Kolkata is called the cultural state of India. West Bengal is famous all over the world for its beautiful beaches, natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and historical sites. Its beaches, mountains, ancient temples, dense forests and biodiversity attract tourists. Bengal’s sculpture, architecture and literature are also world famous.
Kolkata is also called the ‘City of Joy’ (Kolkata travel guide). Apart from this, this city is also known as the ‘Cultural Capital of India’. It is said that this city is famous for its grand bungalows, historical monuments and magnificent architecture. There are many tourist places in Kolkata that attract tourists from India and abroad. There is a crowd of domestic and foreign tourists here throughout the year. 

Explore these places

Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial is a famous tourist place which was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. This memorial was completed in 1906. It was opened for tourists in 1921. Marble and cement have been used to build the Victoria Memorial. This monument is set in a huge garden. You will find many exhibitions inside, but the real magic is outside. There are horse-drawn carriages, couples taking evening walks and old-world charm that you will not find anywhere else.
 

Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge has always been the identity of Kolkata. It has been almost 82 years since Howrah Bridge was built. During World War II, in December 1942, a Japanese bomb fell a short distance from this bridge, but this bridge was not harmed even a bit. If you have not seen Howrah Bridge, then you have not really known India. This huge bridge stands without any nuts or bolts. The best view is in the morning when the flower market below comes alive. This is a sight you will never forget. 

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Situated on the banks of Hooghly River, this temple is famous all over the world for its peace and religious significance. Here you can have darshan of Maa Kali. You will feel amazing peace by visiting this temple. A different vibrancy will be seen here during Durga Puja.

Park Street

Park Street Cinema is a major cinema hall in Kolkata. Movies in various languages ​​are shown here. You will feel very good coming here. If you are planning to visit Kolkata then visiting Park Street is a must.

Indian Museum

This museum is counted among the oldest museums in India. It was built in 1814 and its founder was Dr. Nathaniel Wallich. It is the 9th oldest museum in the world.  

Digha

Digha of Kolkata is also called Goa of Bengal. Digha beach is very calm and beautiful. Tourists come here to have fun and swim. Located about 185 km from Kolkata, Digha is divided into two parts. One or two days are enough for it. Another beach about 160 km from Kolkata is Mandarmani which is especially famous among honeymoon couples.

Sunderbans

If you are a nature lover and also fond of trekking, then do not miss the opportunity to visit Sundarban. Many rare animals live in the swampy forest here. Here you can see the Royal Bengal Tiger. Tourists from all over the country and abroad come to see them. Henry Island is also present near Sundarban where you can enjoy trekking and bonfire. Sundarban is just 109 km away from Kolkata.  

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous tourist destinations of Kolkata, located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Rare one-horned Indian rhino can be seen in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Apart from this, this wildlife sanctuary is also home to many types of flora and fauna. Species ranging from Royal Bengal Tiger to Indian Elephant, Sambhar, Indian Bison and Wild Boar can be seen here.

Must try these dishes in Kolkata

Kathi Rolls

Everyone’s mouth starts watering on hearing the name of Kathi Rolls. Due to its increasing popularity, Kathi Rolls are now easily available everywhere. But its roots are connected to Kolkata. Kathi Roll was first made in the 20th century. 

Kolkata Biryani

Biryani is the most famous and popular dish in Indian cuisine. But Kolkata Biryani is quite different from all other biryanis because eggs and potatoes are used in it. Biryani in Kolkata is very less spicy and its aroma and taste makes the eater crazy. It is said that Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the king of Awadh, invented Kolkata Biryani. 

Puchka

Puchka is another famous dish of Kolkata, which is known by different names in different states. However, the Puchka available in Kolkata has a unique taste. Food lovers will find spicy masala and different taste in every Puchka. 

Desi Chinese

Kolkata is the birthplace of the Indo-Chinese cuisine that we enjoy across the country today. In fact, the history of Indian Chinese food is linked to the Hakka Chinese traders who settled in the city in the late 1700s. At that time, Kolkata (then Calcutta) was the capital of the British Empire in India. 

Shop here in Kolkata

  • New Market
  • Gariahat
  • Kumartuli
  • College Street

best time to visit kolkata

The best time to visit Kolkata is from October to March. During this time the weather here is very pleasant. If you are planning to visit Kolkata, then you can also plan around Chaitra Navratri when Kolkata is transformed into a carnival. 

How to reach

By flight

Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is about 17 km away from the city. You can easily reach Kolkata by taking a prepaid taxi or cab from here. 

by train

The major railway stations of Kolkata are Howrah and Sealdah stations. Trains from all over India arrive here. 

by the road 

You will find many highways to reach Kolkata. From here you can easily reach Kolkata. Buses and taxis run from nearby cities like Durgapur, Siliguri and Bhubaneswar.

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