Destination

Kolkata

Kolkata, the City of Joy, is India's cultural capital, the home of Tagore and Satyajit Ray. As a centerpiece of Kolkata tourism, its colonial architecture, like the Victoria Memorial and Indian Museum rival European cities. Yet, Kolkata's soul lies in North Kolkata’s 200-year-old mansions and Kumartuli. This city of adda and football offers incredible things to do in Kolkata, especially exploring its legendary food, from Nizam’s rolls to KC Das sweets. Planning a Kolkata trip for October allows you to witness Durga Puja, and see the city become a vast art gallery.

Places to stay in Kolkata

Things to Do in Kolkata

Top activities and experiences

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Quick facts about Kolkata

Local weather

27°31°

light rain

Humidity

92%

Wind

0.91 m/s

Thu

33°27°

Fri

32°26°

Sat

31°26°

Sun

32°26°

Mon

26°26°

General info

Time zone

IST

Currency

INR

Official languages

Bengali, Hindi, English

Best time to visit

OCT-MAR

Recommended trip duration

4 days

FAQs about Kolkata

October to March is ideal. October brings Durga Puja — the city's biggest festival. November to February has pleasant weather around 15-25°C. Summers (April-June) are extremely hot and humid. Monsoon (July-September) brings heavy rain.

Durga Puja is Kolkata's biggest festival and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. For five days in October, the city transforms with thousands of elaborately themed pandals (temporary structures) housing artistic Durga idols. It's part religious festival, part art exhibition, part citywide street party.

Kathi rolls at Nizam's, rosogolla and mishti doi, puchkas (pani puri), biryani at Arsalan, fish fry at Mocambo, kosha mangsho at Golbari, and Bengali sweets at Balaram Mullick.

Kolkata has India's oldest metro system, yellow taxis, Uber/Ola, hand-pulled rickshaws (in North Kolkata), trams, and ferries across the Hooghly. The metro is the fastest way to navigate the city.

Kolkata is one of India's safest major cities. The crime rate is low, people are friendly, and the city is walkable even at night in most areas.