Kolkata – The City of Joy

Welcome to Kolkata

Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, Kolkata is known as India’s cultural capital. It’s old, a little chaotic, but full of soul.

Walk through its streets and you’ll find a mix of British-era buildings, street-side bookstores, hand-pulled rickshaws, and voices speaking poetry in five different languages.

Here, time slows down just enough to notice the details — a yellow taxi speeding by, a man painting signboards, or a group of friends sharing jokes over chai.

 Kolkata at a Glance

• Location: Eastern India, West Bengal

• Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool, festive, pleasant)

• Languages: Bengali, Hindi, English

• Daily Budget: ₹800–₹2000 ($10–$25) for backpackers

• Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)

What to See & Do in Kolkata

1. Victoria Memorial

A giant marble monument surrounded by gardens. Come for the photos, stay for the quiet and breeze.

2. Kumartuli (Potter’s Quarter)

Wander through narrow lanes where artisans sculpt gods from clay. Especially lively before Durga Puja.

3. College Street

Asia’s largest second-hand book market. Heaven for readers. Also, try the legendary Indian Coffee House nearby.

4. Dakshineswar & Kalighat Temples

Two iconic spiritual places. Kalighat is intense and alive, while Dakshineswar sits peacefully by the river.

5. Tram Ride Through North Kolkata

One of the last cities in India with trams. Slow, nostalgic, and oddly calming.

6. Howrah Bridge & Ferry Ride

Cross the iconic bridge, then take a short ferry across the river — city views from the water are underrated.

 What to Eat in Kolkata

• Kathi Rolls – Spiced kebabs wrapped in flaky paratha

• Macher Jhol – Bengali-style fish curry with rice

• Phuchka (Pani Puri) – Tangy, spicy, and more flavorful than anywhere else

• Shorshe Ilish – Hilsa fish cooked in mustard paste (a Bengali delicacy)

• Mishti Doi – Sweetened yogurt, cold and creamy

• Rosogolla & Sandesh – Iconic Bengali sweets — don’t leave without trying them

 Where to Stay

• Backpackers Park, Park Street – Budget and social

• The Corner Courtyard – Boutique charm in an old colonial building

• Zostel Kolkata – Good for solo travelers

• Mid-range hotels in Salt Lake or New Market – Great access to food and transport

 Getting Around

• Metro: Cheap, fast, and growing

• Yellow Taxis: Classic and fun (bargain a little)

• Autos & Rickshaws: Short trips, always available

• Trams: Slow, scenic rides through older parts of the city

• Walking: The best way to feel Kolkata — especially in North Kolkata, around BBD Bagh, and Park Street

 Travel Tips

• Start your day early — mornings are quiet and golden

• Carry tissues and water — Kolkata is humid most of the year

• Learn a few words in Bengali — like Nomoshkar (Hello) or Dhonno-baad (Thank you)

• If invited to a local home or puja — go! It’s an experience

• Be patient — the city grows on you slowly

 Final Thoughts

Kolkata isn’t about ticking off sights. It’s about wandering, listening, eating, and feeling.

It’s in the murmur of booksellers, the clink of teacups, the beat of dhaak drums during puja, and the soft glow of fairy lights in old neighborhoods.

If you let it, Kolkata will stay with you — not just in your photos, but somewhere deeper. Like a poem you didn’t know you needed.