Places to Visit in Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. This city is a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, and delicious food. It is known for its colonial-era architecture, literary heritage, artistic traditions, and cultural festivals. It is also known as the “cultural capital of India.” You will find here a variety of places to visit in Kolkata whether visiting with family or friends.

Kolkata is home to numerous tourist attractions. Some of the popular places to visit include Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Belur Math, Indian Museum, Science City, and Eco Park. The city also has a thriving street food culture, and one can indulge in the lip-smacking delicacies such as kathi rolls, jhal muri, phuchkas, and mishti doi. You can book a taxi service in Kolkata for visiting local and nearby spots.

Top Places to Visit in Kolkata

It is a city that is rich in culture, history, literature, and architecture. If you are planning a trip to Kolkata, here are some places that you must visit:

1. Victoria Memorial: The Victoria Memorial is a magnificent marble structure built in memory of Queen Victoria. It is a popular tourist attraction in Kolkata and is located in the heart of the city. The memorial is surrounded by lush green gardens and is home to a museum that displays artefacts and paintings from the colonial era.
2. Howrah Bridge: Howrah Bridge is an iconic symbol of Kolkata. It is a suspension bridge that spans the Hooghly River and connects Kolkata with Howrah. The bridge is one of the busiest in the world and is a must-visit attraction in the city.
3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple: The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the most revered temples in Kolkata. It is located on the banks of the Hooghly River and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is a beautiful example of Bengali temple architecture and is visited by thousands of devotees every day.
4. Belur Math: Belur Math is a temple complex located on the banks of the Hooghly River. It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and is a popular tourist attraction in Kolkata. The complex is home to several temples, including the main temple dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda.
5. Indian Museum: The Indian Museum is the oldest and largest museum in India. It is located in the heart of the city and is home to a vast collection of artefacts and exhibits from India’s rich cultural heritage. The museum has several galleries, including art, archaeology, geology, and zoology.
6. Science City: Science City is an interactive science centre located in Kolkata. It is a popular attraction for children and adults alike and features several exhibits that showcase the latest advances in science and technology. The centre also has a planetarium and a 3D theatre.
7. St. Paul’s Cathedral: St. Paul’s Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic-style church located in the heart of Kolkata. It was built in 1847 and is one of the most impressive structures in the city. The cathedral is a must-visit attraction for those interested in architecture and history.
8. Eco Park: Eco Park is a sprawling park located in the heart of Kolkata. It is a popular attraction for families and is home to several themed gardens, including the butterfly garden, the tea garden, and the sculpture garden. The park also has a water park and several restaurants.
9. Marble Palace: The Marble Palace is a stunning mansion located in North Kolkata. It was built in 1835 and is known for its intricate marble work and European-style architecture. The palace is home to a vast collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and antique furniture.
10. Park Street: Park Street is the heart of Kolkata’s nightlife. It is a popular destination for foodies and is home to several restaurants and cafes. The street is also home to several famous landmarks, including St. Xavier’s College and the Park Street Cemetery.

As a summary, Kolkata is a city that is rich in culture, history, and architecture. The city has several attractions that are a must-visit for those interested in art, literature, history, and food. Whether you are travelling with family or friends, Kolkata has something for everyone.

Where to Visit in Kolkata for Fooding & Lodging

The city has a thriving food culture and is home to some of the best restaurants and street food stalls in the country. If you are a foodie and planning a trip to Kolkata, here are some places you must visit for fooding and lodging:

1. The market of Park Street: Park Street is the hub of Kolkata’s nightlife and is known for its restaurants, cafes, and bars. It is a must-visit destination for foodies and is home to several famous landmarks, including St. Xavier’s College and the Park Street Cemetery. Some of the popular restaurants in Park Street include Peter Cat, Bar-B-Q, and Flury’s.
2. New Market: New Market is a popular shopping destination in Kolkata and is also known for its street food. It is a great place to indulge in local delicacies such as phuchkas, kathi rolls, and jhal muri. The market is also home to several budget hotels and lodges.
3. Ballygunge: Ballygunge is a posh residential area in Kolkata and is known for its high-end restaurants and hotels. It is a great place to indulge in fine dining and is home to several popular restaurants such as 6 Ballygunge Place, Oh! Calcutta, and Mocambo.
4. Dacres Lane: Dacres Lane is a small street in Kolkata that is known for its street food. It is a great place to indulge in local delicacies such as kebabs, rolls, and biryani. The street is also home to several budget hotels and lodges.
5. Gariahat: Gariahat is a popular shopping destination in Kolkata and is also known for its food. It is a great place to indulge in local delicacies such as fish fry, mishti doi, and rasgulla. The area is also home to several budget hotels and lodges.
6. Salt Lake: Salt Lake is a posh residential area in Kolkata and is known for its high-end restaurants and hotels. It is a great place to indulge in fine dining and is home to several popular restaurants such as Barbeque Nation, Hoppipola, and Traffic Gastropub.
7. Esplanade: Esplanade is a busy area in Kolkata and is known for its street food. It is a great place to indulge in local delicacies such as phuchkas, kathi rolls, and jhal muri. The area is also home to several budget hotels and lodges.

At last, Kolkata is a city that is a paradise for foodies. It is home to several popular restaurants and street food stalls that offer a wide range of delicacies. The city also has several budget hotels and lodges that cater to the needs of travellers. Whether you are travelling with family or friends, Kolkata has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to indulge in the delicious food and stay in the cosy lodges of Kolkata.

Best Time to Visit Kolkata

The best time to visit Kolkata is during the winter season, from October to March, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. During this time, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 26°C, making it the ideal time to explore the city and indulge in its vibrant culture and cuisine.

The winter season in Kolkata is also the time for several festivals and events, such as Durga Puja, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. The city is decorated with colorful lights and cultural programs, making it a perfect time to experience the rich cultural heritage of the city.

However, it is important to note that the winter season is also the peak tourist season in Kolkata, and the prices of hotels and flights may be higher than usual. It is advisable to book your accommodation and travel in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

To explore around the city and other nearby spots, you can easily book a taxi from any corner of the city. Also, you can get other sources of travelling easily whether it is train, flight or bus.