Plan Your Travel To Kolkata
Kolkata Travel Essentials
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Ideal duration: 2-4 days
Best Time: Oct-Mar Read More
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Also Refered As:Calcutta
Places To Visit In Kolkata
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"The city of Joy"
Kolkata Tourism
Embark on a journey through time and culture as you explore the enchanting city of Kolkata. Nestled on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, this vibrant metropolis is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Known as the "City of Joy," Kolkata boasts a rich historical tapestry, diverse culinary delights, and warm hospitality. Immerse yourself in the spirit of this bustling city, where every street corner tells a story and every monument echoes bygone eras.
Kolkata,India alternate-biggest megacity, is a constantly ongoing jubilee of mortal actuality, coincidently luxurious and squalid, refined and frantic, pointedly futuristic, and beautifully in decay. A vibrant 350-year-old megalopolis located on India's Eastern Coast, the capital of West Bengal thrives on contradictions and assessing specs; nothing is commonplace in this megacity. Famously known as the City of Joy, Kolkata is, in every sense, the cultural, artistic, and intellectual capital of the country. Kolkata's thoroughfares are pictorial, excited, chaotic, and yet brimming with life and creativity. Driven by the insuperable spirit of the tone-made middle class, the megacity has created a beautiful immediacy of the old colonizer-period charm with the incipient fossil culture that thrives amongst the megacity's millennial residents. Starting from esteeming the flourishing art scene in the megacity to going on satisfying gastronomical studies to wandering amidst the innumerous stores to sitting by the banks of the Hooghly and enjoying a peaceful evening, Kolkata is soaked in layers and layers of heritage and culture, and shelling off each subcaste to look beneath the hood is a veritably satisfying, once-in-a-lifetime experience. As the notorious quotation goes," If you want a megacity with a soul, come to Calcutta.". Formerly the capital of the British Empire before the government was shifted to Delhi, Kolkata has a distinct tincture of its royal history moping in every niche and fissure of the city. However, take a walk along the thoroughfares of North Kolkata, which houses some of the oldest palaces in the megacity, if you want to soak in some of the megacity's regal history. Kolkata is home to Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral house, which has now been converted into a gallery and houses a stunning collection of family pictures and oils. There are plenitude of ghats each over the megacity where you can sit and enjoy an evening while belting on tea, one of the most noted of these being the Prinsep Ghat, which offers stunning views of the Vidyasagar Setu in the background. Nearby is Millennium Park, which is a beautiful shorefront demesne from which you can take boat lifts and sails. Kolkata has a veritably lively escapism, and the entire stretch along Park Street houses innumerous bars and cafés where you can snub the night down. Kolkata's road food is notorious across the country, and the megacity is lined with beaneries and food booths at every corner where you can savour original Bengali food or try out original snacks similar to Jhalmuri or GhugniChaat.India’s third-largest megacity is a diurnal jubilee of mortal actuality, contemporaneously noble and squalid, dressed and hopeless, substantially futuristic, but still in transition. By its old spelling, Calcutta readily conjures images of mortal suffering to most Westerners, although that is not a complete picture of this 330-year-old megalopolis. Locally, Kolkata is regarded as India’s geek, cultural, and artistic capital. Although poverty is clearly apparent and the tone-made middle class drives the megacity's core ministry, an incipient fossil culture thrives among its millennial residents, and its spruce Bengali gentry frequent grand colonizer-periodclubs. Known as the ‘ City of Joy ’, Kolkata holds an important place in the frugality, politics, and culture of India. The capital of West Bengal, Kolkata, is one of the four metropolitan metropolises in India and has retained its definitive charm despite modernization. ‘ What Bengal allowed moment, India allowed.Hereafter, ’, is a notorious line associated with the megacity for having produced some of the topmost thinkers, artists, film makers, and pens like Rabindranth Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Satyajit Ray. Indeed, ideas in Kolkata in the fields of art, literature, cinema, and theatre have handed alleviation to the rest of the country. Earlier known as Calcutta, the megacity was invented in 1698 and served as the capital of British India till 1911, when it was shifted to Delhi. The megacity was renamed Kolkata in 2001. Located along the banks of the Hoogly River, Kolkata is connected to Howrah by the iconic Howrah Bridge. The megacity’s coloniser history is reflected in its architecture. Raj Bhavan, the pens ’ structure, and the Victoria Memorial Hall are just some of the numerous structures that date back to a defunct period. Kolkata is also home to some of the most stylish educational institutes in the country. Ideas of the notorious social reformists Swami Vivekananda and Raja Ram Mohun Roy and Indian freedom fighter Shubhas Chandra Bose were formed during their time of education in Kolkata. Mother Teresa spent a major part of her life and also lies in eternal rest in the megacity at The Mother House. It's among the 52 Shakti Peethas in the world. Goddess Kali is deeply deified, and Durga Pooja is celebrated in the grandest manner in Kolkata, especially at Kalighat’s Kali tabernacle. Kolkata has produced some of the finest huntsmen who have represented India, like Sourav Ganguly and Leander Paes. It's also home to some of the most popular transnational sports colosseums, like Eden auditoriums and Salt Lake Stadium. With its antique unheroic hacks, quaint wagonettes, massive islands, age-old jazz bars, social structures, heritage homes, iconic beaneries, Durga Puja fests, graphic ghats, and boat rides over the Ganga, Kolkata is the megacity of picture-perfect shots.
