Kolkata

Kolkata is a huge city with several district articles that contain information about specific sights, restaurants, and accommodation.

Kolkata (Bengali: কলকাতা Kolkātā, Hindi: कोलकाता Kolkātā), formerly and still fondly called Calcutta, is the largest city in eastern India and the capital of the state of West Bengal. Once the capital of the British Raj till 1911, Kolkata is said to have been built on three villages along the Hooghly River, a distributary of the mighty Ganges. The city has seen tremendous growth during and after the partition of India in 1947. Greater Kolkata has a population of over 22.5 million (2025), making it one of the world's largest cities.

Kolkata is an "in your face" city that shocks and charms the unsuspecting visitor. Long known as the cultural capital of India and home to the Bengali Renaissance, the "City of Joy" (the sobriquet became more famous after the publication of a novel of the same name) continues to spawn generations of poets, writers, film directors and Nobel Prize winners.

If your trip only allows for a visit to one or two of India's largest cities, then definitely consider placing Kolkata on your itinerary. It is arguably one of the most socially, culturally and politically progressive cities in India. Love it or hate it, you definitely won't forget the "City of Joy".

Kolkata (Bengali: KOHL-kah-tah) is the main business, commercial and financial hub of eastern India. Spread along the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, Kolkata was once the administrative centre of the British Raj, governing a vast region that stretched from Pakistan to Burma (Myanmar) and the "second city of the British Empire after London".

The name "Kolkata" is derived from Kolikātā (কলিকাতা), the name of one of the three villages in the area before the arrival of the British. There has been much debate regarding the origin of the name. Some say the name derives from Kālīkhyetro (কালীক্ষেত্র), meaning the "land of [the goddess] Kali". Another theory is that the place used to specialise in quicklime (কলি koli) and coir rope (কাতা kātā).

The name was officially changed from Calcutta to Kolkata in 2001 by the then-left Government of West Bengal. However, the name "Calcutta" still survives in the names of certain institutions.

Kolkata's history is intimately related to the British East India Company, which arrived in 1690, and to British India, of which Calcutta became the capital in 1772. Job Charnock was widely known as the founder of Calcutta. There were 3 villages named Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata. Later the village Kalikata became the city of Kolkata. But some Indian historians have disputed this claim, arguing that Kolkata developed naturally over a period, centred on the ancient Kali temple at Kalighat and the port at Kidderpore.

Whatever its origins, Calcutta flowered as the capital of British India during the 19th century, the heyday of the Raj. The University of Calcutta, the first modern Indian university, was founded here in 1857. Calcutta became the centre of Indian arts and literature and the national movement for independence got its start here. However, with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1911 and the pains of the partition of Bengal in 1947, a violent repressive and feudal state machinery was operational for nearly the first two decades after independence. Calcutta became plagued by power outages, labour unrest, disappearing industry and violence from the ideologically-motivated Maoist movement (the Naxalbari movement) in the 1970s. In 1985, the then-Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi referred to the city as a "dying city" because of the social and political traumas.

In 1977, a "Left Front" coalition of the Communist and Marxist parties came to power and ruled West Bengal for 34 years. This is reflected in street names and memorials in the city with names like Lenin Sarani and Ho Chi Minh Sarani. During this period, the various egalitarian approaches implemented at improving the living standards of the downtrodden have helped the city in bridging the wealth gap and decreasing impoverishment.

Once India's leading city, Kolkata experienced a steady economic decline in the decades following India's independence due to a steep population increase and a rise in militant trade unionism. From the 1960s to the late 1990s, several factories were closed and businesses relocated. Despite this, the city's fortunes have looked up since the early 1990s, coinciding with the liberalisation of the Indian economy. Kolkata's economy is now amongst the fastest-growing in India. The landscape of the city is also fast changing with flyovers, gardens and several new commercial establishments. The new metro city is characterised by popular spots such as multiplexes, theatres, clubs, pubs, coffee shops, and museums.

The old Central Business District (CBD) is the main seat of the Government of West Bengal. Several banks have their corporate or regional headquarters around the BBD Bagh area. Many of Kolkata's older business groups have their main offices here. The area is a mix of multi-storeyed office blocks and colonial buildings.

The newer CBD is around the south of Park Street, Camac Street and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road. Several high-rise office blocks including some of Kolkata's tallest commercial buildings are in this area. An even newer CBD is being developed across Salt Lake and New Town, which is part of an effort to relieve congestion in the core city. Many government offices have shifted to high-rise office buildings lining Salt Lake's Central Park.

