GBP


Kolkata
Food; Festivals; History; Shopping
Estimated return trip cost

From
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2 people
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1 room
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7 days
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Flexible
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Mid-range
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Plan your trip
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DoneOVERVIEW
Kolkata is a vast city on the Hooghly River, with colonial civic architecture, dense residential districts and commercial streets extending across a broad urban area. Literature, theatre, cinema and political discussion remain central to the city’s identity, while food markets and religious festivals animate daily life. Markets occupies a different part of the destination from river, giving the wider area a clear physical structure.
Heat, traffic and crowds are demanding, yet neighbourhood exploration reveals extraordinary cultural depth. Book markets, riverfront ghats and local cafés create a richer picture than the monumental colonial centre alone. Conditions around residential districts can differ noticeably from local food, so flexible timing improves the overall experience. River is experienced differently from local food, so both areas contribute useful but separate perspectives.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Season
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Precipitation
THINGS TO DO
Browse Lake Market for goods connected to Kolkata, focusing on local makers, produce or established specialities. Check market days and avoid assuming every stall is locally made.
Trace Kolkata’s colonial history
Use Kolkata’s colonial history to understand a specific part of Kolkata’s past rather than viewing it without context. Allow time for interpretation, not only the most photographed exterior.
Experience Kolkata’s defining festival
Kolkata’s defining annual festival is a scheduled event rather than a year-round attraction. Check the current dates, programme and ticket arrangements before building the rest of the trip around it.
Festivals
Half or full day
Taste local food around Burrabazar
Use Burrabazar as a starting point for tasting food connected to Kolkata, choosing regional dishes or produce rather than a generic international meal. Opening days may shape the plan.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Languages
Bengali · English
Currency
Indian rupee · INR
Tap water
Do not drink untreated
Plug type
Type D / M · 230 V · 50 Hz
Emergency
All emergencies 112
25/14;29/18;34/23;36/26;36/27;35/27;33/27;33/27;33/26;32/24;30/20;27/15
15;24;37;55;129;279;394;370;323;188;29;7
2;2;1;0;0;0;0;0;0;1;2;2
DST0890
22.5726
88.3639