About Kolkata
Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It lies on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, 80 km (50 mi) west of the border with Bangladesh. It is the primary financial and commercial centre of eastern India and one of the gateways to northeastern India. Kolkata is the seventh most populous city in India with an estimated city proper population of 4.5 million while its metropolitan region Kolkata Metropolitan Area is the third most populous metropolitan region of India with a metro population of over 15 million. Kolkata is regarded by many sources as the cultural capital of India and a historically and culturally significant city in the historic region of Bengal.
Places to visit in Kolkata
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Victoria Memorial
Landmark · 2 mi from centreA large white marble memorial and museum built in honor of Queen Victoria, surrounded by landscaped gardens. Explore the gardens in late afternoon, and stay for the evening sound and light show if it is running.
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Howrah Bridge
Landmark · 2 mi from centreA massive steel cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River, carrying huge numbers of people and vehicles daily. Visit early in the morning to see the busy Mallick Ghat flower market near its base.
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Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Religious · 6 mi from centreA large riverside Hindu temple complex dedicated to the goddess Kali, linked with the mystic Ramakrishna. Visit early to avoid long lines, and take the boat across the river to Belur Math afterward.
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Indian Museum
Museum · 1 mi from centreThe oldest and one of the largest museums in India, with collections of art, fossils, coins and archaeological finds. Allow at least two hours, and make time for the Egyptian mummy and Buddhist sculpture galleries.
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Kalighat Kali Temple
Religious · 4 mi from centreOne of the city's oldest temples and an important Hindu pilgrimage site devoted to Kali. Expect crowds and long lines, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and politely decline offers from unofficial guides.
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Park Street
NeighborhoodA famous avenue lined with old restaurants, bakeries, bars and colonial buildings. Visit in the evening for dinner and live music, and stop by the historic South Park Street Cemetery nearby.
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Sundarbans National Park
Nature · 60 mi from centreA vast mangrove delta forest, home to Bengal tigers, crocodiles and many birds. It lies about 100 km from the city, so plan an overnight boat trip with a licensed operator and bring insect repellent.
Things to do in Kolkata by type
10 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 4 experiences 18th century Kolkata tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 3 experiences Excursion to Bandel Church and Hangseswari Temple -
City tours 2 experiences Calcutta City - Private Tour
- Senior 10
- Youth 10
- Couples 10
- Families 10
Top experiences in Kolkata
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.
City Tour Calcutta
From $56 per adult
Excursion to Bandel Church and Hangseswari Temple
From $132 per adult
Hoogly River Cruise
From $235 per adult
Calcutta City - Private Tour
From $87 per adult
Terracotta Paradise Tour
From $195 per adult
Visit Shanti Niketan
From $196 per adult
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Tour
From $310 per adult
College Street Tour
From $67 per adult
18th century Kolkata tour
From $72 per adult
East River Bank Tour
From $71 per adult
Best time to visit Kolkata
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Kolkata is December to February, when average daytime highs are around 77–84°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Kolkata weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 89° 74° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 89° 75° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 89° 74° 8%
- Sat 24 Oct 89° 74° 8%
- Sun 25 Oct 89° 73° 10%
- Mon 26 Oct 91° 73° 18%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Indian rupee (INR)1 US dollar ≈ ₹95.1
- Languages
- Hindi, English
- Calling code
- +91
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Asia/KolkataUTC+5:30
- Capital
- New Delhi
Getting to Kolkata
These are the airports closest to central Kolkata. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CCU Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport8 mi (12 km) from the city centre
Getting around Kolkata
Kolkata has an extensive public transport network, from the modern rapid transit system to the century-old heritage tram system.
By taxi or cab
Kolkata no longer looks the same without the plethora of yellow Hindustan Ambassador taxis that once plied on the streets. Originally a locally manufactured copy of the 1950s-vintage Morris Oxford, the yellow Ambassadors, along with the heritage trams, are synonymous with the entire city. However, these iconic Ambassadors are phased out in 2025 in favour of Maruti Suzuki Wagon R cabs, and these modern vehicles may not appeal to the seniors who used to ride on their lovely Ambassadors.
By metro
The oldest rail rapid transit system in India, the Kolkata Metro is the fastest, cleanest, most reliable, least crowded (though still rather crowded) and most efficient of all the transportation Kolkata has to offer. As of 2025, five lines are operational and more are under construction.
By tram
Kolkata has the only tram service in all of India and the oldest surviving electric tram network in Asia. Though decommissioned in some parts of the city, electric trams are still one of the means of travelling between a few places within the city.
Kolkata travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Kolkata?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Kolkata is December to February, when average daytime highs are around 77–84°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
What is the weather like in Kolkata?
April is usually the warmest month in Kolkata, with average highs of 98°F (37°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 58°F (14°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 440 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Kolkata?
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (12 km) from the centre of Kolkata.
What currency is used in Kolkata?
Kolkata uses the Indian rupee (INR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₹95.1.
What time zone is Kolkata in?
Kolkata uses the Asia/Kolkata time zone (currently UTC+5:30). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Kolkata?
Kolkata has an extensive public transport network, from the modern rapid transit system to the century-old heritage tram system.
What are the best places to visit in Kolkata?
Top sights in Kolkata include Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Indian Museum. A large white marble memorial and museum built in honor of Queen Victoria, surrounded by landscaped gardens. Explore the gardens in late afternoon, and stay for the evening sound and light show if it is running.
What are the top things to do in Kolkata?
Popular experiences you can book in Kolkata include City Tour Calcutta, Excursion to Bandel Church and Hangseswari Temple and Hoogly River Cruise. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Kolkata?
The most popular types of experiences in Kolkata are zoo, aquarium & nature (4), day trips & excursions (3), city tours (2) and cruise & water tours (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
How many hotels can I book in Kolkata?
Destina Holidays currently lists 297 properties in and around Kolkata, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
