Best months
Per-day budget
₹500–930/day
Getting there
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of West Bengal and India's third-largest city. It was the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911 and retains extensive colonial architecture. The city is known for its intellectual heritage, the Howrah Bridge, the Victoria Memorial, the Kali Temple at Kalighat, and its unique street food culture. Kolkata is also the home of the Bengali film industry (Tollywood) and the Durga Puja festival, the most spectacular public festival in India. The city is served by the iconic yellow ambassador taxis and the only tram network in India. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air.
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Why go
The Victoria Memorial is a white marble building built between 1906 and 1921, now a museum with exhibits on British India. The Howrah Bridge (1936) is the fourth-longest cantilever bridge in the world and the busiest. The Indian Museum (1814) is the oldest museum in India with a collection of fossils, artifacts and paintings. Kumartuli is the potters' quarter where the Durga Puja idols are made. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple (1855) is a major temple on the Hooghly River. The Marble Palace is a 19th-century mansion with art and sculptures. Kolkata street food is distinct from North India. The kathi roll at Nizam's (the original since 1936) on Park Street. Puchka (pani puri) at the Vivekananda Park stalls. Jhalmuri (spicy puffed rice) sold on the beaches and parks. Kosha mangsho (slow-cooked mutton) with luchis at 6 Ballygunge Place. Sandesh and roshogolla at KC Das. Fish fry at Mitra Cafe (since 1931). The Park Street area has the famous restaurants like Flurys (since 1927).
How to reach
Kolkata has two major railway stations — Howrah and Sealdah — with direct trains from Delhi (Rajdhani, 17-18 hours, ₹1,500-2,500). The airport has flights from all major Indian and international cities. The Kolkata Metro is the oldest metro system in India. Trams, buses, taxis and app-based cabs serve the city.
What a day costs
| Hostel dorm bed | ₹400–700 |
| Street food meal (kathi roll) | ₹40–100 |
| Metro ticket (one way) | ₹10–30 |
| Victoria Memorial entry (Indians) | ₹50–100 |
When to go
October to March is the best period — pleasant weather (10-25°C). The Durga Puja festival in October is the peak season — the city is decorated with pandals and the atmosphere is electric. July-September is monsoon. April-June is hot and humid (up to 40°C). For Durga Puja, visit in October (dates follow the Hindu calendar).
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Colonial Kolkata
Visit the Victoria Memorial in the morning. Walk to the nearby St. Paul's Cathedral and the Birla Planetarium. Afternoon at the Indian Museum. Evening at Park Street for dinner.
Day 2: North Kolkata and Howrah
Visit Kumartuli (the potters' quarter) in the morning. Cross the Howrah Bridge — walk across for the best views. Visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Take a tram ride along the Hooghly River bank.
Day 3: Food and Depart
Morning at the New Market. Try kathi roll at Nizam's, phuchka at Vivekananda Park, and sweets at KC Das. Catch an evening train.
Student hacks
- ▸Kolkata is one of the cheapest big cities in India — street meals for ₹40-100, hostels from ₹400.
- ▸Take the tram (₹10) for the classic Kolkata experience — the only tram network in India.
- ▸The Victoria Memorial entry for Indians is ₹50 — the museum has excellent British India exhibits.
- ▸Kathi roll at Nizam's (₹40-80) is the most affordable meal in Park Street, one of the city's most expensive dining areas.
- ▸Durga Puja in October is free to experience — the pandals (temporary temples) are works of art visible from the streets.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Kolkata. The city is safe but crowded. Park Street and New Market areas are safe at night. The metro closes by 9:45 PM. ATMs are widely available. Kolkata has good mobile coverage. The Howrah Bridge area is crowded — watch your belongings.
FAQs
How do I reach Kolkata from Delhi?
Rajdhani Express (17-18 hours, ₹1,500-2,500) or flight (2 hours, ₹3,000-6,000).
What is Kolkata famous for?
The Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Durga Puja, Bengali sweets, kathi rolls, and the Indian Museum.
How many days do I need?
3-4 days — one for colonial Kolkata, one for North Kolkata, one for food and departure.