Kolkata

Travel Guide

New Market which includes a city and street scenes
Victoria Memorial which includes a memorial, a pond and heritage architecture
Howrah Bridge showing boating, general coastal views and a bridge
Kolkata which includes a city, markets and signage
Dakshineswar Kali Temple showing a temple or place of worship, night scenes and religious aspects
The former capital of the British Raj is a friendly city blessed with architectural diversity, festivals and an eclectic cuisine.

Once the capital of British India, Kolkata is the bustling capital of West Bengal and often referred to as the cultural heart of India. Colonial landmarks battle for space with colorful temples and lively markets present a sensory overload. Public gardens offer a respite from this hot and crowded, yet ultimately rewarding destination. 

Many attractions are in and around the Maidan, a huge public park where locals relax and play cricket or soccer. Marvel at the marble Victoria Memorial before tracing Kolkata’s colonial-era history at the Calcutta Gallery. Visit British-built monuments such as Fort William and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Find archaeological relics, including centuries-old Hindu sculptures, at the Indian Museum.

Walk or take a rickshaw to the BBD Bagh district, or Dalhousie Square, to see more examples of the city’s past, such as the Raj Bhavan and the neo-Gothic High Court. Watch a cricket match at the Eden Gardens and sample street food cooked by vendors at nearby Fairlie Place. 

Take a taxi or rickshaw across the River Hooghly via the impressive Howrah Bridge. Visit the flower market at Mullick Ghat and see devotees offer prayers at shrines. Admire giant lilies and a centuries-old banyan tree at the picturesque Indian Botanic Garden, a 15-minute drive from Howrah Bridge. 

Shop and bargain for fabrics and leather goods in New Market. Explore the chaotic streets of Barabazar Market while browsing textile shops and spotting religious sights. Stroll down Phears Lane in Old Chinatown, famous for sweetshops, teahouses and kebab stores. Along Park Street, elegant restaurants present Kolkata’s tangy Bengali cuisine.

Kolkata proudly showcases Bengali and Hindu art, dance and music. A popular festival is the 5-day Durga Puja, a flamboyant event with music, parades and performances at pop-up temples.

Kolkata is close to the border with Bangladesh and you can reach it via India’s excellent network of long-distance buses and trains. The city’s international airport has connections to major destinations around the world.

Where to stay in Kolkata

Nicco Park featuring boating, a lake or waterhole and a park

Salt Lake

Discover Salt Lake, memorable for its lake views. Popular attractions in Salt Lake include Salt Lake City Centre Mall and Nicco Park, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Bengal Chemical Station.

Salt Lake
Awesome vide with amazing food

Park Street

Visitors often come to Park Street for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like ISKCON Kolkata, Sri Sri Radha Govind Temple and Camac Street. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Park Street Station.

Park Street
Eco Tourism Park showing a lake or waterhole and boating

New Town

5/5(1 area review)

New Town is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like New Town Eco Park and Axis Mall.

New Town
West Bengal

Sealdah

While you're in Sealdah, take in top sights like Thanthania Kalibari and jump on the metro at Chandni Chowk Station to see more of the city.

Sealdah
New Market featuring a city and street scenes

Dharmatala

While you're in Dharmatala, take in top sights like New Market and jump on the metro at Esplanade Station to see more of the city.

Dharmatala
Finish dinner with these great dessert. Here is a melange of assorted nuts with grated Khoya. An Arabic delight. #sweetspot

Ballygunge

Restaurants and shopping are highlights of Ballygunge. Make a stop by Quest Mall or Birla Mandir while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Ballygunge Station to get around town.

Ballygunge
ITC Royal Bengal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
ITC Royal Bengal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
5 out of 5
1 JBS Haldane Avenue, Kolkata, West Bengal
The price is P5,262 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
P5,262
P6,209 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kolkata. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (222 reviews)
"Excellent service!"

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

ITC Royal Bengal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata
The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata
5 out of 5
1,v2, 3, Old Court House Street, Kolkata, West Bengal
The price is P4,823 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
P4,823
P5,402 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 14 - Mar 15
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kolkata. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions New Market and Victoria Memorial ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (322 reviews)
"It was a good stay that was very comfortable. Service was good and very prompt."

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2025

The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata
Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata
Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata
4 out of 5
CB 218 Action Area 1C New Town, Barasat, West Bengal
The price is P2,630 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
P2,630
P2,946 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 14 - Mar 15
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Barasat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (136 reviews)
One day stay before flight next day.
"Nice hotel. Reception gave us a room well before check in time. Excellent offering in restaurant at dinner and breakfast. Pool is shaded for most of the day though."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2025

Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Amã Stays & Trails 25 Farm House
Amã Stays & Trails 25 Farm House
5 out of 5
Vedic Village Plot No.25A, Mouza Chandpur Chapagachi, Baruipur, West Bengal
Stay at this 5-star luxury villa in Baruipur. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions New Town Eco Park and Eco Urban Village ...
Amã Stays & Trails 25 Farm House
MM Hotel and Service Apartment
MM Hotel and Service Apartment
3 out of 5
63A Bright St Park Circus Ballygunge, Kolkata, WB
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Kolkata. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Victoria Memorial and New Market are ...
MM Hotel and Service Apartment
Starlit Suites Newtown Kolkata
Starlit Suites Newtown Kolkata
3 out of 5
Street 2, Cannal Road Laskarati Bazar, New Town, North Twenty Four Parganas, Barasat, West bengal
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Barasat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions New Town Eco Park and Rabindra Tirtha ...
Starlit Suites Newtown Kolkata
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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