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Kolkata Tourism, Kolkata Tour Packages

Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta), the capital city of West Bengal, is a city of every traveller’s dream. With architectural splendour, rich art galleries, vibrant culture and historical significance, Kolkata is undeniably one of the most important cities of the country with a significant past and culture, religious importance, along with a rich art and literary history. Referred as the “City of Joy”, Kolkata is indeed a place of delight for travel lovers. Kolkata Tourism offers a wide range of engaging choices to visitors, ranging from sightseeing, events, activities, cuisine and culture.

Varied grand architecture belonging to colonial era and beyond which presents a compelling contrast to the modernity of this metropolitan city, is something that one must experience at least once in his/her lifetime. The city is equally popular for the cultural events that are organised here. From Kolkata book fair to the splendid Durga puja celebrations, there are ample of cultural and art-related activities that one can be part of during a Kolkata tour .

It is the land where great thinkers, writers, visionaries and artists were born. Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Swami Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jagadish Chandra Bose and sportsman like Sourav Ganguly and Leander Paes are a few of the renowned personalities. Mother Teresa also spent considerable amount of her life in this city. Owing to this, this city is often referred with a popular saying which states - ‘What Bengal thought today, India thought tomorrow’.

History of Kolkata

There are many stories behind the name Calcutta/Kolkata. According to some, the city was named as Kalikata, which was created by combining the three village names. However, as per other researchers, the name was given owing to its geographical location. As the city is situated at the river side, it is named Kolikata with Kol referring to the depressions on the river banks. The most popularly believed reason behind the name Kolkata is after the name of Hindu Goddess Kali which later became Calcutta. However, in 2001, the city was renamed as Kolkata.

Three villages namely Kalikata, Gobindapur and Sutanuti together constitute the city of Kolkata, which is located at the banks of River Hooghly. During 13th century, trade started flourishing in the city; Saptagram is earliest town known to have established trade relations with foreign lands.

In 1686, British East India Company started a factory in Sutanuti. It was a part of expansion plans of British India. By 1535, Portuguese had settled here while in 1655 Dutch arrived in Chinsurah and in 1697 French arrived in Chandernagore and in 1755 Danes in Serampore. All these ports along with the villages of Kalikata, Gobindapur and Sutanuti served as the prime centre of trade till 18th Century.

However, the recorded history of the city is during the British rule. From 1772 to 1911, Kolkata served as the capital city of British India as the capital was shifted to Delhi, while from 1912 to 1947, it was the capital of Bengal and later after independence, it became the capital city of West Bengal.

The city has seen many battles and freedom movements as well. For instance, in 1756 Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-Ud-Daula, attacked and took control of the city; later in 1757, during Battle of Plassey, Nawab was defeated. From the year 1830 to 1930, many nationalistic movements started from this city.

Places to visit in Kolkata

Kolkata boasts of many interesting sightseeing choices that cater to all kinds of interests. Irrespective of how you are travelling or with whom you are holidaying, you will find many engaging options to enjoy and explore in this city. From historical buildings, art galleries, ancient temples, colonial churches, gardens, stadium to shopping markets and eateries, there are many amazing places to see in Kolkata.

Architecture lovers will be mesmerised with the structural beauty of building like Victoria Memorial hall, Raj Bhavan, Writers’ Building, etc. Mother House, which is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity which was founded by Mother Teresa, is also a popular sightseeing place in Kolkata. Tomb of Mother Teresa is also located here. For sports fanatics, a visit to Salt Lake Stadium/Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Eden Garden is must. For shopping, places like Bara Bazaar, College Street, Gariahat and new market are perfect.

The city is religiously significant as well. It is considered as one of the 52 shakti peethas. Hence, many devotees visit the Kalighat Kali Temple to offer prayers to the Goddess Kali. Along with Kalighat Kali Temple, there are many other prominent temples in the city that are worth visiting such as Birla Mandir, ISKCON Temple, Belur Math, Dakshineshwar Temple, etc.

Along with all these, other popular places to visit in Kolkata are Rabindra Sarobar, Howrah Bridge, Fort William, Indian Museum, Marble Palace, South Park Street Cemetery, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tipu Sultan Mosque, Shaheed Minar, Alipore Zoological Gardens, Aquatica Water Park, Nicco Amusement Park, etc

If time permits, you can also visit to many places around Kolkata such as terracotta temples of Bishnupur, Sundarbans National Park, Shantiniketan, beaches in Digha and Mandarmani and many more.

Location of Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal state, is situated within lower Ganges Delta in eastern part of Indian sub-continent. It lies along the eastern bank of River Hooghly.

How to reach Kolkata/Calcutta

Kolkata is easily accessible from all the parts of the country. The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport is connected to all the prominent cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Port Blair, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, etc.

It is also linked by railways to the rest of the country. The city has two main railway stations which are located in Howrah and Sealdah. From super-fast trains to express, there are many trains running to the city from all over India.

For those who are travelling by road the city is well connected by roads. One can either take a private and state run buses or hire a cab to the city from nearby areas. Esplanade Terminus is the main bus stand of the city. Along with buses running from Shillong and Tripura to Kolkata, there are buses between Kolkata, Dhaka and Bhutan as well.

