Фотогалерея ‒ Kolkata, India

Guide to Kolkata

A virtual tour of Kolkata

Kolkata, despite its British colonial history, has maintained a distinct and vibrant identity. The city offers a rich blend of architecture, bustling markets, and a diverse cuisine. Start your exploration of Kolkata with a visit to the Museum of India, the largest in the country, which offers insights into the region's culture, customs, and traditions. Kolkata is a hub for art, science, and literature, with many Indian writers having lived and worked here. If you're fortunate, you may even catch the Kolkata Book Fair, one of the world's largest. The city hosts concerts, though theater performances are typically in the local language. Several movie theaters also screen films in English. Once you've immersed yourself in the cultural offerings, don't miss the chance to dine at one of the colorful local restaurants. Indian cuisine is renowned for its use of spices, so be prepared for flavorful dishes. You'll find a variety of options, including poultry, fish, rice dishes, and desserts like sweet yogurt (mishti dohi). Street food delights like fried eggplant slices (beguni), meat or vegetable rolls (kathi), and pancakes with sauce (phuchka) are also readily available.

Photos of Kolkata

Tips for tourists

The ideal time to visit is from October to March. The hottest time to visit is from April to September (temperatures rise above +30°C).
Be sure to take a streetcar, as Kolkata is the only city in India where this mode of transportation works. There are 36 streetcar lines in total.
Only bottled water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth and cooking, as the sanitary situation in the country is very difficult.
Population
14 112 536
Time zone
GMT +5.5
Language
Bengali
Currency
Indian rupee

Tours to Kolkata

A vacation in India would be incomplete without exploring the vibrant city of Kolkata. Hot tours to Kolkata are popular not only because it's a major tourism hub but also due to its rich cultural heritage and pleasant climate. Whether you're looking for simplicity or luxury, Kolkata offers a stunning spiritual atmosphere and a chance to delve into the local culture.

The best time to visit Kolkata is during spring to early summer when temperatures are around 30°C, and there's minimal rainfall or monsoon winds.

For budget-conscious travelers, Kolkata is a great destination. The city boasts numerous museums, temples, and forts, with the iconic Victoria Memorial being a must-visit architectural gem. Nature lovers can also enjoy affordable experiences by exploring places like the Zoological Gardens, Eden Sisters Gardens, and Birla Planetarium.

Accommodation in Kolkata is plentiful, offering high-quality service at reasonable prices. And when it comes to food, the diverse Indian cuisine is a must-try, and it's surprisingly affordable compared to European standards. Kolkata truly has something to offer every traveler.

Interesting places in Kolkata

We recommend checking out Lonely Planet's selections of attractions in and around the city. There aren't many museums, but there are interesting temples of different religions, buildings built under British rule, bustling markets and streets where you can get a feel for the city and see how the locals live.

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

There is no direct air service to Kolkata. You can fly with one or two connections or arrive in Delhi, from where you can travel by train (this option is not recommended for beginners and single female travelers). Round-trip tickets to Kolkata with two connections will cost about 700 USD if purchased two months before departure. Tickets for a flight with one connection cost a little more - about 730 USD.

The best hotels in Kolkata

There are quite a lot of hotels of different classes, unpretentious travelers can find a single room for only 10 USD per night. A room in a 5* hotel costs from 80 USD per night. Best luxury hotels (according to Kolkata visitors): Taj Bengal, The Oberoi Grand Kolkata, The Gateway Hotel EM Bypass Kolkata, Hyatt Regency.

There are offers to rent apartments and bungalows from owners. You can rent an apartment from 40 USD per day, a bungalow with all amenities will cost about 200-300 USD.

The cost of vacation

When planning a trip to India, the most significant expense will be your flight tickets. However, once you're in the country, accommodation, food, and excursions tend to be quite affordable, especially when compared to European cities. To give you a rough estimate, we can calculate the approximate cost for a traveler spending four days in Kolkata. Keep in mind that this is just a guideline, as individual preferences and circumstances can vary. The final cost of your trip will also depend on factors like when you book your flights and accommodations and the specific dates of your visit to India.

The budget for a trip to Kolkata
Visa 60 USD Flight from 700 USD
Accommodation from 10 USD Average check in a restaurant 200 INR (about 3 USD)
Transportation fare from 5 INR (about 0.075 USD) Excursion 500 INR (about 7.5 USD)
Total: about 855 USD

Kolkata: tips for tourists

What should you consider when going to visit such an exotic and incomprehensible India for the first time?

Visa to Kolkata

Some nationalities need visa to India. To do this, you need to fill out the application form, make the payment and print out the received invitation. The cost of the visa is 60 USD, payable on the embassy's website by card.

Kolkata Airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is located 17 km from the city center, at Dum Dum. It has three terminals: domestic, international and cargo. It receives flights from the UK, Singapore, UAE, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Transfer to Kolkata from the airport

The best way to get to the center is by cab (fare is 200-300 INR, about 3-4.5 USD). There is also a train from the airport to Dum Dum station, from where you can get to the center by cab or ferry (to Fairlie Ghat or Babu Ghat pier).

Kolkata Public Transport

The most convenient and safe transportation for a tourist is a cab. The fare is determined by a meter. There are also rickshaws that run only on fixed routes, streetcars and metro (India's first network). Ticket prices start from INR 5.

Car rental in Kolkata

Renting a car will cost about 1300 INR (about 20 USD) for a local rental (up to 8 hours / 80 km). Each additional hour or km is charged separately. Don't forget to take insurance as India has chaotic traffic and the risk of an accident is high.

Security in Kolkata

The city is relatively safe for tourists, but the best option (especially for solo travelers) is to get around Kolkata with a local guide. Be careful in crowded areas and remember to keep an eye on your personal belongings.

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