Why Travel to Kolkata? There are 18 good reasons to visit Kolkata.

1. Former capital

Kolkata has a long history because it was British India's capital for more than a century. Under the British Raj, it served as the headquarters of the British East India Company and the regional capital of the British territories. The influence of this time period may be seen in the city's architecture and culture.

Calcutta was the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911. Shimla had become the summer capital during the later half of the nineteenth century. On the eve of the 1911 Delhi Durbar, King George V declared the relocation of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi.

02. Outstanding architecture

From the magnificent Victoria Memorial from the colonial era to the always-crowded Howrah Bridge, Kolkata has long attracted travelers from all over the world.

If we shed some light on some of Kolkata's notable structures that were constructed during the British era and are still surviving now thanks to their distinctive and purposeful.

With a mixture of historic cathedrals, synagogues, temples, medieval castles, and colonial structures, Kolkata's architecture manages to create a number of classic structures in the important locations of the city.

03. Markets that are dynamic

Some of India's busiest and oldest markets are found in Kolkata. No matter, if you're looking for antique books on College Street or flowers at Mallik Ghat, Kolkata's busy bazaars, will impress you with their extensive selection of necessities and oddities.

04. Food

Everyone who appreciates trying new foods should at least once travel to Kolkata. Kolkata is one of India's best places to eat delicious food. It is home to outstanding street food, delectable Bengali sweets and pastries, historic Indo-Chinese restaurants, and a variety of renowned eateries.

05. Chinatown

As the sole remaining Chinatown in India, Kolkata protects the culture and dwindling Chinese immigrant community of the nation. One of Kolkata's most culturally diverse neighborhoods, Terreti Bazaar, or Old Chinatown, is worth visiting for its mouthwatering street cuisine, ancient Chinese temples, amusing streetside kiosks, and other attractions.

06. One-of-a-kind cosmopolitan

Kolkata is especially cosmopolitan among Indian cities since it is home to significant populations of Chinese, Armenian, Jewish, and other immigrant groups. Each of these groups has helped Kolkata advance in terms of its social, historical, political, cultural, and architectural development, resulting in a fascinating fusion of cultures.

07. Trams

The only city in India with a functional tram network is Kolkata. The tram system in Kolkata, which started in 1902 and is the second oldest electric tramway in India and the oldest in Asia, is an amazing and interesting experience that visitors are sure to love. These spectacular rides, which transport passengers through some of the city's oldest neighborhoods and into an ancient world of splendor, are well worth the trip to Kolkata.

08. Literary Wealth

India's unofficial literary capital has long been Kolkata, and that designation will continue to be used. The City of Joy is a must-visit destination for readers of Indian literature since it is the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore and numerous other important luminaries in Indian literature and culture. The oldest publishing houses in the nation are located in Kolkata.

9. India's center of football

Since Kolkata is a hub for football fans in a country where cricket mania is rampant, it makes for an interesting travel destination for sports fans. In addition to being the oldest association football league in Asia, the Calcutta Football League was established in 1898, making it one of the oldest football leagues in the whole globe.

10. Historical Rail System

One of India's oldest rail systems is found in Kolkata. The city's always bustling railway terminals handle more people than most other Indian stations, which is a source of great attraction for tourists. The oldest and busiest train station in India is Howrah Junction Railway Station, constructed in 1854. It also has the most capacity for handling trains among all railway stations in the nation, with 23 operational platforms.

11. Roshogollas

A delicious Durga Puja tradition, roshogollas are not without controversy, with Kolkata and Odisha each claiming to have invented them. But I never seem to be able to get enough of this dessert. The name may alternatively be referred to as rosogulla, rasagulla, or rasbari, depending on which Indian state is being discussed.

12. Howrah Bridge

Constructed in 1943 to span a body of water between two areas, it has stood steadfastly since the Second World War. The longing of millions of hearts holds the bridge together. It is the sixth-longest cantilever bridge in the world and the busiest one.

13. Kumortuli

North Kolkata's Kumortuli, which means "potter locality," is more than 300 years old. Observing the delicate beauty of the Goddess Durga idols during the Durga puja has always made me love the craftsmanship of the artists. Since the artists are so fervently interested in creating idols of god and goddess for festivals, it stands to reason that I was really excited about returning to this location. I've always wanted to see them at work and capture some unguarded images of them.

14. Victoria Memorial

As the "Taj of the Raj," the Victoria Memorial. It is one of the city's numerous well-known landmarks. It was constructed from Makrana marble, just like the Taj Mahal. The Presidency Jail, which was subsequently destroyed and moved to Alipur, was held there before the Victoria Monument was built.

15. Prinsep Ghat

A song from the Bollywood film Parineeta included Prinsep Ghat, a location that was built in 1841 and named for James Prinsep, an Anglo-Indian scholar.

The Vidyasagar Setu, which towers above, adds to the ghat's attractiveness. Evenings in this area are spectacular; boat excursions depart from this ghat for a 20-minute trip at fees ranging from 250 to 400 INR, with a limit of 4 passengers on a boat rowed in the traditional manner. I've only done it once so far, but if I had decent company, I wouldn't mind doing it again.

16. Presidency College

Kolkata Presidency College is one of the oldest colleges in South Asia and one of the most esteemed institutions under Kolkata University. The College Presidency was founded in 1817. Many well-known people, including Subhas Chandra Bose, graduated from this university.

16. Presidency College

Kolkata Presidency College is one of the oldest colleges in South Asia and one of the most esteemed institutions under Kolkata University. The College Presidency was founded in 1817. Many well-known people, including Subhas Chandra Bose, graduated from this university.