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Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Kolkata

• Dakshineswar Kali Temple Kolkata
• Howrah Bridge Kolkata
• Park Street/Food Street Kolkata
• Indian Museum Kolkata
• Victoria Memorial Kolkata
• Birla Temple Kolkata
• Kolkata Race Course
• Eden Gardens Kolkata
• Marble Palace Mansion Kolkata
• Kalighat Kali Temple Kolkata
• Fort William Kolkata
• Writers’ Building Kolkata
• St. Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata
• National Library Kolkata
• Mother House Kolkata
• Eco Tourism Park Kolkata
• Mother's Wax Museum Kolkata
• Nicco Park Kolkata
• Birla Planetarium Kolkata
• BBD Bagh Kolkata
• Science City Kolkata
• Belur Math Kolkata
• Alipore Zoological Gardens Kolkata
• Millennium Park Kolkata
• Shaheed Minar Kolkata
• Aquatica Water Park Kolkata
• Armenian Church Kolkata
• College Street Kolkata
• General Post Office Kolkata
• Kumartuli Kolkata
• Lal Dighi Kolkata
• Misti Hub Kolkata
• Nakhoda Mosque Kolkata
• Netaji Bhawan Kolkata
• Police Museum Kolkata
• Prinsep Ghat Kolkata
• Raj Bhavan Kolkata
• Shobhabazar Rajbari Kolkata
• St. John’s Church Kolkata
• Star Theatre Kolkata
• Town Hall Kolkata
• Tram Museum Kolkata
• Vidyasagar Bridge Kolkata
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• Rabindra Sarobar Kolkata
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• Sundarbans National Park Kolkata
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• Nehru Children’s Museum Kolkata
• Snow Park, Axis Mall, Kolkata
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• Muhammad Ali Park Kolkata
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• Kolkata Gate / Biswa Bangla Gate
• Maidan / Brigade Parade Ground Kolkata
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• Chintamani Kar Bird sanctuary Kolkata
• Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary Kolkata
• ISKCON Radha Govinda Temple Kolkata
• Swami Vivekananda's Ancestral House Kolkata
• Jorasanko Thakurbari / House of the Thakurs Kolkata
• Birla Industrial and Technological Museum Kolkata
• Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden Kolkata
• Nature Park Kolkata

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India Tourism Kolkata

India Tourism Kolkata is a regional government office and tourist information center located in Kolkata, West Bengal. The average rating of this place is 4.70 out of 5 stars based on 98 reviews. The street address of this place is 4, Embassy Building, Ground Floor, Shakespeare Sarani, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071, India. It is about 0.72 kilometers away from the Sanwara Halt railway station.

Rajeshwari Wagh 10 months ago I did my First internship at India tourism kolkata, the staff of the office are very helpful and also provided me with information about different tourist destination in India and as well as Abroad. India tourism kolkata has taught me to learn how to make an itinerary and tour package preparation.

Arunangsu Das 11 months ago You did a wonderful job to manage tickets. Thank you for your quick and kind response.

Sunil Raj 14 months ago Nice experience with Kolkata tourism. I will recommend their tours to anyone willing to travel around with friends and family.

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48 Hours in Kolkata

48 Hours in Kolkata: The Ultimate Itinerary

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Visiting Kolkata for the weekend and wondering how to spend your time? This comprehensive two-day itinerary covers the city's Bengali heritage, as well as many iconic attractions and hot new restaurants. Kolkata is one of those cities best explored on foot to soak in the sights, so do wear comfortable shoes. Let's get started!

Day 1: Morning

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8 a.m.: Begin by acquainting yourself with Kolkata's British heritage. The British founded the city in 1690 as a trading post and later developed it as their capital. Many impressive historic buildings are located in the B.B.D. Bagh neighborhood, which was the central business district known as Dalhousie Square under British rule. Wandering through it is a comfortable way to ease yourself into the city and admire the various architectural styles. There are 55 landmark heritage buildings dating from 1695 and 1947 in the precinct. Notable ones include the General Post Office, Writer's Building, Treasury Office, Reserve Bank of India, Raj Bhavan, Stephen House, the Great Eastern Hotel, the Town Hall, the High Court, Saint Andrew's church, and Saint John’s church. Go on a guided walking tour, such as the one conducted by Calcutta Walks, to learn about the detailed history behind each building.

10 a.m.: Take a taxi to the Indian Coffee House to recharge with a snack and coffee. This café harks back to the time of India's independence movement in the early 1940s, when it was a popular meeting place for freedom fighters, social activists, revolutionaries, and bohemians. It remains a sought-after hangout spot for college students and intellectuals.

11 a.m.: Head over to the iconic Howrah Bridge; spanning the Hooghly River, it connects Kolkata with Howrah on the other side. This huge, busy, steel bridge was constructed during World War II and is regarded as an engineering marvel. It's fascinating to walk over it, or simply watch the constant stream of traffic.

Below the Howrah Bridge, at Mallik Ghat on the left side, you'll find Kolkata's famous flower market. It's been there since the mid 19th century and is one of the biggest such markets in Asia. The market is teeming with life and color, but do be aware it may be overwhelming if you're not used to crowds.

