World by City

India India

Kolkata

Kolkata is the capital of India's West Bengal state, linked by bridges along the Hooghly River. With landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, museums, and temples, it's a great place to explore both history and culture.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Kolkata
Gateway airport
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
Best season
Nov–Feb
Time zone
Asia/Kolkata
Sights covered
44 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 44 →
Victoria Memorial

Museums & galleries

Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial is a marble monument in Kolkata's Maidan park, built between 1906 and 1921 during British colonial rule. It was erected to honor Queen Victoria, who once ruled over India.

Howrah Bridge

Views & landmarks

Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge is a steel bridge spanning the Hooghly River in Kolkata, opened in 1943. It remains an iconic city landmark, still bustling with people crossing it every day.

Indian Museum

Museums & galleries

Indian Museum

The Indian Museum in Kolkata, opened in 1814, is one of India's oldest and most storied museums. Its rich collection of artifacts and sculptures gathered from across the country offers a broad look at Indian history and art.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Temples & religious sites

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

A Hindu temple on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, built in 1855. Dedicated to the goddess Kali, it offers a sense of both Bengal's religious devotion and its history.

Alipore

Shopping & districts

Alipore

Alipore is a neighbourhood of South Kolkata in Kolkata district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Kalighat Kali Temple

Temples & religious sites

Kalighat Kali Temple

The Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. Counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas across India, it continues to draw a steady flow of pilgrims.

Vidyasagar Setu

Views & landmarks

Vidyasagar Setu

Vidyasagar Setu is a cable-stayed bridge over the Hooghly River linking Kolkata and Howrah. When it opened in 1992, it was India's first and longest bridge of its kind, and its majestic silhouette can still be admired while crossing the river.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

St. Paul's Cathedral

Completed in 1847, St. Paul's Cathedral is Kolkata's Anglican cathedral, notable for its Gothic-style architecture. As Asia's first Anglican cathedral and the largest church in Kolkata, it's well worth a visit.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

19° Jan
22° Feb
27° Mar
30° Apr
30° May
30° Jun
29° Jul
28° Aug
28° Sep
27° Oct
24° Nov
20° Dec

Getting there

Check flights to Kolkata first

Pick a departure airport and date to jump straight to results for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU).

Check fares and seat availability on the flight search site.

Getting around the city

Book transport

Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Kolkata Tours & Experiences Booking

Book local tours, tickets, and experiences in advance to enjoy without waiting. Check available products and prices now.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Local data

Get an eSIM for India before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Where to stay

See all stays →

Pick your dates — we'll search Kolkata hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Visit stories: Kolkata

Have you been to this city?

Share your visit story with photos you took yourself. Once checked, it goes into the Magazine.

Share your visit story

Guides by theme