Top 10 Things To Do In Kolkata, India

Dec 4, 2025
15 min read

A Brief History of Kolkata, India's 'City of Joy'

Kolkata was the capital city of India during the British Raj from 1773 until 1911, when the capital was moved to Delhi. The city, later renamed ‘Calcutta’ by the British, was the most important commercial post in the region due to its central location along the Hooghly River that runs through it. Today, whether you explore its historic routes or simply try to spot your train at one of its busy stations, Kolkata remains a vibrant reflection of its rich colonial past.
Today, Kolkata is India's third largest city. It's also thought of as India's capital city for culture and arts. People come to Kolkata for literature as well as performing arts, music, and the thriving film industry. Kolkata is referred to as "the city of joy" due to the numerous cultural events that occur throughout the year. The experience was not what we imagined, and we were amazed by how beautiful it was. Kolkata appears and feels totally different from others cities across India due to the fact that there aren't any holy cows or tuk-tuks within the city's centre since they are prohibited.
Kolkata is considered to be India’s cultural and artistic capital
Kolkata is sprawling and large and sprawling, and is divided into 3 regions namely North, City Centre and South.
From 2001 Kolkata was earlier referred to as Calcutta under the British Raj in 1773
Many of the roads in Kolkata are tree-lined and wide, and they seem a bit like Europe
A street scene in North Kolkata
People living in these small homes in North Kolkata

British Raj Architecture
Kolkata is awash in stunning colonial buildings from the past such as The Victoria Memorial and St Pauls Cathedral and it's like driving through the streets of London as well as Europe particularly as many roads are large that are lined with trees. The most magnificent of structures were constructed to be an emblem of the power of the Empire and are being used as a symbol of authorities of the Indian government. The sight of them gives us an idea of what it would be like to have lived in the British Raj era. But many of them are crumbling and are abandoned and in dire need of being restored. They're like the shabby elegance of the 1950s-era buildings we visited in the old Havana, Cuba.
You will recognize many of the older British structures because they are built mostly in red bricks as well as painted with red. There are numerous stunning art deco structures in Kolkata Be sure to check out every detail. To add to the ambience on the streets is Kolkata's famous and classic yellow taxis. They are Ambassador automobiles and manufactured in India However, they aren't made anymore. The traffic is and well-behaved in Kolkata as compared in other Indian cities. The people in Kolkata respect the rules, including those traffic signals! The most interesting thing is it's that roads around Kolkata are one-way, however they turn around at 1pm each day!
A yellow Ambassador taxi plows through to the General Post Office. It was built in 1865.
The Old Telegraph Office also is known as The Dead Letter Office on Dalhousie Square
The red brick of the Writers Building – Kolkata’s oldest building
The old Currency Building was built in 1833
A lot of old structures like this one in Kolkata are in need of TLC
Another colonial building in Kolkata getting overtaken by nature
An old art deco building in Kolkata
Vintage Indian Ambassador cars are Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxis

Top 10 Things to do in Kolkata
1. Victoria Memorial Hall & Gardens
The top of our list and the most popular site of tourist destinations located in Kolkata includes The Victoria Memorial Hall. Made of the white color of marble, it's large and classy and exudes grandeur. It was constructed in memory of Queen Victoria following her passing away in 1901. It's now a museum as well as a museum, with paintings and other artifacts from the time of the British Raj. The ticket we purchased was for the gardens that are open from 5.30am until 6 pm. It happened that we went the gardens on Republic Day - a national celebration of the day India became the republic of India. Also, with the majority of people off work, the garden was full of people, but they had a lovely atmosphere and lots of family members walking around and playing games. There aren't many Westerners visiting Kolkata which we were able to see many people asked us to take selfies, which at this point we had gotten used to after our trip of India.
The Victoria Memorial Hall gardens are a star attraction of Kolkata
The white marble originates originated from Rajasthan it is the exact marble used in the Taj Mahal
We visited India on Republic Day everyone was out celebrating the holiday.
The gardens are beautiful sprawled over 64 acres of lakes, fountains and hundreds of blooms
Phil and Garth were seated next to the Victoria Memorial Fountain. Victoria Memorial

