Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a city of contrasts — where colonial architecture stands alongside modern skyscrapers, tram rides meet metro lines, and where literature, art, music, and food define its heartbeat. Often called the City of Joy, Kolkata has been India’s cultural capital for centuries. It was also the capital of British India until 1911, leaving behind a legacy of grand monuments, wide boulevards, and intellectual hubs.
This Kolkata Travel Guide explores must-see attractions, food trails, culture, shopping, nightlife, local experiences, and day trips — making it a perfect starting point for anyone planning a trip to this vibrant city.
Top Places to Visit in Kolkata
1. Victoria Memorial
2. Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu)
3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
4. Kalighat Temple
Another powerful Shakti Peeth, this temple is deeply spiritual and culturally significant.
5. Indian Museum
6. Marble Palace
A 19th-century mansion still inhabited by the descendants of Raja Rajendra Mullick, featuring Western sculptures, chandeliers, and rare paintings.
7. Park Street
Known as the street that never sleeps, it’s lined with heritage restaurants, pubs, cafes, and colonial-era buildings.
👉 Travellingcamera’s streets & cityscapes
8. College Street (Boi Para)
Asia’s largest second-hand book market. A paradise for bibliophiles, and home to the legendary Indian Coffee House.
9. Mother House
The headquarters of Missionaries of Charity, where Mother Teresa lived and worked.
10. Science City
A fun, interactive space perfect for families with kids.
Food in Kolkata
Kolkata is a food lover’s dream with its mix of Bengali, Mughlai, Chinese, and street food flavors:
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Rosogolla & Sandesh – Bengal’s iconic sweets.
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Macher Jhol – A staple fish curry with rice.
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Kathi Rolls – Kolkata’s street food invention, best at Nizam’s in New Market.
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Puchka (Pani Puri) – Tangy and spicy, with a Bengali twist.
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Mughlai Paratha, Telebhaja, and Chowmein – Popular evening snacks.
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Chinese Food at Tiretta Bazaar – A taste of the city’s old Chinese community.
Kolkata Biryani
👉 Travellingcamera’s food journeys
Art, Culture & Festivals in Kolkata
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Durga Puja: Kolkata’s biggest festival — with artistic pandals, idols, cultural programs, and food stalls.
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Literary & Artistic Hub: Kolkata Book Fair, Dover Lane Music Festival, and Nandan (cinema hub).
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Performing Arts: Theatre at Academy of Fine Arts, Rabindra Sadan, and live classical music.
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Art Galleries: Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Academy of Fine Arts.
Nightlife in Kolkata
Kolkata’s nightlife blends heritage charm with modern buzz:
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Park Street: Pubs, jazz clubs, and iconic restaurants like Moulin Rouge, Trincas, and Olypub.
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Rooftop Cafes: Overlooking the Hooghly and Victoria Memorial.
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Live Music: From jazz to Sufi, Kolkata’s evenings are filled with rhythm.
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Adda Culture: Local gatherings at coffee houses and tea stalls late into the night.
Shopping in Kolkata
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New Market (Hogg Market): A one-stop destination for clothes, accessories, and household items.
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Gariahat Market: Sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts.
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Dakshinapan Shopping Complex: Handicrafts and artifacts from across India.
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Kumartuli: Idol-makers’ colony where Durga idols are crafted.
👉 Travellingcamera’s handicrafts & shopping trails
Local Life in Kolkata
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Morning: Rabindra Sangeet in parks, chai in clay cups, joggers at Maidan.
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Day: Street markets bustling, students filling coffee houses, office goers rushing.
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Evening: Families on the Hooghly ghats, food lovers exploring puchka stalls.
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Essence: A city that lives by adda (casual chats), books, food, and festivals.
👉 Travellingcamera’s street photography
Excursions Around Kolkata
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Shantiniketan (160 km): Rabindranath Tagore’s university town, known for art, culture, and Baul music.
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Sundarbans (110 km): UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and mangroves.
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Digha (180 km): Popular beach getaway.
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Bishnupur (140 km): Terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees.
Best Time to Visit Kolkata
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October–February: Best weather, coinciding with Durga Puja and cultural events.
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March–June: Hot and humid, but vibrant with festivals like Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year).
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July–September: Monsoon rains add charm but can be tricky for sightseeing.
How to Reach Kolkata
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By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport connects globally.
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By Rail: Howrah and Sealdah stations are among India’s busiest.
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By Road: Well-connected highways to Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar.
Stay Options in Kolkata
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Luxury: The Oberoi Grand, Taj Bengal, ITC Sonar.
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Mid-range: Kenilworth Hotel, The Peerless Inn.
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Budget: Guesthouses in Park Street and Sudder Street.
👉 Travellingcamera’s hotel reviews
Why Visit Kolkata?
Kolkata is more than a city — it’s an emotion, defined by literature, art, festivals, food, and warm people. From the grandeur of Victoria Memorial to the spirituality of Kalighat, from tram rides to boat cruises on the Hooghly, and from puchkas to rosogollas, Kolkata promises a cultural immersion like no other.
👉 Explore more of East India on Travellingcamera: Travellingcamera East India Stories
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