Flights
Hotels
Homestays & Villas
Holiday Packages
.svg)
Flights
Hotels
Homestays & Villas
Holiday Packages
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a city of contrasts and one of India’s most culturally rich
destinations. Known as the "City of Joy," Kolkata seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern
vibrancy, making it a hub of art, literature, history, and gastronomic delights. Situated along the
banks of the Hooghly River, this bustling metropolis is famous for its colonial architecture,
historic landmarks, intellectual heritage, and warm, welcoming people.
One of the city’s most iconic structures is the Victoria Memorial, an elegant marble building
set amid lush gardens, which serves as a museum and a tribute to Queen Victoria. It showcases
colonial artifacts and artwork and is a favorite among history buffs and architecture lovers. The
Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel that connects Kolkata to its twin city, Howrah, is another
must-visit landmark and an emblem of the city itself. Kolkata is also known for its literary
history, with landmarks like College Street, where bookshops, publishing houses, and cafes
create a vibrant intellectual atmosphere. Nearby, Indian Coffee House has been a meeting spot
for writers, artists, and students for decades, offering a sense of the city’s rich academic and
cultural life.
Kolkata is a paradise for food lovers, known for its unique Bengali cuisine and street food. The
city’s sweets, especially rosogolla and sandesh, are famous worldwide. For authentic Bengali
flavors, travelers can explore restaurants like 6 Ballygunge Place and Oh! Calcutta, where
dishes like shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce) and kosha mangsho (slow-cooked mutton)
highlight local culinary traditions. Street food is equally celebrated, with dishes like kathi
rolls, puchkas (a local take on pani puri), and jhal muri (spicy puffed rice) available at every
corner. The vibrant New Market area and Park Street are popular spots for both dining and shopping.
With its art galleries, theaters, and annual festivals like the Durga Puja, Kolkata is a city that
celebrates creativity and community spirit. It’s a place where age-old traditions meet modern
energy, where literature, art, and spirituality blend to create an experience that feels like a
journey back in time with a modern twist. For anyone seeking a destination rich in history, culture,
and unforgettable experiences, Kolkata is an extraordinary place to visit.
The Maidan, also known as the "lungs of Kolkata," is a vast green expanse in the heart of the
city, stretching from the iconic Eden Gardens to the majestic Victoria Memorial. This open park is a
popular spot for locals to enjoy morning walks, sports like football and cricket, and picnics. The
Maidan offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with views of the Victoria
Memorial in the background, horse-drawn carriages, and a relaxed atmosphere where one can experience
Kolkata’s daily life up close.
At the heart of the Maidan lies the Victoria Memorial, an iconic marble monument that stands as
a symbol of Kolkata’s colonial past. Built between 1906 and 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria, this
grand building combines British and Mughal architectural styles, surrounded by manicured gardens and
fountains. Inside, the museum displays a fascinating collection of paintings, artifacts, and
sculptures, offering insight into Kolkata’s history and the British era. Visiting Victoria Memorial
at sunset, when the structure glows against the sky, is a must-do for photographers and history
enthusiasts alike.
Close to the Maidan, on the banks of the Hooghly River, lies Prinsep Ghat, a serene and scenic
riverside promenade that dates back to 1841. Named after British scholar James Prinsep, Prinsep Ghat
is known for its Greek and Gothic-style pavilion, offering an elegant backdrop to the river view.
It’s a favorite spot for romantic boat rides, peaceful evening strolls, and watching the sunset as
boats drift along the river. The area becomes especially enchanting when the pavilion is lit up at
night, creating a tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with the city’s energetic streets.
Connecting Kolkata to Howrah is the iconic Howrah Bridge also known as Rabindra Setu. Completed
in 1943, this engineering marvel is one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world, carrying
thousands of vehicles and pedestrians daily. The bridge stretches over the Hooghly River, offering
spectacular views of the city skyline and the bustling river below. Walking across Howrah Bridge
provides a unique experience of Kolkata’s vibrant energy, with sights of flower sellers, locals
commuting, and boats gliding across the river. The bridge is especially captivating at dusk, when it
lights up against the night sky, symbolizing Kolkata’s blend of history, progress, and resilience.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is more than just a festival; it’s a grand celebration of culture, art, and devotion that transforms the city into a vibrant, colorful spectacle every year. Held in September or October, this five-day festival honors the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Streets across Kolkata come alive with intricately crafted pandals, each showcasing creative themes and exquisite idols of Durga. These temporary structures are often adorned with elaborate art and lighting, attracting millions of locals and tourists alike, who come to marvel at their beauty. Kolkata’s street food scene reaches new heights during Durga Puja. Phuchka (Kolkata’s version of pani puri) is a crowd favorite, filled with spicy tamarind water and mashed potatoes. Kathi rolls (paratha wraps filled with egg, chicken, or mutton) are another must-try street snack. Bengali sweets are a major highlight, with rosogolla and sandesh making appearances in creative variations at the city’s sweet shops. Misti doi (sweetened yogurt) and chomchom are other favorites that complete the Bengali dessert experience. Traditional Bengali meals, featuring dishes like shorshe ilish (hilsa fish cooked in mustard sauce), cholar dal (sweetened Bengal gram dal), and kosha mangsho (slow-cooked mutton curry), are in high demand, whether at home, in restaurants, or even as part of the offerings at the pandals.