2. Kumartuli Craft Neighbourhood
Within North Kolkata is a fascinating neighborhood of arts and crafts known as Kumartuli. This is the area we wanted to visit particularly Garth who is an artist. Kumartuli is well-known for about 150 families of sculptors and potters who have been making pottery idols representing Hindu gods and goddesses over nearly 300 years. The work of these artisans is exported across India. The clay modelers employ techniques that haven't changed over the decades and their techniques are handed through generations by father to son. We had a blast wandering through the streets of our neighborhood exploring the artist's studios watching the clay idols at the various stages of creation. From the very first mesh models made from straw and then the next stage of moulding clay through the final elements of airbrushing, painting and adding saris, jewels, and saris It's interesting to see regardless of whether you're a fan of the art of.
They create all sorts of Hindu gods and goddesses. famous idols include Ganesh as well as Saraswati. However, Kumartuli's artisans are best known for their creation of goddess Durga to celebrate the Durga Puja' - Kolkata's most prestigious and grandest festival that runs for 5 days. Each size of statue is available for purchase - from tiny ones for use at home, to extra-large idols for village events. The larger 5-foot statues cost PS35 and typically last two weeks before being dropped into the river, usually the sacred Ganges River. Ganges to ensure that the mud of clay is returned to the river it originated from. It's good that they're made of natural materials, and are now using biodegradable paint since the rivers of India are contaminated enough in the present state.
Kolkata's Kumartuli craft district is known for clay sculptures of gods and goddesses.
Kumartuli make hundreds of statues of the Hindu Goddess Durga
An artist studio located in Kumartuli selling huge statues of Goddess Saraswati. The statue is 5 feet tall and costs around Rs 35.
Wandering around the streets of Kumartuli is fascinating
This artist makes the staute’s clay hands
Handpainting a statue of Goddess Saraswati
Clay modellers use mud from the sacred Ganges river
Slowly walking and browsing the artistic lanes of Kumartuli
An artist airbrushing a large statue
The clay modelers are working on the streets as well as in back-to-back artist studios
It is unclear which goddess this clay idol is a representation of Perhaps Goddess Kali?
We discovered these idols awaiting disposal from the Hooghly River next to the market for flowers.
Look at all the gorgeous detail on these goddess statues
These much smaller gods and goddesses are used inside people’s homes
The streets of the Kumartuli neighborhood offer a glimpse of the everyday life in Kolkata
Kumartuli is situated at North Kolkata where tuk tuks are allowed to be driven on roads
A man crosses a railway track in North Kolkata

3. Mullik Ghat Flower Market
Underneath the famous Howrah Bridge is Kolkata's famous Mullick Ghat Flower Market. It's India's largest wholesale flower market, and from dawn wholesalers offer their fresh-picked flowers to make beautiful garlands for temples weddings, and other celebrations. We enjoyed it here as it was a feast for the senses. So vibrant and a variety of textures. Plus, the scent is divine, Garth was in his at ease taking pictures. It's extremely busy and chaotic with all the people in the midst of negotiating and making deals. The space is at a minimum in this area and the paths are extremely narrow, so it is essential to be cautious not to fall on large bags or baskets of flowers that people are carrying. We were accompanied by a guide, so he was able to guide us the route. But, there are some spaces up so that you can step in the middle of the road and observe what's happening and take photos.
Marigold flowers are utilized for making offerings to God. The colours used are crucial in Hinduism. The yellow marigolds symbolize the purity of life, orange symbolizes sacrifice and bravery, while white marigolds symbolize peace. We were fascinated by the spectators the ladies weave marigold flowers in garlands and men threading tiny red roses in a row and so skillfully. It brought back memories of the flower markets that we toured at the time in Goa, South India. If you've got the time, take a walk up the stairs towards the Howrah Bridge where you can take a look and watch the whole scene.
Of all of the Kolkata destinations to visit the flower market is the most vibrant location to be seen.
Kolkata’s famous and bustling Mullik Ghat Flower Market
A lady delicately tosses her yellow marigold flowers
Flower traders negotiate deals all day
We think it was a great idea to visit the Mullik Ghat Flower Market is an amazing location to walk around. However, it might be a bit overwhelming for certain.
So many hugely colourful displays of flowers for sale
This man weaves small red roses to make an edging
Are you unsure of the purpose for these tiny kitssch tinsel flowers are intended for? Perhaps an event?
Many yellow and orange marigold blooms - they're used to create religious garlands and bouquets for weddings.
Take the stairs up until you reach the Howrah Bridge to observe the event from a different angle

