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Kolkata, India
Photo made by Dibakar Roy on Pexels.com
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Must-include attractions sorted by popularity
Most popular attractions in Kolkata, India
1. Victoria Memorial
Grand white-marble memorial showcasing Kolkata's colonial-era art and history. Walk landscaped gardens, browse galleries of paintings, sculptures and period rooms.
2. Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu)
Rabindra Setu
Iconic steel span linking Kolkata's riverfront and railway heart. Walk the breezy deck at sunrise or sunset for river views, boat traffic, and dramatic city silhouettes.
3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Spiritual energy and 19th-century architecture meet at Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Expect soulful puja, riverside views, and dramatic sunrise or aarti photos.
Book a FREE walking tour in Kolkata, India
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
4. Belur Math, Howrah (near Kolkata)
near Kolkata
Riverside spiritual complex blending Hindu, Christian and Islamic architecture, steeped in the Ramakrishna movement. Walk peaceful gardens, attend prayer, and explore the shrine and museum.
5. Indian Museum
Oldest and largest museum in India, with vast art, archaeology and natural history collections. See fossils, Mughal paintings, Buddhist sculptures and an Egyptian mummy.
6. Marble Palace
Marble Palace offers grand 19th-century marble architecture and rare artworks. Explore ornately carved rooms, antique furniture, and roaming peacocks in a quiet courtyard.
7. St. Paul's Cathedral
Rare Gothic revival architecture and colonial-era splendour in central Kolkata. Wander stained-glass aisles, marble memorials and a peaceful churchyard.
8. Eden Gardens
World-famous Kolkata cricket stadium steeped in history. Experience roaring match-day energy and sweeping views from the stands.
9. Science City
Hands-on exhibits spark curiosity across physics, space and environment. Expect interactive demos, a 3D space theatre, and outdoor science-park fun.
10. Kumartuli (Potters' Quarter)
Potters' Quarter
Watch master potters shape Kolkata's festival idols by hand. Wander narrow lanes of workshops, clay dust, bright paints and live sculpting.
Additional popular things to do in Kolkata, India
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Rasgulla
Spongy balls of chhena cheese simmered in light sugar syrup, rasgulla became synonymous with Kolkata confectionery in the 19th century and is at the center of a famous origin debate with Odisha.
Sandesh
Made from fresh chhena and sugar, sandesh is prized for its delicate texture and countless regional variations, often molded and flavored with ingredients like saffron and pistachio.
Mishti Doi
Sweet, caramel-toned yogurt traditionally set in earthen pots, mishti doi is a staple at Bengali festivals and an enduring symbol of Kolkata sweets culture.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Kathi Roll
Invented in Kolkata at Nizam's, the kathi roll wraps skewered kebab and eggs in flaky paratha, it became an iconic portable street food that reflects the city's cosmopolitan tastes.
Puchka
Kolkata's version of pani puri, puchka are hollow fried spheres filled with spiced tamarind water and mashed potato, famed for their tangy spicy burst and ubiquitous street presence.
Kosha Mangsho
A slow-cooked Bengali mutton curry with deeply caramelized onions and warm spices, kosha mangsho is a celebratory dish commonly served at weddings and festivals.
Traditional Beverages
Cutting Chai
A strong, small-glass tea sold at street stalls, cutting chai fuels Kolkata's adda culture and is a daily ritual for city commuters and writers alike.
Nolen Gur Milkshake
A seasonal milkshake sweetened with date palm jaggery, nolen gur milkshake evokes the flavors of Bengali winter and the region's famed jaggery-based sweets.
Kolkata-style Lassi
A thick, creamy yogurt drink commonly sold in sweet shops and stalls, Kolkata-style lassi is often topped with malai or rabri and enjoyed to cool the palate after rich meals.
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Day trips
Belur Math and Dakshineswar
Major spiritual sites on the Hooghly riverbank.
Google MapsSundarbans (Godkhali gateway)
Tidal mangrove forest, wildlife and boat cruises.
Google MapsSantiniketan (Bolpur)
Tagore's university town, arts, crafts and festivals.
Google MapsComments (10)
Felt a bit overwhelmed, crowds and pollution made midday walks rough. Food stalls saved the day though.
Carry small cash notes, drivers often say meter is broken. Insist on the meter or agree fare upfront to avoid hassle.
Most museums have a late afternoon break or close early, so go right when they open to avoid crowds and midday heat.
Durga Puja parades at night are electric, insane crowds but worth it if you can handle the crush and noise.
One of my favorite Indian cities, vibrant culture and amazing breakfasts. Budget friendly if you avoid taxis.
Getting there
Train stations
National long-distance routes; eastern and southern corridors
Eastern and suburban routes; regional and local services
Intercity and regional services
From CCU, use prepaid taxi or app taxi to reach central Kolkata; allow 45 to 60 minutes in traffic.
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