Kolkata - The Cultural Capital of India

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is not just a city but a kaleidoscopic experience in itself! Gaze at the magnificent colonial structures, pay obeisance at the ancient temples, visit the bustling China-Town, ride the thrilling tram and be sure to stuff your mouth with spicy Puchkas - and we promise you that you shall forever cherish Kolkata in your hearts!

Major Attractions

Howrah Bridge

Built across River Hooghly connecting the twin cities of Howrah & Kolkata, this is one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. A gorgeous sight at night, Howrah Bridge is the unofficial mascot of Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial

This stunning marble edifice built in 1921, in the memory of Queen Victoria has now been converted to a museum. Its 25 galleries are home to various painting of the British Royals, historic artifacts, lithographs and various other antiquities.

Birla Temple

Built over a period of 26 years from 1970-1996, Birla Temple, also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is a marvel of architecture.

Marble Palace

This neoclassical palatial structure commissioned by Raja Rajendra Mullick in 1835 is a residence for his descendants till date. Earlier known as the “Art Palace”, it showcases art forms from many European countries.

Indian Museum

The oldest and the largest museum of India, this museum hosts a fascinating collection ranging from sculptures dating back two millennia and relics from Indus Valley Civilization to Egyptian mummies & preserved human embryos and from whale skeletons to some 37 types of Opium.

Kali Ghat Temple

Situated on the banks of Adi Ganga, a tributary of Hoogly, this ancient Kali Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas in the country. The stunning image of Goddess Kali, symbolizing the wrathful form of the Goddess, is simply mesmerizing.

Botanical Gardens

Spread over an area of 109 hectare, Botanical Gardens are a perfect escape from the sights & sounds of the city. Founded in 1776, the gardens are now home to over 12,000 species of plants including a fascinating collection of cacti and palms.

Other Attractions

• Belur Math
• Tagore’s House
• China Town
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Rabindra sarovar
• Mullick Ghat Flower Market
• BethEl Synagogue
• Alipore Zoo
• Dakshineshwar Temple

Nearby Excursions

• Shantiniketan (163kms)- The nerve center of Bengali culture.
• Sunderban National Park (110kms)- Mangrove forests home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Fairs & Festivals in Kolkata

• Durga Puja- October
• Vasant Panchami-Spring Festival in February or March
• Rath Yatra- Chariot Festival in June or July
• Gangasagar Mela- January

Shopping in Kolkata

Shopping in Kolkata is pure ecstasy! From traditional Kantha, Tant and Baluchari sarees to terracotta images, from milky white SolaPith artifacts to Dokra handicrafts, from Darjeeling Tea to Kalighat Paintings and Putul (puppet) Dolls- just shop till you drop!

Food in Kolkata

Traditional Macher Jhol (fish curry), Kosha Mangsho (Mutton curry), Shukto (mixed vegetables), Chelo Kebabs, Puchkas (spicy water bombs), Kolkata Kathi Rolls, Roshogulla, Sandesh and Mishti Doi- Kolkata offers you the many flavors of Bengal!

Best Time to Visit Kolkata

Kolkata is best visited in winters from October to March.

How to Reach

By Air- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at Dumdum, about 17kms from city center, caters to both domestic and international traffic.
By Rail- The two major railheads at Hooghly and Sealdah connect Kolkata with all major Indian cities with many direct & express trains.
By Road- Kolkata is connected with the rest of the country by a network of well maintained roads and highways.