Kolkata

Kolkata Travel Guide

Welcome to Kolkata, the City of Joy! Located on the banks of the Hooghly River in eastern India, Kolkata is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history, diverse culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. As a traveler, you’ll find plenty to explore in this bustling city.

Places to Visit

Historical Landmarks

  • Victoria Memorial: A stunning white marble monument built between 1906 and 1921, dedicated to Queen Victoria’s memory.
    • Address: Queens Square, Kolkata 700071
    • Timings: 10am-4pm (closed on Mondays)
  • Indian Museum: The oldest and largest museum in India, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.
    • Address: 177, B.B. Dutt Road, Kolkata 700016
    • Timings: 10am-5pm (closed on Fridays)
  • Fort William: A historic British-era fort built in the late 18th century, now serving as the Eastern Command headquarters of the Indian Army.
    • Address: Strand Road, Kolkata 700001
    • Timings: 9am-4pm (closed on Sundays)

Cultural Attractions

  • Belur Math: The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and a serene haven for spiritual seekers.
    • Address: 3/2, Belur Math Road, Howrah 711202 (near Kolkata)
    • Timings: 6am-8pm
  • Kolkata Museum of History: A museum showcasing the city’s rich history through exhibits and artifacts.
    • Address: 1st Floor, 4, Gariahat Road, Kolkata 700019
    • Timings: 10am-5pm (closed on Fridays)
  • Calcutta Bazar: A vibrant marketplace where you can find everything from souvenirs to street food.
    • Address: 3, Strand Road, Kolkata 700001
    • Timings: 10am-8pm

Natural Wonders

  • Botanical Garden: A serene oasis with over 600 species of plants and a peaceful atmosphere.
    • Address: 79, Alipore Road, Kolkata 700027
    • Timings: 6am-5pm (closed on Mondays)
  • Dum Dum Lake: A picturesque lake surrounded by scenic views and walking trails.
    • Address: Dum Dum, Kolkata 700002
    • Timings: 6am-7pm

Activities

Water Sports

  • Lake Club: Offers boating, fishing, and other water activities on the Dum Dum Lake.
    • Address: 12/2, Dum Dum Road, Kolkata 700028
    • Timings: 9am-5pm (closed on Mondays)
  • Kolkata River Cruise: Take a leisurely cruise along the Hooghly River to enjoy the city’s skyline and historic landmarks.
    • Departure Point: Strand Road, Kolkata 700001
    • Timings: Various departures throughout the day

Cultural Experiences

  • Dance Classes: Learn traditional Indian dances like Bharatanatyam or Kathak at various dance schools across the city.
  • Music Lessons: Take lessons in classical music instruments like sitar or tabla from experienced teachers.

Where to Eat

Street Food

  • Bengali Dhaba: Try authentic Bengali street food like jhal muri, puchka, and phuchka at this popular stall.
    • Address: 3/2, Belur Math Road, Howrah 711202 (near Kolkata)
    • Timings: 10am-6pm
  • Kathi Rolls: Savor delicious kathi rolls and other North Indian street food at this popular stall.
    • Address: 12/2, Dum Dum Road, Kolkata 700028
    • Timings: 11am-7pm

Restaurants

  • 6 Ballygunge Place: Enjoy fine dining with a focus on Bengali cuisine in an upscale setting.
    • Address: 6 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019
    • Timings: Lunch: 12pm-3pm; Dinner: 7pm-10pm
  • Swagat: Savor delicious Bengali cuisine with a focus on traditional recipes and flavors.
    • Address: 1/1, Gariahat Road, Kolkata 700019
    • Timings: Lunch: 12pm-3pm; Dinner: 7pm-10pm

Where to Stay

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Ibis Kolkata: A modern budget hotel with comfortable rooms and amenities.
    • Address: 9, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata 700071
    • Tariff: ₹4,500/night
  • Hotel Shambhu Dayal: A simple yet clean hotel with basic amenities.
    • Address: 45/2, Hazra Road, Kolkata 700029
    • Tariff: ₹3,000/night

Mid-Range Options

  • Park Prime: A stylish hotel with modern rooms and excellent service.
    • Address: 9/1, Park Street, Kolkata 700016
    • Tariff: ₹10,000/night
  • The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat: A luxurious hotel with elegant rooms and top-notch amenities.
    • Address: 11/4, Plot 3B, Rajarhat, Kolkata 700156
    • Tariff: ₹15,000/night

Things to Know

Climate

  • Summer (April-June): Hot and humid with temperatures often reaching 40°C.
  • Monsoon (July-September): Heavy rainfall with frequent power outages.
  • Winter (October-March): Mild and pleasant with average temperatures around 20°C.

Safety

  • Taxis: Always use licensed taxis or app-based services like Ola or Uber for safe transportation.
  • Pickpocketing: Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially on public transport.
  • Emergency Services: Call 100 for police emergencies and 101 for medical emergencies.

Tips

  • Learn Bengali phrases: Show respect by learning basic Bengali phrases like “Namaste” (hello) and “Dhanyobad” (thank you).
  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.
  • Bargain: Haggle politely when shopping at markets or street stalls to get the best prices.

Transportation

Metro Services

  • Kolkata Metro: A convenient mode of transportation with multiple lines and stations across the city.
    • Frequency: 5-10 minutes
    • Tariff: ₹5 (one-way)

Bus Services

  • Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS): A fast and efficient bus service with dedicated lanes and stops.
    • Frequency: 5-10 minutes
    • Tariff: ₹5-15 (depending on the route and distance)

Other Tips

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially during hot summer months.
  • Avoid eating from street stalls: While street food can be delicious, it’s best to stick with reputable restaurants or cafes for a safer dining experience.
  • Explore neighborhoods: Wander through local markets and streets to discover hidden gems and get a feel for the city’s vibrant culture.