Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is a city that boasts a rich history and a vibrant present. From its colonial past to its modern-day innovations, Kolkata offers visitors a plethora of things to see and do. If you’re planning a trip to this bustling city, you may be wondering what attractions and activities are worth your time. Fear not, as we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Kolkata, from exploring historical landmarks to indulging in local cuisine. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top attractions that Kolkata has to offer.

The 3 Best Family Things to Do in Kolkata

1. Best Picked Full Day Kolkata Sightseeing Trip With Tour Guide
2. Private Calcutta Tour With English Speaking Driver
3. Custom Private Tour of Kolkata

The 3 Best Family Things to Do in Kolkata

1. Best Picked Full Day Kolkata Sightseeing Trip With Tour Guide

Explore the vibrant and culturally rich city of Kolkata with this exciting full-day sightseeing trip. This tour covers all the important colonial-era heritage sites including the Jain temple, the Tagore Museum, and the ghats along the riverside. With the convenience of front-door pickup from any location in the city, you can sit back and relax in private transportation while your personal guide takes you on a comprehensive journey through the city’s top attractions, giving insight into the history and culture of this fascinating destination. This tour includes guided tours and transfers, admission tickets, but no meals or accommodation. Experience the best of Kolkata in just one day with this all-inclusive sightseeing trip. Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking.

2. Private Calcutta Tour With English Speaking Driver

Experience the best of Kolkata’s attractions with a private tour that includes an English-speaking driver. This tour eliminates the often chaotic transportation hassles and offers an opportunity to truly connect with the city and its sights. You’ll see the Mother House, the Marble Palace, the Kumartuli potter’s quarter, and the flower market. An authentic Bengali lunch is also included, along with select entry fees and hotel pickup and drop-off. With the convenience of a private car and driver-guide, you can relax and learn about the city’s history, context, and background on everything you see. Don’t forget, we also offer a bottle of water and recommend tipping your driver-guide. Don’t miss out on experiencing Kolkata with a private tour.

3. Custom Private Tour of Kolkata

Cover the top sights of Kolkata with a customizable private tour. Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off and travel comfortably in an air-conditioned private vehicle with a local guide. You decide where to go and how long to stay there, with options ranging from stately Victorian landmarks to thumping goddess temples. This tour is ideal for friends and families with tours capped at 12 people. Lunch and any items not included in the tour are at your own expense. Don’t miss this opportunity to create your own unique itinerary and experience Kolkata’s highlights in a single ride.

Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists about Kolkata: A Comprehensive Guide

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is an enchanting city with a rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Known for its vibrant festivals, delicious food, and colonial architecture, Kolkata attracts tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning to visit Kolkata, you might have some questions about the city – its sights, culture, food, and more. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you answer some of the most frequently asked questions by tourists about Kolkata.

1. What’s the Best Time to Visit Kolkata?

Kolkata has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and cool winters. The best time to visit Kolkata is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and there are several festivals and events. Some of the popular festivals during this time include Durga Puja, Diwali, and Christmas. March to May is also a good time to visit if you don’t mind the heat.

2. What Are the Must-See Places in Kolkata?

Kolkata is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are several places that you must see during your visit. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Kolkata:

• The Victoria Memorial
• Howrah Bridge
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple
• Kalighat Temple
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Indian Museum
• Science City
• Birla Planetarium
• Eden Gardens

3. What’s the Food like in Kolkata?

Kolkata is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Indian, British, and Chinese influences. Some of the popular dishes in Kolkata include:

• Mishti Doi (sweet yogurt)
• Rosogolla (sweet syrupy balls made of chenna)
• Kathi Rolls (spicy rolls filled with meat or vegetables)
• Macher Jhol (fish curry)
• Kosha Mangsho (spicy mutton curry)
• Chow Mein (Chinese-style noodles)
• Phuchka (spicy and tangy street food)

4. What’s the Culture like in Kolkata?

Kolkata is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and the locals take pride in their culture and traditions. The city has a vibrant arts scene, with several theaters, art galleries, museums, and music venues. Kolkata is also known for its literary culture, and has produced some of the most eminent writers in India. The city celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas, and Eid.

5. Is Kolkata Safe for Tourists?

Kolkata is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions while traveling. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Keep your valuables safe and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid drinking tap water and always carry a bottle of water with you. If you’re traveling by public transport, be cautious of pickpockets.