Day 1: Afternoon

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12:30 p.m.: Have lunch at an authentic Bengali cuisine restaurant . Depending on your budget, try Aaheli at the Peerless Inn for fine dining or Bhojohori Manna for a casual bite. You'll especially love the cuisine if you're a fan of seafood.

2 p.m.: Browse the shops in New Market , or check out one of Kolkata's museums nearby. The Indian Museum is not only the oldest museum in the country, it's also among the oldest in the world. Its three floors are filled with a diverse assortment of exhibits showcasing the cultural history of India from prehistoric to Mughal times.

4 p.m.: Cross the Maidan and stroll along the Hoogly River waterfront from Babu Ghat to Prinsep Ghat. This stretch is paved and well-maintained, and provides a captivating glimpse of daily life. Named after eminent British scholar James Prinsep, Prinsep Ghat features a white 19th-century Palladian-style porch in memory of him. If you're feeling hungry, grab something to eat from the street food stalls that line the promenade. Relax on the lawn at Prinsep Ghat for a while and enjoy the scenery.

Day 1: Evening

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5:30 p.m.: Hire one of the traditional wooden boats at Prinsep Ghat for a quintessential sunset ride on the Hooghly River. You'll need to negotiate the fare. Expect to pay 400 to 500 rupees ($5.50 to $7) for 45 minutes to an hour.

7:30 p.m.: After getting ready back at your hotel, spend the evening along Park Street—the hub of dining and nightlife in Kolkata . The street is lined with restaurants. Some are nostalgic old favorites that have been around for decades, such as Mocambo for sizzlers, Trincas for continental baked dishes, or Peter Cat for Chelo kebabs. Chic new restaurants include Spice Klub , which serves up contemporary takes on Indian food and Pa Pa Ya , which offers a variety of Pan-Asian dishes. Barbecue Nation is a reliable choice for grills.

9:30 p.m.: The Park Hotel is the focal point of entertainment on Park Street. Take your pick from two bars, a pub, and a nightclub. Other options for live gigs are the Hard Rock Cafe , The Lords and Barrons (a popular new pub), and Trincas for classic retro hits.

Day 2: Morning

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6 a.m.: If you didn't party on last night, try getting up early to enjoy the legendary Chinese breakfast at Tiretti Bazaar in Kolkata's Old Chinatown district. Chinese immigrants started arriving in the late 18th century and are an important part of the city's fabric. Members of the community serve up fresh delicacies at their roadside stalls from around 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Sample yummy steamed momos, handmade sausages, stuffed buns, pork rolls, and fish ball soup.

7:30 a.m.: Take a taxi about 35 minutes north to Dakshineswar Kali temple , located by the Hooghly River. This magnificent 19th-century temple is dedicated to Kali, the presiding deity of Kolkata, and is where saint Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa served as chief priest before going on to found Belur Math. His disciple, global spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, also received his initiation at the temple. The divine energy feels especially strong early in the morning when the grounds are peaceful.

10 a.m.: Continue to explore the city's culture by visiting the native Bengali quarters of Kolkata. This district, encompassing Bagbazar and Sovabazar, was home to Bengali aristocracy. To get there, take a taxi 20 minutes south to Mayer Ghat and walk down Chitpur Street/Rabindra Sarani, said to be the oldest street in Kolkata. Keep an eye out for street art near Bagbazar Ghat. After a kilometer (0.6 miles), turn left onto Raja Naba Krishna Street and follow it about 500 meters (0.3 miles) to the 18th-century Sovabazar Rajbari, the old palace of the local royal family.

It's also worth taking a short detour to the Kumartuli potter's colony , especially from June to January when idols are made for various festivals. If you'd like to go on a guided walking tour, The Ganges Walk's Sunati Trails is a recommended option.

Day 2: Afternoon

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12 p.m.: From Sovabazar Rajbari, head to either Mitra Cafe or Arsalan for lunch. The former has been in business for more than a century and is one of Kolkata's oldest restaurants. It's a simple and inexpensive "cabin cafe" that offers quick Bengali bites, including fish and chicken kabiraji cutlets. Alternatively, Arsalan is suitable for a longer meal in an air-conditioned setting. Serving north Indian Mughlai cuisine, the restaurant is also renowned for its distinctive Kolkata-style biryani.

1 p.m.: Take a taxi 20 minutes south to Victoria Memorial Hall . This imposing white marble relic of the British Raj has been turned into a museum amid expansive landscaped grounds that are an attraction in themselves (and an ideal spot to rest post lunch). The museum's recently revamped galleries showcase the history of British rule in India and include paintings, rare photographs, manuscripts, textiles, and armor. One gallery is dedicated to the development of the city as the British capital.

4 p.m.: After exploring the museum for a few hours, freshen up with English high tea. There are a few options to choose from, the most central of which is the Elgin Fairlawn Hotel . Built in 1783, this characterful hotel was recently given a facelift; high tea is served every afternoon in its dining room. The luxury Taj Bengal hotel puts on a fine spread of sandwiches, cakes, teas, and coffees in its Promenade Lounge. Meanwhile, hip and contemporary Karma Kettle is a specialty tea company and one of India's finest tea blenders. Its leafy tea room offers Indian (Burra Sahib) as well as English (Gora Saheb) high tea. Pick up some tantalizing Indian teas while you're there—they make great gifts!

