About Kolkata
Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It lies on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, 80 km (50 mi) west of the border with Bangladesh. It is the primary financial and commercial centre of eastern India and one of the gateways to northeastern India. Kolkata is the seventh most populous city in India with an estimated city proper population of 4.5 million while its metropolitan region Kolkata Metropolitan Area is the third most populous metropolitan region of India with a metro population of over 15 million. Kolkata is regarded by many sources as the cultural capital of India and a historically and culturally significant city in the historic region of Bengal.
Cheap flights to Kolkata
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,129 from New York, travelling 27 Nov – 4 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Airlines travellers compared most often: Etihad Airways.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to KolkataPlaces to visit in Kolkata
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Victoria Memorial
Landmark · 2 mi from centreA large white marble memorial and museum built in honor of Queen Victoria, surrounded by landscaped gardens. Explore the gardens in late afternoon, and stay for the evening sound and light show if it is running.
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Howrah Bridge
Landmark · 2 mi from centreA massive steel cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River, carrying huge numbers of people and vehicles daily. Visit early in the morning to see the busy Mallick Ghat flower market near its base.
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Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Religious · 6 mi from centreA large riverside Hindu temple complex dedicated to the goddess Kali, linked with the mystic Ramakrishna. Visit early to avoid long lines, and take the boat across the river to Belur Math afterward.
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Indian Museum
Museum · 1 mi from centreThe oldest and one of the largest museums in India, with collections of art, fossils, coins and archaeological finds. Allow at least two hours, and make time for the Egyptian mummy and Buddhist sculpture galleries.
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Kalighat Kali Temple
Religious · 4 mi from centreOne of the city's oldest temples and an important Hindu pilgrimage site devoted to Kali. Expect crowds and long lines, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and politely decline offers from unofficial guides.
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Park Street
NeighborhoodA famous avenue lined with old restaurants, bakeries, bars and colonial buildings. Visit in the evening for dinner and live music, and stop by the historic South Park Street Cemetery nearby.
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Sundarbans National Park
Nature · 60 mi from centreA vast mangrove delta forest, home to Bengal tigers, crocodiles and many birds. It lies about 100 km from the city, so plan an overnight boat trip with a licensed operator and bring insect repellent.
Top experiences in Kolkata
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.
City Tour Calcutta
From $56 per adult
Excursion to Bandel Church and Hangseswari Temple
From $132 per adult
Hoogly River Cruise
From $235 per adult
Calcutta City - Private Tour
From $87 per adult
Terracotta Paradise Tour
From $195 per adult
Visit Shanti Niketan
From $196 per adult
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Tour
From $310 per adult
College Street Tour
From $67 per adult
18th century Kolkata tour
From $72 per adult
East River Bank Tour
From $71 per adult
Where to stay in Kolkata
Popular hotels in Kolkata, out of 301 properties you can book.
Itc Sonar Bangla
From $289 per night
The Astor Hotel Kolkata
From $124 per night
Taj City Centre New Town Kolkata
From $205 per night
Novotel Kolkata Htl & Residences
From $267 per night
The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat
From $1,606 per night
The Park Kolkata
From $194 per night
The Peerless Inn
From $118 per night
The Kenilworth
From $233 per night
Ibis Kolkata Rajarhat Hotel
From $98 per night
Holiday Inn Express Kolkata Airport
From $119 per night
Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport
From $109 per night
JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata
From $712 per night
Best time to visit Kolkata
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Kolkata is December to February, when average daytime highs are around 77–84°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Kolkata weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 84° 70° 50%
- Thu 12 Nov 83° 70° 12%
- Fri 13 Nov 83° 71° 0%
- Sat 14 Nov 84° 71° 0%
- Sun 15 Nov 85° 71° 0%
- Mon 16 Nov 87° 70° 0%
- Tue 17 Nov 88° 70° 2%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Indian rupee (INR)1 US dollar ≈ ₹94.0
- Languages
- Hindi, English
- Calling code
- +91
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Asia/KolkataUTC+5:30
- Capital
- New Delhi
Getting to Kolkata
These are the airports closest to central Kolkata. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CCU Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport8 mi (12 km) from the city centre
Getting around Kolkata
Kolkata has a very comprehensive public transport network. Despite residents' perpetual grumbling about unreliability, public transport is often the best option for getting anywhere for visitors and residents alike. In general, use metro or suburban rail as they are separated from the city's road traffic, and use auto-rickshaws and taxis for last-mile connectivity. Buses are fine on some roads where metro does not ply, like APC Road, Gariahat Road and Rashbehari Avenue.
By metro
Often called the lifeline of Kolkata, the Kolkata Metro is the fastest, cleanest and most efficient mode of transport the city has to offer. It is India's fourth-longest and fourth-busiest urban rail network, as well as the country's first: the oldest section (Esplanade–Netaji Bhawan) was inaugurated in 1984, two decades before the Delhi Metro. It is also the only metro network governed by the Indian Railways.
Services
Each of the five metro lines are named after a certain colour. As of November 2026, the lines are:
Ticketing
You will always require a paper ticket with a QR code or a contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) payment card if you have one; fare evasion is considered seriously. Paper tickets can be purchased from staffed ticket counters or ATVMs (automated ticket vending machines).
Kolkata travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Kolkata?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Kolkata is December to February, when average daytime highs are around 77–84°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
What is the weather like in Kolkata?
April is usually the warmest month in Kolkata, with average highs of 98°F (37°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 58°F (14°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 440 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Kolkata?
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (12 km) from the centre of Kolkata.
How much are flights to Kolkata?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Kolkata in the last 30 days was $1,129 from New York, travelling 27 Nov – 4 Dec.
What currency is used in Kolkata?
Kolkata uses the Indian rupee (INR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₹94.0.
What time zone is Kolkata in?
Kolkata uses the Asia/Kolkata time zone (currently UTC+5:30). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Kolkata?
Kolkata has a very comprehensive public transport network. Despite residents' perpetual grumbling about unreliability, public transport is often the best option for getting anywhere for visitors and residents alike.
What are the best places to visit in Kolkata?
Top sights in Kolkata include Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Indian Museum. A large white marble memorial and museum built in honor of Queen Victoria, surrounded by landscaped gardens. Explore the gardens in late afternoon, and stay for the evening sound and light show if it is running.
What are the top things to do in Kolkata?
Popular experiences you can book in Kolkata include City Tour Calcutta, Excursion to Bandel Church and Hangseswari Temple and Hoogly River Cruise. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Kolkata?
Popular areas for hotels in Kolkata include Calcutta. Well-reviewed options include Itc Sonar Bangla and The Astor Hotel Kolkata.
How many hotels can I book in Kolkata?
Destina Holidays currently lists 301 properties in and around Kolkata, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
