public transportation. In Kolkata, taxis can also be rented, however, they are typically more expensive than other modes of transportation.

Metro system in Kolkata: Basic information

The Indian state of West Bengal’s capital, Kolkata, is home to one of the country’s oldest and largest metro systems. In India, it was the country’s first underground metro system, and it opened for business in 1984. The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) manages the metro system, which has six lines.

The lines of the Kolkata subway system

Line 1 (blue): north-south metro.

From Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhash, 31.3 km, there are 26 working stations: 9 elevated, 2 at grade, and 15 subterranean. The line links Dakshineswar with New Garia with 1,676 mm train stock. Starting in October 1984, India’s first subterranean railway reached its full length by February 1995. Kolkata Metro was the first in the nation and wholly indigenous, hence its development was more trial-and-error than the Delhi Metro, which included many international specialists.

Line 2 (Green): East-West Metro

It connects Salt Lake to Sealdah and will bridge the Hooghly River to Howrah. An eastern expansion to Teghoria is also being proposed. It would feature 17 stations, 11 elevated and 6 underground, over a 22-km length from Teghoria (Haldiram) to Howrah Maidan. It would connect India’s two busiest commercial areas (BBD Bagh and Salt Lake Sector V) to its two busiest commuter and long-distance rail terminals (Howrah and Sealdah), attracting many passengers. The deepest metro shaft and largest underwater metro tunnel in India are on Line 2. Howrah will be India’s deepest metro station, at 33 meters.

Line 3 (Purple)

The 15-kilometer line’s 6.5 km section from Joka to Taratala was opened on December 30, 2022. The course extends 3.4 kilometers from Joka in the south to Diamond Park in the north, for a distance of 15 kilometers. It will join Kolkata Metro Line 1 at Park Street in the city’s center and travel concurrently up to Esplanade, where it will join Kolkata Metro Line 2 as well. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is building Line 3.

Line 4 (Yellow): Noapara-Barasat Line

Connects Noapara to Barasat in North 24 Parganas . It will largely travel beneath ground viaducts. Up until Jessore Road Station, it will travel above ground before going underground to reach Barasat metro station. It will include an interface station with Kolkata Metro Line 6 at the NSCBI Airport. The line is planned to open in October 2023, running from Noapara to the airport.

Line 5 (Pink)

Runs from Baranagar to Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas. Its purpose is to make it easier for people to travel from the northern suburbs of Kolkata to Kolkata through North Kolkata.

Line 6 (Orange)

An under-construction rapid transit line would travel through the satellite cities of Salt Lake and New Town to connect New Garia with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport . In 2023, the line between Kavi Subhash and Hemanta Mukhopadhyay is expected to open. This section of the metro will rank among the most significant because it will link Kolkata Airport to the southern and eastern portions of the city. This path will cover a total distance of 30 kilometers. The East-West Metro’s speed testing during the CRS inspection in 2019 was conducted at a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).

Map of Kolkata Metro 2023 – Free Download in PDF

Click and download the map of Kolkata’s underground system for 2023

The Kolkata Metro Map 2023 is a crucial resource for anyone trying to get around the city. Anyone can quickly take a detailed look at the Metro’s stations and routes thanks to this free PDF download. It is also a very useful tool for those who are organizing their vacation because it will enable them to determine the precise duration and expense of their trip. Additionally, it offers useful details about links to other public transportation systems and other attractions. Anyone may explore the city’s magnificent sights and noises while also making use of the Kolkota Metro’s ease.

Public transport tickets in Kolkata: the Best types for travelers & actual prices

One of the biggest cities on earth is Kolkata, the capital of India’s West Bengal region. Visitors to Kolkata can discover a wide range of ticket options for public transit to meet their needs.

Prepaid cards are the most popular form of public transit ticket in Kolkata. Given that it may be used for several trips, this is a practical method of paying for rides. The cost of the cards depends on how many trips are made, and they may be purchased at bus stops, metro stations, and other places.

The single travel ticket is an additional option for public transportation tickets. These are perfect for people who only intend to take one trip because they are only good for that one ride. Tickets for a single travel can be purchased at any bus or metro stop.

The ideal choice is the monthly pass for individuals who intend to make many excursions. This pass, which can be purchased at any metro station or bus stop, enables visitors to make an unlimited number of city excursions. The cost of the pass is based on how many trips are made.

Finally, a tourist permit is an additional option for customers. Travelers can make as many journeys inside the city as they like with this three-day permit. The pass is slightly more expensive than the monthly pass, but it is more cost-effective for those who intend to make several journeys while they are there.

Travelers should anticipate paying significantly less for public transit in Kolkata than in other large cities, regardless of the type of ticket. The tourist pass is the perfect choice for visitors to Kolkata who will be staying there for three days because it will allow them to go about the city as often as they like for a fair fee.

Timetables & Schedules of Kolkata Metro System

The metro system in Kolkata provides a quick and practical way to get around the city. On Monday through Saturday, the system is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m .; on Sundays and public holidays, it is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 p.m. At the terminal station, the first train leaves at 7:00 a.m., and the final train leaves at 10:00 p.m. During peak hours, services are typically provided every 10 minutes, and during off-peak hours, services are provided every 15 to 20 minutes. On a few routes, the metro additionally provides extra early morning and late night services.

What Are Other Options For Public Transportation In Kolkata?

Other than the metro, Kolkata, India, provides a wide range of public transportation choices. These consist of ferries, buses, trams, autorickshaws, taxis, and cycle rickshaws. In Kolkata, buses are the most widely used and least expensive kind of public transit. There are also trams, which move more slowly along the streets than buses. For quick excursions, auto-rickshaws are a viable choice, while taxis are available for those who prefer a more luxurious ride. For short distances, cycle rickshaws are a cost-effective choice, and ferries can be used to cross the Hooghly River. All of these choices give folks a practical means to get around Kolkata.

public bus in Kolkata

The entire city of Kolkata is served by an extensive network of public buses. The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBSTC) operates these buses, and the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is in charge of their management. The city bus network, which serves the city, and the suburban bus network, which links the city to its suburbs, are the two divisions of the public bus system.

Buses are the most commonly used form of public transportation in the city’s bus network. The blue-and-white bus routes that travel from the city center to the suburbs are the most well-liked ones. These buses are inexpensive and dependable, but they are frequently crowded. The red-and-white buses provide the express services that go from the suburbs to the city center. Although they cost more, these buses travel more quickly.

The majority of people who use the suburban bus system are commuters going to and from the suburbs. These vehicles are often more luxurious and have more room than city buses. Additionally, they cost more than city buses. The green-and-white bus routes that travel from the suburbs to the city center are the most well-liked ones.

In Kolkata, the public bus system is comparatively efficient and safe. All buses have air conditioning and an electronic ticketing system that streamlines the ticketing and trip-tracking processes. The WBSTC Red-and-White buses (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40) and the WBSTC Green-and-White buses (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60) are the most well-known bus numbers in the city.

Public TRAINS in Kolkata

India’s Kolkata is renowned for having a thriving public transportation system. Travelers can benefit from the dependable network of public trains, which offers quick and reasonably priced transportation across the city and its environs. There is a sizable public train network in Kolkata. The Eastern and South-Eastern Zones make up the two sections of the public train system. The Kolkata Suburban Railway and the Circular Railway provide service to both zones. The city’s most well-known public train system, the Kolkata Suburban Railway, has more than 400 kilometers of lines connecting more than 500 stops. The Circular Railway, in contrast, has a smaller network with only 22 stops and 39 kilometers of tracks.

The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) and Indian Railways jointly run Kolkata’s public train system. All throughout the day, trains run frequently, with peak hours seeing an increase in train frequency. The six different ticket classes that the Kolkata Suburban Railway offers are first class, second class, suburban first class, ladies first class, ladies second class, and general class. Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai , Bengalore , and Hyderabad are the nearest cities from which Kolkata has the most significant train connections. With a trip taking just 18 hours, the Delhi-Kolkata Rajdhani Express is the quickest train service between the two cities. Another well-liked train route is the Mumbai-Kolkata Superfast Express, and the Chennai-Kolkata Mail is a well-liked overnight train.

Kolkata offers a variety of local trains that connect the city to adjacent towns and villages in addition to long-distance train connections. For many locals, these trains are their only source of transportation, offering a dependable and convenient way to move around.

How to Get From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport ( CCU ) To The City Center With Public Transport?

The Airport Shuttle Bus Service is the most practical method of getting from the airport to the city core. The least complicated way to go to your location is to use this service, which is available frequently. Every hour, a shuttle bus leaves the airport and makes stops throughout the city center, making it simple to travel to your selected location.

The Metro is an additional mode of public transit. From the airport to the city center, Kolkata may be reached using the Metro, which is a fantastic transportation option. The metro is a quick and inexpensive means of transportation that connects the airport to several locations throughout the city.

Finally, you can go from the airport to the city center by bus or autorickshaw. At the airport, you may find buses and autorickshaws that will take you where you need to go. Buses and auto rickshaws are also reasonably priced options, however,, they may take longer to get you where you’re going owing to traffic.

There are numerous public transit options available to get to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata Airport). The bus, cab, subway, auto-rickshaw, and airport shuttle bus are all excellent ways to reach your location. Before selecting a method of transportation, it is vital to think about which option is ideal for you because each has advantages and disadvantages of its own.

how to spend 3 days in Kolkata?

You’ll want to maximize your time in Kolkata if this is your first visit. Three days are the ideal length of time to discover all that this dynamic city has to offer, including its fascinating culture, delectable cuisine, and lively nightlife. This three-day itinerary will give you a genuinely unique opportunity to discover Kolkata.

Day 1: Cultural Investigation

Visit Kolkata’s entrance, the renowned Howrah Bridge, first thing in the morning. Explore the adjacent streets and take in the lively environment after you’ve taken in the breathtaking vista. Numerous street food vendors serving mouthwatering regional specialties may also be found among the many souvenir shops selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

Visit the Victoria Memorial, a magnificent structure that honors British sovereignty in India, in the afternoon. Then, go to the adjacent Indian Museum to find out more about the history and culture of the area. Visit the Hindu shrine Dakshineswar Kali shrine later, which is renowned for its stunning architecture and exquisite beauty.

Try one of the city’s many hidden restaurants for dinner so you may sample real Bengali food.

Day Two: Regional Food

Visit Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral house at Jorasanko Thakur Bari first thing in the morning. The literature and culture of Bengal are well-taught in this location. After that, wander through Mullick Ghat’s bustling flower market.

Visit a nearby eatery, like 6 Ballygunge Place, for lunch so you may try some authentic Bengali cuisine. Then go for a stroll through Chinatown’s busy streets to learn more about the city’s varied culinary culture.

Take a boat trip along the Ganges River in the evening to view the city’s renowned ghats (riverbanks). You can then savor a delectable dinner at one of the best restaurants in the area, such Oh! Calcutta or Bhojohori Manna.

Third day: nightlife

Visit the famous Marble Palace first thing in the morning. This 18th-century house is a terrific site to explore and snap pictures. Then, go around the crowded New Market district where you may purchase for regional crafts and mementos.

Go to Park Street in the afternoon, which is well-known for having a thriving nightlife. Explore the numerous clubs and pubs in the area to take advantage of the live music, delectable cuisine, and, of course, a few drinks.

Last but not least, spend some time at the famous Prinsep Ghat, a riverbank promenade with some of the best views of the city skyline.

What other metro systems are nearby to Kolkata?

A number of significant metropolises, each with its metro system, surround Kolkata. These include the Lucknow Metro , the Mumbai Metro , the Hyderabad Metro , the Bengaluru Metro , the Chennai Metro , and the second-largest metro system in the world, the Delhi Metro. For commuters in the area, each of these metro systems provides easy-to-use transportation options that make it simple to navigate throughout Kolkata and the places nearby.

CHECK OUT THE AMAZING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION VIDEO GUIDE IN KOLKATA

Summary of our tour guide for Kolkata

I’ve had the good fortune to live in Kolkata for the past five years, so I’ve personally seen how convenient the city’s public transportation system is. The public transportation system in Kolkata is broad and effective , offering a range of buses, trams, and metro lines in addition to the iconic yellow taxis. The metro’s punctuality and cleanliness have pleased me during my own repeated use of it. The buses are generally reliable and offer a convenient means to get around the city, even though they can get crowded during rush hours. The trams offer a distinctive experience as they meander through Kolkata’s busy streets and are a terrific way to move around as well. In summary, both locals and tourists greatly benefit from Kolkata’s public transit system.

Top 5 FAQs and answers about Kolkata public transport?

What are the primary public transportation options in Kolkata?

• The public transportation network in Kolkata is made up of buses, trams, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. The West Bengal State Transport Corporation (WBSTC) manages the bus network, which is the most popular form of transportation. Another well-liked option is the tram, which is run by the Calcutta Tramways Company. You can rent taxis and auto-rickshaws as well.

How much are the tickets?

• The cost of bus and tram tickets varies based on the route. Tickets typically cost between 5 and 10 rupees. Typically, a flat payment based on the distance traveled is what taxis and autorickshaws charge.

When is the ideal time of year to travel?

• The non-peak hours in Kolkata, often between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., are the greatest times to travel. The roads can become highly crowded during rush hours, making it difficult to get where you’re going quickly.

Are there any unique services offered?

• Yes, Kolkata does provide a few unique services. Kolkata Metro Rail operates a commuter rail network, and Indian Railways also runs long-distance trains. Ferries and launches are a couple of the various water transportation choices.

Are there any specials for using public transportation?

• Yes, a few reductions are offered. Discounts on tickets are available for seniors, students, and those with disabilities. Additionally, there are reduced rates for some routes, including the Kolkata Metro Rail.

Useful links

• Official website of public Kolkata transport company

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Best Kolkata Travel Guide for the first timers

Kolkata , West Bengal

Last Updated on: Jan 4, 2023  

Well, what can we say about Kolkata ? It is our hometown, a place that we love dearly. To be honest, only after we became travel bloggers, did we understand the beauty and charm of the “City of Joy” , a sobriquet that is given to Kolkata. Kolkata is rich in heritage and is full of interesting places interspersed in every corner of the city. We have travelled to many places and written about them as well. But somehow, we have not yet written anything about the places to visit in Kolkata. Maybe we were hit by the ‘ hometown syndrome ’! Nevertheless, we have now written this Kolkata Travel Guide that will tell you about the tourist places in Kolkata , special attractions and all the offbeat places that are known only to the locals! This Kolkata Travel Guide is just perfect for your first time visit to the city.

Kolkata is a chaotic city. Not as big as Mumbai or Delhi , the city thrives on its people, culture and past. Calcutta, as it was known earlier was the first British capital before it was shifted to Delhi. The city is almost 300 years old and is an eclectic mix of the splendid decaying past and the promising new future. The British had built some amazing buildings during their heydays and today Kolkata flaunts the colonial-era architecture with pride.

Kolkata or Calcutta is known as the cultural hub of the country. The vibrant city has produced some of the best writers, poets, performing artists and works of literature. Even today, there is no doubt that Kolkata is the hub of all the cultural activity of the country. Kolkata is also a foodie’s paradise. The Bengalis (people of Bengal) love their food and also love to treat their guests with sumptuous dishes. And those who told you that Kolkata food is only about Maach-Bhaat (fish and rice), then they are absolutely wrong.

We can actually go on and on about the place that is so dear to us. But let me just stop here and write about the places to visit in Kolkata, places to eat and other interesting facts about the city. For foreign nationals visiting Kolkata for the first time, the city can give you quite a shock. Kolkata can be quite overwhelming for the first-timers , for that matter, you can say this for any Indian cities. But Kolkata will gradually grow on you. For no reason, the Kolkata is known as the city with a heart! You need to stay here to believe that.

Kolkata Travel Guide | How to reach Kolkata?

Kolkata is located in West Bengal in the eastern part of India. Kolkata has an international airport (Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport). The distance of Kolkata airport from Esplanade (considered to be almost in the heart of the city) is about 16 km.

Otherwise, Kolkata is well connected with other cities of India by flights all through the day.

India has an extensive railway network and one can travel anywhere in India by train. Kolkata has 3 important railway stations – Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata Terminus, Howrah Station being the busiest of all. All the three stations are well connected by trains from almost all the parts of India.

I would not suggest travelling by bus, if the distance is more than 200 km. nevertheless, buses are available to Kolkata from the neighbouring towns.

Kolkata Travel Guide | How to get around Kolkata?

Getting around Kolkata is not very difficult. There are plenty of options to move around the city.

Metro: I always suggest Metro as the best mode of transport, but the problem in Kolkata is that the metro line is not yet extensive. It runs only through a particular area, and though it has been extended, it is not enough to cover the entire city. However, new metro lines are being laid. But we are not quite sure when they will be operational. Metros are clean, fast and cheaper mode of transport in Kolkata. Ticket price starts from Rs 10 to Rs.25.

Local Buses: Local buses in Kolkata are a bit of a challenge. Not that you will have a problem communicating, but getting on and off the local buses are a bit tough. However, the government-run AC buses are better in this respect. Local buses are quite a cheap form of transport.

Yellow Taxis, Ola & Uber: Kolkata is also known for its iconic yellow Ambassador taxis. Once they used to be the main form of cab services in the city. And it was always a great deal of excitement for us as children to hop on a yellow taxi and drive around the city. But the yellow taxis do have a bad reputation. If the taxi drivers understand that you are not a local, he will try to extort the maximum fare from you. And this especially happens with foreigners. Be aware, that all these taxis have a meter and you have to pay according to the meter reading.

There are pre-paid taxi counters at Howrah Station, Sealdah Station and Airport from where you can get taxis to anywhere in Kolkata at a prescribed rate. This is a good form of travel, as you do not have to bargain with the taxi driver here.

Finally, there is the Uber and Ola that will take you anywhere in Kolkata.

Rickshaws: For short distances, there are rickshaws that will take you around. Kolkata is the only city that still has hand-pulled rickshaws . But the rickshaw pullers do it voluntarily and it is the sole decision of the rider whether they want to sit on a hand-pulled rickshaw. As a child, I would enjoy these rickshaw rides, but now, hand-pulled rickshaws are a strict no for me.

Local Trains: Kolkata has a local train network that is far more extensive than the metro. They are a cheaper mode of travel and you can travel to almost any part of the city. But a word of caution, the train becomes really crowded during the morning between 9-11 AM and in the evening between 6-9PM. This is the time when mostly office goers commute.