Alternatively, if you're interested in the humanitarian work of Mother Teresa, visit the Mother House to see where she lived.

Day 3: Evening

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6 p.m.: Calcutta Walks' Bengali cooking experience is a must-do for foodies who'd like to learn the art of Bengali cooking. You'll be guided through a market to become familiar with the ingredients before participating in a cooking demonstration, led by a Bengali housewife or by the owner of one of the best restaurants in Kolkata. Finish off with authentic Bengali sweets.

Those who prefer the arts to cooking can check out the exhibitions at the Academy of Fine Arts , which features works by up-and-coming local artists. Or, check out Harrington Street Arts Center (open until 8 p.m.) for contemporary Indian and international works.

8 p.m.: Head over to Camac Street for dinner. This entertainment precinct has trendy new restaurants and bars such as Scrapyard for craft beers, The Fatty Bao for Asian, and SAZ - American Brazzerie for gourmet grills and burgers. Nearby, Gabbar's Bar and Kitchen has a Bollywood theme, and specializes in molecular gastronomy and cocktails.

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When I remember Calcutta – as the residents of Kolkata still call their city , despite its official name change – it appears before my mind’s eye in sepia tones, muted and mild, as if everything were seen through a thick particulate haze. I suppose that’s what diesel fumes can do to daylight, and to memory.

People often speak of Calcutta’s faded splendour, as if everything that is beautiful about the city had long since ceased to be quite so beautiful as it once was. But I would not describe it as faded, not exactly, if only because I find it impossible to imagine a time when it might have been otherwise. Calcutta seems to have been born faded. Its surfaces cracked and careworn and flaking at the time of their construction. The seeds of the trees that grow through so many of its broken rooftops presumably arrived two or three hundred years ago on the soles of builders’ sandals. There is a kind of democracy to this decay that I love. The grandest of buildings tend to be as racked and blasted-looking as the most humble.

The sudden eruptions of colour that here and there cut through the haze are exceptions which seem only to prove this born-faded hypothesis. The supernatural radiance of the marigolds and sunflowers at Mallick Ghat, the wholesale flower market on the banks of the Hooghly River, for example. If you peer down at it from the Howrah Bridge, it is a little like the way trading floors in London and New York used to look, with hundreds of men waving their arms and shouting at each other, and litter all over the place, only the ground is strewn not with scraps of paper but with fallen petals forming a shallow lake of pure colour. I recall being similarly struck by the saturated blues of lapis-lazuli and greens of jadeite in the Jain temple (pictured below) , and the tomato-soup red that announces the ‘Reynolds’ painting in the Bengal Club as a fake at 10 paces.

Calcutta has a sound, too, or a soundtrack, which is inseparable from the way it looks. Never mind the traffic noise. That is hardly unique. Listen instead to the way the people speak. The chatter in Calcutta is an irrepressible and inescapable force of nature. You are borne along day and night on a torrent of verbiage. There is a word, adda , for this kind of talk, which, according to locals, distinguishes it from the speech you hear elsewhere in India – not, of course, a tongue-tied nation. Adda is informed, intellectual, discursive, meditative. It is learned chit-chat for Bengali smarty-pants – though it is not the preserve of any one class.

The novelist Kushanava Choudhury defines it as ‘aimless digressive conversation’. Aimless, you will note, but not pointless. Adda is not all hot air. Dreams are born in Calcutta, plans hatched, ideas implemented, deals brokered, conclusions drawn. Leaving aside for a moment its historical position as the second city of the British Empire, Calcutta is also the home town, by birth or adoption, of Rabindranath Tagore (Nobel Prize in Literature, 1913), CV Raman (Nobel Prize in Physics, 1930), Mother Teresa (Nobel Peace Prize, 1979), Satyajit Ray (Honorary Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement, 1992), Amartya Sen (Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, 1998) and too many similarly brilliant overachievers to mention.

Adda is not a site-specific pastime or one that requires any special planning. It can be undertaken more or less anywhere, at any time. But for the sort of person to whom scenery and ambience matter, I would point you to the Indian Coffee House on College Street, an airy refectory built in 1876 as the Albert Hall. This is the Café de Flore of the East, the Deux Magots of the Indies. Those who cannot summon the spirit of adda here might as well retire to a monastery and take a vow of silence.

(pictured above: Local at the flower market)

In 1690 Calcutta was considered a pestilent backwater best avoided. A plucky employee of the British East India Company by the name of Job Charnock thought otherwise. He pitched his tent on the banks of the Hooghly and less than a century later this grimy encampment had become not only a hub of global trade but also the thriving headquarters of the Raj, ‘one of the most wicked places in the universe’, according to General Clive, ‘rapacious and luxurious beyond conception’, dense with Palladian mansions to dwarf those of Piccadilly and Park Lane. If the city’s rise was sharp, so was its fall. In 1911 Calcutta lost its capital status to Delhi and there followed, in quick succession, the end of empire, war, famine, civil unrest, more war, partition, a refugee crisis, more civil unrest, and a seemingly terminal descent into poverty and disease on an apocalyptic scale. In 1975 Paul Theroux – by no means an unsympathetic observer – likened Calcutta to ‘a corpse on which the Indians were feeding like flies’.