6. What’s the Best Way to Get Around Kolkata?

Kolkata has a well-connected public transport system, including buses, taxis, and the famous yellow Ambassador cars. The metro is also a convenient option for traveling within the city. You can also hire a private car for a more comfortable and hassle-free experience. Walking is also a good way to explore the city’s narrow lanes and bylanes.

7. What Are Some Offbeat Places to Visit in Kolkata?

If you’re looking for offbeat places to visit in Kolkata, here are some recommendations:

• Kumartuli (the pottery district)
• College Street (the hub of Kolkata’s intellectual culture)
• Sovabazar Rajbari (a colonial mansion with a museum)
• Kolkata Maidan (a large open field in the heart of the city)
• Prinsep Ghat (a riverside promenade with stunning views of the Hooghly River)
• South Park Street Cemetery (a colonial-era cemetery with gothic tombs)

8. What Should I Pack for my Trip to Kolkata?

Kolkata has a tropical climate, so make sure to pack light and breathable clothing. Carry a hat or an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking. Carry insect repellent and sunscreen to protect yourself from mosquito bites and sunburn. If you’re visiting during the monsoon season, carry a raincoat and wear waterproof shoes.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a city that is full of history and culture. It has been the capital of India during the British Raj before the capital was moved to Delhi. Kolkata is the birthplace of many prominent figures in Indian history, including Rabindranath Tagore, the first Asian Nobel Laureate, and Mother Teresa. The city is renowned for its colonial architecture, delicious street food, and bustling markets. In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of things to do in Kolkata as a tourist.

1. Visit the Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial is a must-visit attraction in Kolkata. It is a stunning marble building that was built in memory of Queen Victoria. The memorial is surrounded by a picturesque garden that is perfect for a relaxing stroll. The building houses a museum that displays items related to the British Raj and Indian history.

What to do at the Victoria Memorial:

• Take a guided tour.
• Visit the museum to learn about Indian history.
• Take a walk around the garden.
• Watch the light and sound show in the evening.

2. Explore the Howrah Bridge

The Howrah Bridge is an iconic bridge that spans across the Hooghly River. It is a suspension bridge that connects Kolkata to Howrah. The bridge is extremely busy and is used by thousands of vehicles and pedestrians daily. It is a great place to take a walk and watch the bustling city life.

What to do at the Howrah Bridge:

• Take a walk on the bridge and enjoy the stunning views of the river.
• Take a ferry ride along the river to see the bridge from a different perspective.
• Experience the hustle and bustle of the city by watching the vehicles and pedestrians crossing the bridge.

3. Visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a popular Hindu temple that is located just outside Kolkata. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali and is known for its stunning architecture. The temple complex also includes several other smaller temples and a bathing ghat.

What to do at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple:

• Take a guided tour of the temple complex.
• Learn about the history and significance of the temple from the local priests.
• Take a dip in the holy Ganges river at the bathing ghat.
• Visit the small shops in the temple complex to buy souvenirs and religious items.

4. Experience the street food

Kolkata is famous for its street food, particularly its kathi rolls and phuchkas. The city has a vibrant street food scene with hundreds of vendors selling a variety of snacks and meals.

What to do for street food:

• Visit Park Street to try the kathi rolls.
• Visit Chinatown to try the Chinese street food.
• Visit the street food markets in New Market area to try a variety of street foods.
• Don’t forget to try the famous mishti doi (sweet yogurt) and rosogolla (milk-based sweet).

5. Explore Sunderbans National Park

Sunderbans National Park is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve that is located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. It is home to the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, and a variety of bird species. The park is accessible by boat from Kolkata.

What to do at Sunderbans National Park:

• Take a boat tour to explore the wildlife and mangrove forests of the park.
• Visit the various islands in the park to see the local villages and their way of life.
• Learn about the conservation efforts in the park from the local guides.

Book Your Tour Now

Kolkata is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From its stunning architecture and rich history to its delicious street food and diverse wildlife, the city has it all. This guide provides a comprehensive list of things to do in Kolkata as a tourist, and we hope that it will help you plan your itinerary. Remember to stay safe and enjoy your stay in Kolkata.