Things to Do in Kolkata

About Kolkata

Kolkata is the only major Indian city where rickshaw pullers and Nobel laureates both revere the same classical music tradition. Intellectual energy here isn't confined to universities—it spills into morning chai sessions where strangers debate philosophy as naturally as they discuss cricket. The Hooghly River cuts through the eastern edge. Colonial mansions crowd against street art. Fresh fish smells from New Market mix with incense from neighborhood pujas. Walk any residential block and you'll find a corner bookstore with a resident poet. Evening means theater, always. The city won't let you observe from a distance. You're either in or you're passing through, and most visitors who spend real time here end up in the first camp. That pull comes from how Kolkata refuses to sand down its edges—the bittersweet parts stay bittersweet, the intensity stays intense. Centuries-old traditions operate alongside new ambitions without the usual friction. Morning adda sessions over chai aren't quaint customs. They're daily life. The culture doesn't perform for tourists—it simply exists, and you can join or not.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Kolkata Metro costs ₹5-15 ($0.06-0.18) for most routes with AC and non-AC options. Yellow taxis charge ₹25-30 ($0.30-0.36) per km with meters mandatory. Auto-rickshaws cost ₹15-25 ($0.18-0.30) per km in suburbs. Uber and Ola widely available at ₹50-150 ($0.60-1.81) for 5km trips. Trams cost ₹5-8 ($0.06-0.10) on heritage routes. Bus services charge ₹8-20 ($0.10-0.24) with extensive network. Walking excellent in central areas with pedestrian-friendly zones.

Money: Indian rupee (INR) with ATMs from SBI, HDFC everywhere. UPI payments through PhonePe and Google Pay universal acceptance. Budget $15-30 daily. Cards widely accepted including small tea stalls now. Tipping ₹20-50 ($0.24-0.60) customary at restaurants. Mobile wallets like Paytm very common. Cash still needed for street vendors and local transport. Foreign exchange available at banks and authorized dealers. Keep small notes for tips and rickshaw fares.

Cultural Respect: Bengali language proud heritage though English widely understood. Greet with 'Namaskar' with palms together showing respect. Durga Puja biggest festival with incredible pandals. Fish and rice central to Bengali cuisine culture. Intellectual discussions and poetry deeply valued. Remove shoes before entering homes and temples. Family relationships extremely important with extended networks. Business cards received with both hands respectfully. Touch elder's feet as sign of respect. Cultural performances and arts highly appreciated.

Food Safety: Bengali restaurants serve fish curry rice for ₹80-150 ($0.96-1.81). Street food like puchka costs ₹30-60 ($0.36-0.72) from popular vendors. Darjeeling tea at Coffee House runs ₹15-25 ($0.18-0.30). Mishti (sweets) from KC Das costs ₹200-400 ($2.41-4.82) per kg. Bottled water costs ₹20 ($0.24) but filtered water generally safe. Choose established restaurants with local crowds. Fresh fish excellent quality from markets. Avoid raw salads from street stalls.

When to Visit

October to March offers Kolkata's golden period, with temperatures ranging 15-28°C and minimal rainfall (10-20mm monthly). This peak season sees 40-60% higher accommodation rates but delivers perfect weather for exploring. Winter months (December-February) are ideal for walking tours and outdoor festivals. Durga Puja (September/October) transforms the city into an artistic wonderland but expect premium pricing and crowded attractions. Spring (March-April) brings pleasant 20-30°C temperatures before the heat intensifies. Monsoon season (June-September) offers dramatic beauty with 200-350mm monthly rainfall, 30-50% lower prices, and fewer crowds—perfect for budget travelers who don't mind occasional downpours. Summer (April-June) sees scorching 35-42°C temperatures but rock-bottom prices (60% off peak rates). Cultural ensoiasts should visit during Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year, mid-April), Kali Puja (October/November), or the Kolkata Book Fair (January-February). First-time visitors should choose October-February for optimal comfort, while repeat visitors might embrace monsoon's moody romance or summer's authentic local experience when tourist facades disappear.