It is still a city of almost unimaginable extremes, splendid and horrifying, exhilarating and shaming. A clue is in the name. It may derive from Kali (pictured above) , wife of Shiva, goddess of death and destruction, and by all accounts quite the temperamental so-and-so. Goats are beheaded in her name at the main Kalighat Kali Temple every day. The gold leaf on the lasciviously extended tongue of her effigy is tenderly reapplied daily, too.

The Glenburn Penthouse hotel (pictured above) , overlooking the Maidan and Victoria Memorial, provides respite from all this intensity. The younger sister of the thoughtfully converted and cultishly adored Glenburn Tea Estate in Darjeeling, it is unlike anything else in the city. Though decked out in a style similar to that of the Tea Estate, the Penthouse occupies the top few floors of a glossy high-rise. I asked my driver if he was sure we had come to the right place. But any misgivings I had were dispelled within moments of the lift doors opening. I soon came to think of it as my very own Merchant Ivory tower. The rooms are fabulous.

Four-posters, ceiling fans, claw-foot tubs, vintage prints of wild animals. The public spaces are likewise immaculate, with gleaming chequer-board marble and parquet underfoot, and even more leopards pouncing out of the richly textured upholstery and elephants rampaging across muralled walls.

But a greater and more mysterious jungle is to be found at Glenburn’s doorstep. Indian friends suggested that if I wanted to see how the city was changing, I should make my way farther afield, to neighbourhoods such as Gariahat where art galleries and concept stores are multiplying, and hipsters have painted the streets in rainbow colours. Maybe next time. I felt I had more than enough to get to grips with within walking distance of my digs in the middle of town, amid what Geoffrey Moorhouse referred to as its ‘imperial residue’.

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Calcutta was India’s first truly cosmopolitan city and it remains a living encyclopedia of lost worlds, cultural cast-offs, hand-me-downs from faraway lands. Its multiculturalism is most visible in the Bowbazar area, the distilled essence of the city, Calcutta’s Calcutta.

Throughout the boom years of the 18th and 19th centuries it was divided into the exclusively British ‘White Town’ and the predominantly Indian ‘Black Town’. Bowbazar grew up in the interstices between the two, and it was here that other ethnic groups made their homes, ran their businesses and built their places of worship. Standing in the right spot on one of the upper floors of the Magen David Synagogue, you can see, among other things, a mosque, a Buddhist temple, a Roman Catholic cathedral and several jazz clubs.

(Pictured above: Shrine with Hindu idol in Kumartuli)

From here you may well catch, rising from the streets below, a whiff of mutton rezala , a rich, fatty stew heavy with cardamom, introduced by the chefs who came here from the Mughal courts of northern India; of Portuguese pastéis de nata ; of the sambusas of the Sephardic Jews who emigrated from Baghdad; and of obscenely delicious kathi rolls, kebab-like wraps of flaky pan-fried paratha flatbread stuffed with anything that takes your fancy, and which belong exclusively to Calcutta. The proprietors of Nizam’s Restaurant, a Formica-and-linoleum utopia on Hogg Street established in 1932, claim to have invented the kathi on the same premises. The powerful charm of Nizam’s, like that of so much of the city, has to do with its staunch and unrepentant resistance to change. It may have been new once but it has been an antidote to novelty ever since.

I mulled this over as I made my way around the erratically palpitating heart of the city, as much as possible on foot, hot and confused and often bothered but always grateful not to be stuck inside a cab. I made up reasons to speak to strangers, simply to hear their voices – the excellent English, the gentleness, the pride. On a whim I tried to gain entry to what appeared to be some sort of government stationers on the ground floor of a falling-down building off the Chowringhee Road that I spotted and liked the look of. ‘Sir, truly,’ said its custodian, ‘I would love nothing more than to invite you inside and allow you to explore the premises, but I am afraid it is impossible, quite out of the question...’ Calcutta’s history of communist politics and violent unrest is well known. Did ever another city so temperamentally highly strung maintain such impeccable manners?

Though nobody could accuse the guardians of Calcutta’s architectural heritage of being neurotically vigilant or overprotective, relatively little has been lost outright, certainly not by the standards of India’s other great early-colonial-era cities, Madras and Bombay – Chennai and [link url="[link url="https://www.cntraveller.com/location/mumbai"]Mumbai[/link], if you must – which have been roughed up, knocked down and rebuilt practically beyond recognition. The few skyscrapers in Calcutta seem miserably out of place, goofy, self-conscious. It is as if they wound up here by accident, through some appalling clerical error that nobody could be bothered to sort out before it was too late.