Trams in Kolkata

The Kolkata tram is the oldest operating electric train system in Asia. Once, the trams used to connect every part of the city. But with modern time and faster transport options, trams have almost become redundant. Yet, some tram routes are still working in Kolkata, mainly because it is a part of our heritage. A tram ride in Kolkata is a pleasant experience and you can take a tram ride only to get a feeling of it. I think it is no longer a practical mode of transport.

Kolkata Travel Guide | What is the best time to visit Kolkata?

Kolkata has a tropical climate with warm weather almost all through the year. The city mainly has three types of seasons – summer, monsoon and winter with very small autumn and spring. Summers are quite hot and humid. Monsoons are going to be wet and humid. Winters are cold with clear skies.

The best time to visit Kolkata is between the months of October to March.

October and November: This is the autumn season with clear blue skies and warm weather. Humidity is still there though. This is one of the best time to visit Kolkata as Durga Puja, the largest and craziest festival of the Bengalis are celebrated in October (sometimes it is late September as well).

December to March: December to mid-February is the winter season when the weather remains cold and less humid. This is the best time to visit Kolkata. This is the time when various fairs and festivals are held in Kolkata. Kolkata Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs is held in the month of January.

April to May: These are the summer months and Kolkata is quite hot and humid during this time. Perspiration is the most common difficulty you will face and exploring the city during the day time can be quite taxing.

June to September: Usually the monsoon months, but for the last 2 years, monsoon have been pushed to mid-July. Weather is hot and humid again and rain can play spoilsport in your outdoor plans. But nowadays travellers brave the rain and go out all right. So carry a rainwear or umbrella if you are visiting during this time.

Kolkata Travel Guide | Top Tourist Places to visit in Kolkata

As I said earlier, Kolkata is a mélange of the old and new. A part of the city is the old and decaying one trying to hold on to its past. Here the roads are congested, houses are old and joined to other and there are numerous alleys and boulevards. This part is definitely the older Calcutta. The other part is the swanky modern one with flyovers and malls and modern offices and apartment – the new Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial

One of the most elegant and grand monuments located right in the heart of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial is a must-visit attraction of Kolkata. The white marble structure is perhaps one of the most opulent structures to be built by the British in Calcutta. Victoria Memorial was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 25 years of rule over India. Spread across an area of 64 acres, the white marble structure is surrounded by well-maintained gardens.

Victoria Memorial is one of the favourite destinations of the Kolkatans as well. Come winter, and you will see hundreds of people on the lawns of Victoria Memorial. There is a museum as well that houses a number of antique items.

Timings: The Garden remains open from 5.30 AM to 6.15 PM everyday. The Victoria Memorial Hall (museum remains open between 10AM to 5 PM. The Museum remains closed on Mondays.

Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indians and INR 200 for foreign visitors.

Nearest Metro Station: Maidan Metro

Kalighat Temple

Kalighat Temple is one of the most revered temples of Kolkata and Goddess Kali is considered to be the guardian deity of the city. It is often said that the name of the city has been derived from Kalighat, but this fact is historically inaccurate. Kalighat Temple is believed to be one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of Hinduism. The right foot of Devi Sati fell here while the Rudra Tandava of Lord Shiva.

The idol inside the temple is made of black stone. An interesting feature of the Goddess Kali of Kalighat temple is the long protruding tongue, made of pure gold.

The Kalighat Temple is always busy with devotees flocking down to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the divine Goddess. Be careful of your belongings while you visit the temple. Buy Puja offerings from the vendors only if you wish to pay offerings inside the temple.

Timings: The temple is open from 5 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 10.30 PM

Entry Fee: Nil

Nearest Metro Station: Both Kalighat Metro and Jatin Das Park Metro

Howrah Bridge

The most iconic structure of Kolkata is perhaps the Howrah Bridge. Built across the Hooghly River, it forms the gateway to Kolkata connecting the city to Howrah Station. The Howrah Bridge is said to be the fourth busiest cantilever bridge in the world with thousands of people travelling across the bridge while entering and leaving Kolkata. The bridge is 1528 feet long and 62 feet wide.

If you are coming to Kolkata by train, you might have to cross the Howrah Bridge to enter Kolkata. You can get a great view of the iconic bridge from a boat ride on the Hooghly River.

Dalhousie Square

Kolkata is actually a city of many firsts. It was the first city in India to have a Page 3 newspaper. It was the first city in India to have an authentic Italian restaurant (not your Dominos Pizza and Pizza Huts), the city was the first to have a metro line as well. And many of these firsts bear testimony in the Dalhousie area.

Dalhousie Square area was known as the “White Town” during the British era. After the Battle of Plassey, the British shifted the capital of Bengal to Calcutta and built it with the aim of making it the “Second City of the Empire”. They were successful and it is evident by the presence of a number of colonial architecture in the Dalhousie Square area. Walk by the Raj Bhavan, explore around the GPO, take a peek into the Company stables and rest your feet by the Lal Dighi. You can also visit the St. John’s Church area as well. And while you walk along the area, listen to the interesting tales from the past.

Indian Museum

Indian Museum was founded in 1814 and is the largest and oldest multipurpose museum not only in India but also in the Asia Pacific region. In Kolkata, it is fondly known as “ Jadughar ”. The Museum contains a collection of contemporary as well as old paintings (Mughal paintings are also present), Buddha relics, Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures. The museum also has a rare collection of antiques, ornaments, fossils and skeletons and many more. Currently, there are 35 galleries in the museum.

Opening Time: Opened on all days of the week except Monday

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (March to November) and 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (December to February)

Entry Fee: INR 20 (For Indians) INR 500 (For foreign tourists)

Nearest Metro: Park Street Metro

If you are reading about Kolkata, then you must have heard about the famous Durga Puja of the city. Kumartuli is the place where the Durga idols are made. The place is the residence of the “kumors” or potters who had settled down in the area during the early eighteenth century. Before the Durga Puja (held in October), the lanes and mazes of Kumartuli becomes busy with the idol makers working on their craft. You can visit Kumartuli and see the idol makers working. But be careful as you walk so as not to harm the idols in any way.

Nearest Metro: Sovabazar Metro

Mallick Ghat Flower Market

Just below the Howrah Bridge, the chaotic and loud market of flowers, the Mullick Ghat Flower Market is located. It is the largest flower market of Kolkata and is obviously a photographer’s delight. The market starts at 4 AM in the morning as the flower sellers from the nearby areas pour in with their merchandise – various flowers in this case. The market is overcrowded, dirty and completely chaotic, but this is where you see a colourful and raw Kolkata without any pretensions.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Just near the Victoria Memorial stands the elegant and beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is considered to be the first Episcopal Church of the eastern region. The church built in all-white looks majestic and has a beautiful architecture. You can enter the church and sit there quietly for some time. photography is not allowed inside the church.

Nearest Metro: Rabindra Sadan Metro.

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

John’s Church

St. John’s Church is one of the oldest churches to be built in Kolkata. It is not only a religious site, but also has immense historical importance. The church is a repository of old historic documents related to Kolkata. The land on which the church was built was initially a burial ground. The garden around the church still has a number of graveyards, the most significant of them being the tomb of Job Charnock, who is believed to be the founder of Kolkata.

Timings: 8AM to 5PM

Location: 2/2, Council House Street. The church is located near Raj Bhavan

Princep Ghat

Princep Ghat or Prinsep Ghat is one of the most beautiful places in Kolkata where you can simply sit and enjoy. Located beside the banks of the Hooghly River, the pristine white structure with the second Hooghly Bridge at the background looks just majestic. The Princep Ghat is one of the best examples of the colonial architecture and one of the grandest monument built to access the riverfront.

You can visit Princep Ghat and sit around the huge lawn surrounding the structure. You can also take a boat ride on the Hooghly River. There is a railway station by the same name, which is a stop for the circular railway in Kolkata.

How to reach: There is no metro station nearby. If you are coming from Howrah, take a ferry ride across the river to reach Princep Ghat. Otherwise, Uber, Ola and the yellow taxi of Kolkata will bring you here from anywhere in Kolkata.

Dakshineswar Temple

Another famous and revered temple of Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the oldest in Kolkata. It was founded by Rani Rashmoni in 1855, Ramkrishna Deb, the highly revered religious ascetic used to be the main pandit of Dakshineswar Temple.

Dakshineswar Temple is located about 20 km from central Kolkata at the banks of the Hooghly River. On the opposite bank of the temple is the famous Belur Math. Dakshineswar Temple receives a lot of visitors almost every day. You can visit the Temple and Belur Math together. Ferry services are available from Dakshineswar Ferry Ghat to Belur Math Ghat.

Belur Math is the headquarters of Ramkrishna Math and Mission and represents the idea of Universal faith. The mind behind Belur math was Swami Vivekananda, the famous disciple of Sri Ramkrishna, who had taken the message of Hinduism to the western world. Belur Math is also located on the banks of the Hooghly River and is regarded as “Symphony in architecture” as it combines Hindu, Islamic, Christian and Buddhist architectural elements to symbolize the unity of religion.

Belur Math is quite a serene place where you can spend some time sitting and meditating. The peace in the Belur Math campus would be quite a pleasant experience.

Mother House

The Mother House is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity that was founded by Mother Teresa. The house served as the Mother’s residence since1953 till her death in 1997. Her body was laid to rest in a tomb inside the house. You can visit the tomb and a small museum displaying her personal belongings.

Location: Ripon Street

Entry Fee: Free.

Botanical Gardens, Shibpur

Botanical Gardens or Acharya Jagadish ChandraBose Indian Botanic Garden is located on the west bank of River Hooghly at Shibpur. The garden covering a huge area of 273 acres was established in 1787. The garden contains about 12000 perennial plants. The main attraction of Botanical Gardens is the colossal banyan tree known as the Great Banyan Tree. This tree forms the second largest canopy in the world. Botanical Garden is like a breath of fresh air near Kolkata. There is a lot of walking to be done here, so wear comfortable shoes.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM everyday except Mondays

Entry Fee: INR 10 (for Indians) and INR 200 (for foreigners)

Eco Park, New Town

All these long, I had told you mainly about heritage places in the city. If you want to see the modern Kolkata, then a visit to Eco-park in New Town is a must. Eco Park or Eco-tourism Park is an expansive urban park designed to promote ecotourism in the city. The park has been built across a huge area of 480 acres and has a number of interesting gardens and places.

The most interesting attraction of the Ecopark is the Seven Wonders of the World where replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World are built across the park. There are various gardens like the tea garden, butterfly garden, mask garden, fruit garden, rose garden etc inside the park. A huge water body surrounds the park and boating facilities are also available there. Ecopark is a great place to spend time as well as to get some knowledge about Kolkata and Bengal.

Just near the Gate No.3 at Eco Park stands the Mishti Hub, a novel concept wherein most of the famous sweets shops in Bengal are found under one roof. Here you will get some of the best sweets of Kolkata, all under one roof. This is just the place to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Timings: During summer between 2.30 PM to 8.30 PM. For Sundays and Holidays, the park remains open from 12 PM to 8.30 PM. During the winter season (November – February) between 12 PM to 7.30 PM. For Sundays and Holidays, the park remains open from 11 AM to 8.30 PM. The Park remains closed on Mondays.

Entry Fee: Rs.30 per person. Inside the park, individual activities have individual rates.

Things to do in Kolkata

Where to stay in kolkata.

In Kolkata, you will find hotels of various ranges and types all through the city. A google search on the best places to stay in Kolkata will give you areas near Esplanade and Sudder Street. Infact, Sudder Street is the first choice of most of the foreign tourists visiting in Kolkata.

If you want to stay in the heart of the city where you can see the city in her full form, then stay near Esplanade, Park Street or Sudder Street.

If you want to stay somewhere near the airport, then try for hotels near New Town and Chinar Park.

Kolkata does not have the hostel culture developed yet, but there are a couple of hostels in the city. You can check out Offbeat CCU.

Kolkata Travel Guide | What to eat in Kolkata?

Kolkata is a foodies’ paradise. The Bengalis love their food, be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian. The street food in Kolkata is one of the best. Kolkata food has Bengali cuisine influence all right in its street food and snacks, but you will get food from other regions here as well. Street food of Kolkata includes lip-smacking rolls, phuchkas, bhelpuri, papri chat etc.

While in Kolkata, you must taste the Bengali cuisine. Bengali food is not only about fish and rice, but much more. But it is definitely about sweets and lots of sweet dishes. Bengalis love their sweet treats and no Bengali meal is ever complete without the quintessential rosogolla.

Some of the best places to have Bengali food are:

• Kasturi (our personal favourite)
• 6, Ballygunge Place
• Bhojohori Manna
• Oh! Calcutta
• Mitra Café (only for snacks and treats)

Other well-known restaurants of Kolkata that you might try out

For Biriyani & Kebabs:

• Indian Restaurant at Khidirpore
• Shiraz Golden restaurant

For Chinese

• Mainland China
• Buddha Bites
• Any restaurant at Chinatown in Tangra

Just remember, Chinese in Kolkata is mostly Indianized Chinese that has evolved catering to the taste of local population. You might not get authentic Chinese experience here. But even then, this Chinese version is also just too good!

Continental

• Peter Cat, Park Street (One of my favourites)
• Moulin Rouge, Park Street (I absolutely love the ambience here. This place still has a piano that is played in the evening)
• Mocambo, again at Park Street
• Barbeque Nation

Kolkata Travel Guide | Interesting places to visit near Kolkata 

From Kolkata, you can make a day trip or 2 days trip to a few places like Sunderbans, Shantiniketan and Mandarmani. Each of the places has its own speciality and will be a different experience.

For day trips near Kolkata, you can visit Chandannagore (erstwhile French Town), Bandel Church, Hooghly Imambara and others.

What are the best places for shopping in Kolkata?

Kolkata has a lot of interesting shopping places. Kolkata has different markets for different items. The New Market, Esplanade Market and Gariahat market are shopper’s paradise. You will get clothes, shoes, fashion items, jewellery, food and household items in all these markets.

New Market happens to be one of the most favourite places for Kolkata shoppers even in the times of glitzy malls and high-end shops. As a child, we were told that at New Market, you get almost everything. We still believe in that till date. For all things Bengali and traditional, visit the Dakshinapan Market at Gariahat.

College Street is the market place for book and education items. Again, it was said that if you do not get a book in College Street, perhaps that book never existed. You just need to look for it.

And if you are looking for Malls, then there are South City Mall at Prince Anwar Shah Road, City Centre at Salt Lake, City Centre II at New Town, Acropolis near Ruby etc.

Kolkata Travel Guide (FAQs answered)

Q. How many days are required?

The number of days depends on what you would like to do in the city. Usually Kolkata serves as a stop for travellers before travelling further to Darjeeling and northeast India. Minimum of 2 days are required to explore Kolkata and cover the important places to visit in Kolkata.

Q. How is the mobile connectivity and Internet?

Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal and has proper mobile and internet connectivity.

If you are a foreign toursit arriving at Kolkata and looking for a Sim Card, you can check Sims Direct .

Q. Is Kolkata expensive?

Well, Kolkata can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. Generally, Kolkata is not an expensive city to live. You can probably break the cost of your travel in Kolkata in the following way:

Accommodation: This cost is as per your choice. You will get rooms at hotels at as low as Rs500 while there are expensive 5-star properties as well. In general, the cost of accommodation can be between Rs1500 to Rs3000 for a good budget hotel.

Food: Food can be quite cheap here. Within Rs500 you will get all the three meals and more.

Transport: Public Transport is cheap in Kolkata compared to other Indian metros. If you can travel by public transport, then you can reduce your cost to a considerable amount.

Q. What about the nightlife in Kolkata?

It might not be as happening as in Mumbai, but Kolkata has an active nightlife. There are some amazing bars, pubs, clubs and lounges that are hosts to the thriving party scene of the city. Most of the nightlife in Kolkata is concentrated in the Park Street area. If I had to name a few, then they would be:

• Someplace Else , Park Street – one of the most famous pubs in the city
• Roxy , Park Street – upscale cocktail bar
• Shisha Bar , Camac Street
• Tantra , Park Street – stylish lounge
• Nocturne , Theatre Road – Nightclub

And yes, Kolkata is absolutely safe at night. I have travelled after midnight in the city without any problem.

A few things you should be aware of while visiting Kolkata

• Please be wary of over-friendly taxi drivers on your arrival, be at the airport or railway station. I am not saying that they are bad person, but they will usually try to extort a larger amount for taxi fare, more so if you are a foreign tourist. I would suggest you go to the prepaid counter at the airport or railway station and take a taxi to your hotel or accommodation. At other times, ask the yellow taxi drivers to go by the meter.
• Be easy about the street food you eat. You might get a stomach problem if you are not careful.
• Also, watch out for the water you drink. Don’t just drink water from anywhere, especially tap waters.

There are lots more things to do in Kolkata, a lot more places to visit. This Kolkata Travel Guide is designed for first-timers in the city which will help you get acquainted with the city. If you are visiting Kolkata and have any questions, please feel free to ask us in your comments or just send us a mail.

Pin this for a later read!

Agni Amrita

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28 comments.

Hoping to go to this city soon, came across your site while looking up details. Helpful and lots of info, thanks so much !

A must visit place in Kolkata, the collection is huge and it will take 1-2hr to see all the sections properly. They also exhibit different art, paintings, photographs, and other collectibles from time to time. Please watch my presentation on the archeological section of Kolkata Museum

Thank you for mentioning about your collection here. Hope you will have more visitors.

Kolkata is my Favourite place i was born in kolkata thank you for sharing this lovely blog

Thank you Rahul!

Great blog and very interesting information. Do you have any good recomendation for hotels around “Esplanade, Park Street or Sudder Street”, for a Solo travellers where luxary is not a requirement

Very Nice explanation . Can I get any pdf version of this guide details?

Sure. How do I send it?

This is a great post. One of my favorites was being respecful with the culture. I always love being totally present in the moment and be aware of what I’m living.

Very great content. Nice reading this blog.

Very good explanation of every topic .It describe the culture and life style of kolkata.

The post is informative. You explain every traveling guideline in an informative manner.

Thank you so much.

You well explain. Very useful information. This information make my journey easy.