Kolkata Travel Packages
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Must Know Before You Travel to Kolkata
India Tour Packages Before you set foot in the cultural capital of India, it's imperative to acquaint yourself with some essential travel insights:
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Weather: Kolkata experiences a tropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Plan your visit accordingly to relish the best weather.
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Cuisine: Indulge your taste buds in the delectable Bengali cuisine, renowned for its sweets like Rosogolla and savoury delights such as Macher Jhol.
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Transportation: Kolkata Tour Packages Navigate the city seamlessly with an extensive network of taxis, rickshaws, and the iconic yellow Ambassador cars.
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Cultural Etiquette: Embrace the local customs and traditions. A simple "namaste" goes a long way in fostering connections.
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Festivals: Time your visit during Durga Puja to witness the city adorned in splendid decorations and immerse yourself in the fervour of this grand celebration.
Top Hotels In Kolkata
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Nightlife in Kolkata
As the sun sets, Kolkata comes alive with a vibrant nightlife that caters to diverse tastes. From trendy lounges to traditional cultural performances, the city offers an array of options for every nocturnal enthusiast.
Shopping in Kolkata
Indulge in a shopping extravaganza as you explore Kolkata's bustling markets. From the iconic New Market to the traditional Kalighat paintings, each corner beckons with unique treasures.
Exchanging Money in Kolkata
Ensure a hassle-free trip by familiarising yourself with the currency exchange facilities scattered across the city. Opt for authorised outlets to get the best rates for your currency.
Daily Budget for Kolkata
Crafting a budget is essential for a seamless Kolkata experience. Factor in accommodation, meals, and transportation to make the most of your stay without breaking the bank.
History of Kolkata
Delve into the annals of Kolkata's history, from the days of British colonial rule to its pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. Explore landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge that stand as testimony to the city's glorious past.
Unravel the myriad facets of Kolkata, a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Whether you're captivated by its historical landmarks, savoring its culinary delights, or immersing yourself in its vibrant nightlife, Kolkata promises an unforgettable journey.
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FAQs on Kolkata
What is the best time to visit Kolkata for a tourist experience?
The ideal time to visit Kolkata is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the city is alive with cultural festivals.
What are the must-try dishes in Kolkata for food enthusiasts?
Indulge in the local culinary delights, such as the iconic Rosogolla, delicious Macher Jhol (fish curry), and Kolkata's famous street food like Kathi Rolls and Puchka (pani puri).
How is the transportation system in Kolkata, and what options are available for tourists?
Kolkata offers a well-connected transportation network, including taxis, rickshaws, and the iconic yellow Ambassador cars. The Kolkata Metro is also a convenient option for navigating the city.
What cultural events or festivals make Kolkata a unique travel destination?
Durga Puja is the most significant festival in Kolkata, transforming the city into a cultural extravaganza. Additionally, events like Diwali, Holi, and the Kolkata International Film Festival attract visitors from around the world.
How can tourists ensure a smooth currency exchange experience in Kolkata?
To exchange currency hassle-free, visitors should use authorized outlets and banks. It's advisable to check the latest exchange rates and opt for reliable sources to get the best value for their money.
