A lively medley of art, culture, food and history, Kolkata is the city that will touch the deepest corners of your heart. Whether it is the grandeur of the Howrah Bridge, the city’s colonial architecture, the city dweller’s love for Goddess Kali or the melt-in-the-mouth sandesh that is attracting you to this cultural capital of India, it is worth making a trip. And yes, don’t just visit Kolkata, experience it. We have handpicked some special things you must do when in Kolkata to have a memorable trip. Take a look:
1. Spend a sacred hour or two at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Since Kolkata is synonymous with Goddess Kali, visiting this temple on the bank of Hooghly River is a must. Apart from worshiping the presiding deity Bhavatarini, you could admire the temple architecture and walk around in the massive courtyard surrounding the temple.Tip: Avoid visiting the temple on Tuesdays and Saturdays as it is extra crowded then.
Read more: 11 Places to visit in Kolkata
2. Volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity
Visiting Mother Teresa’s last resting place Mother House is surely a tranquil experience but volunteering with one of her organisations, even if it’s just for a week is a life-changing experience. All you need to do is check their website and be present during the next orientation.Tip: Plan a longer trip if you can to make this possible.
3. Enjoy lip-smacking street food throughout your trip
Whether it is the iconic kathi roll or the tangy phuchka, Kolkata’s streets are a treasure chest for food lovers. Check out the tempting kachauri at Ganguram, Jhalmuri at Triangular Park and juicy rasagulla at KC Das and take an escalator to heaven.Tip: Take back some delicious chanachur (a tangy, crispy snack) from Podder Chanachur or Ujjala Chanachur.
4. Spend a few hours at the lively New Market
One of the oldest and most vibrant markets of Kolkata, New Market will give you the perfect peek into the chaotic atmosphere the city if famous for. Shop for anything from silver jewellery and clothes to flowers and meat from over 2,000 stalls here.Tip: Bargain!
Read more: Kolkata’s best restaurants that serve authentic Bengali cuisine
5. Step back in time for two hours at Victoria Memorial
Get a glimpse of Europe when in Kolkata by visiting Victoria Memorial. This magnificent marble building dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria has 25 galleries and houses exceptional art works, books and furniture.Tip: Don’t forget to take a tanga (horse-drawn carriage) ride here.
6. Spend an evening at the serene Eco Tourism Park
Kolkata’s chaos and dynamism can get overwhelming at times. Escape to this green, quiet park to have a few tranquil hours. Perfect for an evening of family fun, this park offers stunning views you can soak in while sitting by a lake. You could also rent a bike, take a boat ride or just stop and smell the flowers.Tip: Avoid visiting the park during afternoons as it can get really hot.
7. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere at Park Street
Park Street might not be the only street to house Kolkata’s best restaurants and watering holes any more, but it still remains the city’s heartbeat. A heaven for gourmet food and shopping, Park Street spoils you for choices. Have a legendary breakfast at Flurys, take an evening stroll along the street or dance your night away at M Bar Kitchen. Or do all the three?Tip: Book lovers can enjoy rare books over a hot cup of coffee at Oxford Bookstore.
How to reach Kolkata?Kolkata is connected to the rest of India and the world through its Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The airport is located around 17kms away from the city centre. To grab the cheapest air tickets to Kolkata, set a Price Alert and we’ll let you know when to book your flights.
Now that you know the top things to do in Kolkata, it is time to go ahead and book that trip! Book your flights, hotel or rent a car with Skyscanner today. You can do all of these on our mobile app too.