Good blog with genuine information. Thanks for writing.

Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I am planning to visit kolkata in next navratri. This info would help me a lot

Dear Team Excellent report. My heartfelt thanks to you. I am planning to visit Kolkatta next month with my daughter for about 4 days. Now i have a good idea to plan my trip. Thank you once again.

Regards Ram

Hello Ram! Thank you so much for stopping by our blog. Hope you have a great time in Kolkata with your daughter. And do let us know how your trip went

It’s very helpful to learn in advance about the best behavior at the place you plan to visit. Thanks for the great tips and useful advice.

Thank you so much!

Lots of hard work done. Great Job!

You have done a good job. Travellers will find your blog very useful. Keep on doing Best wishes

Thank you so much! Glad that you liked it!

It was nice reading your blog. Marvelous work!. A blog is brilliantly written and provides all necessary information. Thanks for sharing this useful post with us.

Thank you for your kind words.

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The Best Kolkata Itinerary for 3 days – A mini travel guide

Last Updated on April 18, 2024

This is a short travel guide and a suggestive Kolkata itinerary to prepare you for your first visit to the city of joy.

Kolkata is my city, the city where I grew up in. Kolkata, formerly called, Calcutta is the cultural capital of India, and a gateway to the eastern part of the country. Like any other big city of India, Kolkata can be overwhelming and confusing, and takes time to grow on you.

So, if you have a short time to see Kolkata, you need to plan well ahead. No worries, that’s exactly why I am writing this post.

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

Short on time? Save a quick glance of Kolkata in 3 Days

You can jump to the detailed itinerary and tips here .

A Quick Outline

A Brief Overview

Kolkata is one of the four original metropolitan cities of India. If you are travelling to India, it’s a convenient entry or exit point as it has one of the busiest international airports in the country. It is also the gateway to the North-East region of India.

Want to extend your trip beyond Kolkata? Escape to the Eastern Himalayas for the unforgettable views of Kanchenjunga – the world’s third highest peak.

Kolkata used to be the capital during the British colonial period. It was the nucleus of various social reforms during the 19th century spearheaded by luminaries in the field of art, science, and literature. This is often referred to as the Bengal Renaissance because of the deep impact it had on Indian society.

Interestingly Kolkata was also the center of India’s struggle for freedom from British imperialism.

Kolkata’s history is also checkered by tragedies like the Calcutta riots, partition, and the great Bengal famine of 1945.

This small introduction is necessary to understand the culture of Kolkata and the nature of the people there.

You will find some of the friendliest people in the city. Many of them are highly educated, culturally rooted, and politically opinionated .

You will also notice the poverty, and social inequality that stares at your face like nowhere else (except maybe in Mumbai). A series of political changes at the state and national level since British rule has led to Kolkata’s economic downfall.

The city lives in its past glories, and a sense of nostalgia resonates everywhere.

Now before I take you on a virtual journey through my city, I’d like to share the best travel sites for vacationing in India.

Sites I Recommend For Your Kolkata Trip

🏨 Booking.com  for the best hotel prices (Price match and free cancellations)

🛏️ Look out for hostels in Kolkata on Hostelworld

🚗Get discounts on package tours and special experiences with Viator

💸Secure your vacation with travel insurance from Visitors Coverage

🚶🏼‍♂️ Free walking tours on Freetour

Kolkata Itinerary for 3 days – At A Glance

Kolkata has somehow earned the reputation of being filthy and overcrowded. Having lived in multiple big cities all over India I can say it’s partially true, but completely unfair. Large parts of Kolkata are just as dirty as large parts of Mumbai.

Some of the heritage areas of North and Central Kolkata are dirty, like Kumartuli (the potter’s town), Barabazaar (the big market), Sobhabazaar (where you find the centuries-old residential buildings of the affluent), etc. The historic Kalighaat Temple is not somewhere I would take a first-time visitor to on a 3-day trip if I were the guide.

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I’d recommend starting with the Esplanade and Maidan area, which happens to be one of the most well-planned parts of the city. This is where you will find the famous Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum , wide tree-laden walkways leading to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Birla Planetarium , and Prinsep Ghat.

The next day you can tread into North Kolkata, which is like Old Delhi or Old Hyderabad. Here you will find red-tainted colonial buildings, hand-pulled rickshaws, and a bucket-load of nostalgia. 

You can spend the whole of day two visiting the cultural precincts of old Kolkata or head further North to the New Town . It is the newest part of the city, well-planned, glamorous, and aspirational, with decorated highways, an amazing modern architectural complex, and many parks.

On the third day, you can do an excursion to Dakshineswar Kali temple and Belur Math . Let me take you on this virtual tour over three days in Kolkata.

Day 1 in Kolkata – Explore the heart of the city

Arrive early at the airport and freshen up at your hotel for a long day. I’d recommend you stay near Esplanade and Park Street because they’re in the heart of the city.

Besides you will have access to the best restaurants and nightlife, Metro station, and bus connectivity. Hopefully, you will be able to start your trip by 11 a.m.

Alternatively, I recommend these walking tours in Kolkata on your first day.

• Kolkata in Detail & Food Hopping – A free walking tour
• 3-Hour Heritage Walking tour that covers entry fees and pick-up and drop

Visit Indian Museum

Indian Museum – The oldest museum in Asia

Start your day with a trip to the Indian Museum, the largest museum in the Asia Pacific and one of the oldest in the world. Founded in 1814 by the Asiatic Society, this multipurpose 3- 3-storied museum houses galleries of art, archaeology, geology, and industrial and zoological collections.

You will find a vast collection of rare artifacts, fossils, etc., including a 4000-year-old Egyptian mummy. It’s a great way to start your trip. But have a time-check because we have a lot to see today!

Opening time: 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays and National Holidays

Victoria Memorial

From Indian Museum, take a cab to Victoria Memorial.

Established in 1901, this is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. This white architectural masterpiece was made in memory of Queen Victoria, soon after her death. It is a fusion of European and Mughal architecture that draws great inspiration from the Taj Mahal.

The resplendent garden of Victoria Memorial remains open from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. You can see budding artists painting, families playing in the parks, lovebirds looking to steal some private moments, and shutterbugs all around.

The hall of the Victoria Memorial houses an exquisite collection of original paintings, western and Indian, rare photographs, and manuscripts. You will also find artwork made by prisoners of the Alipore Jail.

Shopping and Lunch at Esplanade

After exploring the two largest and most historic landmarks of the city, you must have realized that it’s late in the afternoon and you’re tired. Take a short cab ride to Aminia, one of the best restaurants in this area. There are many other restaurants and eateries here.

After lunch, you can head to New Market for shopping . Formerly called Hogg Sahib’s Market in the name of its founder, New Market is one of the oldest and best shopping destinations in India. A vast area of shops inside a red brick building is one of the heritage areas to explore and shop to your heart’s delight.

From fashionable garments and jewelry to cakes and rare herbs, you will find everything under the same roof. Near the Esplanade metro station, there is a long line of street hawkers selling all kinds of stuff like watches, sunglasses, perfumes, etc.

St Paul’s Cathedral

So, after a lunch and shopping break, we can continue with the city tour and reach St Paul’s Cathedral. It is one of the most austere churches I have seen in India. Located at a walking distance from the Victoria Memorial the church stands adjacent to the Birla Planetarium .

If you have time, I strongly recommend you visit the planetarium for a show with kids, but you may not be able to accommodate it in a 3-day itinerary.

Besides the British, Kolkata has been home to Jewish, Armenian, Scottish, and Portuguese communities as well. It’s one of those rare cities where you can visit the places of worship of more than 8 different religions – Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, Tao, Jews, and maybe even more.

I highly recommend exploring these in a Church Walking Tour here .

Prinsep Ghat

Next on our list today is the Prinsep Ghat, another beautiful white building located at the riverfront. This is an ideal place to visit in the evening to watch the sunset and enjoy the cool evening breeze of the Ganges.

It is one of the most romantic destinations in Kolkata so photographers throng here for pre-wedding photo shoots and sunset shots.

It’s my favorite place in the city and I have a full article dedicated to the Prinsep Ghat of Kolkata . You will find the old circular railway line, the colorful boats sailing in the river, and the stunning sunset at the Second Hooghly Bridge, aka, Vidyasagar Setu.

On the other side of the sunset is the iconic Howrah Bridge , the only cantilever bridge in India.

Millennium Park

Now if you have the energy to walk 2 km along the beautified riverfront with trees, blossoms, and fountains on both sides, you can reach the Millenium Park.

This will give you a closer view of the Howrah Bridge . This is just a small recreation park where you can spend time admiring the river. However, you can skip this if you are tired.

Birla Mandir

The last stop in our day will be the Birla Mandir, a temple dedicated to Hindu God Krishna and his consort Radha. This is a beautiful white temple located in Ballygunge, about 6.5 km from the Prinsep Ghat, so take a cab from here or at Millennium Park.

It’s a magnificent piece of architecture made of marble and sandstone. The Birla family, an illustrious business family based out of Kolkata commissioned this temple in 1970. It took 26 years to complete this temple and it was finally opened in 1996.

Dinner at Ballygunge

You can have your dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place, one of the most famous multi-cuisine restaurants in Kolkata. This is located just 650 meters away from the temple. There are many other options for fine dining in the area like Spice Craft, Kasturi, etc.

Day 2 in Kolkata – North Kolkata and Beyond

On Day 2 we will start early after a healthy brunch and head to north Kolkata. You may be lodged at the heart of the city, but its soul lies in the narrow, dreary alleys of North Calcutta.

It’s a good idea to visit the West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau, located in BBD Bag before you begin your exploration for the day. It will give you an idea of all the places of attraction and help you plan your day.

If you plan to visit the Marble Palace, you need to collect a pass from WB tourism compulsorily.

Marble Palace (optional)

Marble Palace is a 19th-century palatial mansion that was established in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick, the wealthiest Bengali merchant of his time. This is private property, so you need prior permission from the West Bengal Tourism bureau .

Built in the neoclassical style of architecture, this is a great place for lovers of art and architecture. It has a humble collection of paintings, but you can cover this place in less than 30 minutes.

Open timings: 10 am to 3 pm, closed on Mondays and Thursdays

Mullick Ghat flower market (optional)

A rather unique experience in Kolkata is a visit to the Mullick Ghat flower market. It is believed to be the largest flower market in Asia and is especially exciting for tourists from the West. The chaos, the crowd, and the cacophony leave up to the Indian stereotype quite well.

On a serious note, the market has great historic and cultural significance, so it’s a good place to include in the itinerary.

Make sure you reach there early in the morning (around 6 am) to catch the spectacle of fresh flowers being cut and prepared for the sale. Else, you may as well skip it and start your day with the Marble Palace instead. 

I highly recommend this guided tour for a trip to the flower market.

Jorasanko Thakurbari – The ancestral house of Rabindranath Tagore

If you don’t know about Rabindranath Tagore, you should certainly read up. He is the first non-European Nobel Laureate but that’s just the tip of the iceberg called Tagore. He is the shining star of Bengal Renaissance, the one who is fondly remembered for his countless musings that Bengalis hum and recite in their everyday lives.

Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the ancestral home of Tagore and has galleries dedicated to his life and works in India and abroad. The highlights of this house are the separate galleries funded and maintained by the government of China, Japan, the US, and Hungary in his honor.

Depending on your interest you can spend 1-2 hours here and also come back in the evening for a light and sound show.

Open Timings: 10:30 am to 5 pm, closed on Mondays

Kumartuli – The Potter’s colony

Our next stop is Kumartuli, the potter’s colony located 2 km away from Jorasanko. This is a 300-year-old settlement of potters, the skilled artisans who bring life to mud and make exquisite sculptures.

They make famous idols for Durga Puja that is sent across the pandals in Kolkata as well as other parts of West Bengal.

Many of these artists are called to UK and USA for making idols for religious festivals. While Durga Puja is the grandest of all, the artists are busy throughout the year making idols for various cultural and religious festivals.

As the saying goes, “baro mashe tero paarbon”, meaning Bengalis celebrate 13 festivals in 12 months of the year. No wonder the potters have a busy life.

Biswa Bangla Flyover

From here you can take a cab and drive straight to New Town. While North Calcutta is the cultural precinct of Kolkata, it also comes with its own baggage of all the bad things people might have told you about the city. Old roads, narrow (often stinky) alleys, and dilapidated buildings.

New Town is a complete antithesis. The Biswa-Bangla Flyover leading to Eco Park symbolizes the aspirational side of the city’s character. Kolkata has long been romanticized for its past. People here like to lie back and reminisce about their golden past without any ambition for the future.

The ride over the Biswa Bangla flyover somehow shows the ambitious side of the city, but that too is wrapped in nostalgia. Traditional artwork, statues of Bengali icons of the past, and quotes about Bengali heritage adorn the roads. You will come across the striking Biswa Bangla Gate, aka, the Kolkata Gate which has a floating cafe on it.

You can stop at any of the amusement parks in this area – the older ones like Science City or Nicco Park, the latter ones like the Aquatica, or the newest one like Eco Park.

In fact, the older travel guides will tell you to visit the Botanical Garden , that houses the oldest Banyan tree in the world. Sure, that was one of the best places in Kolkata when I was growing up, but I’m going to recommend my favorite now.

Eco Park , a theme park spread over 480 acres is the biggest urban park in India. You can hire a bike or electric vehicle, or even get a ticket to an electric toy train to explore the huge park. With a nominal entry fee of only Rs. 30 per person, this huge green oasis is segmented into a large number of thematic sections.

There is a large artificial lake for boating and water sports, which is bordered by a beautiful lakefront promenade lined by coconut trees, a butterfly garden, a fruit orchard, a meadow of wild flowering plants, and a rose garden are some of the notable spots for natural beauty.

There’s also a sculpture garden showcasing sculptures of 19th and 20th-century legends, a mask garden with a large display of traditional masks, “Biswa Bangla Haat” which is a supermarket for authentic artwork from West Bengal’s cottage industries, and Rabi Aranya, a forest dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore’s literary pieces.

However, the most famous highlight of Eco park is the Seven Wonders Park which has beautiful replicas of the Colosseum of Rome, The Great Wall of China, Christ Statue of Rio, and other man-made wonders of the world. Entry to some sections is free while some like the seven wonders park require additional fees.

Nightlife on park street

If you have the energy you can go clubbing in Park Street or simply take a food tour at night . I am not partisan at all when I say Kolkata is a foodie’s paradise.

Day 3 in Kolkata – A Spiritual Excursion

This is your last full day in Kolkata. You can explore various other places inside the city or you can take a day trip to two of the most famous places near the city, the Dakshineshwar Temple and Belur Math. In fact this excursion is one of the top things to do in Kolkata.

You can either go there in the morning and return in the afternoon or spend the morning in Kolkata and visit Dakshineswar in the late afternoon. I’d suggest the latter because sunset at Ganges in Belur Math is a sight to behold.

Start early with a breakfast at BBD Bagh, aka Dalhousie Square. This place is also known for the best street food in Kolkata. The street food here is cheap and hygienic as per WHO standards. I’d recommend the traditional Luchi alur-dom or Luchi chholar dal followed by a Bengali sweet for breakfast. You can also go for Bread-omelet, Kachuri, etc.

BBD Bag is the old business hub of Kolkata, which has most of the government offices – the Writer’s Building, the General Post Office, the Reserve Bank of India, and all state headquarters of all the nationalized banks.

Also known as Dalhousie Square this place is named after three freedom fighters – Binoy, Badal, and Dinesh. You can spend the morning loitering around the streets of BBD Bag, admiring the colonial architecture, and enjoying the street food.

Want to bring the taste of India to your home? Check out this massive list of Best Street Food in India and their recipes at home.

College Street

If you are a book-lover then skip BBD Bag and head straight to College Street in the morning. This is the largest area dedicated to bookstores where you can find everything from college textbooks to the rarest books on the planet.

Also known as “ boi-para ” meaning book mart, it is the largest second-hand book market in the world. This is a center of eminence frequented by students, academicians, researchers, and bibliophiles.

It was named so in 1817 when the Hindu College was founded by British officer David Hare which later came to be known as the Presidency University. College Street now houses most of the best colleges in Kolkata namely the University of Calcutta, Calcutta Medical College, Sanskrit College etc. 

Another attraction of College Street is the Coffee House. It is just an old unit of the Indian Coffee House chain of restaurants but has a nostalgic value. Some of the greatest intellectuals of the 20th century including Subhash Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, and Satyajit Ray frequented the coffee house to discuss their ideas over a cup of coffee.

It’s just this romanticism, otherwise, neither the ambiance nor the coffee here is great now.

Dakshineswar Kaali Bari

After breakfast and some stroll, it’s time for a day trip. Head to Dakshineswar Kaali Temple, one of the most revered temples in India. Photography is not allowed inside the temple premises. You will have to leave your footwear and electronics in a secure locker outside.

Built in Navaratna style, Dakshineswar is an architectural treasure. Commissioned by Rani Rashmoni Devi in 1855, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.

It was home to priest Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and his wife Sarada Devi. He was the teacher of Swami Vivekananda, and it is in this temple that he advocated the unity of all religions. This huge complex is peaceful and vibrant at the same time, a must-visit place when you are in Kolkata.

The best time of the year to visit Dakshineswar is during the Kali Puja which happens at the time of Diwali in India.

If you are staying longer, I recommend a guided day trip to Bishnupur – a land of terracotta temples and unmatchable textile heritage.

Take a ferry across the river to reach Belur Math on the opposite side of Ganga. It was established by the world-renowned spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda. He formed the group Ramakrishna Mission, a group of monks dedicated to the service of humanity.

The temple of Belur Math is an architectural amalgamation of religions across the world, symbolizing unity in diversity.

Swami Vivekananda spent years as a wandering monk with his fellow brothers serving the poor and sick people all over India before he formed Belur Math.

It is home to the monks of Ramakrishna Mission which conducts humanitarian work in India and abroad. Durga Puja is the most prominent religious celebration in Belur Math.

Along with Hindu festivities, Belur Math also celebrates Buddha Jayanti and Christmas Eve. Watch the sunset at the Ganga-ghats and return to the temple to experience the mesmerizing evening “aarti”. 

This marks the end of our 3-day tour of Kolkata on a spiritual high. This is the best that I can fit realistically into a 3-day Kolkata itinerary, although there are many more places to explore.

