- Best time
- Oct–Feb
- How long
- 2–3 days
- Stay a night
- ₹1,000–9,000
- Food a day
- ₹300–1,800
- Nearest railhead
- 0 km away
- Nearest airport
- 17 km away
Plan Kolkata in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.
Plan this tripAbout Kolkata
Colonial grandeur, the Howrah Bridge at dawn, clay-idol makers of Kumartuli, College Street books and the finest sweets in India.
Things to do in Kolkata
Victoria Memorial
A grand white marble museum set within 26 hectares of sprawling gardens in central Kolkata. Built during the British Raj and dedicated to Queen Victoria, it features prominent Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Tip: Keep in mind the museum is closed on Mondays.
Howrah Bridge & Mullick Ghat
The Howrah Bridge is a famous steel cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River connecting Kolkata and Howrah. Beneath its massive structure lies the vibrant Mullick Ghat flower market, where hundreds of vendors gather at dawn.
Tip: Carry a camera to capture the colourful marigold heaps at the flower market.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
A famous Hindu temple on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, built in the nineteenth century by Rani Rashmoni. The complex features a nine-spired main temple, twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva, and a temple to Radha-Krishna. It is deeply connected with the lives of Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi.
Tip: Dress modestly as this is a place of active worship.
Belur Math
Belur Math on the west bank of the Hooghly River is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. Founded by Swami Vivekananda, the temple complex features unique architecture fusing Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian motifs as a symbol of unity.
Tip: Dress modestly as it is a place of worship and keep your phones switched off inside the main temple prayer hall.
Kumartuli
Kumartuli is a traditional potters quarter in North Kolkata where artisans sculpt clay idols for various festivals. These intricate works are manufactured for local celebrations and regularly exported.
Tip: Ask permission before taking photographs of the artisans at work
Indian Museum
India’s oldest museum is a grand institution featuring rare collections of antiques, fossils, skeletons, mummies, and Mughal paintings across thirty five galleries. Founded in Kolkata in eighteen fourteen, it is organized into six sections covering cultural and scientific artifacts.
Tip: Note that the museum remains closed on Mondays.
College Street & Coffee House
College Street & Coffee House is a famous book market and cafe in Kolkata. Located opposite major universities, the historic coffee house has long served as a regular hangout and meeting place for intellectuals, students, and writers, shaping the cultural history of the city.
Tip: Look out for rare and old books among the second-hand stalls lining the street.
Prinsep Ghat
Prinsep Ghat is a historic riverside spot on the Hooghly River featuring a Palladian porch built in the nineteenth century. It is one of the oldest recreational areas in the city, known for its scenic riverfront stretch, gardens, and pathways.
Tip: Take a walk along the beautified two-kilometre riverfront stretch towards Babughat.
Where to stay in Kolkata
Park Street
Central, restaurants and nightlife.
Sudder Street
Backpacker hotels.
Esplanade heritage hotels
Grand old hotels.
What to eat
Kolkata biryani
With potato and egg — try Arsalan or Shiraz.
Phuchka
Tangy tamarind pani puri.
Flurys
Park Street tea room since 1927.
Nizam’s kathi roll
Where the kathi roll began.
Rosogolla & mishti doi
Any good mishti shop.
Good to know
- Durga Puja (Sept–Oct) is the city at its best — and busiest.
- Ferries across the Hooghly are cheap and scenic.
Going to Kolkata? Build the plan, split costs with your group and keep tickets in one place.
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