To a remarkable extent, the city is not just stuck in the past aesthetically but also technologically. It is, by and large, a hand-cranked, pedal-powered affair. The most reliable, inexpensive and plentiful engines are human. Most things are stitched, shifted, scrubbed, swept, kneaded, knotted, folded, fabricated, inscribed, applied, carted, pumped and portered manually. The ubiquitous yellow-roofed Ambassador taxis that clog the streets are among the few conspicuous signs of post-Victorian mechanisation. Likenesses of the gods themselves are sculpted by hand. This occurs on an industrial scale in Kumartuli, a neighbourhood of open-air workshops where Hindu idols are assembled from mud, straw, cow dung and dirt taken from the thresholds of the nearby brothels of Sonagachi, the largest red-light district in India. Demand for this punya mati , or ‘virtuous dust’, becomes acute in the weeks leading up to Durga Puja, the most important festival in the city’s calendar, which requires a bumper supply of sacred effigies for purposes of display, worship and, ultimately, disposal by means of a ritualistic but not obviously reverential dunking in the Hooghly.

(pictured above: Studio in Kumartuli potters’ village)

There is, it occurred to me, a tremendous difference between multiplicity and abundance. All the difference in the world. I pondered this from the splendid isolation of the Glenburn Penthouse terrace. I leaned over the railings and gazed across the great sweltering city below and filled my lungs with its virtuous dust. So many of everything. Gods and flowers and yellow-roofed taxis. Though not, for most of the people out there, so much of anything. Except, perhaps, talk.

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Furniture at The Glenburn Penthouse

Jain Temple

Jain Temple gardens

Sign outside a sculptor’s studio in Kumartuli potters’ village

The Glenburn Penthouse

Victoria Memorial

Gilded lamp at The Glenburn Penthouse

Chair at The Glenburn Penthouse

The Glenburn Penthouse terrace

Parshwanath Jain Temple

Bedroom at The Glenburn Penthouse

Statue at The Glenburn Penthouse

Inlaid table at The Glenburn Penthouse

Mural at The Glenburn Penthouse

The Writers’ Building, once a British East India Company office

Garlands of marigolds at the flower market

A shop with Hindu idol in Kumartuli

The Glenburn Penthouse hotel

Sightseeing

More kolkata packages, kolkata city tour, 2 days tour from kolkata, darjeeling gangtok tour package from kolkata, kolkata private car charter, the vedic village kolkata, sundarbans tour package from kolkata, kolkata faq's, travel advice:.

Visa problems: For those of you who are traveling from out of India, it is most advisable to carry an Indian visa at all times with you. It can get quite difficult after a point of time especially after arriving in this place. Make sure that you are carrying all your important documents and money.

Choose from the best of hotels: There are many distinctive, top-luxury and eco-friendly chains of hotels and resorts that the visitors have the convenience of choosing from. However, one must consider all aspects before making the booking. Factors such as the distance, location, reach, quality of service among other things must be kept in mind.

Come prepared for the climate: Another thing that needs to be kept in mind while visiting Kolkata is that the climate can get slightly hot. Understand the location of Kolkata is quite close to the equator and therefore, humidity and warm weathers are quite a common thing over here. Be prepared for the same.

Water and eatables: Travellers travelling to any destination in the whole have the potential of developing the travellers’ diarrhea. People consume contaminated water or food and fall sick. However, make sure that you have bottled water throughout your journey in the city of Kolkata.

Drinking laws: The truth is – you will fall so deeply in love with this place that you may not want to intoxicate yourself. The legal drinking age is 21 and there are plenty of bars, pubs, clubs, resorts and restaurants that offer the service of alcohol to individuals.

Things to do in Kolkata:

Visit the Mother Teresa House: Mother Teresa is a well known identity all through the world. The Albanian Roman catholic did a lot while serving India. She spent most of her time in Kolkata. Her former home in Kolkata is now called Motherhouse and is open for interested visitors to visit.

Worship at the Kalighat Kali temple: The Kalighat Kali temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of Kali and is one of the most visited and sacred destinations in the whole of Kolkata. The place attracts approximately thousands of pilgrims every day. While walking to the temple you will realize how packed the city is on both the sides with stalls and shops selling religious items.

Get fascinated by South Park Street cemetery: Well, this can be qualified as one of the spookiest things to do in Kolkata. Stroll through the city and end up at the South Park Street Cemetry. It is extremely quite and peaceful and the place, which was set up in 1767 includes at least 160 tombs.

Shop at the Sir Stuart Hogg market: Looking to experience Kolkata in a typical, ethnic and rural fashion? Kolkata offers just that. It’s the Sir Stuart Hogg market which is one of the most colourful and vibrant affairs in the city. Visitors can shop for vegetables, clothes, handicrafts and so much more from the place. What’s more?

What will you like in Kolkata:

The Mullik Ghat Flower Market: The Mulluk Ghat Flower Market is located directly under the Howrah Bridge and is the most bustling portions of the city. The market is open at all hours of the day and one can find vendors and porters continuously walking and running up and down the market place trying to auction their stalk off to interested buyers.

Historic moment at the India Museum: The Indian Museum of Kolkata is one of the most significant structures in the whole of India. There is so much history pouring out of this place, it is unbelievable. The museum has a collection of libraries, artefacts, important documents and so much more. If you are a history buff – you will surely love this place.