4. Howrah Bridge
The bridge was built in 1874. Howrah Bridge is another landmark of Kolkata. It is the world's sixth longest cantilever bridge built entirely of steel. It spans the Hooghly River linking the two cities of Kolkata and Howrah. Around 100,000 vehicles pass through this bridge every day. Howrah Bridge every day, however, it is frequented by more pedestrians, approximately 150,000 commuters. In 1965, the bridge was given the name Rabindra Setu in honor of a poet from the local area. However, people continue to refer to it as"the Howrah Bridge. From one side, the Howrah part, we walked past one of the major railway station. Howrah Junction - India's biggest and longest-running railway station and one of the busiest train stations.
Built in 1874, the Howrah Bridge is one of the most prominent landmarks in Kolkata
The crossing of The Howrah Bridge linking the two cities from Kolkata and Howrah
Howrah Bridge Howrah Bridge has no nuts or bolts, but was constructed entirely using rivets
Loving the hand painted signs on the buses in Kolkata
People taking a bath at the Hooghly River on the ghats beneath the bridge Howrah Bridge
There's another toll bridge, The Vidyasagar Setu, also referred to by the name of 2nd Hooghly Bridge. We were standing near it when we went to the Prinsep Ghat in the evening, to enjoy the sun set over the Hooghly River.
Phil and Garth close their respective bridges to Vidyasagar Setu, also called the 2nd or the new Hooghly Bridge

5. College Street
In the central area of Kolkata and we walked the mile-long section along College Street. A fascinating street with bookshops and bookshops, it's nickname is "book market" and is the biggest book market across all of Asia. It's an excellent example of up-cycling, where students from universities come to buy and sell secondhand books.
Second hand university books for sale on College Street
College Street is where students are able to purchase and sell second-hand books
Second hand educational books for sale on College Street
Sugar cane stacks ready to be juicing near College Street

Many posters are in this space - I'm assuming they are promoting Bollywood films

Indian Coffee House
In College Street, you will discover the old Indian Coffee House, a frequent hangout spot for students from universities. There are many cafes throughout Kolkata however the one on College Street is the original. It's located inside Kolkata's historic Royal Albert Hall, this space looks like it's got several stories to share. We sat down for a cup of white coffee and sandwiches. The environment was great, perfect for people watching, especially the exquisitely dressed staff that were constantly serving the customers.
The historical Indian Coffee House housed in the former Royal Albert Hall
The Indian Coffee House on College Street opposite the Presidency College

6. St. John's Church
We stopped for a short visit in St. John's Church, one of the first churches that was constructed during The British Raj in 1787. It was used as the Anglican Church until 1847, when the more spacious St Paul's Cathedral was opened. The gardens include a number of memorials and monuments to the highest in the ranks of officials.
St. John’s Church was originally a cathedral
Inside St Johns Church

7. Pareshnath Jain Temple
In a small but beautiful garden is the beautiful Pareshnath Jain Temple. It was constructed as early as 1867 and owned by an entire family that run a jewelry business. It's a complex made up of four separate temples. It is the very first time that we were both in an actual Jain temple. Jainism is an old Indian religion that Jains don't believe in saints or gods. They believe that the world has no beginning nor an end, and therefore do not believe that a god has created the universe.
In the interior of the temple it is adorned with the bling factor, with intricate glasswork and mirrors and chandeliers, as well as marble floors. A fire in the glass box has been burning since the temple was first constructed. Photography isn't permitted within the temples, but it is permitted within the premises.
The highly ornate Pareshnath Jain Temple
The Pareshnath Jain Temple is a complex of 4 separate temples
The ornamental pond filled with lots of fish