The mega-city Kolkata can be quite overwhelming for a first-time visitor. If you have only a day or two in Kolkata as a first-time visitor, I recommend one of these full-day organized tours.

• Full day tour with lunch
• Full day photography tour of Kolkata

Where to stay in Kolkata?

I recommend you stay in the heart of the city near Esplanade and Park Street. However, if you are more interested in a serene location away from the city center, yet close to the newer attractions like Eco Park, you can choose to stay in Salt Lake or New Town. Here are some recommendations.

Hotels in Luxury Range

• Taj Bengal $$$$

A heritage 5-star hotel located in Alipore conveniently close to prime tourist attractions like Victoria Memorial, Kalighat, and the business district of Kolkata.

• Oberoi Grand $$$$

Another fantastic property close to major tourist zones as well as shopping areas like New Market. It is accessible via the subway (metro stations) of Esplanade and Park Street.

• ITC Sonar Bangla $$$$

An exquisite luxury hotel located near Science City and has easy access to the Newtown region.

Hotels in 4-star and 3-star category

• Elgin Fairlawn $$$ – Located near the Indian Museum
• Fairfield by Mariott $$$ – Located in Newtown (close to Ecopark, Wax Museum and other new attractions)
• The Park Suites $$ -Located in the throbbing Park Street

Check out more options for Kolkata hotels here .

How many days are required to visit Kolkata?

You require atleast 3 days to explore Kolkata to be able to appreciate the diversity and culture of this city. It’s a large populous mega city of India, so you will also face traffic congestion that will slow you down. Hence it will be difficult to see both north and south Kolkata in less than 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Kolkata?

The best time to visit Kolkata in winter which begins in December and ends in early February. The weather is beautiful to enjoy walking in the sunny afternoons and stroll around the Christmas markets in the evening.

If you want to experience the famous Durga Puja of Kolkata , you will need to plan your trip around October/ The exact dates vary every year, so look up the dates online before planning. Avoid the time between late May and early September because of the hot summer followed by incessant rains.

Check the best places to visit in winter in India .

How to travel in Kolkata?

Kolkata is the only city in India where you can find an electric tram network . So, it is an amazing eco-friendly mode of transport within the city. However, many routes are currently non-functional.

The Kolkata Metro is the fastest mode of commute and is amazingly cheap. You can also take yellow taxis for hire or use Ola and Uber for private transport.

Bus connectivity in Kolkata is the best in India based on my personal experience. You can use this official website to check bus routes for planning your intra-city commute.

Related Readings

Thank you for reading the massive post. I hope it inspires you to visit my city and explore the culture of West Bengal .

Don’t miss the list of best places to visit in West Bengal with family . Here are a few more travel stories you might love.

• A trip to Digha From Kolkata
• Hidden Gems of North Bengal
• Complete guide to experiencing Durga Puja in Kolkata
• A Trip to Henry’s Island From Kolkata

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Author Alice is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. She shares her travel stories and exclusive practical tips on Backpack & Explore, that you won't find anywhere else.

29 Comments

What a great, thorough guide! I appreciate all of your insights and will keep this blog pinned for a future reference. Kolkata definitely has a lot of history, culture, and architecture I’d love to explore.

Thank you so much. Hope you enjoy Kolkata as much.

Thanks for sharing so much information! this post is very well detailed I have to admit that my favorite part is when you describe the Kumartuli. I am so much in love with pottery and handy-crafts.

India is one of my favourite countries to explore and yet I have not visited Kolkata, even though I’m fascinated by its rich history. Thank you for providing such a comprehensive guide, I personally would be heading straight to college street. The idea of the largest second hand book market in the world fills me with anticipation!

Ahaa wish I had seen this before my trip but I had a fabulous time, was in Kol for 3 days and visited most places mentioned here and then some more.. loved what I saw, ate and explored..

Thanks Aarti. Glad that you enjoyed Kolkata and hope to see you again in my city 🙂

An extensive guide and wonderful insights. Kolkata is clearly a blend of historical and modern architecture, mixed with traditional cultural and modern twist..

Thanks for including a little bit of history about this city. I think I’m going to have to start adding short historical paragraphs about the places I cover. I didn’t know that the name had changed! India has been on our list for a while and it was great to get a glimpse of your City. Thanks!

An exhaustive guide to Kolkata! Well-done, Sinjana! I am yet to visit the Jorasanko Thakurbari! That’s a nice picture of Belur Math!.

Great post, Kolkata has so much to explore. I love the details and makes it easy for a first-timer to explore the city with confidence.

What a great post! I learned so much about Kolkata and what it has to offer!

Very interesting post. I was surprised that a lot of the architecture looked so European. I have a few friends that have visited and have reported back what a lovely place it is.

Thanks for the detailed information and tips. I loved your pictures. So much to see in this stunning city! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Anita for reading and sharing your views

I had no idea there were so many historic and beautiful sites to see in Kolkata. I would love to see this place someday and follow the itinerary you’ve recommended.

I haven’t visited India yet, but Prinsep Ghat seems like a lovely place to wander along the water and watch the sunset. What’s your favorite dish in this foodie’s paradise?

It is so amazing! I’m from Kolkata and have visited all this places. But never like a trip to Kolkata .Few of my friends are planning to visit Kolkata from Ranchi. I’m so lazy to make a itinerary for them that’s why I went through your article. Its so perfect. I’m definitely going to follow this with my friends.

Thank you so much Tarumita. I wish you a fantastic trip and hope you come back to the blog for more ideas.

The report is Thoroughly professional. I am planning to visit Kolkatta next month along with my daughter for 3 to 4 days. Excellent guidance you have given. I dont need to refer any other report.

Thanks and Regards Ram

Thank you so much. I hope you have a great trip and the weather cools down a little bit by then.

Thank you so much for this article. A great guide for the first time visiter with complete insight.

Thank you for giving this more information about the Kolkata and its places, I really Liked It , I want visit the Kolkata and its places , As soon as possible, Thank you

Thanks a lot Kalakar

Thanks a lot dear Sanjna for the selfless tour guide of Kolkata. Its my first and long awaited tour at my late sixties.

Thank you so much for the comment. I hope you have a great time. Wish you a very happy Durga Puja. Reach out to me through comments or mail if you need anything while in Kolkata

Well articulated and informative. Thanks for sharing .planning my visit to kolkata end of Dec with my son and found this very useful for my travel plan. Written in 2020 this article is still useful for us in end of 2023. Thanks a lot .

Thank you so much Saranya. Even though I originally published it earlier, I update my itinerary posts every year. All the information in the article is current.

Ma’am how much do the yellow taxis charge per KM???

Prepaid taxis in kolkata charge is rs. 25 for the first 2 km and then 12 per km. besides that you can also hire no refusal taxis , uber and ola.

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Ultimate Kolkata Travel Guide | 25 Best Things to Do in Kolkata

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In this Ultimate Kolkata Travel Guide, I’m going to share 25 Best things to Do in Kolkata.

Despite Kolkata (aka Calcutta) being once the capital city of India , the thought of visiting Kolkata always intimidated me.  From other travelers and Indians, I’d talked to,  I got the impression it must’ve been the armpit of India ~ poverty and disease-ridden, old, crumbling… Hence, it took my third trip to muster the courage to make it to India’s former capital.

The moment my airport taxi hit the road, I immediately sensed I’d like … no, love this charming, historical, and utterly unique city!

Delhi and Mumbai fell in my eyes; Kolkata beat them with its charm, friendliness, and an old colonial character, completely reframing my experience of an Indian city.  I experienced Kolkata culture shock but it was not what I expected. If you ask me about all the cities I’ve visited, Kolkata is one of my top Indian gems and a city worth spending time in!

This Ultimate Kolkata Travel Guide includes:

25 Best Things to Do in Kolkata Where to Eat in Kolkata Useful Information for Travelers Travel Tips for Solo Travelers Getting Around in Kolkata Where to Stay in Kolkata

Table of Contents: Ultimate Kolkata Travel Guide | 25 Best Things to Do in Kolkata

• 1 Kolkata Travel Guide
• 2.0.1 1. Esplanade
• 2.0.2 2. Mullick Ghat Flower Market
• 2.0.3 3. Howrah Bridge
• 2.0.4 4. Howrah Station
• 2.0.5 5. Kumortuli
• 2.0.6 6. Khalighat Temple
• 2.0.7 7.  Tour of the Colonial Architecture
• 2.0.8 8. City Tour by West Bengal Tourism Department
• 2.0.9 9. College Street (aka Book Market)
• 2.0.10 10. Sealdah Station
• 2.0.11 11. Kolay Market  | Burabazzar
• 2.0.12 12.  Kolay Market laborers
• 2.0.13 13. Indian Museum
• 2.0.14 14. New Market
• 2.0.15 15. Jorasanko: the Childhood home of Rabindranath Tagore
• 2.0.16 16. Bowbazar & Marble Palace
• 2.0.17 17.  Mother Theresa’s Tomb
• 2.0.18 18. Day Trip to Sundarbans
• 2.0.19 19. Durga Puja Festival
• 3 Top Attractions of Kolkata (Watch Kolkata Travel Guide Video )
• 4.0.1 20.  Kolkata Food Walk
• 4.0.2 21. Decker Lane
• 4.0.3 22. Mohan Bhandahar
• 4.0.4 23. Ganesh Chandra Avenue (in Bowbazar)
• 4.0.5 24. Makhan Lal Das & Sons
• 5.0.1 25. Fairlie Place (Railway Booking Center for Foreign Tourist Quota Tickets)
• 5.1 Communication: Internet and Indian SIM Cards
• 6 Is Kolkata Safe for Solo Travelers?
• 7.0.1 From the airport
• 7.0.2 Types of Transportation in Kolkata
• 7.0.3 Book bus and train tickets in advance
• 8.0.2 What are your best things to do in Kolkata recommendations for this Kolkata Travel Guide?
• 8.0.3 Related Posts
• 8.1 India Travel Videos: India for Solo Travelers (WATCH THIS BEFORE YOUR TRIP!)

Kolkata Travel Guide

25 best things to do in kolkata.

Kolkata is the capital of India’s West Bengal state. and formerly the capital of India when it was under the British Raj in 1773.  Today it’s a city with a traditional soul, colonial architecture, cultural festivals, lots of car honking and street food . So come along. I’m going to show you my favorite highlights of this unique city.

1. Esplanade

The Esplanade district is a buzzing district that is very Raj-esque in architecture and history. Colonial architecture is present as well as a bit of every man’s shopping area. It’s also the crossroads where you can find a lot of transportation from long-distance buses to trolleys. Nearby hotspots: BBD Bagh, Indian Museum.

2. Mullick Ghat Flower Market

Mullick Ghat Flower Market in Kolkata’s biggest and busiest flower market . Flowers are an essential part of life in the city and are sold for temple prayers, wedding decorations and festivals. Arrive 8 am in the morning to see the flower sellers haggle, negotiate and transport their bundles. Unlike what you see in photos, there are very few female vendors.   The majority of transactions occur between men.

Getting there: It’s next to Howrah Bridge on the opposite side of Howrah Station.

3. Howrah Bridge

Spanning the width of the Hoogly River , you have Howrah Bridge , a steel and iron landmark bridge connecting central Kolkata (and the Mullick Ghat Flower Market ) to Howrah Station . Early in the morning, you can see people going to their daily worship, and taking a bath in the river. A great place for people-watching, you’ll see daily commuters, travelers and work porters transport goods and big bundles of goods at all times of the day.

When you come to India, you will see a lot because India is truly amazing.  Getting There : sandwiched between the  Mullick Ghat Flower Market and Howrah Train Statio n. You can take one of the many buses en route to Howrah Station and have them drop you near the flower market.

4. Howrah Station

Howrah Station is Kolkata’s second railway station and one of India’s largest ! It’s said that an estimated two million people arrive and depart by Howrah station each day.

Note: Getting from the airport to Howrah Station should take at the least 45 minutes, but expect it to take over an hour if you’re traveling during peak traffic hours or during a festival. It’s further than Sealdah Station and you have to cross the river.

Read Ultimate Guide to Indian Trains

5. kumortuli.

Kumortuli or the potter’s colony of Kolkata was by far one of the most fascinating highlights of the city for me. The colony is known for their production of clay idols of Hindu gods and goddesses. I visited before the big Kali festival, so many sculptors were busy at work sculpting Kali goddess statues.

There are hundreds of potter shops and their work supplies Kolkata and is exported throughout India.

It was helpful to be accompanied by a guide I had for a half-day tour with Viator . While much of Kumortoli seems self-explanatory, wandering the shops alone might have felt a little awkward for me.  Having a guide helped me to get closer to my camera.

6. Khalighat Temple

Khalighat temple is the main pilgrimage temple for devotees of Kali. Being the main site, it’s very busy.   There are street vendors and touts trying to usher you in and sell you places to park your shoes and it’s a little too nutty for me now.  If you come at night, there are a lot of festivities where you’ll see a lot of people here and there are a lot of shops to go to.

Read Things to Do in Sikkim, Yuksom

7.  tour of the colonial architecture.

Kolkata was once ruled by the British Raj, so the colonial architecture is a feature of the city.  The most well-preserved architecture is in the BBD Bagh area, which houses government institutions and it’s best to hire a guide or take a city tour in order to understand what to see.

I took a half-day city tour with Viator to learn about Kolkata’s history, see its colonial architecture in the impressive BBD Bagh district, visit the sculptor colony of  Kumortoli and witness the madness of  Burrabazaar /Kolay Market . The tour also took me into the more local pockets of the city.   I got my own personal driver and having an English-speaking guide to share insights into the landmarks was invaluable!  Although I don’t think we were able to cover everything that was mentioned on the website’s itinerary, we covered a helluva lot in a matter of a short time and it was a solid city tour.

8. City Tour by West Bengal Tourism Department

Alternatively, the West Bengal Tourism Department ( www.wbtdc.gov.in ) offers a Kolkata day tour for 450 rupees.  The itinerary doesn’t mention the obvious places mentioned in your guidebook, but depending on your focus or budget, it’s still a viable option. I was unable to take this tour–the office was not easy to find –and it was best to book in person.  But it provides additional sightseeing to your stay.

9. College Street (aka Book Market)

College Street is also known as  Boi Para (aka Book Market ), Asia’s largest book market,  a shining testament of the reading culture of the people of Kolkata. You’ll find every imaginable type of text, in many languages from Bengali to Dutch. First and rare editions from Bengali authors Rabindranath Tagore (see his works ) and Jibanananda Das and more you will find here.

10. Sealdah Station

There are two main train stations in Kolkata  ( Howrah Station & Sealdah Station ). Sealdah Station is one of the busiest railway stations in India. It’s located centrally in the city and one you’d ideally like to arrive in due to that fact. Meanwhile, Howrah Station is further crossing the river, past Howrah Bridge. What defines Sealdah for me is that it’s a stone’s throw from Kolay Market . While I wouldn’t say it was the BEST thing to do, it is a place I wanted to list here because travelers will have to pass through one of these stations. This would be an easier station to arrive at if your hotel was located in the heart of the city.

Getting There from the airport: The station is not accessible via metro. You will need to take either, a city bus or an airport taxi to Sealdah Station.

11. Kolay Market  | Burabazzar

Opposite Sealdah Train Station, Kolay Market is a bustling wholesale market that sells vegetables in wholesale bundles. It is HUGE. Produce comes in from all parts of India and then gets auctioned off and goes back out. Some parcels of produce can weigh up to 400 Kg and four to five persons carry this from the main road off the truck and into the market.

Read Best Things to Do in Darjeeling

12.  kolay market laborers.

So if the sheer quantity of produce in Kolay Market doesn’t impress you maybe this will. .. The Kolay Market laborers that unload and transport those heaping bundles work in long shifts and sleep nearby so they can be the first to unload trucks that arrive. Some bundles might take one man, while others may require 4 or 5. They earn about 500 Rupees  a day. How’s that for a day’s hard work?

13. Indian Museum

Indian Museum (aka the Magic House .) founded in 1814, it is the oldest museum in India and the most impressive one I’ve seen yet. It’s a spacious museum of artifacts, anthropology, and interesting zoology exhibitions. Highly worth the 50Rs to enter. Admission: 150 rupees for foreigners. 50 rupees if you want to take a camera inside. Website :

Getting there: Between Park and Esplanade metro stations.

14. New Market

New Market , otherwise known as the Hogg Market, is a covered shopping area with over 2000 shops selling anything from clothing to sweets and spices. It’s interesting to see what stocks Kolkata’s kitchens and you’ll definitely get to see some of it.

Being vegetarian it’s definitely hard for me to see all these chickens (and butchers right next door, de-feathering and chopping them up). But put in this context it makes me realize that everyone has to survive in their own way.  While a majority of India is vegetarian due to religious and dietary reasons, there’s still a meat-loving society as well.

Getting there: You can reach it either through Park or Esplanade metro stations, slightly closer to Esplanade. From Chowringhee Road, take a left onto Chowringhee Place, then right onto Betram Street.

15. Jorasanko: the Childhood home of Rabindranath Tagore

If you want to understand a bit about why Kolkata loves literature, visit Jorasanko . Nestled in Bowbazar is the childhood home of Rabindranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore is the Bengal poet laureate famous for being the first non-European Nobel Prize winner of Literature. He is one of the icons of Calcutta, next to Mother Theresa.

16. Bowbazar & Marble Palace

Bowbazar ( The Black Town of Northern Calcutta ) is the heart of the Bengal community with its hidden residential villas and palaces. Many wealthy, high-status families lived there once, with Victorian mansions and this is where the arts thrived. The ostentatious Marble Palace is one example. I wasn’t able to take photos there so I did not include it in my video, but it is a 19th-century unique neo-classical palace constructed by art lover and philanthropist, Raja Rajendra Mullick.  The palace is built of all marble with kitschy collectibles, along with a rock garden, a lake and a zoo.

17.  Mother Theresa’s Tomb

Mother Teresa devoted her life to the sick and poor in Kolkata. You can visit Mother Teresa’s tomb, room, church, and school at The Mother House Of The Missionaries Of Charity   Interested in volunteering in Kolkata? Read more about volunteering for the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata .

Tip: Visit Mother Theresa’s tomb

18. Day Trip to Sundarbans

Looking for a day trip tour to Sundarbans ? Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage because it’s the largest mangrove site in the world, where you can spot deer, many bird species, various fauna, and if you’re lucky you might spot a Bengal Tiger!

19. Durga Puja Festival

Durga Puja Festival is an annual Hindu festival celebrating the female goddess warrior Durga. The festival is celebrated big-time by Bengali, Assamese, Odia, and Maithals. Thus, it is a huge festival in Kolkata, where  Durga Puja artists bring the festival to life through their craft of creating Durga floats, and statues and adorning the goddess with lights, so there are many puja tours around town, celebrating highly decorated Durga pandals (aka temporary structures).

Read How to Plan your first trip to India

Top attractions of kolkata (watch kolkata travel guide video ), where to eat in kolkata.

Kolkata is a foodie capital best known for its street food . What Bangkok is to Thailand , or Osaka is to Japan, is what Kolkata is to India …for me. It is a street food kitchen of the country.  While Indian foods range by the region and it might be unfair to other cities like Mumbai or Delhi , you’ll find street food galore walking down certain blocks of this Bengali city.

Read more on Best Street Foods in Kolkata .

20.  kolkata food walk.

If you feel timid about trying new foods, highly recommended is the Kolkata Food Walk . It’s a tour run voluntarily by local foodies, where you get to taste the best and most mouthwatering street food in Kolkata at scandalously inexpensive prices.   You’ll pay for the foods you try and you’ll get to try a lot! Come with an empty stomach.  This is an exceptional food tour run strictly by volunteers, so a donation is suggested; please, tip your guide well!

For food tour options, check out this 15 Taster Private Food Tour and  Evening Food Walk Tour

21. Decker Lane

In the BBD Bagh district, you’ll find Decker Lane, a street that is like a buffet line of street food vendors.  You’ll find food hawkers line the sidewalk with samosas to chai, Chinese noodles, chat, and … a stroll down this street is like a walk down a buffet line. For a few rupees (costing anywhere from 5 to 45 cents USD), you can have a mouthwatering feast.   When in Kolkata, eating street food is a must.

22. Mohan Bhandahar

Mohan Bhandahar  was a sweet shop where I had kachori sabzi . The shop was made famous by the Bollywood film Piku and was visited by Amitabh Bachchan. You’ll see photos of the star there. But the kachori sabzi is literally finger licking good.

Read 26 Best Bollywood Films to Excite Wanderlust

23. ganesh chandra avenue (in bowbazar ).

Right off Ganesh Chowk Metro, you’ll be welcomed by Broadway Hotel (the hotel I stayed at) and Ganesh Chandra Avenue in the Bowbazar district and several street food hawker stalls which line both sides of the street selling things from jhal muri to Hakka Chow mein (influenced by Chinese immigrants).

24. Makhan Lal Das & Sons

Makhan Lal Das & Sons is a 200-year-old sweet shop known for their hand-crafted sweets, and popular Bengal desserts (such as Ras Malai, Jol-Bhora,   Malai Chumchum, Chocolate Misti, etc… )and their 2rs Shondesh . I visited their Ballygunge location, although it’s original shop is inside Notun Bazar of the Jorabagan and that is where they sell the 2Rs shondesh.

Read:  Street Food Safety Tips

Useful information for travelers, 25. fairlie place (railway booking center for foreign tourist quota tickets).

If you’re booking onward travel via railway and your hotel or travel agency can’t book it for you (aka the trains you want are full), you’ll be directed to  Fairlie Place . Fairlie Place is the official railway booking center and the place where you can check on and reserve foreign quota train tickets (generally, a few train seats on each train are reserved for foreign tourist travel and if your train is booked full, there’s a chance there may be a seat open if you’re a foreign traveler.  Doors open around 8A or 9A.   Location: Strand Rd, Fairley Place, B B D Bagh, Kolkata. Is a 15-minute walk from the Mullick Ghat flower market .

You can see schedules and book trains and VIP/long-distance buses/flights on your own online, but trains aren’t easy. You’ll need to register with the IRTC and then register at  Make My Trip and link the two accounts together. I can’t remember what type of credit card is accepted; just that a Visa (what I don’t have) is okay.

|All Photos & Videos Copyright ©GRRRLTRAVELER

Read Best things to do in Pelling, Sikkim

Communication: internet and indian sim cards.

A data plan with internet is essential for me as a travel blogger. Many budget guesthouses in Kolkata do not have WiFi and internet cafes are not common. My first day, I went shopping for a place to buy SIM cards. While my hotel was keen to offer advice about getting a SIM from the shop around the corner, it was actually not easy to find. So I went to the official Vodaphone store on Esplanade street. It’s a few blocks from the subway and near a tech mart on the corner.

Read more about Getting an Indian SIM and mobile hotspots, USB internet sticks, etc .

Is Kolkata Safe for Solo Travelers?

There are many things that give Kolkata its charm and character . It’s by far one of my favorite cities, but as I mentioned I was initially intimidated visiting here.

Firstly, while Kolkata has its history with Mother Theresa’s work, you won’t find sick people all around the streets (and no more than you would see in India; India, I’ve noticed can have human anomalies I’ve never seen before like a three-legged calf ). Kolkata is no more or less dirty than any other city in India. It’s well-maintained and I found it more charming than Mumbai  (which actually felt dirty to me) or Delhi . But like any city, sanitize your hands before you eat.

I found Kolkata to be one of the more friendly cities with more gentlemen and less staring. It could be because I’m Pacific Asian and can pass as Tibetan , Sikkimese  or Nepalese , but I still think I come across as a tourist. Touts and scams are not high here. In fact, Kolkata was one of the most laid-back urban Indian cities I’ve traveled to.

With most Indian cities, I’d say for women, to be back to their hotels by around 10 pm (although I have stayed out later for filming).  Indian society as a whole is conservative. There is an idea that gauges a woman’s decency or impropriety, by how late she is out at night.  An Indian woman out on the streets past 11 pm might be considered morally loose, which can be a problem for women returning from work late at night .  For tourists, it’s hit or miss , but generally, Indian men may consider foreign female travelers as more morally loose than their own women.  Keep street smarts about you everywhere you go in general.

Packing Tips for India

Getting around kolkata, from the airport.

It’s best to take the prepaid taxis and book it from the taxi counter inside.  They will give you a ticket which you’ll give the driver.

Note: There is only one ATM inside the airport in arrivals, but there is also a money changer.  If the ATM is down, you might be directed to one outside the airport. Keep in mind, once you leave the airport, you cannot come back in.

Tip: Save time, stress and book a private airport transportation

Types of Transportation in Kolkata

Getting around Kolkata isn’t so difficult. Aside from the standard Ambassador taxis, you can get around using the city bus, tram or metro.

The metro is the easiest and inexpensive way to get around most sightseeing parts of the city. There are places the metro can’t reach that the city bus can, such as Mullick Ghat Flower Market and Howrah Bridge.   If you’re using the bus, ask locals or an officer to help you find one and hail it… sometimes you have to flag it down) or an auto-rickshaw (maybe even a shared one! For intrepid travelers on a budget , keep your eyes peeled for  shared autorickshaws . Used by locals, the shared rickshaw drops passengers along a certain route. Often you’ll notice them waiting around gathering passengers and you can ask if they’re going to your location. The driver won’t leave until he has a full vehicle and locals are typically charged a fraction of the normal cost. Travelers still might pay a tourist price but it’s worth the experience, being squished between Indian passengers as you witness how many can pile into your car.

Read Complete Guide to Transportation in India

You’ll see old blue   cable car trams and these are often headed to the BBD Bagh area , which is known as the government area, where you’ll also see much colonial architecture.

As I mentioned in this list, there are two main train stations — Sealdah Train Station and Howrah Station. Read more on  taking Indian trains and getting a foreign tourist quota .

Book bus and train tickets in advance

Book your Kolkata trip tickets in advance. I used 12GoAsia to book transportation for my Thailand trip .

Where to stay in Kolkata

At the time of research on Booking.com  and countless websites and blogs, many decent budget hotels in Kolkata went around the price range of $14-30. The less central you are, the cheaper it can get. However, one thing to note is accessibility to transportation and city highlights. Hostels aren’t a term  in India, but recently, a hip and boutique hostel chain opened up for modern travelers (wifi available). Note: Service Tax On Room Tariff in Kolkata @ 8.4% for Hotels

Backpackers Park- Affordable hostel with great location. Mixed and women’s dorm facilities, shared kitchen and serves breakfast on the premises.  16 minute walk to the Grand Esplanade Metro station.

Check out more hostels: list of top hostels in Kolkata

Broadway Hotel – This hotel takes you back into time. Kolkata’s oldest hotel since 193t, I stayed here. It was in an ideal location for me, across the street from Chandni Chowk metro station . An old Ambassador-styled hotel with an attendant in the lift, the rooms feel spacious, clean, and comfortable. It can feel very antiquated to some, but it’s part of the interesting charm. You also get the daily Kolkata newspaper delivered to your door. There’s an Art Deco-styled restaurant which tends to be popular with guests and locals.  Front desk receptionists are helpful. Watch my video (below) and read my review .

Midrange Boutique

Calcutta Bungalow   2.1 miles from the city center his two star bed & breakfast has the look and feel more of a 3 star boutique! 9.4 ratings on booking.com, it is adorable! Cute, heritage aesthetic and architecture this hotel transports you back in time. Airport shuttle available for extra fee.

Fairfield by Marriott is 7.5 miles from Sealdah Railway Station and in a great location of New Town. With an 8.5 rating the facilities offer a great value with a budget price! For the price, it’s a steal.

Elgin Fairlawn Kolkata is a private enclave that takes you back in time, with English/Irish breakfasts and a faint taste of the colonial period. Located in the heart of downtown Kolkata. Next to the Indian Museum and a stone’s throw from New Market

 The Grand Oberoi – For those looking for pampering,  The Grand Oberoi is located in the heart of the Esplanade area next to the Indian Museum. If you want to know where celebrities go, you’ve found it. It has its own gated driveway with uniformed valet and bellhops to give you colonial hospitality.

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Note: This post has affiliate links that help me maintain my site. This is at no extra cost to you and I only recommend services I would use. My half-day city of a tour of Kolkata was sponsored by Viator as an effort to help make some of my Kolkata filming possible. As always, my opinions are my own

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Kolkata Tourism

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This ‘City of Joy’ has an elaborate, extensive and the cheapest bus network connecting every corner of the city and even the outskirts. A variety of buses ply on the streets of Kolkata ranging from the innumerable private buses, AC and Non AC Govt. buses and the deluxe buses run by CSTC (Calcutta State Transport Corporation), CTC (Calcutta Tramways Company) and WBSTC (West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation). Apart from connecting the city interiors and limits, they also connect the outskirts and the adjoining areas of West Bengal.

Taxis, Pre-paid taxis, auto-rickshaws and private cabs are easily available throughout the city and also from railway stations and airport. The cabs services also have an online presence.

You can avail the facility of easy car and bike rentals across the city. There are various companies that offer budget-oriented, standard, semi-deluxe and luxury vehicle service. If you are a passionate biker, you can choose to rent out your favourite model of motorbike to tour around the city.

Kolkata Metro Railways was the first Metro Railway system in the country opened in 1984 for the commercial services. In the present day it has evolved as one of the fastest and convenient transportation system within the city.

Apart from the inter-rail connections, Kolkata has an extensive network of intra-railway connectivity. One of the busiest station in India, Sealdah station is located in the heart of the Kolkata city where lakhs of passengers trod every day to board their train for different location. Besides this, Kolkata also has a network of Circular Rail, which connects few major places within the city. Chitpur or Kolkata station is the largest station in the network. Tram is the unique and oldest part of the city transportation that connects the places within the city limits.

Experience the city as a local, as you walk down the streets of this beautiful city. Choose a particular location and rove off to explore the beauty of the same and all the nearby places. Soak in the local traditions and festivals of the city. Get the guided tour to the best spots with historical importance. Take a journey to the yesteryears and unravel the bygone stories of colonialism. The trekking tours will surely be a unique experience in your life.

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KOLKATA TOURISM | TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO KOLKATA

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About Kolkata

Country: india | state: west bengal, #2 of 9 places to visit in west bengal | places to visit in india, ideal trip duration: 2 full days, base station: kolkata, nearest city to kolkata: kolkata, best time to visit kolkata: october to february, peak season: october to january, kolkata weather: summer: maximum - 40° c and minimum - 24° c winter: maximum - 29° c and minimum - 10° c.

At a distance of 8 km from Howrah, 133 km from Kharagpur, 167 km from Durgapur, 251 km from Balasore, 270 km from Dhanbad, 289 km from Jamshedpur, 424 km from Cuttack, 449 km from Bhubaneswar, 480 km from Gaya, 550 km from Siliguri and 579 km from Patna, Kolkata is the capital city of the West Bengal, India. Formerly known as Calcutta, it is the second-largest city in India after Mumbai and among the most popular tourist places to visit in West Bengal . Fondly called as the 'City of Joy', Kolkata is a vibrant 350-year-old metropolis located on India's Eastern Coast and has retained its quintessential charm despite modernization. It holds an important place in the economy, politics, and culture of India. The city is associated with some of the greatest thinkers, artists, filmmakers, and writers like Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and Satyajit Ray. According to the historical evidence, the region in which the city stands has been inhabited for over two millennia. It is believed that Kalikata was the ancient name of the city and was derived from the Bengali word 'Kalikshetra', which means 'Ground of Goddess Kali.' Kolkata's recorded history began in 1690 when Job Charnock, an agent of East India Company came to the city and bought three villages (Sutanuti, Kolkata, Gobindapur) from the local landlord. In 1699, the East India Company started developing the city as a Presidency city and named it Calcutta. Kolkata was the capital of the British Indian Empire until 1911 when the capital was relocated to Delhi due to perceived geographical disadvantages and growing nationalism in Bengal. When India gained freedom in 1947, the country got partitioned between India and Pakistan in which Calcutta was included in the Indian part of Bengal and became the capital city of West Bengal. In 2001, the Indian government renamed Calcutta to Kolkata.  The first British capital of India is a city of every traveler's dream as it boasts of marvelous architecture, rich art galleries, vibrant culture, and historical significance. Victoria Memorial, Fort William, Howrah Bridge, Belur Math, Birla Planetarium, Indian Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, Science City, Marble Palace Mansion, Birla Mandir, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Mother House, and Eden Gardens are the top places to visit in Kolkata. The city offers genuine traditional art and handicrafts items along with delicious food at unbelievably cheaper rates. New Market, Bara Bazaar, College Street and Gariahat are the city's eminent shopping joints that offer anything and everything unique to Bengal. About 10 km from Kolkata, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest airport and has well-connected flights from Guwahati, New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Indore, Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Dibrugarh, Goa, Siliguri, Pune, Patna, Surat, and Jaipur. Kolkata Railway Station is well connected by trains with Dhaka, Puri, Bikaner, Dibrugarh, Khulna, Jhansi, Amritsar, Darbhanga, Haldibari, Jammu, Agra, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Gorakhpur, Patna, Ghazipur, Guwahati, Muzzafarpur, New Jalpaiguri and Lucknow. Howrah Junction, about 8 km from Kolkata, is the other major railhead which is well connected by trains with almost all the major cities in India. Kolkata is well connected by road with Bhubaneswar, Puri, Siliguri, Durgapur, Haldia, Dhanbad, Patna, Ranchi, Cuttack, and Gaya. Owing to its expansive history and rich traditions, Kolkata has become the cultural capital of India. Durga Puja is the most extravagant religious celebration in the city when the streets turn into dazzling kaleidoscopes and men and women immerse in the colors of Vermillion. Millions of lamps are lit on the streets, and vast and colorful clay statues of goddess Durga are displayed in pandals. Apart from Durga Puja, Holi, Diwali, Vasanth Panchami, Poush Parbon, Bhai Phota, Poila Boishakh, Christmas, etc. are the other festivals celebrated here with great enthusiasm. The best time to visit Kolkata is from October to February when the weather is perfect and festivities are plenty. This is the season which witnesses the peak arrival of travelers, especially during Durga Puja. Being the tropical city, summers in Kolkata are hot and humid. It is too difficult to bear the scorching heat.

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Nearest Airport: Kolkata - Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (10 Kms)

Direct flights to kolkata, nearest train station: kolkata railway station (0 kms) howrah junction (8 kms), direct trains to kolkata, howrah, nearest bus station: esplanade bus terminus (8 kms), direct buses to kolkata, distance chart, distance chart & driving directions to kolkata, top 16 places to visit in kolkata, victoria memorial.

#1 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 11 km from Kolkata Railway Station, the Victoria Memorial is a historical building and museum located in the heart of Kolkata, West Bengal. It is considered one of the most iconic structures in Kolkata and among the best places to visit as part of Kolkata Tour Packages. Spread over 57 acres of land, Victoria Memorial was built by Lord Curzon in the memory of Queen Victoria to celebrate her 25 years of rule over India. The Queen had become the figurehead of India after the Revolt of 1857 and successfully ruled over the country until her death in 1901. King George V and the Prince of Whales laid down the foundation stone for the memorial in 1906, and the memorial was finally opened to the general public in 1921. It is interesting to note that the Victoria Memorial was built with the funds collected from the people of India. This white marbled opulent structure was built on the lines of the Victoria Memorial in London. The chief architect of the memorial is William .....

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

#2 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 9 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Dakshineswar locality of Kolkata, West Bengal. Situated on the eastern bank of Hooghly River, it is one of the largest temples in Kolkata and among the must include places in Kolkata Tour Packages. Dedicated goddess Kali, the temple was built in 1855 CE by Rani Rashmoni, a Philanthropist and a devotee of Kali. According to history, Dakshineswar was a mere village nestled along the eastern bank of the River Ganges in the early phase of the 1800s. It is said that Rani Rashmoni of Janbazar, while on her pilgrimage to Varanasi, had a dream, where she was instructed to build a Kali temple. She was intensely moved by the dream and to materialize it, she instructed her people to search for suitable plots to erect the Kali Temple. After a long hunt for land, eventually, a 20-acre plot was selected in the village of Dakshineswar. The construction of Dakshineswar temple was initiated .....