Relaxing sessions at Belur Math: Unlike the chaotic and constant scams that take place around the place, Belur Math is quite the opposite for a change. It is a safe, peaceful and perfect place to relax. This place was founded by the great Swami Vivekananda and still exists to be one of the primary attractions in the whole of Kolkata.

Indulge in the street food of Kolkata: There are plenty of things to do and see in Kolkata, however if you are a foodie then you are definitely in for a treat. There’s absolutely nothing more rewarding than taking a nice stroll through the city and taking a bite of Kolkata’s street food.

When is the best time to visit Kolkata?

It can be said definitively that autumn is the time when Kolkata offers its best weather. Just after the monsoons, the temperature cools down and makes the weather most comforting. Here is a breakdown of climates during different seasons:

Summer starts from March and lasts until May in Kolkata; however, it can sometimes last to mid-June. The temperature stays between 30 degrees to 40 degrees Celsius, with high level of humidity.

From June to September, Kolkata experiences its monsoon. It generally rains heavily during these months, sometimes all through the day. This can be little difficult for tourists.

Post monsoon and winter are the periods of time when Kolkata will offer you the best atmospheres for traveling. The temperature ranges from 9 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius.

How to reach Kolkata?

Kolkata is a very well connected city by air, road, and rail. You can pick any suitable mode of transfer, depending on where you are coming from and your travel budget.

The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is one of India’s finest airports. It’s located in Dum Dum and connected to the core of the city by fine roads and over bridges. You can take a yellow taxi or bus to anywhere in the city.

Kolkata has two of the busiest and largest railway station in India, namely the Howrah Station and the Sealdah Station. There are major railways stations all over the city. Kolkata has a major metro railway system that connects all parts of the city really well.

It’s really easy to travel to Kolkata by road. There are long distance AC buses that leave for Kolkata from most Major cities of India. You can reserve a seat online and have a hassle free journey.

Which are the famous attractions to see in Kolkata?

The City of Joy is a dream tourist place with a lot of great attraction. You can travel around the city to discover an array of cultural, historical, and modern places bound to satisfy a traveler's heart. Some of the places that you shouldn’t miss are:

• Indian Museum- India’s oldest and the largest museum. It has a great collection of artifacts from different eras.
• Mother House- established by Mother Teresa, this is one of the city’s most famous pilgrimages.
• Park Street- a very famous street, known for its restaurants, pubs, and stores.
• College Street- famous for the sheer number of bookstores it has. Some of these stores are more than 100 years old.
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple- a popular religious destination.
• Maidan- an urban place to enjoy the breeze, eat, and take part in sporting activities, including horseback riding.
• Victoria Memorial Hall- this marble building was built in the memory of Queen Victoria after hear death in 1901.
• Howrah Bridge- a metallic wonder.

Which are the best resorts to stay in Kolkata?

Kolkata is a popular choice when it comes to travels; hence, the accommodations are available in plenty. All the best resorts in Kolkata offer to you the comfort of home and the luxury of your dreams. When you are looking for resorts in and around Kolkata, don’t forget to check these out:

• Vedic Village Spa Resort
• IBIZA Resort
• The Ffort Raichak
• Ganga Kutir
• Aquatica Water Theme Park and Resort
• Chanyakyapuri Resort

What are the best public transport modes to commute around Kolkata?

Kolkata is a very well planned city with interconnected main roads and streets. Because of this, you can travel within the city and reach anywhere in no time. There is enough number of ways to travel in Kolkata, some of which are:

The metro rail is one of the fastest and most convenient modes of travels available in Kolkata. There are prominent stops that connect the entire city well.

State and private buses run all around the city all day long. You can find a bus depot near you and find the right bus that’s going to your destination.

The famous yellow taxi of Kolkata is an easy to find transportation. You can get one from any street and enjoy a comfortable ride.

Auto rickshaw and rickshaw

For short distance transports, an auto rickshaw is probably your best choice. The same is true for manpowered rickshaws. They are easily available and cheap.

Which are the best places for shopping in Kolkata?

Kolkata has modern shopping malls in bundles but it also has old market areas which can be considered as tourist attractions too. Some of the best shopping areas in the city are:

• New Market- shop for clothing, jewelries, and accessories from here. A crowded market where you can test your bargaining game.
• Dakshinapan Shopping Center- known for its variety of quality handicraft items.
• College Street- if you are looking for old and rare books then hop around the bookstores and you might find some true gems.
• Bara Bazaar- visit this place to discover what a market can be. It’s a chaotic delight.
• Chowringhee Road- famous for terracotta Items.
• Shopping malls- if you are searching for branded products then the mall is the answer.

What is the best local cuisine here? Where can I find them here?

Kolkata’s biryani is one of its most iconic dishes. The specialty is that you will get potato and boiled egg served with the biriyani. Two best restaurant chains to buy it from:

You must also try Bengali fish preparations and sweets, specially, Rasogolla.

Which are the adventure activities that can be enjoyed in Kolkata?

If you are looking for adventure then there are three things you must do:

Visit the Kolkata zoo for a fun filled morning. The weekends are the best times to visit and see a great collection of animals.