8. Mother Teresa's Mother House
Like many other Indian cities, Kolkata is amidst the heartbreaking inequalities that we observed particularly the slums directly close to trains. Mother Teresa spent her life helping the poor and marginalized in Kolkata. Mother Teresa lived and worked at Mother House, it's also the place where she was resting. We visited her grave as well as the tiny museum that contains photographs, artifacts, and tales from her time. It was a peaceful experience and very moving to witness the things she accomplished. We also climbed the stairs to find out the place she stayed and lived in the night - a room with only had a typewriter, on which she checked her mail as well as a sleeping bag which reflected the basic life she lived. Mother House is open from 8am-6pm, every day Except on Thursdays, when it's closed on the day of prayer in support of the sisters.
Mother House is considered by pilgrims as one of the important sites that one should visit when visiting Kolkata.
Mother House in Kolkata receives hundreds of pilgrims who visit to meditate and pray every day

9. South Park Street Cemetery
Our guide Mukherjee suggested that since that we're in The UK that we could want to visit this South Park Street Cemetery where numerous high-ranking officials from during the British Raj were buried. The cemetery was closed in 1830. It is now a heritage site, and is worth to visit. It's somewhat spooky to walk around the grounds, taking in the gothic-looking tombs that were once there There are around 1,600 tombs here. It's an extremely unusual places to go to in Kolkata.
South Park Street Cemetry
Phil and Garth at South Park Street Cemetery

10. Shop at New Market (Hogg Market)
The main attraction in Central Kolkata is New Market and is which is also known as Hogg Market, which has over 2,000 indoor stores. It was established in the British Raj in 1874 for the wealthy to shop. It is now a place to buy all the things you could think of and the outdoor area is filled with very chaotic stalls for shopping and, according to our guide to the best street food options in Kolkata. We went to the market to look for the thali menu as a souvenir to bring back home. With the assistance from our tour guides Mukherjee who was translating the conversation, Phil haggled for 2 trays and two plates of the thali. Garth was overjoyed that we'd bought an interesting souvenir to bring back home.
Phil is at New Market haggling for some Thali dishes to purchase. The market closes at 8pm.

Eat Bengali Street Food - Kathi Rolls
Looking for local food to take a bite of in Kolkata? It's not too away from South Park Street Cemetery we explored Kolkata's most famous street food called Kathi rolls (or Kati rolls). Kolkata is known as a city of Bengali street food, and Kathi Rolls is one of the recipes invented in Kolkata. We purchased them at an hygienic eatery that is called The Golden Spoon in the Park Street area. They served us the Chicken Kati rolls, which are skewer-roasted chicken wrapped with paratha wraps and vegetables. and cheese. You can also choose a stuffed option.
Bengalis are also huge fish eaters. In addition to having an obsession with sweets, the locals are also fond of Chinese food. You'll see numerous Chinese eateries within Bengali restaurants in the Park Street area of Kolkata. Actually, this is the location where we dined is a great spot to begin looking for a variety of dining options. There are food stands on the streets as well as a variety of trendy and hip eateries, bakeries that sell pastries, and Western food brands such as KFC or Hard Rock Cafe. We also believed it could be a great spot to stay in with eateries and shops close to your door.
Phil tucking in to his chicken kathi roll
Bengalis are also huge fish eaters. They also are also known for their sweet tooth. In Kolkata there are also plenty of Chinese food
Here are some more Bengali food items you can explore:
- Macher Jhol Macher Jhol A fiery fish curry made from freshwater fish that is cooked with mustard oil.
- Mutton Biryani - A nutritious dish consisting of potatoes, rice and tender pieces of mutton.
- Shukto Shukto is a vegetable curry consisting of potato and pumpkin, as well as gourd bitter gourd, and milk.
- Luchi- Chapatis that are deep-fried and served with small potato curry (aloo poori).
- Aloo Posto Posto HTML0 - Potatoes mixed with seeds of poppy (posto) along with chillies. Serve along with rice as an appetizer.
- Roshogollas Roshogollas - A sweet treat made from semolina dough and cottage cheese balls that are dipped in syrup.
Getting Around Kolkata
Kolkata was one of the cities within the country to have an underground subway system - The Metro, which is the most convenient way to travel around Kolkata. Kolkata also has the longest-running tram system within Asia. We opted to employ an experienced guide and driver for the day, which was great as we were able to explore a lot within a single day.
Kolkata is the oldest operational tram system of Asia It began operation in 1902

