Festival guideDurga Puja in KolkataThe days, the rituals, where to see pandals and how to plan around the crowds.Read the guide →
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Facts that change — opening days, fares, festival dates — are checked against official sources such as venue websites and transport operators, and each guide shows when it was last reviewed. We don’t publish invented prices, rankings or reviews.
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FAQ
Which guide should you start with for a first visit to Kolkata?
Start with the itineraries guide for a short city outline, then use the transport guide to link Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Howrah Bridge and the Kalighat temple. Check opening days before travelling, since Victoria Memorial closes on Mondays and some national holidays. Metro Railway Kolkata lists current services.
How should you plan Kolkata travel around Durga Puja?
Durga Puja usually falls in late September or October, with five main days from Shashthi to Dashami. Book transport and accommodation well ahead, expect road closures and crowds, and check the current year's dates with West Bengal Tourism and Kolkata Police. The festivals guide covers pandal routes and etiquette.
What is covered in the Kolkata transport guide?
The transport guide covers the metro, yellow taxis, app cabs, buses, ferries and the remaining tram network. It explains how to reach the airport and main railway stations, and notes that metro lines are expanding. Check Metro Railway Kolkata and Indian Railways for current timetables before setting out.
Where does the food guide send you for classic Kolkata dishes?
The food guide covers phuchka, kathi rolls, jhalmuri, Kolkata biryani, kosha mangsho, shorshe ilish and mishti doi. It points to listed places such as Nizam's near New Market, Indian Coffee House on College Street and Flurys on Park Street, and explains seasonal hilsa and winter nolen gur.
Which day trips from Kolkata can be done with a guide?
The day trips guide covers the Sundarbans, Shantiniketan, Chandannagar and Bishnupur, with notes on permits, trains and road journeys. Sundarbans entry permits come from the West Bengal Forest Department and are usually arranged through operators. Check Indian Railways for current train times and West Bengal Tourism for local conditions.
How do you choose between a short and a longer Kolkata itinerary?
A short itinerary should stay central: Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Park Street and the Hooghly waterfront. Longer itineraries add North Kolkata, Kumartuli, Dakshineswar or Belur Math. The itineraries guide sets out routes by metro and taxi, with opening days checked against Victoria Memorial Hall and Metro Railway Kolkata.
When should you use the metro instead of a taxi in Kolkata?
Use the metro for north-south journeys on the Blue Line and for crossings to Howrah and Salt Lake on the Green Line. It avoids the worst road traffic. Yellow taxis and app cabs suit late nights and places away from stations. Check Metro Railway Kolkata for current stations and hours before relying on a line.
What should you know about Kolkata's festivals before booking travel?
Festival dates are lunar and move each year. Durga Puja is usually late September or October, Kali Puja falls on Diwali, and Christmas lights run on Park Street from mid-December. Check the current year's dates with West Bengal Tourism and Kolkata Police, and allow for crowds, road closures and higher demand for transport.
Where can you find guidance on Kolkata's Chinese food and old Chinatown?
The food guide covers Indian-Chinese food in Tangra and the early morning Chinese breakfast market in Tiretta Bazaar. Go early for the market and check current local advice and Kolkata Police notices on market days. The guide also explains the difference between Tangra restaurants and the older Chinatown streets near central Kolkata.