The Calcutta Polo Club is famous for its historical story. Among all the polo clubs still in existence, this is the oldest one. It was established in 1862.

Sundarban Tour

Visiting Kolkata won’t be completed until you climb on a cruise to the Sundarbans.

What is special about the Kolkata Book Fair? When is it held?

The Kolkata Book Fair is the largest book fair in Asia and the world’s most attended one. It’s held between the last week of January and the end of first week of February.

Which are the best festivals that are held in Kolkata?

The Durga Puja is the biggest festival celebrated in Kolkata. During the 10 days of Durga Puja, Kolkata celebrates the goddess, the light, the sound, and the people- all reflecting the beautiful and peaceful culture of the city.

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Indian Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1925 The Indian Chamber of Commerce headquartered in Kolkata, over the last few years has truly emerged as a national Chamber of repute, with full-fledged offices in New Delhi, Guwahati, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi & Mumbai functioning efficiently, and building meaningful synergies among Industry and Government by addressing strategic issues of national significance.

The Chamber organizes around 150 conferences, summits, symposiums concerning various sectors of the economy and leads close to a dozen of bi-lateral trade delegation across the world annually.

Tourism & Hospitality Sector

Tourism – A key driver of economic growth and job creation Tourism has emerged as a key driver of economic growth. It is one of the fastest-growing economic sectors and has a significant impact on trade, job creation, investment, infrastructure development, and social inclusion. Tourism is a major source of employment. It is a labor-intensive sector and has a significant multiplier effect on employment in related sectors. Tourism employs more women and youth than most of the other sectors. Tourism can generate resources for the conservation of cultural and natural heritage and has huge potential to positively contribute to sustainable development goals.

Tourism has been the most affected sector by the Covid-19 pandemic. Travel and tourism alone account for 9.2% of India’s GDP (2019) but plummeted to 5.8% (2021). The tourism sector contributes around 15% to the overall employment in the Country. The cascading effect of the coronavirus has been found to cripple the Indian tourism and hospitality industry at an astonishing pace Post COVID-19, it is highly unlikely that tourism will return to business as usual. Safety and hygiene will become key factors to select destinations.

The hospitality sector in totality is also bearing the brunt of reduced travel. Hospitality companies have seen a 50% drop in bookings within India between March 2 and 9. People are postponing booking plans in large numbers. According to Edelweiss Securities, both occupancies and tariffs have impacted the April-June 2021 quarter but the curve is now showing some upward trend.

Tourism to enhance India’s soft power

Powered by its strong democracy, unprecedented economic growth, deep technological capabilities, and young population, India is an emerging superpower in the World. India's philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' sees the world as one family. It gives India an unwavering belief in multilateralism. India’s traditions of non-violence and pluralism, diversity and tolerance, its yoga and Ayurveda, and its Bollywood and classical dances, are all well known. There is increasing international recognition of India’s cultural and civilizational heritage. The rise of the Indian diaspora to the top echelons of the technology industry and other professions across the world has given great recognition to India. Tourism can truly

Tourism, a Global Opportunity for India

Tourism is one of the largest global industries and a major engine for economic growth and employment generation. Once perceived as an activity for the affluent, today the number of travelers is growing rapidly and many international travelers are from the expanding middle class of large emerging economies. Tourism has become a way of life and millions of new travelers are looking for exceptional travel experiences

As a travel destination, few other nations can offer the diversity of products and experiences found in India. However, tourism in India, though growing consistently, is yet to realize its full potential. The growth of the tourism sector will impact the Indian economy in terms of spreading benefits across the country including remote areas and providing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to youth, women, marginalized sections of society, and those in the informal sector.

National prioritisation of the sector is critical to ensuring focus, investment, alignment, and competitiveness needed as precursors to maximizing the impact of the

ICC Recommendation

ICC recommends setting up a “Travel & Tourism Stabilisation Fund” with direct benefit transfer to each unit to prevent financial loss and consequent job loss. Each unit suffering loss should claim an equivalent subsidy to the Ministry to help break even and avoid the sacking of a single employee. The claim of each loss-making unit would be verified by a concerned officer of the State Government and once verified the amount needs to be transferred to the account of the unit owner, on the undertaking that no employee is sacked. This fund could be drawn from the Direct Tax Contribution of this sector, supplemented by the Central Government. If this is not taken, we fear, that the economy which was already facing the highest unemployment at around 8%, could slip into recession with unemployment increasing further.

The huge job cut due to the pandemic is especially for unskilled workers. There should be some planning to absorb these newly unemployed workers in the tourism sector itself. Otherwise, this unemployment will create huge social unrest in other sectors of the economy.

ICC thinks Government should employ them as “Tourism Police” in every state to take care of the safety and security of the tourists. The World Health Organisation’s Executive Director Mr.Michael Ryan said that India had "tremendous capacity" to deal with the coronavirus outbreak and, as the second most populous country, will have an enormous impact on the world's ability to deal with it.

ICC also thinks that if a proper strategy action is chalked out and both Public and Private sectors work in camaraderie in sync with this planning, the Tourism & Hospitality sectors would definitely spring back and provide much-needed respite to the entire economy.

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