Other Kolkata Places To Visit & Attractions
- St Pauls Cathedral The St Pauls Cathedral is a massive white Anglican cathedral located across the road away from Victoria Memorial.
- Indian Museum - India's largest and oldest museum. Also called The Magic House.
- Dakshineshwar Kali Temple A huge Riverside Hindu Temple and Complex.
- Marble Palace Mansion built in 19th century. It is free to visit, but you will require a letter of the Tourism Office.
- Kalighat Temple -The oldest Hindu temple in Kolkata dedicated to Kali the goddess of Kolkata.
Kolkata Practical Information & Useful Advice
Phil and Garth’s Top 5 Kolkata Tips
Phil and Garth's Top 5 Kolkata Tips
- Tips #1 Trains to Kolkata generally arrive at a later time in winter, meaning you could miss half a day.
- Tips #2 The hotels aren't close to being as clean as Western standard, which is why we used damp wipes to scrub all surfaces.
- Tips #3 A lot of museums close on Mondays.
- Tips #4 Tip #4: When shopping at the flower market, make sure you keep your items in front of you in order to prevent the possibility of being picked up by thieves.
- Tips #5 Tipping is required everywhere, 10 10%.
Kolkata FAQs
- What's Kolkata's Airport Code? CCU - Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport located 9 miles away from the city center.
- What is the time zone of Kolkata? GMT+5:30 - India Standard Time.
- What is the currency used by the city of Kolkata? Indian Rupee (Symbol the symbol is Rs)
- What is the language being spoken by the people of Kolkata? Bengali and some English.
- What is the size of the population in Kolkata? 4.85 million
- Which number do I dial in the event of an urgent situation? Dial 100 for police, 101 for fire brigade, and 102 for an ambulance.
- What kind of plug can be employed for Kolkata? Plug Types C, D & M. The three round pin is the most commonly used. Voltage is 230V / 50Hz.
- What's the best time to go to Kolkata? October to March, it's sunny and dry. Evenings can be cold. Find out the date of the Durga Puja festival, the most grand of festivals that take place in October or September.
- Is there a most dangerous time to travel to Kolkata? April to May is extremely scorching (35oC between 35oC and 40oC). From June to September is the monsoon season.
- Which is Kolkata known in? Arts & literature and colonial architecture. Mother Teresa and Bengali food.
- What is the history of Kolkata? Calcutta was established in 1686 by the British Indian empire and was the capital until 1911, when it was transferred to Delhi.
- 5 things that are famous located in Kolkata? Victoria Memorial Hall, Mullik Ghat Flower Market, Kumartuli, Howrah Bridge and College Street.
- Kolkata traditional food? Kathi rolls or "Kati rolls," street food that was invented in Kolkata See above for more information.
- What's the most effective method to travel to where you want? Kolkata is big therefore, so you can hire Ambassador taxis or make use of the new underground Metro. Kolkata Metro.
- What's the most interesting information regarding Kolkata? Kolkata has the longest running electric tram-train network in Asia. It's one of the few cities in India to have trams.
- What films have been made at Kolkata? City of Joy (1992) featuring Patrick Swayze and Lion (2016) featuring Dev Patel were both filmed in Kolkata.
- What is the most photogenic place in Kolkata? It is the Mullik Ghat Flower Market has plenty of photo opportunities.
- What is Kolkata hidden treasure? The South Park Street Cemetery is an interesting and distinctive spot for an afternoon stroll (see below).
- What is the most memorable Kolkata souvenir? Buy a small clay statue of god, goddess or deity at the Kumartuli craft community.
- Are there any top five-star hotel options located in Kolkata? ITC Royal Bengal, The Oberoi Grand and The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat.
How We Did It
- We stayed in a cheap hotel for two nights - the Treebo Trend Globe International.
- We booked a guide/driver to spend the day. We booked the Kolkata City Tour with kolkatatrips.com. It was a wonderful day that cost us INR 7,393 which equals PS76. The guide we had, Mr. Tirthankar Mukherjee was an amazing guide who did everything he could to make sure we saw every place we wanted to. You can find our complete report here on TripAdvisor.
- We went to Kolkata in January. It was a great time to visit Kolkata, and we celebrated Republic Day on the 26th January, which is a holiday of the nation in India. The weather was warm during the day but cold at night.