Indian Museum

#3 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 8 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Indian Museum is a museum located at Park Street in Kolkata. Popularly known as 'Jadughar', it is the oldest and the largest museum in India and among the popular Kolkata Tourist Places. Referred to as the Imperial Museum in British India era texts, Indian Museum is the earliest and the largest multipurpose museum in India and the ninth oldest museum of the world. The museum was founded in 1814 by the Asiatic Society of Bengal at the present building of the Asiatic Society, 1 Park Street, Kolkata. The founder curator was Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist. Later, the museum was shifted to the present building in 1878. This is an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Designed by Walter B Grawille in Italian Style, the museum building comprises of three floors, each spanning across an area of about 930 sq. meters. Presently, the museum has 35 galleries which have been divided into six categories .....

Kalighat Kali Temple

#4 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 13 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Kalighat Kali Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kalighat area of Kolkata, West Bengal. Lying on the old course of River Hooghly, it is considered as one of the popular Kali temples in India and among the popular places to visit as part of Kolkata Tour. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Kalighat Kali Temple is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of the country. According to mythology, this is the place where toe from the right foot of Goddess has fallen when Lord Shiva did Rudra Tandava with Goddess body in his hands after her immolation at the holy pyre of yagna by King Daksha. Kalighat Temple is believed to have existed from the time of Chandragupta II. The original temple was a small structure constructed by King Manasingha in the early 16th century. The present structure was built in 1809 under the patronage of Sabarna Roy Chowdhry family of Banisha. There is a dispute about the ownership of the temple between Chowdhrys .....

St Paul Cathedral

#5 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 11 km from Kolkata Railway Station, St. Paul Cathedral is an Anglican church located in Kolkata, West Bengal. Situated to the east of the Victoria Memorial, it is one of the largest churches in India and among the popular places to visit in Kolkata. St. Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral of the Church of North India and the seat of the Diocese of Calcutta. The construction of the church was initiated in 1839 under the benefaction of Bishop Daniel Wilson. Completed in 1837, it is said to be the largest cathedral in Kolkata and the first Episcopal Church in Asia. It was also the first cathedral built in the overseas territory of the British Empire. The edifice stands on Cathedral Road on the 'island of attractions'. The cathedral was severely damaged during the great earthquake of 12th June 1897, when the upper part of the steeple fell, to be restored later but it was completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1934, after which the tower was constructed in place .....

Science City

#6 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 12 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Science City is a science center located in Kolkata city of West Bengal. Situated at the crossing of Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and JBS Haldane Avenue, it is the biggest science center in India and among the major Kolkata Tourist Places. One of its kind in India, the Science City, Kolkata is a unit of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It was opened on 1st July 1997 as a major attraction for the residents' of Kolkata as well as for the national and international visitors to the metropolis. Among the largest and finest in the world, it is presenting science and technology in a stimulating and engaging environment that is truly educational and enjoyable for the people of all ages. Sprawling in 50 acres, Science City boasts of two facilities, the Science Centre and the Convention Centre. The Science Centre features several galleries and halls, each of which educates visitors .....

Howrah Bridge

#7 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 6 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Howrah Bridge is an old suspension bridge located in Kolkata, West Bengal. Also known as Rabindra Setu, it is one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world and an iconic landmark of Kolkata. Howrah Bridge is a massive steel bridge constructed over the Hooghly River. Commissioned in 1943, the bridge was originally named the New Howrah Bridge, because it replaced a pontoon bridge at the same location linking the two cities of Howrah and Kolkata. It was renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965 after the great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, who was the first Indian and Asian Nobel laureate. It is still popularly known as the Howrah Bridge. It is perhaps the best-known bridge in India and certainly one of the most recognizable. Howrah Bridge was the third-longest cantilever bridges in the world at the time of its construction, but now it is the sixth-longest of its kind. The bridge is one of four bridges on the Hooghly River while .....

#8 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 7 km from Howrah Junction and 14 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Belur Math is a popular temple and institute located on the western bank of River Hooghly in Kolkata. It is one of the significant institutions in Kolkata and among the must include places in Kolkata Packages. Beluṛ Maṭh in Kolkata is a place of pilgrimage and also the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vijnanananda, a brother-monk of Swami Vivekananda and one of the monastic disciples of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, laid the foundation stone of Ramakrishna Temple in the year 1935. The massive construction was handled by Martin Burn & Co. This temple has become the hub of the Ramakrishna Movement. The Belur Math is visited by people from all over the world, irrespective of the religion. The people who are not interested in religion also come to Belur Math to experience and appreciate the peace that it diffuses into the environment, and ultimately .....

Kolkata Zoo /Alipore Zoo

#9 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 11 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Kolkata Zoo is zoological garden located in Alipore locality of Kolkata in the state of West Bengal. Situated near National Library, it is the oldest zoological parks in India and among the must-visit places during your Kolkata Trip. Popularly called as Alipore Zoo, the zoo was initially established as a private menagerie by the then Governor-General of India, Richard Wellesley, around the year 1800 as a part of the Indian Natural History Project. It was upgraded to a formal zoological garden on 1st January 1876 and was finally opened to the general public on 6th May 1876. The zoo is most known for being the home of the expired Aldabra giant tortoise 'Adwaita', who had lived for over 250 years before he died in the year 2006. The place is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, or for families with children, to explore the abundant and plentiful wildlife of the country at its best. Spread over an area of 46.5 acres, Alipore .....

Pareshnath Jain Temple

#10 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 2 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Pareshnath Jain Temple is a popular Jain temple located at Badridas Temple Street in the city of Kolkata. Also called as Calcutta Jain Temple, it is one of the significant places of pilgrimage in Kolkata and among the must-visit places as part of Kolkata Packages. Pareshnath Jain Temple was built in 1867 by Rai Badridas Bahadur Mookim and pratishta was done by Sri Kalyansurishwarji Maharaj. It is one of the most revered and holy shrines of the Jains in Kolkata. The Pareshnath Jain Temple is actually a complex of 4 temples - Shitalnath Temple, Chandraprabhuji temple, Mahavir Swami Temple, and Dadawadi and Kushal Maharaj Temple. Each of these temples has a captivating architecture with mirrors, stained glass and intricate designs all over the structure. The structure is mostly made in marble with floral designs and has meticulously decorated gateways, walls, pillars, and floors. The main shrine is dedicated to the 10th Tirthankara, .....

Birla Mandir

#11 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 10 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Birla Mandir is a popular Hindu temple located in Ashutosh Chowdary Avenue in Kolkata, West Bengal. Placed opposite to Ballygunge Post Office, it is one of the popular Birla temples in India and among the most visited places in Kolkata. Built by the industrialist Birla family, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. The construction of the temple began in 1970 but it was completed in 1996. The Pran Prathistha ceremony of the idols was done by Swami Chidananda Maharaj. The magnificent Birla Mandir of Kolkata is an exemplary work of art and is one of the finest architectural beauties of the city. The temple represents a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary art. The colossal structure stands at 160 feet above the ground and is spread over 44 kathas of land. The architectural pattern of the temple is partly inspired by the Laxmi Narayan Temple and Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. The entire temple .....

Birla Planetarium

#12 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 9 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Birla Planetarium or M.P. Birla Planetarium is an iconic structure located near Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. Situated adjacent to St. Paul's Cathedral, it is the second-largest planetarium in the world and among the major Kolkata Tourist Places. Birla Planetarium was founded in 1962 and was formally inaugurated in 1963 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India. Also known as Taramandal, it is the largest planetarium in Asia and one of the three planetariums present in India. Known for space science and astronomy museum, the planetarium houses numerous innovations and creativity, giving out knowledge to its fellow visitors. This is a must-visit place for children and students as it provides a great learning opportunity and generates interest among them. Birla Planetarium is a single-storied circular structure whose architecture is based on the famous Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi. The dome has a diameter of .....

ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple

#13 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 9 km from Kolkata Railway Station, ISKCON Kolkata is a place of pilgrimage located in Kolkata. Also known as Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple, it is one of the ISKCON Temples in India and among the famous places to visit in Kolkata. ISKCON Temple was established by Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1971. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this is the foremost center of the ISKCON Society in India. ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple is a highly spiritual place for the devotees and is mainly focuses on spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna. It is not restricted to any one particular religion as such and welcomes enthusiasts or people interested in learning about these teachings with open arms. The temple is a serene complex that houses beautifully ornamented idols of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna. The ambiance of the temple with the chanting of Hare Krishna reverberating in the atmosphere draws many devotees and tourists to this serene shrine. The temple also houses a .....

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum

#14 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 9 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum is a science museum located in Ballygunge area of Kolkata. It is the first science museum in India and among the prime attractions of Kolkata and the must-visit place for kids, science students, and science lovers. Established in the year 1959, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) in Kolkata is the first science museum in the country under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. The idea behind this pioneering initiative came from Dr. B C Roy, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal who after visiting the Deutsches Museum in Munich was inspired to create a similar institution in India. In 1956, Sri GD Birla donated the Birla Park, his sprawling bungalow and the adjoining plot of land for setting up the museum. This entire transformation of the place from a park to a museum took nearly 3 years. The main objective of the museum is .....

Eco Tourism Park

#15 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 14 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Eco Tourism Park is an urban park located in New Town area of Kolkata in West Bengal. Also known as Prakriti Tirtha, it is the biggest Eco parks in India and one of the serene places to visit during your Kolkata Trip. The park was established in 2013 in order to promote eco-tourism in the city. This expansive park occupies over an area of around 480 acres of land which includes a 200 acres water body. The idea of an Eco Tourism Park was proposed by Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and was developed by the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation of West Bengal coordinated with several departments. The park features urban recreational spaces and three sections like ecological zones, theme gardens and open spaces making it a perfect getaway to relax and unwind. In the ecological section, there are wetlands, urban forests, and grasslands. Eco Tourism Park surrounds a picturesque water body with an island .....

Park Street

#16 of 29 Places to Visit in Kolkata

At a distance of 9 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Park Street is the prominent road located in Kolkata of West Bengal. Officially known as Mother Teresa Sarani, it is one of the most visited and famous places for hangout in Kolkata. Park Street is one of the oldest roads in the city constructed by Britishers. The street begins at Chowringhee Road or JL Nehru road and stretches till Park Circus crossing. It boasts of a surprisingly diverse range of attractions that range from beautiful Colonial buildings to bustling shopping outlets and from popular restaurants to many night clubs. It is a prominent entertainment and commercial hub of Kolkata. A number of prominent landmarks are also located in or near Park Street including Asiatic Society, St. Xavier's College, South Park Street Cemetery and The Park Hotel. Often known as 'Food Street' and 'The Street that Never Sleeps', the street has been a crowd-puller since the reign of the British Kingdom and undergone modifications .....

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How much does it cost to travel to Kolkata (Calcutta)?

You should plan to spend around $37 (₨3,110) per day on your vacation in Kolkata (Calcutta). This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $14 (₨1,187) on meals
• $5.12 (₨427) on local transportation
• $33 (₨2,786) on hotels

A one week trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) for two people costs, on average, $522 (₨43,546) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 37 ₨ 3,110
• One Week Per person $ 261 ₨ 21,773
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 522 ₨ 43,546
• One Month Per person $ 1,119 ₨ 93,314
• One Week For a couple $ 522 ₨ 43,546
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 1,045 ₨ 87,093
• One Month For a couple $ 2,238 ₨ 186,627

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How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) cost?

A one week trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) usually costs around $261 (₨21,773) for one person and $522 (₨43,546) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) on average costs around $522 (₨43,546) for one person and $1,045 (₨87,093) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Kolkata (Calcutta) will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) on average costs around $1,119 (₨93,314) for one person and $2,238 (₨186,627) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Kolkata (Calcutta) has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Kolkata (Calcutta) is a very affordable place to visit. Located in India, which is a very affordable country, visitors will appreciate the lower prices of this destination. It falls in the average range in the country for its prices. Budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring Kolkata (Calcutta) in depth.

Within Asia, Kolkata (Calcutta) is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Taipei.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Kolkata (Calcutta)?

The average Kolkata (Calcutta) trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kolkata (Calcutta) travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $17 (₨1,393). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $33 (₨2,786). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 17 ₨ 1,393
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 33 ₨ 2,786

Hotel Prices in Kolkata (Calcutta)

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Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Kolkata (Calcutta) based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $34. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

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Recommended Properties

• Indismart Hotel Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 42
• The Oberoi Grand Kolkata Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 76

Transportation Budget in Kolkata (Calcutta)

The cost of a taxi ride in Kolkata (Calcutta) is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $5.12 (₨427) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kolkata (Calcutta).

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 5.12 ₨ 427

Recommended Services

• Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers Viator $ 69
• Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop Viator $ 22

Flights to Kolkata (Calcutta)

Rental cars in kolkata (calcutta), food budget in kolkata (calcutta).

While meal prices in Kolkata (Calcutta) can vary, the average cost of food in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $14 (₨1,187) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Kolkata (Calcutta) should cost around $5.69 (₨475) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Kolkata (Calcutta) is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 14 ₨ 1,187

Recommended

• Alleyway Food Tour Viator $ 42
• Cooking experience in Authentic Bengali House with Lunch/Dinner Viator $ 41

Entertainment Budget in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Entertainment and activities in Kolkata (Calcutta) typically cost an average of $15 (₨1,250) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 15 ₨ 1,250

Recommended Activities

• Magic Hour Tour Viator $ 37
• The Taste of Kolkata - Evening Food Walk Tour Viator $ 30

Alcohol Budget in Kolkata (Calcutta)

The average person spends about $8.29 (₨691) on alcoholic beverages in Kolkata (Calcutta) per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 8.29 ₨ 691
• Pub Crawl Kolkata Viator $ 39

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Map of Kolkata (Calcutta) — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Kolkata (Calcutta), India for travelers! Check out Kolkata (Calcutta)’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Kolkata (Calcutta)? See our Kolkata (Calcutta) Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Kolkata (Calcutta). Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Kolkata (Calcutta) map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Kolkata (Calcutta) by categories
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• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 19 attractions in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Victoria memorial, jorasanko thakurbari.

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Marble Palace

• Howrah Bridge

The Mother House Of The Missionaries Of Charity

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Eden Gardens

Dakshineswar kali temple, south park street cemetery, mother teresa sarani, বাংলা পুস্তক পরিচয়, birla mandir, birla industrial & technological museum, rabindra sarobar.

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St. Paul Cathedral Church

James prinsep monument, netaji bhawan, top 10 restaurants in kolkata (calcutta).

Indian Coffee House

6 ballygunge place, oh calcutta.

Mocambo Restaurant and Bar

Barbeque nation- park street, kolkata, 8th day café & bakery, flame and grill south city, transportation in kolkata (calcutta), nearby airports, netaji subhash chandra bose international airport, highways and major roads.

• Eastern Metropolitan Bypass
• NH-12 (old NH-34)
• ML Mukherjee Road
• Sarat Bose Road
• AJC Bose Road
• EM Bypass Connector
• Strand Road

Popular road trips from Kolkata (Calcutta)

What's the weather like in kolkata (calcutta).

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Kolkata (Calcutta) for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Kolkata (Calcutta) in January
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Kolkata Metro Orange Line: Revolutionizing Public Transportation in Kolkata

Introduction.

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on the Kolkata Metro Orange Line, an innovative addition to the public transportation system in Kolkata, India. In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and impact of the Kolkata Metro Orange Line, as well as address frequently asked questions to provide you with a thorough understanding of this remarkable project.

Table of Contents

Kolkata Metro Orange Line: Enhancing Connectivity and Convenience

The Kolkata Metro Orange Line is a state-of-the-art metro rail project aimed at revolutionizing public transportation in Kolkata. This ambitious initiative is designed to connect key areas of the city, offering residents and visitors an efficient, reliable, and comfortable mode of transportation.

Benefits of the Kolkata Metro Orange Line

The Kolkata Metro Orange Line brings forth numerous benefits that greatly improve the lives of commuters and contribute to the city’s development. Some of the key advantages include:

• Reduced Travel Time : The Orange Line significantly reduces travel time by providing a faster alternative to congested roads, enabling commuters to reach their destinations swiftly.
• Improved Connectivity : By connecting important neighborhoods, business districts, and educational institutions, the Kolkata Metro Orange Line enhances overall connectivity and facilitates seamless travel across the city.
• Eco-Friendly Transportation : With a focus on sustainability, the metro system reduces carbon emissions by encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transportation, promoting a cleaner and greener environment.
• Enhanced Comfort and Safety : The Orange Line offers a comfortable and secure travel experience with air-conditioned coaches, dedicated seating, and advanced safety features, ensuring a pleasant journey for passengers of all ages.

Kolkata Metro Orange Line: Route and Stations

The Kolkata Metro Orange Line spans a strategic route that strategically connects various important areas of the city. Let’s take a closer look at the route and the major stations along the way.

Route Overview

The Kolkata Metro Orange Line starts at Dum Dum in the north and extends southwards, covering a distance of approximately XX kilometers. The line passes through several densely populated neighborhoods, commercial hubs, and educational institutions, catering to the needs of a diverse range of commuters.

Major Stations

• Dum Dum : The northernmost station of the Kolkata Metro Orange Line, Dum Dum, acts as a major transportation hub, connecting the metro with other modes of public transport.
• Station 2 : Located in the bustling commercial district, Station 2 serves as a gateway to several business establishments and shopping centers, making it a vital station for commuters.
• Station 3 : Situated in the heart of the city, Station 3 provides convenient access to popular tourist attractions, cultural landmarks, and government offices.
• Station 4 : Serving as a pivotal station in the Orange Line, Station 4 connects commuters to educational institutions, facilitating seamless travel for students and faculty.
• Station 5 : This station marks the intersection point with the Kolkata Metro Blue Line, enabling commuters to transfer easily between the two lines and access a wider network of destinations.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: What is the expected completion date of the Kolkata Metro Orange Line? A: The Kolkata Metro Orange Line is scheduled to be completed by [enter year].
• Q: How many trains will operate on the Orange Line? A: The exact number of trains operating on the Kolkata Metro Orange Line is yet to be determined. However, the project aims to ensure a sufficient frequency to cater to the demand.
• Q: Will the Orange Line be interconnected with other metro lines? A: Yes, the Kolkata Metro Orange Line will be interconnected with the existing metro lines, allowing passengers to transfer seamlessly and access a wider network of destinations.
• Q: Will the Orange Line have provisions for differently-abled individuals? A: Absolutely! The Kolkata Metro Orange Line will be equipped with facilities such as elevators and ramps to ensure accessibility for differently-abled individuals.
• Q: How will the Orange Line impact the traffic congestion in Kolkata? A: The Orange Line is expected to alleviate traffic congestion by providing a reliable and efficient mode of transportation, encouraging people to shift from private vehicles to the metro system.
• Q: Will the Orange Line have Wi-Fi connectivity? A: Yes, the Kolkata Metro Orange Line is planned to offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing passengers to stay connected during their journey.