Since 2000, information technology (IT) services revitalised the city's stagnant economy. With the expansion of Ecospace and Bengal Silicon Valley (BSV) in New Town, and Sector V in Salt Lake, Kolkata is rapidly turning into a pro-IT city, with various private sector companies setting up regional offices here. The city also has experienced growth in the manufacturing sector, with industrial estates at Bantala, Kasba, Taratala etc.

Kolkata is known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage and it was the birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought. The city has a tradition of political graffiti depicting everything from outrageous slander to witty banter and limericks, caricatures and propaganda.

Kolkata has been called the "City of Palaces", because of the numerous palatial mansions built all over the city. During British rule, the city witnessed a spate of frenzied construction activity of buildings largely influenced by the conscious intermingling of Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental and Islamic schools of design. The layout of much of the architectural variety in Kolkata owes its origins to European styles and tastes imported by the British and, to a much lesser extent, the Portuguese and French. However, many of these structures are in various stages of decay, as of 2022. Some of the major buildings of this period are well maintained and several buildings have been declared as heritage structures.

Kolkata is also famous for the film industry around Tollygunge, known as "Tollywood" (a blend of Tollygunge and Hollywood). From the beginning of the silent era in 1919 to the talking era in the 1930s and the golden days of the 1950s to the 1970s has been a chequered history. It has seen renowned filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen and Tapan Sinha.

Kolkata can be roughly divided into two sections along Park Street. North of Park Street is the more congested part of the city. South of Park Street is the slightly better-planned section of the city, with wider roads and a better-equipped police force for keeping law and order. The better planning in South Kolkata is because it was built much later. The North is the real, old Kolkata, and most of the oldest families and buildings are there.

Over the past several decades, the city has expanded to the south and the east, with the "Greater Kolkata" region spanning over 1,880 km² (730 sq mi), from Kalyani to Jaynagar Majilpur. Heavy construction activity along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass has been changing the face of the city. Luxury hotels, convention centres, speciality hospitals, condominium complexes, malls, and multiplexes are coming up at a rapid pace. The city's expansion on the eastern side is spearheaded by the construction of a new satellite township called New Town, adjacent to the well-planned Salt Lake. It is one of the largest planned urban developments in India.

Kolkata consists of numerous neighbourhoods (পাড়া, pāṛā) that possess a strong sense of community. They have their own clubs and sometimes playgrounds.

Between the river Hooghly and Chowringhee Road, the Maidan (open field) is said to be the lungs of Kolkata. The lush green meadow also houses Fort William, Victoria Memorial, and several sporting clubs. Kolkatans love to stroll in the Maidan.

The residential buildings are mainly low-rise and comprise older colonial buildings and numerous new four-storied apartment blocks. 10- to 12-storey apartment blocks have come up in large numbers in South Kolkata. The city has relaxed its rules on high-rise construction, and 20-storey buildings are becoming more common.

However, slums and dilapidated structures exist in many pockets of the city and house over 25% of the city's population (2001 census). Slum redevelopment schemes have helped improve living conditions to a small extent, but efforts to shift slum dwellers to newer developments have often met with resistance and failure because many of the slums are in prime areas of the city and the slum dwellers who are integrated into the social structure of the neighbourhood do not want to shift.

Kolkata is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city, with diversity from all over India, as well as including Europeans (including Germans, Armenians, and others) and other Asians (including Chinese, Sinhalese, and Tibetans). Kolkata is also notable for being home to India's largest Chinatown, which continues to be home to a handful of ethnic Chinese residents whose families have lived in India for several generations.

Kolkata has three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summer, from March–May, is hot and humid with temperatures touching 38-42°C. Monsoon starts in June and lasts till September or October. This is the time when heavy showers sometimes lead to waterlogging in a few areas. Winter is from November to February. This is the best season to visit the city, as the weather is very pleasant with temperatures ranging between 8 and 20°.

• Calcutta: Past and Present (1905) by Kathleen Blechynden. It gives a detailed background of the British-era Calcutta as the former capital of India, as well as the city's lifestyle in the early 20th century.
• City of Joy (1985) by Dominique Lapierre.

• Citi Life - Calcutta My El Dorado by Mrinal Sen.
• City of Joy (1992) by Roland Jaffé. Film adaption on the book of the same name by Dominique Lapierre.