17. College Street

The College Street is known for its numerous independent and chain bookshops, earning it the moniker "Boi para" (Colony of Books). It is India's largest book market. Collectively, the store can boast a collection that includes practically every book ever sold in Kolkata.

18. Jadavpur University

Jadavpur University is one of India's top 10 engineering schools and is known for its academic brilliance and effective campus protests. No matter how screwed up we sometimes were, the mantra "Chaap nibi na"—which translates to "Don't worry pal"—was a big part of every student's life at JU. And if there is one thing that a JU student can always count on, it is "Lyadh," which is code for procrastination in all its manifestations. Like myself, I'm sure every other JU student used to priorities their excursions to Worldview at Art Campus over academics.

 

Things to do in Kolkata

A Tram Ride Is Fun

As was previously noted, Kolkata asserts that it is the only city in India and one of the few in the world where electric trams are permitted. Take a tram journey across this vibrant city to see how it has managed to connect to its past despite its modernity.

Located next to the Esplanade Tram Depot in the Maidan.

Hours: 6:30 am to 21:30 pm, every day

Take pleasure in a delicious breakfast at Tiretti Bazar.

In order to really experience Tiretti Bazar, you must be a gourmet who enjoys Chinese cuisine. One of the few places in Kolkata where you can get real Chinese food first thing in the morning is here. Some of the delectable meals at Tiretti Bazar include momos, buns, sausages, rice balls, chicken balls, meatball soup, hog pies, breaded pig fillets, fish, siu mai & spring rolls.

Sun Yat-Sen Street, location

Golden Joy, Big Boss, Beijing, Kafulok, Kim Ling, and Fung Fa are the best restaurants.

Visit Kolkata's well-known temples.

Whether you identify as religious or not, you must visit the city's temples during your one day of vacation. At these temples, you may worship or just wander around and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and stunning architecture. Check out our list of Kolkata's prominent temples:

1. Kalighat Temple
2. Dakshineswar
3. Belur
4. The Minto Park ISKCON Temple
5. The Badridas Temple

 

Go shopping at the mall

We have wonderful news for you, shoppers. Shopping is among the exciting things to do in Kolkata. The fact that the city has a variety of markets where one can buy anything from clothing to jewelers to home décor items undoubtedly helps. In Kolkata, some of the most major retail areas are:

New store: From Monday through Saturday, from 11:00 to 21:00, the store is open. Gems, clothing, home goods, and baggage are available for purchase by both residents and tourists.

The Hatibagan Market is open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Sundays the market is still closed. The market offers items such as clothing, jewellery, and household goods.

Strolling in the Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens must be included on your list of places to see in Kolkata in a single day. This enormous garden, which covers 109 hectares, is home to some 12,000 plant and tree varieties. The Great Banyan, a massive banyan tree that is thought to be the biggest banyan tree in the country, is the park's major draw.

Location: Howrah, Shibpur

Hours: daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Entrance fee: Rs. 10

Tourists may find a lot more in Kolkata. It is a unique location because to its friendliness, vibrancy, and various attractions. Come and fall in love with Kolkata's soul.

A fun night out is a terrific way to cap off the day.

If you're wondering what to do in Kolkata at night, you might want to head to one of the bars where you can hang out with your friends and have a nice time. On the list are locations like Backstage, Perfect Place In Town, The Junction, Aqua, Shisha, and a number of others.

Travel advice for Kolkata

Kolkata, a key gateway to India's northeast, is easily reachable by plane from any significant Indian city or even farther away. Additionally, Kolkata is well-connected to all major Indian cities thanks to an effective train system and a sophisticated network of motorways and arterial roads that run through the city.

Flying directions to Kolkata?

The airfield that connects Kolkata with other key metropolises throughout the nation is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Additionally, it offers regular flights to and from countries in Europe and Southeast Asia. To go from the airport to their destination, passengers can take buses and private taxis. Additionally, a few trains use a brand-new rail connection to connect the airport with the Dum Dum railway station. You may choose the routes that are most suitable for IndiGo flights to Kolkata and get the greatest offers and discounts.

How can I take the train to Kolkata?

An integrated rail network connects Kolkata to the rest of the nation, allowing travelers to access the city quickly and affordably. The three terminals at Sealdah (SDAH), one of India's busiest railway stations, accommodate long-distance trains coming from all across the country. Prepaid taxis are normally available anywhere in the city from the railway stations. Major railway stations in Kolkata include: Dum Dum Junction (DDJ), Dakhineswar (DAKE), Belgharia (BLH), Bidhan Nagar Road (BNXR), Kolkata Howrah (HWH), Kolkata Chitpur (KOAA), and Kolkata Santragachi Junction (SRC).

How can you get a car to Kolkata?

Through a network of highways and motorways, Kolkata is connected without interruption to other significant metropolitan areas. Two of the main thoroughfares that go through Kolkata are NH 12 and NH 16. The main interstate bus terminal for people who enjoy taking buses is Esplanade Bus terminal. The city's interstate bus terminals include Babughat Bus Stand and Tollygunge Tram Depot Bus Stand in addition to the Esplanade Bus Terminal.

What time of year is ideal for visiting Kolkata?

The best time to visit Kolkata is between October and February during the autumn and winter months, when the weather is beautiful and there are many events to take in. The peak season for traveler arrivals falls around this time of year, especially during Durga Puja. Kolkata experiences warm winters and hot, humid, and occasionally rainy summers due to its eastern tropical climate.

Prepare a trip to Kolkata

Being able to experience the vibrant festivals and mouthwatering native cuisine in Kolkata makes for an alluring vacation. Additionally, the city has an amazing selection of shopping. Kolkata, commonly referred to as the "City of Joy," will undoubtedly rock your holidays.