Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal and India’s third-largest metropolitan area at 15 million people, was the country’s colonial capital from 1772 to 1911. The British built grand boulevards, the Victoria Memorial and Asia’s oldest museum here, while Bengali intellectuals made it the subcontinent’s literary and artistic powerhouse. Today’s Kolkata rewards travellers who look past the surface chaos: crumbling Raj-era mansions stand alongside modern malls, the hand-pulled rickshaw coexists with India’s oldest Metro, and the city’s Durga Puja festival is one of the world’s greatest street celebrations. Use the guides below to plan your visit.

Welcome to Kolkata: India’s Intellectual Capital

Stretched along the east bank of the Hooghly River, Kolkata compresses its history into a walkable colonial core. The Maidan, a 400-hectare central park larger than New York’s Central Park, anchors the city’s heart with the marble Victoria Memorial at its southern end. North of the Esplanade, the old Bengali neighbourhoods of Kumartuli and Baghbazar operate as they have for centuries: potters sculpting clay Durga idols, tea stalls hosting adda (intellectual debate), and narrow lanes dense with the smell of mustard oil and incense. Kolkata’s Metro, India’s first, connects the colonial south to the planned northern suburb of Salt Lake. The Kolkata neighborhoods guide maps all five key districts.

Kolkata Climate and Seasonal Snapshot

Kolkata has a tropical wet-and-dry climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (November-February) is dry and comfortable with highs of 26-29°C (79-84°F) and lows dipping to 13°C (55°F). This is the only season for comfortable outdoor sightseeing. Summer (March-May) is brutally hot: May highs reach 37°C (99°F) with 75% humidity, creating a heat index above 42°C (108°F). The monsoon (June-September) delivers 284-345mm of rain monthly with humidity at 80-85%. October is transitional; the month’s Durga Puja draws the largest crowds despite 131mm of residual rain. Full details are on the Kolkata weather by month page.

The best time to visit Kolkata is November through February for weather, or during Durga Puja (late September/October) for the festival experience despite higher rates and crowds. The worst months are May (extreme heat) and July-August (monsoon downpours and flooded streets).

Explore Kolkata’s Attractions

Our things to do in Kolkata guide covers the Victoria Memorial (500 INR for foreigners), the Indian Museum (500 INR), the atmospheric South Park Street Cemetery, the Kumartuli potters’ quarter where Durga idols are made, Mother Teresa’s tomb at the Missionaries of Charity headquarters, and the walk across Howrah Bridge with the return ferry ride (10 INR).

Kolkata Events and Festivals

Kolkata’s events and festivals calendar is headlined by Durga Puja in October, a five-day city-wide celebration with 3,000-plus illuminated pandals. The International Kolkata Book Fair in January-February is Asia’s largest, drawing 2 million visitors. The Kolkata International Film Festival in November screens 200-plus films. Christmas week transforms Park Street with lights and markets.

Where to Stay in Kolkata

Our where to stay in Kolkata guide covers the Park Street/Esplanade colonial core, the Ballygunge upmarket residential area and the Salt Lake business township with specific hotel suggestions at luxury, mid-range and budget tiers.

Suggested Hotels in Kolkata

The Oberoi Grand

Kolkata’s grandest heritage hotel, opened 1888 on Chowringhee Road, with a courtyard pool, 209 colonial-style rooms and the acclaimed Baan Thai restaurant. Best for luxury travellers wanting Kolkata’s most historic and atmospheric address. Check rates and availability

The Park Kolkata

A contemporary mid-range hotel directly on Park Street with 149 rooms, a rooftop pool and the city’s most central dining and nightlife location. Best for mid-range travellers wanting to be steps from Kolkata’s main restaurant strip. Check rates and availability

Broadway Hotel

A 1937 budget institution near the Esplanade with basic rooms from 600 INR (€7), old-world colonial atmosphere and a canteen serving cheap Bengali meals. Best for budget travellers wanting Kolkata’s most characterful budget stay. Check rates and availability

Practical Information for Your Kolkata Trip

The Kolkata travel tips and FAQ guide covers airport prepaid taxis (400-600 INR to the centre), the Metro system (5-30 INR per ride), India’s e-Visa process, tipping customs, safety advice and practical answers including street food safety, SIM cards and dress code in religious sites. The Metro’s Blue Line connects the centre to Dakshineswar Kali Temple in 30 minutes for 30 INR.