India's third-largest city is a center of arts and culture. Colonial buildings, temples, and bazaars line its lively streets. Known for vibrant nightlife and as a hub of Indian literature.
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, sits on the banks of the Hooghly River. This former capital of British India is home to the Victoria Memorial, lively markets like New Market and College Street, and a thriving arts scene. In Kolkata, you can taste Bengali sweets, explore the narrow lanes of North Kolkata, and experience the city's rich history alongside its contemporary energy.
Bengali Cuisine and Street Food
Bengali flavors define Kolkata's food scene. Mustard oil, fish, and rice are key ingredients in many local dishes. Try traditional meals like maacher jhol (fish curry) or shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce) at restaurants such as 6 Ballygunge Place or Bhojohori Manna. For street food, head to Park Street or New Market area. Here you can sample puchkas (crispy hollow balls filled with spicy water), kathi rolls (kebab wraps), and jhal muri (puffed rice mix).
Arts and Culture Scene
Kolkata is often considered India's cultural capital. The Academy of Fine Arts regularly exhibits contemporary and traditional art. For performing arts, visit Nandan complex, which houses multiple theaters and screens Bengali and international films. Explore the College Street area, known as 'Boi Para' (Book Town), where hundreds of bookstalls line the streets. The annual Kolkata International Book Fair, one of the largest in the world, takes place here every January.
Durga Puja Festival
If you visit Kolkata in autumn, you'll experience the city's most important festival - Durga Puja. For five days, the city fills with elaborate pandals (temporary structures) housing idols of Goddess Durga, each striving to be more innovative than the last. You'll see processions, cultural performances, and food stalls throughout the city. The artistic displays and community spirit of this celebration are impressive, even for non-religious visitors.
Getting Around Kolkata
Navigating Kolkata can be challenging but interesting. The metro system, India's first, connects key areas of the city and is often the fastest way to travel. Yellow taxis are common and relatively cheap, but you'll need to negotiate fares. For a more local experience, try the hand-pulled rickshaws in central Kolkata or take a ferry across the Hooghly River. Walking allows you to explore individual neighborhoods closely, but be cautious of traffic and uneven sidewalks.
North Kolkata's Old-World Charm
North Kolkata, the older part of the city, maintains much of Kolkata's past. The area consists of narrow lanes, old mansions, and a slower pace of life. In Kumartuli, you can watch artisans craft clay idols for various festivals. The Marble Palace, a 19th-century mansion, contains a collection of Western art and Victorian furniture. Sovabazar Rajbari, an old palace, exemplifies the lifestyle of Bengali aristocracy during the colonial era.
Colonial Landmarks and Architecture
Kolkata has many remnants of its colonial past. The Victoria Memorial, a massive marble edifice, now houses a museum with artifacts from the British Raj era. St. John's Church, one of the oldest public buildings in the city, resembles St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. The Writers' Building, once the secretariat of Bengal, has a red brick façade and Greco-Roman features.
