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.
Things to do in Kolkata by type
10 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 4 experiences 18th century Kolkata tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 3 experiences Excursion to Bandel Church and Hangseswari Temple -
City tours 2 experiences Calcutta City - Private Tour
- Senior 10
- Youth 10
- Couples 10
- Families 10
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
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.
Know before you go
- Currency
- Indian rupee (INR)1 US dollar ≈ ₹95.1
- 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 an extensive public transport network, from the modern rapid transit system to the century-old heritage tram system.
By taxi or cab
Kolkata no longer looks the same without the plethora of yellow Hindustan Ambassador taxis that once plied on the streets. Originally a locally manufactured copy of the 1950s-vintage Morris Oxford, the yellow Ambassadors, along with the heritage trams, are synonymous with the entire city. However, these iconic Ambassadors are phased out in 2025 in favour of Maruti Suzuki Wagon R cabs, and these modern vehicles may not appeal to the seniors who used to ride on their lovely Ambassadors.
By metro
The oldest rail rapid transit system in India, the Kolkata Metro is the fastest, cleanest, most reliable, least crowded (though still rather crowded) and most efficient of all the transportation Kolkata has to offer. As of 2025, five lines are operational and more are under construction.
By tram
Kolkata has the only tram service in all of India and the oldest surviving electric tram network in Asia. Though decommissioned in some parts of the city, electric trams are still one of the means of travelling between a few places within the city.
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.
What currency is used in Kolkata?
Kolkata uses the Indian rupee (INR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₹95.1.
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 an extensive public transport network, from the modern rapid transit system to the century-old heritage tram system.
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.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Kolkata?
The most popular types of experiences in Kolkata are zoo, aquarium & nature (4), day trips & excursions (3), city tours (2) and cruise & water tours (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
