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: Use the efficient Metro system (₹5-15 per ride) for major attractions. Yellow taxis are metered but negotiate beforehand. App-based cabs like Uber work well. For real feel, try hand-pulled rickshaws in old quarters, but agree on fare first.

Money: Carry cash as many local eateries and markets don't accept cards. ATMs are abundant but may run dry during festivals. Budget ₹1,500-2,500 daily for mid-range comfort. Tip 10% at restaurants, ₹20-50 for hotel staff.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes before entering homes and temples. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. Don't refuse offered tea or sweets, it's considered impolite. Avoid pointing feet toward people or religious images.

Food Safety: Eat at busy street stalls with high turnover—crowds indicate freshness. Try iconic dishes like kathi rolls, puchka, and fish curry at established places like Flurys or Mocambo. Stick to bottled water initially until your stomach adjusts.

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.