• 22.5704588.350141 Tourism Centre, 3/2, BBD Bagh E (near Great Eastern Hotel), ☏ +91 33 22436440, toll-free: 1800 2121 655, wbtourismpublicity1@gmail.com. The staff at the Tourism Centre is very helpful and the centre has a lot of information on West Bengal tourism. You can book a government lodge there before travelling to your favourite destination.  (updated Jul 2023)

Official websites:

• Kolkata Municipal Corporation
• Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority^{[dead link]}

Bengali is the native language of the majority in Kolkata. Many educated locals also understand English and some Hindi. Many shopkeepers and taxi drivers can communicate in Hindi or broken English, and government offices will typically have English-speaking staff on duty.

The Bengali dialect spoken by the educated class of Kolkata forms the basis of the modern standard register (colito bhāshā), largely replacing the archaic Sanskritised register (sādhu bhāshā) still found in some Bengali signs. Other than that, the traditional working class of the city has its own dialect, often called "Calcutta Cockney" in linguistics.

In addition, Kolkata has developed its own dialect of Urdu, called Kalkatiya (کلکتیا). It is largely confined to the older residents of the city's Muslim neighbourhoods, many of whom came from Bihar. The dialect has influences from Bengali, Bhojpuri and Magadhi languages. The educated locals of the neighbourhoods tend to use Standard Urdu, which is closer to the Hindi spoken in the city.

Even though Hindi is common in Kolkata, a few Bengalis are sensitive to it. There has been some cases of prejudice against Hindi speakers in the city. Although it's generally not a problem getting by with only English, learning some Bengali will make your trip much smoother.

• 22.65388988.4466671 Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU  ^IATA, Dum Dum Airport, Kolkata Airport), Jessore Rd (about 18 km (11 mi) outside the city centre), ☏ +91 33 2511 8036, +91 33 2511 8787, +91 33 3987 4987, fax: +91 33 2511 9266, apdkolkata@aai.aero. The airport has excellent connectivity with most of the major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. It is a major centre for flights to Siliguri and North-Eastern India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Southeast Asia and the Middle Eastern cities of Dubai and Doha.  (updated Sep 2022)

Although the airport is large and spacious, after immigration it lacks the facilities generally associated with busy international airports; there is no cafe, only one sit-down restaurant, very limited number of small shops, and no free Wi-Fi. Toilets are also sparse and far apart.

The airport has a well-established facility of prepaid taxis and air-conditioned buses connecting it to the city centre. Parking facilities at the airport terminal include two underground parking levels accommodating 3,000 cars, and outdoor car parking which can handle an additional 2,000 cars. DigiYatra facility is available at departure gates 2B and 3A, security hold area 1, 2 and 3 and boarding gates 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23.

Transport options to central Kolkata:

• By bus: State-run air-conditioned buses are available to get into the city centre. Cheaper, and hassle-free, and since you can hail a taxi anywhere in the city centre to take you to your final destination, you do not need to worry. The buses are parked outside the arrival gate at the integrated terminal. Do not be dissuaded by the taxi touts, who would try to make you believe that the buses do not run anymore.
• By metro: The airport is served by Jai Hind  4  in front of the parking lot.
• By taxi: In case you are arriving at busy hours, it is better to get a prepaid taxi (₹150-250), which takes you directly to your destination. There is no practice of tipping taxi drivers anywhere in India. Moreover, app-based cab services (such as Ola and Uber) are also available from the airport.

Kolkata is one of the major destinations on the Indian rail network, and every major city has a regular connection with Kolkata. There are two major stations in Kolkata along with three auxiliary ones. All stations have a taxi stand as well as a bus stop or station.