The Kolkata Metro Orange Line is a game-changer for Kolkata’s public transportation system, offering enhanced connectivity, reduced travel time, and a comfortable commuting experience. With its strategic route and modern amenities, this metro project is set to transform the way people travel across the city. Keep an eye out for the completion of the Kolkata Metro Orange Line, as it promises to revolutionize transportation in Kolkata and shape the future of the city.

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Kolkata City Tour Bus

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Bus ticket booking in Kolkata City Tour has never been more convenient, thanks to redBus that caters to the needs of travelers in the city. With bus booking Kolkata City Tour services readily available, commuting within the city or planning a trip to a nearby destination is just a few clicks away. Kolkata City Tour is well-served by an extensive network of buses that cater to the transportation needs of both locals and tourists. redBus has a wide range of options, including Government buses/RTC buses, private operators, and luxury coaches, ensuring that there is something to suit every traveler's preference and budget. redbus is one of the most popular online bus ticket booking platforms in Kolkata City Tour. That provides different kinds of bus service that cater to the needs of the customer. From affordable bus tickets to premium luxury, redBus has it all. With redBus, passengers can easily browse through a comprehensive list of bus operators, routes, and timings, making the process of finding and booking their choice of bus tickets a breeze. redBus also offers real-time updates on bus schedules and seat availability, ensuring that travelers can make informed decisions about their journey. In addition to providing a hassle-free booking experience, redBus also offers attractive discounts and deals on bus tickets, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to save on their transportation expenses. Moreover, with its user-friendly interface and secure payment options, redBus has become the go-to platform for bus booking in Kolkata City Tour. So, whether you're a local looking to navigate the city or a tourist eager to explore the many attractions that the Kolkata City Tour has to offer, bus ticket booking in Kolkata City Tour is now simpler than ever. Just log on to redBus, choose your desired bus route and operator, and embark on a comfortable and convenient journey, knowing that your transportation needs are taken care of.

Bus Operators Serving to Kolkata City Tour

There are a number of operators serving in Hyderabad. All the listed bus operators facilitate comfortable bus journeys in the city. Some of the popular bus operators in Hyderabad are:

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Kolkata City Tour Packages with Price & Itinerary

Located on the banks of River Hoogly, the city of Kolkata acts as the major connecting point for north eastern part of India to the rest of the country and the world. The present capital city of West Bengal, Kolkata was also capital of India during British regime (1733 to 1911). To explore this “city of joy” at comfort, check our Kolkata City Tour Packages .

The city of Kolkata, with majestic buildings, lush green gardens and art galleries, cultural colourfulness, religious fervour and literary glimmer, impresses each and every one. Irrespective of the purpose of your visit or your interest and idea of holidaying, Kolkata will entice you with its unique charm.

The best way to explore this city is to begin by visiting the most popular sightseeing places. Although listing the popular places to see in Kolkata , prioritizing which one to visit, finding out the timings, route maps and most importantly a suitable mode of transportation is often stressful, you need not worry now. We at Kolkata Tourism , a division of Holidays DNA have made it extremely easy for all the travellers.

We, along with the leading tour organisers in Kolkata, have made an extensive list of Kolkata city tour packages . Through these packages you can not only visit all the popular tourist attractions in Kolkata but at a pace of your choice and utter comfort of an air conditioned vehicle. A private taxi from these top car rental companies in Kolkata , takes our customers for sightseeing in a haggle-free way.

Top Sightseeing Places to Visit with Kolkata City Tour Packages

1. victoria memorial.

One of the most prominent buildings in Kolkata, Victoria Memorial was constructed in the fond memory of Queen Victoria and was opened for public in the year of 1921. An art museum, this building presents a rich collection varying from documents to paintings to artefacts.

With an impressive architecture, which was designed by the then famous architect William Emerson, Victoria Memorial stands at a height of 184 feet above sea level and spread over a massive area of 64 acres.

2. Kalighat Temple

A prominent religious site, Kalighat Temple is recognized as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of the country. It is also one of the most preferred place with Kolkata city tour. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple is built on Kalighat, lying on the old course of River Hooghly.

As per the religious beliefs, it is the place where toes from the right foot of Goddess Kali fell. This happened, when Lord Shiva did a dance of destruction- Tandava with Goddess body in his hands after her immolation at the holy pyre of yagna by King Daksha.

3. Eden Gardens

Nothing less than a holy site for cricket lovers, Eden Garden is said to be the oldest cricket ground in India. This cricket stadium has witnessed many historical moments of Cricket. Established in 1864, this stadium hosted its first test match in 1934 and first ODI in 1987.

Often said to be the Cricket’s answer to the colosseum, this stadium has hosted many prominent international competitions too such as World Cup, Asia Cup, World Twenty20 and many more.

4. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Another historical building that one must visit in Kolkata is the St. Paul’s Cathedral. A significant religious site, its foundation was laid out in 1839. Displaying an Indo-Gothic style of architecture, this cathedral was designed by Major William Nairn Forbes.

Although owing to natural disasters, it was destroyed and rebuilt again. Its present majestic structure seems to resemble the Bell Harry Tower of Canterbury Cathedral.

5. Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Another prominent religious site in Kolkata is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple which is dedicated to the Goddess Bhavatarini. Spread over an area of 25 acres, this temple was constructed in 1847 by the Queen of Janbazar, Rasmani. Standing majestically on the banks of River Hooghly, it also presents a beautiful sight for visitors to cherish and also most popular tourism place with our Kolkata city tour.

6. Jorasanko Thakurbari

It is the house where Rabindranath Tagore, the writer of India’s national anthem, first non-European nobel laureate, had spent his childhood and took his last breath. This house is now converted as Tagore museum and lies within the premises of Rabindra Bharati University.

7. Marble Palace, Kolkata

One of the most attractive buildings in Kolkata, Marble palace is a place that very visitor must try to visit. Although a private property, visitors are allowed to the designated areas of the palace with a 24 hours prior permission from West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau. Constructed in 1835, this palace was built for Raja Rajendra Mullick. It also houses a mini zoo.

8. Howrah Bridge

A landmark for Kolkata, Howrah Bridge is an essential part of most of the Kolkata CIty tour packages. Also known as the Rabindra Setu, this bridge stands majestically over the River Hooghly. It is the highlight of our Kolkata city tour by private cab.

Connecting Kolkata and Howrah, this bridge was built in the year of 1824. An engineering masterpiece, this bridge was built without using any kinds of nuts and bolts and on top of 270 feet high pillars.

Adding to these are the list of other sightseeing places that are also sure to make your trip more enjoyable. Some of these are Birla Mandir, Kolkata Race Course, Fort William, Indian Museum, National Library, Writer’s Building, Mother’s House, Eco Tourism Park, MP Birla Planetarium and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden.

Apart from exploring the above sightseeing places, you can also plan a visit to places such as Shaheed Minar, South Park Street Cemetery, Raj Bhawan, Town Hall, Nicco Amusement Park, Rabindra Sadan, Rabindra Sarobar, Alipore Zoological Gardens, Aquatica Water Park, Tipu Sultan Mosque, Science City, Belur Math, James Prince, Park Street, Nakhoda Mosque, etc.

Even the areas surrounding the city are equally astonishing. If time permits, you can hire a cab from these car rental companies in Kolkata and visit Shantiniketan, Sundarbans National Park , beaches of Mandarmani and Digha as well as terracotta temples in Bishnupur.

However, if you are planning to stay in Kolkata for longer period or want to not just have a Kolkata city tour package for sightseeing but a package that can take care of everything related to your travel, then you can have a look at the list of other tour packages that we offer.

Our All-Inclusive Kolkata Tour Package cover a wide range of facilities that include accommodation in a hotel/resort (budget hotel, 3 star hotel, 4 star and 4 star hotel), pickup and drop services, complimentary breakfasts, sightseeing, etc.

To know more about these packages you can reach us by filling out the Contact Us Form. Our travel executives will reach with you relevant information.

How to reach Kolkata

Kolkata is connected by all modes of transportations, airways, railways and roadways. For those who are travelling by airways, Kolkata has the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport which is connected to all the major cities of the country and various international cities as well.

The main railway station, Kolkata Railway station is connected to rest of the country. There are four other main railway stations that are located nearby. These are Howrah Junction (HWH), Sealdah Junction (SDAH), Santragachi Junction (SRC) and Shalimar Junction (SHM).

The main bus station in the city is the Esplanade Terminus which receives buses from all the major cities nearby as well as from Dhaka and Bhutan.

For commuting you have rickshaws, metro rail line, trams, city buses as well as ferries. However, the most comfortable means to travel within the city is by hiring a taxi from these leading car rental companies in Kolkata .

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Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Kolkata

• Dakshineswar Kali Temple Kolkata
• Howrah Bridge Kolkata
• Park Street/Food Street Kolkata
• Indian Museum Kolkata
• Victoria Memorial Kolkata
• Birla Temple Kolkata
• Kolkata Race Course
• Eden Gardens Kolkata
• Marble Palace Mansion Kolkata
• Kalighat Kali Temple Kolkata
• Fort William Kolkata
• Writers’ Building Kolkata
• St. Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata
• National Library Kolkata
• Mother House Kolkata
• Eco Tourism Park Kolkata
• Mother's Wax Museum Kolkata
• Nicco Park Kolkata
• Birla Planetarium Kolkata
• BBD Bagh Kolkata
• Science City Kolkata
• Belur Math Kolkata
• Alipore Zoological Gardens Kolkata
• Millennium Park Kolkata
• Shaheed Minar Kolkata
• Aquatica Water Park Kolkata
• Armenian Church Kolkata
• College Street Kolkata
• General Post Office Kolkata
• Kumartuli Kolkata
• Lal Dighi Kolkata
• Misti Hub Kolkata
• Nakhoda Mosque Kolkata
• Netaji Bhawan Kolkata
• Police Museum Kolkata
• Prinsep Ghat Kolkata
• Raj Bhavan Kolkata
• Shobhabazar Rajbari Kolkata
• St. John’s Church Kolkata
• Star Theatre Kolkata
• Town Hall Kolkata
• Tram Museum Kolkata
• Vidyasagar Bridge Kolkata
• Rabindra Sadan Kolkata
• Tipu Sultan Mosque Kolkata
• Rabindra Sarobar Kolkata
• Shantiniketan Kolkata
• Sundarbans National Park Kolkata
• Elliot Park Kolkata
• Wet-O-Wild Kolkata
• Hooghly Imambara Kolkata
• Nehru Children’s Museum Kolkata
• Snow Park, Axis Mall, Kolkata
• Babughat Kolkata
• Mandarmani Beach Kolkata
• Digha Beach Kolkata
• Bandel Church Kolkata
• Maddox Square Park Kolkata
• Muhammad Ali Park Kolkata
• Santosh Mitra Square Kolkata
• Patuli Floating Market Kolkata
• Kolkata Gate / Biswa Bangla Gate
• Maidan / Brigade Parade Ground Kolkata
• Vivekananda Setu / Bally Bridge Kolkata
• Chintamani Kar Bird sanctuary Kolkata
• Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary Kolkata
• ISKCON Radha Govinda Temple Kolkata
• Swami Vivekananda's Ancestral House Kolkata
• Jorasanko Thakurbari / House of the Thakurs Kolkata
• Birla Industrial and Technological Museum Kolkata
• Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden Kolkata
• Nature Park Kolkata

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How can Kolkata's chaotic transport system be untangled?

Travelling around one of the world’s least sustainable cities is dirty and inefficient, posing huge challenges for public transport reformers

A fter 25 years in salubrious California, Bonani and Prahlad Kakkar returned to Kolkata in the 1990s. “The Calcutta [they refuse to call it by the new name, Kolkata] we grew up in was a compact, organic city,” says Bonani, a former public health specialist. “Offices and homes were within walking distance and we had 625 parks in this city.”

They found the city of their childhood had changed dramatically. Diesel, a cheaper alternative to petrol, had made an entry, and there had been an explosion of cars, buses and auto-rickshaws on the roads. Out of deep anger and frustration, they decided to launch Public (People United for Better Living in Calcutta), a civic improvement organisation.

Down the decades, Kolkata’s chaos has been compounded with the city prioritising cars over public transport, something all Indian cities are guilty of. Traffic crawls on Kolkata’s roads at an average speed of 14 to 18 kilometres per hour , as against 22 kmph in the rest of India.

The slowdown has had an economic and environmental impact as well, something that Public is seeking to address by working with local authorities on awareness campaigns , such as encouraging citizens to lodge complaints about the worst polluters in the city with the Calcutta Police Traffic Department.

A study of 10 city roads found that just two hours of a traffic jam cumulatively costs commuters 74,000 rupees (£872). Kolkata residents breathe in air that has 3–5 times higher pollution than normal . The impact of this on public health has been studied by the Chittaranjan National Cancer Research Institute in Kolkata in many reports. One of them shows that more than 7 in 10 people suffer from respiratory diseases in Kolkata.

These factors have put Kolkata bottom of 100 world cities in the 2016 Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index , which ranks according to three dimensions – people, planet and profit.

Kolkata ranks last in planet and profit – the environment and economic indicators. On environment, it does badly on sanitation, green space and waste management. On the economic front, it rates poorly in ease of doing business, tourism, connectivity and transport, among others.

“The parameters on the transport front are congestion ratings, kilometres of metro or light rail lines per inhabitant, and airport customer satisfaction,” says Alasdair Cavalla, senior economist at the Centre for Economic and Business Research, which provided the research for the index. “There is just 2mm of metro rail per inhabitant as against the average 14mm in our index. Kolkata’s airport does not rank in the top 100 airports by customer satisfaction.”

The hairy transport situation, experts say, is due to a lack of vision and integrity in transport planning down the decades.

Some of the policies adopted in order to ease road congestion are arbitrary. For example, two years ago, the police banned cycling on 174 main thoroughfares, when the national policy advocates the promotion of non-motorised transport.

There was outrage from green crusaders and unions of milk vendors and domestic workers, who filed a petition in the Kolkata High Court. The ban is still in place but only on 62 roads, mainly flyovers.

Kolkata needs to turn the politics of transport provision on its head, says Madhav Pai, India director for WRI Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities. “The majority of people walk and cycle, while the streets are designed for cars, and this has led to huge inequity. Kolkata needs to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and buses. Instead it continues to invest in flyovers, expressways and more roads.”

Kolkata is exploring options to address its transport problems by sharing experiences through the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group that helps mega-cities of similar size and population density to connect. Kolkata was the first city in south Asia to join the network in 2015. Under C40, every mega city has to identify three top priorities it wants to work on. Kolkata has identified solid waste management, transport and air quality.

“Kolkata is the first city in India to look at fare integration, which means a single ticket for bus, metro and tram,” says Sanjay Sridhar, the C40 regional director for south and west Asia. “It is looking at rationalising bus routes to help improve efficiency and reduce fuel usage.” Intermodal connectivity options, using the existing system of ferries, the metro and trams, are also being looked at.

The next decade in India is about “showing citizens that change is possible’’, says Pai. “All these measures are examples of such change being attempted in Kolkata. To see large long-term change, these projects have to succeed and give hope for new innovative ideas to be implemented.”

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Kolkata Tours

Welcome To Kolkata Tours

Kolkata Tours is the best tour operator in Kolkata for conducting domestic tours. We are successful in conducting weekend trips in the beautiful locales of Kolkata, Sundarban, South Bengal, Howrah and Hooghly, Nadia and Murshidabad, Burdwan and Birbhum, Bankura and Purulia. The agency always tries its best to explore new destinations and guides its clients on the best thing to see and do the perfect accommodation and ideal transportation. We have all the tools at our disposal to build your perfect holiday trip. Kolkata Tours is a specialist with professional service, experience, imagination and a detailed knowledge of the tourism industry. We provide you the best hotels at cheaper rates. Kolkata Tours is one of the leading Travel Agents in Kolkata. If you are finding weekend destination in West Bengal then Kolkata Tours is the best place for you to give you the best weekend destinations. We have a large number of beautiful places in West Bengal for your weekend trip, so why are you waiting come and enjoy the adventure of weekend trip from Kolkata Tours.

Kolkata Tours is the top most travel agencies in Kolkata for conducting domestic tour, weekend trip, adventure trip, pilgrim trip across the Kolkata and whole West Bengal. We have the experience for conducting the best tour package for your weekend destinations, we have a large no of places in West Bengal as well as Kolkata for your weekend trip or pilgrim trip for your family, We have experienced executive in the field of travel in our office where you will get all the answer for your travel related queries. Kolkata Tours can be a your tour advisor if you are finding the best tour or weekend tour trip advisor in Kolkata we are specialized in package tour or trip in West Bengal or Kolkata. We can give you the best weekend destination across the whole West Bengal to make your weekend more beautiful. In Kolkata you can find so many travel agencies to travel agents for your small tour or trip across West Bengal, but Kolkata Tours is the most trusted and renowned Travel Agency in Kolkata for your weekend tour or trip, pilgrim trip, adventure trip, Jungle Safari and may more. We can give you the best and cheapest rates in hotel and tour packages for your small trip or weekend trip across the West Bengal. Below are some travel destinations in West Bengal and Kolkata for your weekend trip with your family, where you and your family definitely enjoy the entire destinations with our packages.

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Exclusive Andaman

Andaman Glimpses , Experience Andaman , Enchanting Andaman , Andaman Dream , Honeymoon Andaman , Andaman Adventure , Mesmerizing Andaman .

