The capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, Kolkata is a mesmerising blend of elegant, but crumbling, Raj-era architecture, graceful gardens, crowded marketplaces, flower-bedecked temples and mammoth civic monuments. Home to lively festivals and a vibrant artistic community, clamorous markets and packed temples, this city is crowded and polluted, but ultimately invigorating.

History

Kolkata, or Calcutta as it was called then, was the capital of India for most of the British rule. It therefore boasts beautiful colonial architecture - and most are functional and well-maintained to this day. While the capital was moved to Delhi in the year 1911, Kolkata is visibly steeped in history. There are many temples mosques, churches, museums, parks, and river-fronts that, combined, make Kolkata a traveller's delight.

Art & Culture

Given the high standards of educational and intellectual pursuits in Kolkata, the city is called the cultural capital of India. The esteemed poet and philosopher, and the first Nobel Laureate from India (as well as Asia), Rabindranath Tagore, and the Oscar winning film director Satyajit Ray both hail from this city. Kolkata is still the hub for music, arts, and theatre in India. Classical artists have to go through the rite of passage of performing before audience in Kolkata in order to establish themselves at the national level.

Handloom & Handicraft

Kolkata is a treasure trove of beautiful cotton and silk handloom and handicrafts that are manufactured in the towns and villages of Bengal. The taant sari, Baluchari sari, khaddar fabrics and sholapith (Indian cork) and terracotta sculpture pieces are must-buys. Most of these items are still sold at traditional markets where you chat up the seller over a cup of tea.

Food & Cuisine

Kolkata is the hub for the most delectable sweets and desserts in India. The biryani in Kolkata is a unique style of Mughlai cooking that is not available elsewhere in India. The street food of Kolkata can be fodder for a standalone article. Moreover, Kolkata is still the most affordable city in India in terms of food. You can visit Kolkata just for a gastronomy trip.

The Trams

Kolkata is the only city in India that has tram cars. Started in the year 1902, it is still a popular mode of transport among locals. In today's fast paced lives, a leisurely ride in the tram car, meandering through the busy city, is sheer romance. It is a well-tested recipe for sparks to fly.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is an autumnal festival to worship Goddess Durga. While this is a Hindu festival, the celebrations in Kolkata are of grand proportions that break religious boundaries and adopt a secular flavour. The whole city is covered with lights, and marquees are erected in various parks and neighbourhoods to install the Durga idol. The festival lasts for five days. People walk the streets in colourful clothes and the city is awake all five days and nights. The celebrations reach carnival proportions and Kolkata becomes a living art gallery!

Kolkata is an almost incomprehensible city to outsiders. It is rich in history and character, which makes it the IDEAL city for a tour!

Being an important metro city, reaching Kolkata from anywhere in the world or country is not an issue as the city enjoys excellent flight, rail and road connectivity. The Kolkata Airport, located at a distance of about 15 km from city centre, connects the city with all prime Indian as well as international destinations. The two main railheads here are Howrah and Sealdah railway stations, linking the city with rest of India. Travellers coming from nearby neighbouring cities can take state or private buses to reach Kolkata.

For many travellers, Kolkata is the gateway to eastern India, a leaping-off point for trips to Darjeeling, the eastern Himalaya and the tiger-stalked waterways of the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve. Nevertheless, almost everyone spends a few days roaming the streets of the Bengali capital, soaking up its atmosphere of faded grandeur.

Thanks to its rich cultural heritage and history, there are many places to visit in Kolkata. Historical structures like the Writers Building, the Victoria Memorial and the St. Paul's Cathedral are stunning examples of the city's royal past. Cross the majestic Howrah Bridge, or take a ride down the Hooghly River from Princep Ghat in the evening and capture the hues of the setting sun in your lenses - there's lots to do here. For the religiously inclined, Kalighat Temple and the Belur Math are great sites to visit. The old world charm of Kolkata is bound to have an all pervading effect on you. There are many ways you can go around the city:

Catering to a range of budgets and preferences, shopping in Kolkata is another the most popular activities amongst tourists visiting the city. From designer Indian wear that's fit for a bride, and traditional fabrics, to street markets hawking everything from used books and handicrafts to some delicious Bengali foods - there's no end to what you can buy in Kolkata. In addition to the local offerings the city is famous for, you can head to one of the multi-storeyed malls if you're looking for international labels and designer stores.

Kolkata feels remarkably unthreatening, and is usually safe (though stray incidents involving tourists can and do occur).

In general the people of Kolkata are more friendly and helpful than in many of India's other large cities.

Kolkata has a tropical wet-and-dry climate. It is warm year-round, with average high temperatures ranging from about 27 °C in December and January to nearly 38 °C in April and May. Kolkata has 3 main seasons: Summer, Monsoon, and Winter.

Best Time

The autumn and winter months between October and February are the best time to visit Kolkata, as the weather is perfect and festivities are aplenty. This is the season which witnesses the peak arrival of travellers, especially during Durga Puja. Kolkata, with an eastern tropical climate, has light winters, hot and somewhat humid summers. Summers are the least desirable options for a traveller, and monsoons, although lovely, is not exactly the best season worth a visit.