• 22.58287188.3428112 Howrah Station (code: HWH), RBC Rd, Howrah (across the Hooghly River). Services:
  • Platforms 1–8: Suburban local trains from Arambagh, Bandel, Bardhaman (main and chord), Katwa, Memari, Pandua and Tarakeswar.
  • Platforms 8–12: Express trains from the Himalayan North, Plains, northern Rajasthan and North-Eastern India.
  • Platforms 13–15: Suburban local trains from Kharagpur, Midnapore and Panskura.
  • Metro: Green Line  2  to BBD Bagh, Esplanade, Sealdah and Salt Lake.
  • Platforms 17–24 (New Complex): Express trains from the rest of India.  (updated Nov 2026)
• 22.58287188.3428113 Sealdah Station (code: HWH), APC Rd, Sealdah (in North Kolkata). Services:
  • Platforms 1–5 (North): Suburban local trains from Barrackpore, Bandel, Bardhaman, Kalyani, Krishnanagar, Naihati, Ranaghat and Santipur.
  • Platforms 6–10 (Main): Suburban local trains from Bangaon, Barasat, Hasnabad and Thakurnagar.
  • Platforms 11–14 (Central): Express trains.
  • Platforms 15–21 (South): Suburban local trains from Baruipur, Budge Budge, Canning, Diamond Harbour, Kakdwip, Namkhana and Sonarpur.
  • Metro: Green Line  2  to Esplanade BBD Bagh, Howrah and Salt Lake.  (updated Nov 2026)
• 22.58287188.3428114 Kolkata Station (code: KOAA), Belgachia (in the Northern Suburbs). Auxiliary to Sealdah Station with five platforms. Services:
  • Platforms 1–2: Suburban local trains from Barasat, Barrackpore, Naihati and Ranaghat.
  • Platforms 3–5: Express trains.  (updated Nov 2026)
• 22.583888.28435 Santragachi Junction (code: SRC), Santragachi, Howrah (across the Hooghly River, between Kona Expy and Santragachi Station Rd). Auxiliary to Howrah Station with eight platforms. Almost all Howrah/Shalimar bound trains stop here.  (updated Nov 2026)
• 22.55638988.3147226 Shalimar Station (code: SHM). Auxiliary to Howrah Station with five platforms.  (updated Nov 2026)

Kolkata is well served by buses from destinations both inside and outside India. There are buses from Bangladesh, North-Eastern India, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim and Bhutan.

Intercity bus termini in Kolkata include:

• 22.5650788.339767 Babughat Bus Terminus, ~8 Strand Rd.  (updated Sep 2022)
• 22.5632588.350398 Esplanade Bus Terminus (Dharmatala Bus Stand). It has bus terminals for buses from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sikkim, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and other parts of the country.  (updated Sep 2022)
• 22.5643788.3495779 SBSTC Bus Stand. A newer bus stand opposite the terminal for SBSTC buses.  (updated May 2026)
• 22.555888.3540710 Shyamoli Paribahan Bus Depot, 10, Marquis St, ☏ +91 33 2252 0802. Provides buses to Bangladesh and a select few destinations in West Bengal. Shyamoli Paribahan handles the border transfer from one bus to another so well that it seems a better option to many than the direct service.  

National highway numbers 12, 16, and 19, and the Grand Trunk Road radiate from the city, providing links to most parts of the country.

Ganga Vilas, India's luxurious river cruise, has a stop at Kolkata. Besides, there are various ferry options from Howrah, Serampore and Uttarpara.

Kolkata has a very comprehensive public transport network. Despite residents' perpetual grumbling about unreliability, public transport is often the best option for getting anywhere for visitors and residents alike. In general, use metro or suburban rail as they are separated from the city's road traffic, and use auto-rickshaws and taxis for last-mile connectivity. Buses are fine on some roads where metro does not ply, like APC Road, Gariahat Road and Rashbehari Avenue.

Road transport shuts down in some places for roadworks and during Durga Puja. However, metro is usually available in those occasions.

Often called the lifeline of Kolkata, the Kolkata Metro is the fastest, cleanest and most efficient mode of transport the city has to offer. It is India's fourth-longest and fourth-busiest urban rail network, as well as the country's first: the oldest section (Esplanade–Netaji Bhawan) was inaugurated in 1984, two decades before the Delhi Metro. It is also the only metro network governed by the Indian Railways.

Fondly called "Patal Rail" (পাতাল রেল Pātāl Rel, literally "underground rail"), the metro system consists of five routes, each with underground and elevated sections. Trains run every 5–7 minutes from 6:50AM to 10:40PM and all coaches are air-conditioned. However, the trains can get crowded during rush hours (7–10:30AM and 4–7:30PM).

The Metro Railway Kolkata (MTP) notifies service closures through the official Android app Aamar Kolkata Metro, as well as on Facebook, Instagram and X. You should check out those apps if you plan to travel on weekends when entire lines may be shut down due to engineering works or metro suicides.

Dial ☏ 112 in case of emergency. For non-emergencies use Rail Madad on Aamar Kolkata Metro (Android-only) or RailOne.