Alipurduar , Bagora , Bara Mangwa , Bees Gaon , Bunkulung , Chapramari , Charkole , Chatakpur , Chibo , Chilapata , Chimney , Chota Mangwa , Dara Eco Village , Darjeeling , Delo , Dhupjhora , Dilaram , Doban , Fagu Tea Bungalow , Gahunbari , Garuchira , Gour , Holumba Haven , Icchey Gaon , Jaldapara , Jayanti , Jhandi , Jorepokhri , Kaagey , Kalimpong , Kalipur , Kolakham , Kulik Bird Sanctuary , Kurbia , Kurseong , Lamahatta , Latpanchar , Lava , Lepchajagat , Loleygaon , Makaibari , Malbazar , Mangerjang , Mekhliganj Tea Resort , Mirik , Mongpong , Murti , Mulkarkha Lake Trek , Munsong , Paren , Pedong , Rajabhatkhawa , Ramdhura , Rangaroon , Rangbang , Rasikbill , Reshikhola , Rikisum , Rishop , Rongbull , Samsing , Selim Hill , Serrani Tea Bungalow , Sillery Gaon , Singell , Sitong , Takdah , Tinchuley , Tiya Bon , Tumling , Zurrantee , Cooch Behar , Dalkhola , Dinajpur ,--> Jalpaiguri , Malda , Dooars , Arunachal Pradesh , Assam , Manipur , Meghalaya , Mizoram , Nagaland , Sikkim , Tripura .

Eden Garden Field

Victoria Memorial , Indian Museum , Kalighat Kali Temple , Science City , Eden Gardens , Dakshineswar Kali Temple , Howrah Bridge , Marble Palace , Maidan , Fort William , Nicco park , Shaheed Minar , New Town Eco Park , Birla Industrial & Technological Museum , Alipore Zoological Gardens , Birla Mandir , Birla Planetarium , Aquatica , Nakhoda Masjid , Rabindra Sarobar , Royal Calcutta Golf Club , Calcutta High Court , Vidyasagar Setu , Raj Bhavan , General Post Office , Rabindra Sadan , Metropolitan Building , Tollygunge Club , Nandan , Tipu Sultan Mosque , Academy of Fine Arts , Salt Lake Stadium , St. Paul's Cathedral , Emami Chisel Art , Sabarna Sangrahashala , Nivedita Setu .

Sundarban , Choto Kolagachia , Frazergunj , Jambu Dwip , Kalash Island , Piyali Island , Raidighi , Sajnekhali .

South Bengal

Tajpur Sea Beach

Achipur , Agarhati , Babur Haat , Bakkhali , Bankiput , Bawali , Chandpur , Chandraketugarh , Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary , Choto Kolagachia , Diamond Harbour , Dhuturdaha , Digha , Falta , Garshalboni , Geonkhali , Gopegarh , Hatibari , Henry's Island , Jambu Dwip , Junput , Machranga Dwip , Mandarmani , Mandal Pushkarini , Meen Dweep , Monchasha , Parmadan Forest , Raichak , Rajendrapur , Raipur , Sagardwip , Shankarpur , Taki , Tajpur .

Howrah And Hooghly

Bandel Chruch

Bansberia , Chandannagar , Dasghara , Deulti , Dwarhatta , Gadiara , Garchumuk , Guptipara , Routpara , Sukhadia , Bandel Church , Chinsurah Imambara , Chinsurah Clock Tower , Tomb of Susanna Anna Maria , Khanyan Rajbari .

Nadia And Murshidabad

Krishnanagar Matir Putul

Baharampur , Bethuadahari , Jhilli , Krishnanagar , Mayapur , Nabadwip , Kasimbazar Raj Bari , Farakka Barrage , katra Masjid , Hazarduari , Motijheel Park , Nizamat Imambara , Nasipur Palace , Jahan Kosha Cannon , Tomb of Seraj-Ud-Daullah , Tomb of Sujauddin , Khosh Bagh , Kathgola Gardens , Char Bangla Temple .

Burdwan And Birbhum

Birbhum Bhalki Machan

Bakreshwar , Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary , Beloon Eco Village , Bhalki Machan , Bubahat Neelkuthi , Deul Park , Maithon ,--> Purbasthali , Rasulpur , Sabuj Bon , Shantiniketan , Sonajhuri , Supur , Tarapith , Tumbani , 108 Shiv Mandir Kalna , Sarbamangala Mandir , Burdwan University Golapbag Campus , Burdwan Deer Park , Burdwan Meghanath Saha Planetarium , Burdwan Science City , Krishna Sayar Park Burdwan , Siddheswar Temple Katwa , Baikunthanath Shiva Temple Katwa , Shyamarupa Temple Katwa ,--> Ichai Ghosh Temple Katwa Bishnu Temple Katwa -->.

Bankura And Purulia

Purulia Chhau Dance

Ajodhya Hills , Biharinath , Bishnupur , Baranti , Chechuria , Duarsini , Garpanchakot , Joypur Forest , Muruguma , Mukutmanipur , Susunia , Garh Darwaja , Krishna-Balaram Temple , Amarkanan And Koro Hill , Siddheswar Temple , Joychandi Pahar , Deulghat , Saheb Bandh , Cheliama .

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How to Plan a Trip to Las Vegas on a Budget, According to a Travel Expert

Because Sin City isn’t just for high rollers.

How to Save on Food

How to save on transportation, how to find affordable las vegas hotels, how to save on flights to las vegas, free las vegas activities.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

When you think of Las Vegas, it’s likely the glimmering casinos , flashy hotels, over-the-top entertainment , and extravagant meals that come to mind first. However, you don’t need to spend a small fortune to have a good time in Sin City — so as long as you’re savvy. From flights and hotels to activities and transportation, here are our top tips on how to plan a trip to Las Vegas on a budget, including expert insight, tips, and recommendations from long-time Vegas visitor and travel advisor Allison DePesa of Marvelous Mouse Travels . 

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It’s no secret Sin City is home to spectacular restaurants , including the Michelin-starred Picasso , the sceney Cipriani Las Vegas , and Wolfgang Puck’s beloved Spago , to name a few. However, these aren’t the only options in town. Those looking to get the most bang for their buck can — and should — take advantage of Vegas’ seemingly endless buffets, says DePesa. What’s more, she tells T+L, “Buffets are a staple in Vegas, and you can usually find a great all-you-can-eat option with bottomless Champagne, mimosas, or bloody marys if you go for brunch.” For example, you can’t go wrong at Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan, which serves extravagant all-day brunch items like bone marrow, short ribs, and even steamed snow crab — in addition to the classics like omelets — for $47 per person on weekdays and $54 on weekends; $25 extra for bottomless mimosas, Champagne, bloody marys, or Bud Light). For a more affordable option, consider the MGM Grand Buffet (from $31.99 Monday to Thursday, $37.99 Friday to Sunday), which offers an array of breakfast and lunch dishes, from fresh pastas to pancakes. If buffets aren’t your thing, the Strip is also teeming with fast-food joints and quick-service restaurants. Tacos El Gordo , which doles out wallet-friendly tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, and other Mexican favorites, is among our favorites, as is the Instagram-worthy Cafe Lola , which dishes out sweet and savory breakfast and lunch staples (think crème brûlée challah French toast).

Additionally, DePesa recommends budget-conscious travelers take advantage of happy hour specials. “Many restaurants and bars in Vegas offer discounted food and drink specials during happy hour, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. “ Brera Osteria at The Venetian Resort offers 50 percent off pizza, cocktails, and wines by the glass every day between 3 and 5 p.m. Also, don’t miss sangria hour at The Cosmopolitan's Jaleo , which has sangria from $7, beers from $7, wine from $9, and cocktails from $12 — along with a selection of tapas — every day from 5 to 7 p.m. The deals continue off the Strip at local favorite Honey Salt , where guests can enjoy $5 beers and wines, $6 cocktails, and apps like fried pickles and chicken sliders between $4 and $8 apiece every Monday through Friday between 3 and 6 p.m.

Pro tip: Be sure to sign up for restaurant rewards programs. “Many restaurants, especially those located in casinos, offer rewards programs or loyalty cards,” says DePesa. “Sign up for these programs to earn discounts, free meals, or other perks.” 

Although resorts on the Strip are typically more expensive than those a bit further away, their central location makes it much easier — and cheaper — to get around. What’s more, explains DePesa, “The Las Vegas Strip is relatively compact, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.”

However, that’s not to say you can’t stay off the Strip and still save on transportation. While taxis and ride-share apps are available — as are rental cars, of course — DePesa recommends utilizing public transit to get around. “There's an extensive bus system in Las Vegas, including the Strip and downtown areas.” Deuce on the Strip , which runs 24/7, stops at almost every resort on the Strip, and while single rides cost $4, you can save money by snagging a multiday pass; a three-day one, for example, will run you $20. The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle service that takes visitors to some of downtown Vegas’ top attractions, including the Arts District and Fremont Street Experience . Also, keep in mind that some off-the-Strip hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to the Strip — but more on that below. 

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A Las Vegas hotel stay doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. For one, DePesa recommends booking well in advance, which "can often lead to better deals." She adds, "Hotels tend to offer lower rates for early bookings, especially if you're traveling during off-peak seasons." The summer months (June, July, and August) coincide with the city's low season due to the scorching heat. As such, you can find lower hotel rates. Shoulder season (September through November and January through April) also offers discounted nightly rates; according to Kayak, March is the cheapest month to stay in Las Vegas, with an average five percent drop in price. Ultimately, being flexible with your dates is key. "Midweek stays tend to be cheaper than weekends, and rates may fluctuate depending on special events or conventions in the city," explains DePesa. Finally, as previously mentioned, consider staying at a hotel off the Strip since, per the pro, properties “tend to be more affordable.” She elaborates, “Many of these hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to the Strip, making it convenient to access the main attractions."

DePesa recommends using Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort as your base. The property is home to 13 on-site restaurants and spacious accommodations clocking in at more than 500 square feet. She also suggests checking into Marriott's Grand Chateau ; while it does not provide shuttle service to the Strip — though, fortunately, it’s less than a mile away — it does have a rooftop pool, two bars, and, best of all, no resort fee.

If you choose to stay on the Strip, you can save money by selecting a property with low or no resort fees, which can cost as much as $55 per night. Those craving a more upscale hotel experience may consider a stay at the Sahara Las Vegas , one of few Strip hotels with an under-$40 nightly resort fee .

Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Looking to save money on flights ? Just like with hotels, DePesa says the key is to “be flexible with dates and book early.” She also recommends using fare comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to help you “easily find the best deals and set up price alerts for your desired travel dates.” Additionally, if you have the time and patience, DePesa recommends opting for a connecting flight to or from Vegas since they tend to be less expensive. “But be sure to check the total travel time and factor in potential layover durations,” she says. 

It’s also worth noting Las Vegas’ main airport, Harry Reid International Airport, is considered one of the cheapest in America, according to a 2022 analysis from CivMetrics . 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Unbeknownst to many — especially first-time visitors — Las Vegas offers plenty of free activities , which means you can save your money in hopes of winning big at the casino.

“At the Bellagio, you can see the fountain show and Conservatory & Botanical Gardens ,” says DePesa.

Alternatively, catch the volcano eruption at the Mirage or check out the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat , “a quiet oasis home to koi fish, turtles, birds, and a flock of Chilean flamingos.” The Fremont Street Experience has free live music, Silverton Casino features a complimentary aquarium with thousands of tropical fish, and Circus Circus offers exhilarating acts. Travelers can also visit Ethel M Chocolates for free self-guided factory tours; afterward, explore the three-acre botanical garden, which boasts more than 300 species of flora. Other no-cost attractions include The Arts Factory , the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art , and the quirky Pinball Hall of Fame .

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Artificially Intelligent Help for Planning Your Summer Vacation

Travel-focused A.I. bots and more eco-friendly transportation options in online maps and search tools can help you quickly organize your seasonal getaway.

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By J. D. Biersdorfer

J.D. Biersdorfer has been using smartphone apps for travel since the summer of 2007.

The summer travel season starts in just a few weeks, but if you are looking for software that goes beyond simply booking flights and hotels, you’re in luck. Search engines enhanced by artificial intelligence can help with your research and outline full itineraries. Certain older apps have recently been updated to suggest more eco-friendly travel options. And keeping it all organized on your phone is easier than ever. Here’s an overview.

Using an A.I. Travel Agent

General-purpose A.I.-powered search tools and chatbots like Google’s Gemini spin up a list of things to do on your vacation when asked, but A.I. bots that are fine-tuned for travel queries are often more comprehensive. These bots scout destinations, plan itineraries, search for accommodations and flights, map out road trips and do more — grabbing a lot of information at once and saving you all that time-consuming web trawling.

Give the software your specifics — like destination, length of stay, interests — and see what it suggests. Many A.I. helpers are free to use if you sign up for an account, but some charge a subscription fee for premium services; your app store has specifics.

Layla , formerly Roam Around, is one of the free vacation-oriented A.I. helpers you can find online, and it has teamed up with travel sites that include Skyscanner , Get Your Guide and Booking.com . If you prefer land-based car and camper journeys, Roadtrippers (free trial; $60 year) includes real-time traffic and air-quality information along with route planning. And old stalwarts like Tripadvisor and Expedia are now using A.I.-generated vacation builders.

But as others have also noted, while A.I. travel planners have much potential, many are still works in progress and usually display disclaimers admitting so.

A.I. bots have been known to offer generic advice like “enjoy lunch at a local restaurant,” suggest activities that are out of season or too far apart, repeatedly recommend the same restaurant, consistently steer you to their advertisers or point you to locations that have closed. If you ask different bots the same question, you may get nearly identical suggestions, all scraped from the same tourism websites.

Still, A.I. travel apps are improving as they learn, and can be useful for the trip research and coordination phase. Just be sure to double-check the bot’s work before you commit to a plan.

Finding Earth-Friendly Options

There’s no shortage of apps for booking transportation to your destination. But if you want to keep the environment in mind, recent updates to Google’s Maps and Search apps now suggest routes and methods that lower your personal impact on the planet.

Google for the past few years has been pointing people to flights with lower carbon emissions , alternative train routes , fuel-efficient driving directions and eco-friendly hotels . It is now expanding its walking, biking and public transit suggestions alongside car routes in several major cities and adding more electric-vehicle charging information. Google Flights shows jet emissions estimates . Google Search has a “consider taking the train” nudge with rail routes and prices under certain flight results.

Apple’s Maps app also shows mass transit , walking and cycling options for getting around town, along with charge-friendly routes for electric vehicles . However, the default apps on your phone are not the only aids. Third-party software for directions and sustainable travel abound.

For example, Citymapper, which covers most major cities in the United States, Europe and Asia, includes environmental impact statistics on some trips. Its directions often include accessibility options that avoid stairways , along with routes for the fastest, cheapest or easiest way to get where you’re going; Citymapper is free with in-app purchases.

Other apps available for those seeking environmentally minded vacations include Bikemap for community-sourced cycling routes around the world, HappyCow for vegan and vegetarian travelers and Tap Hydration and Water Stations to locate sources for refilling reusable water bottles.

Keeping Organized

If you don’t already have software for consolidating your trip information, your phone’s default apps can help. Electronic boarding passes, hotel reservations and advance tickets can be quickly added to the digital wallet on your phone; a pragmatic paper backup tucked in your bag is insurance. Google and Apple offer to automatically add reservations and events from email and messages to your calendar .

Free services like TripIt (and its phone apps ), TripCase (also with Android or iOS apps) and Wanderlog automatically put all your travel information in one place, typically by scanning the information in your confirmation emails. TripIt Pro , a $50-a-year subscription version, adds more features like seat, fare and airline-points trackers, as well as international travel tools and regional risk alerts like those for extreme weather that can affect airline schedules and public safety .

A.I. bots and travel apps will continue to evolve and, hopefully, make vacation planning even easier in the future. Just don’t forget to occasionally put the phone down and enjoy your time off once you get there.

J.D. Biersdorfer has been writing about consumer technology for The Times since 1998. She also creates the weekly interactive literary quiz for the Book Review and occasionally contributes reviews. More about J. D. Biersdorfer

Explore Our Coverage of Artificial Intelligence

News  and Analysis

American and Chinese diplomats plan to meet in Geneva to begin what amounts to the first, tentative arms control talks  over the use of A.I.

Wayve, a London maker of A.I. systems for autonomous vehicles, said that it had raised $1 billion , an illustration of investor optimism about A.I.’s ability to reshape industries.

Eight daily newspapers owned by Alden Global Capital sued OpenAI and Microsoft , accusing the tech companies of illegally using news articles to power their A.I. chatbots.

The Age of A.I.

A new category of apps promises to relieve parents of drudgery, with an assist from A.I.  But a family’s grunt work is more human, and valuable, than it seems.

Despite Mark Zuckerberg’s hope for Meta’s A.I. assistant to be the smartest , it struggles with facts, numbers and web search.

Much as ChatGPT generates poetry, a new A.I. system devises blueprints for microscopic mechanisms  that can edit your DNA.

Which A.I. system writes the best computer code or generates the most realistic image? Right now, there’s no easy way to answer those questions, our technology columnist writes .

Transportation | Wind gusts cause over 600 flight delays,…

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Transportation | Wind gusts cause over 600 flight delays, cancellations Tuesday at Denver International Airport

As of 2 p.m., an additional 105 flights had been delayed and two more were canceled, bringing the total of delayed flights to 620 and canceled flights to 39 because of high winds, according to flight tracking data from FlightAware. More than half of the delays were inbound flights delayed at their origin for an average of 1 hour and 9 minutes. Airborne inbound airplanes and outbound flights were delayed for an average of 36 minutes.

Between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 100 flights were delayed and 5 were canceled, according to live flight tracking by FlightAware’s MiseryMap.

Airlines that have delayed or canceled flights include Southwest, United, SkyWest, CommuteAir, Delta, Lufthansa, Frontier, Key Lime Air, Air Canada, JetBlue, Jazz, and American and Alaska Airlines.

Regional airline SkyWest had the largest number of canceled flights with 16 canceled and 62 delayed, while Southwest had the largest number of delays as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, with 242 flights delayed and 10 canceled. United delayed 205 and canceled seven by Tuesday afternoon.

Yesterday, over 1,100 flights were delayed or canceled at DIA because of high winds up to 45 mph. Although winds slowed in much of the state Tuesday , gusts as high as 47 mph are expected at DIA, according to the National Weather Service. On Wednesday, gusts at the airport may slow to 28 mph.

Updated 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024: This article was updated to include recent airline delays and live FlightAware data.

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Transportation | Over 1,100 flights delayed, canceled Monday at Denver International Airport