A travel Guide to Kolkata

Kolkata Tourism

Kolkata has wonders to offer to anyone ready to be amazed. Known as the ‘City of Joy’, and rightfully so, if you ever visit Kolkata India, you are bound to leave the place with a smile on your face.

While Delhi may be India’s political centre, and Mumbai the financial hub, Kolkata is the centre for art, culture, and rich history. Great thinkers like Rabindranath Tagore and Satyajit Ray hail from this wonderful place. Although modern in its exterior, it does have history at almost every corner. If you are lucky enough to go on one of those Kolkata tours, you will be able to feel the pulse of the city and what it stands for.

With several Kolkata tourist attractions to be amazed at, visitors will have a hard time choosing a favourite. Therefore if you want to experience the very best of British-India balanced out with modernity, Kolkata is the place to be.

Places to visit in Kolkata

1. Victoria Memorial

The city of Kolkata is incomplete without mentioning the Victoria Memorial in the same sentence, one of the most famous Kolkata attractions. The magnificent structure is made out of resplendent white marble, a splendid contribution by the British. It looks beautiful during the sunsets as the red skies offer the perfect backdrop for this majestic piece of architecture. The structure is surrounded by gardens where people can have picnics or just stroll about. It becomes even more beautiful when light shows adorn it in the evening time. A tourist’s priority should always be to visit the Victoria Memorial whenever in town.

2. Kumartuli

Kumartuli is a very old potter’s quarter, situated in Northern Kolkata. It reeks of the rich culture that can also be found around the city. With almost 300 years of history in its bag, the place acts as a residence of hundreds of potters, who earn their livelihood by carving out idols. The Durga Idols made here have their buyers coming from different parts of the world. Visiting Kumartuli will make you realise the rich hierarchy of heritage the place beholds and the artists’ immense dedication to their work line. The place has really adorned Kolkata tourism and added to its charm.

3. Science City

The estate is a perfect example of education being imparted in a fun and exciting way. Activities which tourists can be a part of, are the Space Theatre, Dinosaurs Complex, Evolution Theme Parks. Out of many Kolkata tourist places, Science City is a favourite one among children and adults alike. The place also features a variety of amusement rides adding to its thrills. Hence, if you are looking for a family outing over the weekend or have come to visit the city, this destination is a must.

4. Park street

To experience exquisite cuisines and happening city life, you should visit Park street while in Kolkata. Your Kolkata travel guide will know all the right places to take you. The entire place is home to multiple pubs and restaurants known for their ambience, foods and performers. Also, it is the most famous hang-out spot in the city, especially amongst the youth, with amazing nightlife. In case you want to take a walk through the busy crowds of Kolkata, be sure to give Park street a visit.

5. Birla Planetarium

Located very close to the Victoria Memorial, the Birla Planetarium is another of Kolkata attractions. The place tops the list as Asia’s largest and second-largest planetarium in the world, inaugurated by the former Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. An electronics laboratory equipped with the latest technology is the main attraction. Besides, it boasts of an astronomy gallery that exhibits fine paintings and wonderful celestial models. So if you like getting lost in the stars, visit the place to see lightyears away with a magnificent observatory.

Things to do in Kolkata

You can find an exciting activity or aspect in almost every street of Kolkata. There are innumerable things to do in Kolkata and some of them are:-

Be a part of Durga Puja

If you are lucky enough to be in town while Durga puja is on, you are in for a treat. Pinnacle of Kolkata tourism, the festival brings in a charm of its own not only in the city or in the country but also around the globe. There are many pandals erected all around the city, housing unique sculptures of Goddess Durga. Accompanied by music and sumptuous food, the festivities go on for a prolonged period of ten whole days.

Taste the Street food

Kolkata serves its variety of delicious street food, famous all over India. There are countless spots all around the city, providing lip-smacking local delicacies. Out of the famous ones ‘puchka’ tops the list. Other dishes you will definitely get to enjoy on the streets are rolls, fried fritters, various types of chats, and more. It will take a whole day to discover and unravel Kolkata’s street food, which plays a major role in Kolkata tourism.

Go boating on the Hooghly

Under the towering structure of Howrah Bridge runs the cool currents of the Hooghly river. As a tourist, you can hire a boat and set off into the sunset on the waters. The boats also make for a romantic few minutes if you are out with your partner. The majestic bridge’s view, matched with the beautiful colours during sunset, adds to the whole experience. Visiting the Hooghly river has to be right at the top of Kolkata tourist places.

Shop at New Market

With the help of your Kolkata travel guide, you can make your way to New Market. The place is a shoppers paradise, offering a variety of stuff for daily and luxury use. You will also find many archaic shops that have been existing since the British-rule days. This adds to the historical beauty of this market. While visiting, buy a few souvenirs at a reasonable price. In case you are searching for big brand names, the place offers them as well.

Experience a sporting event

The city of Kolkata is synonymous with the word ‘passion’. It houses some of the most die-hard fans of cricket as well as football. Book a match ticket in the Eden Gardens or at the Salt Lake stadium, out of other Kolkata tourist places to unleash the sports lover in you. The power and passion showcased by the crowd will increase the adrenaline rush for sure.

Best time to visit Kolkata

The city experiences extreme temperatures, both during summer and winter. The best time to visit Kolkata would be between October and March to experience the place’s real vibe. In these months, the city wraps itself in a variety of festivities, which brings in a holiday spirit of its own.

It is not advisable to visit during the monsoons as the city receives heavy showers and thunderstorms throughout. Hence, the best season to visit Kolkata can be Autumn or Winter, when the weather is pleasant and cool.

How to reach Kolkata

Here are some tips on how to reach Kolkata in the most comfortable way possible:-

By Air: You can take a flight from your location to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at Dumdum and the Bagdogra airport at Siliguri. Daily flights to Kolkata land in these airports, connecting the place to multiple cities around the country and the globe.

By Rail: Howrah and Sealdah are two main train stations of Kolkata, connected to different parts of West Bengal. These stations are also well-connected to other cities of the country, allowing inter-state transportation. You will find a variety of hotels in Kolkata located just outside the stations.

By Road: Multiple National and State Highways connects the city with the rest of India. People can easily avail of these while entering from neighbouring states or cities. There are many hotels on these highways that provide overnight stays, at an affordable price. The city offers consistent taxi and bus services, facilitating hassle-free transportation.