Each of the five metro lines are named after a certain colour. As of November 2026, the lines are:

• Blue Line  1  (Dakshineswar–Shahid Khudiram) — The oldest route and the backbone of the Kolkata Metro. Its stations have architectural elements reminiscent to the Moscow Metro.
• Green Line  2  (Salt Lake Sector V–Howrah Maidan) — Connects East Kolkata to the city's transit hubs, such as Sealdah, Esplanade and Howrah. It is more modern than other lines with platform screen doors. It also has India's first underwater rail tunnel that connects Esplanade to Howrah.
• Purple Line  3  (Joka–Majerhat) — A disjoint elevated line in South Kolkata.
• Yellow Line  4  (Noapara–Jai Hind) — Connects the city to the airport.
• Orange Line  6  (Kavi Subhash–Beleghata) — A disjoint elevated line in East Kolkata.

Trains stop at all stations, and they generally don't share tracks with others (Noapara  1  4  is an exception), so you have to change trains at metro junctions. In addition, some lines are disjoint (like  3  and  6 ).

You will always require a paper ticket with a QR code or a contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) payment card if you have one; fare evasion is considered seriously. Paper tickets can be purchased from staffed ticket counters or ATVMs (automated ticket vending machines).

Tickets are charged based on distance:

• ₹5 for 0–2 km (0.0–1.2 mi)
• ₹10 for 2–5 km (1.2–3.1 mi)
• ₹15 for 5–10 km (3.1–6.2 mi)  1 
• ₹20 for 10–20 km (6.2–12.4 mi)  1  or 5–10 km (3.1–6.2 mi) (other lines)
• ₹25 for over 20 km (12 mi)  1 
• ₹30 for over 10 km (6.2 mi) (other lines)

Almost all stations have automatic turnstiles. To open the barriers, just hold the QR side of your NCMC card or paper ricker over the QR scanner (ensure that you do this upon both entrance and exit). If you have a single ticket, it will be retained at the exit gate. If you have luggage or if your ticket is rejected there is normally a staffed gate as well. Tailgating (crossing the barriers with another passenger) is a criminal offence and is automatically flagged, and the police won't consider the validity of tickets or the failure of turnstiles to recognise your ticket.

The four-seat sections at each end of a coach are reserved for senior citizens and the physically challenged. The two middle seat sections, between the general seat sections on each side, are reserved for women.

Drinking alcohol or smoking on metro promises is strictly prohibited. Spitting is also illegal although sights of gutka stains are not uncommon.

Watch your luggage and valuables while in crowded areas. The metro system is covered by an extensive CCTV system, although you should not rely on this fact when travelling.

Be aware that if you wish to exit at a station during rush hours, you will have to tackle your way through in order to get out before the opposite flow of passengers pushes you back inside. Don't be afraid of using your strength to push yourself out.

City buses are quicker than metro for shorter trips and on routes where metro does not ply. It is usually one of the best ways to get around Kolkata as a tourist: you won't see anything on underground rail! However, it's not always comfortable due to lack of air conditioning, although AC buses also exist.

The city bus network is possibly the most exhaustive in the whole of India, covering the whole city and much of South Bengal. There are both state-run and private buses that ply the city streets, as well as tourist buses.

The bus routes are written all over the colourful buses, usually in Bengali but also in English. The conductors call out their destinations to everyone they are passing and all you have to do is wave at the bus anywhere and it will stop at times causing a small queue of other cars behind it. City buses do not have a card system, and one has to buy paper tickets from the bus conductor after boarding the bus.

State-run buses are painted blue or saffron and are identified by the acronym WBTC (West Bengal Transport Corporation) on the front windscreen and on their body. There are three kinds of state-run buses:

• Non-AC buses (AS, C, D, E, M, S, ST and T series): Fare starts from ₹10.
• AC buses (AC, ACT, BE, EB and VS series): Fare starts from ₹25.
• Special buses: Special transport services for events like Gangasagar Mela, Durga Puja, Kolkata Book Fair and so on.

Private buses are run by private operators who are affiliated with bus unions. They are of three types:

• Regular buses: Coloured blue and yellow. Most regular buses are of 1–99 or 201–262 series, as well as various numberless buses. In addition, there are three bus series by locale:
  • K — Kolkata
  • KB — adjacent suburbs
  • DN — both North and South 24 Parganas
• Short-distance buses (SD series): Coloured blue and white.
• Minibuses: Coloured red and yellow but contains fewer seats. There are three minibus series by locale:
  • S101–S190 — Kolkata
  • 1–45 — Howrah
  • M — South 24 Parganas

In addition, West Bengal Tourism operates a pair of double-decker tourist buses from Rabindra Sadan to Jorasanko during festive seasons. They are identified with blue and white shades and the roofless upper deck. The ticket costs ₹649 per head for the upper deck and ₹499 per head for the lower deck.

The vast Kolkata Suburban Railway network covers not only the inner parts of the city but also the large suburban and rural tracts in wider West Bengal, with local trains running as far as Katwa, Krishnanagar and Murshidabad to the north, the Bangladesh–India border to the east, the Sundarbans to the south, and Bardhaman and Midnapore to the west. There are two central stations (Howrah and Sealdah) from which most local trains depart.

While local trains are cheaper than taxis, they can be extremely crowded and the lack of air conditioning exacerbates it. Most visitors don't need to use such trains unless they are intending to visit other destinations in West Bengal, and there are more comfortable express trains for major cities.

As of November 2026, local trains cover the following routes:

• Howrah side
  • Eastern Line  E  (Howrah–Bardhaman)
  • South Eastern Line  SE  (Howrah–Midnapore)
• Sealdah side
  • Sealdah North  North  (Sealdah–Gede)
  • Sealdah Main  Main  (Sealdah–Bangaon)
  • Sealdah South  South  (Sealdah–Namkhana)
  • Chord Link Line  CCL  (Sealdah–Dankuni)
  • Circular Railway  KCR  (Dum Dum–Majerhat)

Local trains generally stop at all stations, except for "galloping" locals which skip some small stations. There are also "Matribhoomi" (motherland) locals reserved entirely for women.

The travel classes are the following:

• AC First Class — The most comfortable class to travel in with modern amenities. Available only on AC locals.
• First Class — Only available on "Matribhoomi" locals with modern amenities like CCTV cameras and talkback system.
• Second Class — The general class with six seats arranged in 3x3 configuration, similar to Second Sitting (2S) on intercity trains.
• Vendors — The third compartment on both sides. For transporting heavy goods and luggage. They have seats along the walls.
• Ladies/Women — The second compartments on both sides. The configuration is the same as Second Class but reserved for women.
• Divyangjan — The first compartments on both sides. The configuration is the same as Second Class but the seats are nominally reserved for senior citizens (above 65), patients and people with disabilities. However, this rule is almost never followed unless the people whom the seats are reserve for claim reservations.

Men must not enter the "Ladies/Women" compartment and all-women "Matribhoomi" locals, even as a family.

New local trains with a sleeker front have amenities like passenger announcements (PAs) for next stoppage. However, older trains with a straight front lack those amenities.

Kolkata just wouldn't look the same without the plethora of yellow taxis that ply on its roads. They're easily available, relatively cheap, and will use their meters, at least in theory. There are also air-conditioned white taxis, and there is a 25% extra charge for turning the air-conditioner on.

Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at one of the many designated taxi stands. You can also use the Yatri Sathi (Android) app to book taxis.

However, taxi drivers sometimes refuse to go to some remote locations (like Behala, Bansdroni, Howrah) where they wouldn't get any passengers while returning. If they agree, they will demand high pay; be ready for such a situation. It is a crime for a taxi driver to refuse a request to go to certain destinations, and they can be fined, but if you threaten the driver with a complaint to the police, they will simply ask you to complain.

Tipping is not mandatory despite some drivers' expectations – use your discretion.

App cabs (online ride-hailing services) are easily available (round-the-clock), reasonably priced and comfortable. Like the rest of India, Uber, Ola and Rapido are the major app cab operators in Kolkata.

Pulled rickshaws Kolkata no longer looks the same without the rickshaws pulled by men, one of city's vintage icons. However, they have largely disappeared since the 2020s as many locals choose other means of transport, and the Supreme Court has banned pulled rickshaws on August 2025.

Like rest of India, there are three kinds of rickshaws in Kolkata.

Auto-rickshaws or autos are the most common means of hired transport in Kolkata, and they ferry four people at a time. Autos can weave their way through small alleys to bypass larger cars stuck in travel jams. CNG autos are green and yellow, and electric autos are white and blue.

Autos have a fixed route and a vehicle of that route travel on that particular route only. However, unlike taxis, they don't refuse passengers. The fare of an auto is much less than that of a taxi, with the minimum fare being ₹10. Be prepared to give the exact fare as they are very reluctant to give change. The fare of autos is not set by meters, as fares are fixed by the respective rickshaw association. After 10PM, rickshaw drivers may demand an exorbitant fee and the same goes for times during natural calamities such as heavy rainfall.

E-rickshaws or totos are similar to electric autos but cheaper. They can ferry five people and provide last-mile connectivity in suburbs. They operate only on municipal roads and banned on national and state highways, and on Major Arterial Road in New Town.

Cycle rickshaws accommodate two adults. They are more expensive than totos but cheaper than autos.

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. Operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation^{[dead link]} (WBTC) since 2016, they move slowly on the laid tracks in traffic-jammed streets, but they are environment-friendly (no emissions on the street, only at the source of energy generation). The network includes two tram routes from Esplanade as of 2026.

Kolkata has a large ferry network along the Hooghly River from Dakshineswar to Metiabruz. The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) manages commuter ferries and 'ferry ghats' (piers) along the river, ranging from fairly large launches to small improvised motorised boats. While boat travel is slower and a little expensive than metro, it offers a really pleasant way to get around the city with views of the Kolkata skyline, and sailing under the Howrah Bridge is an unforgettable experience.

Unless you can't tolerate the crowds of metro, local trains or buses, there's no good reason to drive in inner Kolkata, as it is slow, frustrating and difficult to park, not to mention the narrow alleys of North Kolkata. However, driving is more useful if you're staying in areas with fewer or disjoint public transport options, like Alipore, Behala, EM Bypass, Garden Reach, Gariahat, Jadavpur, Kasba, New Town or VIP Road.

If you choose to drive in Kolkata, it is important to use a smartphone with GPS support and a mapping application with turn-by-turn directions and live traffic conditions support (like Google Maps). Like rest of India, drinking and driving is a criminal offence.

Be careful to one-way roads. Some roads are one-way for 24 hours (Park Street), while others are one-way for certain hours of a day. Always ask the traffic police for clarification.

In most car parks, day parking costs ₹10 per hour and night parking costs ₹30 per hour. Parking at Park-O-Mat (Rowdon St) or under Gariahat Flyover costs ₹35 per hour. Street parking can be free or much cheaper but can be hard to come by. Trying to leave a car parked illegally for very long will often end with a ₹1500 fine, and the vehicle is very likely to be towed away.

Privately owned rental car places are available throughout the city. Rates depend on the make, model, size and comfort level of the car. Agreements are flexible, for example, cars can be rented even for a couple of hours at an hourly rate. Most rental cars are accompanied by a driver from the rental agency.

Kolkata is a fairly compact city, particularly North Kolkata, so walking is quite easy. In some cases, walking is quicker than road transport. The riverfront from Howrah Bridge to Vidyasagar Setu is well-paved for pedestrians. Walking is also a great way to experience the City of Joy as a traveller.

However, crossing main roads often involves wading across multiple lanes of heavy traffic. Try your best to move in a predictable straight line, so vehicles can weave around you. Better yet, latch onto a group of locals and cross in their shadow. If you are using a zebra crossing, unless there are no traffic signals, don't risk it even if you can't see any traffic coming: Wait for the green man or light to appear and then cross quickly and carefully.

Because India drives on the left side of the road like Britain, for many foreign visitors it can be all too easy to forget that traffic will come at you from the opposite direction than you are used to when crossing a street - for this reason remember to look right when you cross the road.

Wear shoes that protect your feet and you don't mind getting a bit dirty. The footpaths can be filthy with garbage, debris and even chewing tobacco spits.

Two-wheelers (motorcycles and scooters) are fairly common in Kolkata as they can pass stationary cars and can be parked at lower costs. Helmets are mandatory.

Using a bicycle (সাইকেল sāikel) is very common among Kolkatans for daily errands. However, it isn't for the fainthearted, and the city's tumultuous traffic makes cycling difficult with aggressive drivers, jaywalking pedestrians, potholes and debris. Make sure you have sufficient experience in urban cycling in India.

Due to 190 years of British rule in India, Kolkata has a lot of great attractions—so many, that it would be impossible to list them all here. Only an overview of Kolkata's attractions is given here; details can be found in district articles.

The Victoria Memorial is perhaps the most iconic building in Kolkata. Built at the southern edge of the Maidan in memory of Queen Victoria, the building houses a museum documenting the city's history. It is perhaps the most difficult attraction to access in the city due to crowds and long queues. Nearby St. Paul's Cathedral is the city's largest church and is noted for its Indo-Gothic architecture.

Further north, BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square) was the heart of British India and holds various historical attractions, most notably the GPO (General Post Office) with its imposing dome, as well as the Writers' Building, once the centre of Indian independence movement and the politics of West Bengal till 2013. The Calcutta High Court is the iconic centre of West Bengal's judiciary, and the neoclassical Lok Bhavan (Government House) houses the state governor.

East of BBD Bagh, in Esplanade, the iconic Metropolitan Building is a department store. This neo-baroque emporium—with domes, a clock tower and arched recessed windows—exemplifies fashionable shopping during the British Raj in British India.

Towards North Kolkata, the Howrah Bridge is the most iconic bridge of the city, offering interesting views of the Hooghly River and the twin cities Kolkata and Howrah. The Jorasanko Thakur Bari was the residence of Rabindranath Tagore and his family. The Marble Palace is a classic example of a European mansion that was built in the city. Further north, there are various aristocratic residences that become popular during Durga Puja.

The Maidan is called the "green lungs" of Kolkata. Originally a large, open, level area outside Fort William (present-day Vijay Durg) to provide clear fields of fire for its guns, the Maidan hosts many sports and fairs, with views of the Victoria Memorial and the city's sprawling skyline.

Besides, there are many great and small parks scattered across Kolkata including Rabindra Sarobar and Eco Park, which are built around one or more lakes. They provide fresh air amid the city's chaos.

Kolkata has different kinds of museums and galleries. The Victoria Memorial itself is a museum, and the Indian Museum houses large collections that showcase Indian natural history and Indian art. The Academy of Fine Arts has an extensive collection of Bengali art. The Alipore Museum in the South commemorates the freedom fighters of India. The sprawling Science City in the East contains a science museum, science park and auditoriums.

Kolkata is known for two famous Kali temples, namely the Kalighat Kali Temple in the South, and the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in the Northern Suburbs. Both temples see huge crowds during Diwali when Bengalis observe Kali Puja. The city is also home to the ornate Calcutta Jain Temple.

The Tipu Sultan Mosque in Esplanade is Kolkata's most iconic mosque, built in memory of the most celebrated ruler of Mysore by his youngest son.

Kolkata has scores of neighbourhoods (পাড়া pāṛā) and suburbs (শহরতলি shohortoli) in its metropolitan area. Each has its own cultural identity with clubs and grounds. Check out the beautiful neighbourhood pandals when you are visiting the city during Durga Puja (Sep–Oct).

Individual listings can be found in Kolkata's district articles

To make the most of Kolkata's tremendous cultural offerings (dance, music, exhibitions, clubs, eating, clothing and others), newspapers like The Telegraph have dedicated sections like My Kolkata, which give detailed information and critiques on what's around town.

Several modern cinemas are dotted around the city, including INOX^{[dead link]} with several locations, Fame at Metropolis Mall in Highland Park, and RDB Adlabs^{[dead link]} at RDB Boulevard, Near Infinity Building in Sector-V, Bidhannagar, all showing Indian and American blockbusters. Kolkata also has many established theatre houses, which host events by international theatre groups frequently. Such events draw people from around the globe as it offers a unique opportunity to share culture and ideas.

Durga Puja (দুর্গাপূজা Durgāpūjā), a festival honouring the Hindu goddess Durga, takes place between September and October. The biggest festival for Hindus in Bengal, Kolkata takes on an almost carnival-like ambience. Streets shut down for the construction of pandals (প্যান্ডেল, pyānḍel), large stands that depict events from the Ramayana and crowds flock to the biggest and best ones. Durga Puja in Kolkata has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. A good time to visit, unless you have a fear of crowds.

The Kolkata Book Fair (বইমেলা boimelā or পুস্তকমেলা pustokmelā) is India's oldest book fair. It takes place from the last week of January to the first week of February. It is the largest book fair in Asia and is a significant event in the city. Central Park in Salt Lake is the venue of the Kolkata Book Fair since 2022. The similarly named but smaller Kolkata District Book Fair takes place at Netaji Indoor Stadium in May. Behala, North Kolkata, Dum Dum and New Town also have their own book fairs.

The Kolkata International Film Festival^{[dead link]} (KIFF) takes place from 15 December to 22 December every year at 4PM. Although the opening and closing ceremonies takes place at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, Nandan is the main centre for the festival.

Unlike most of cricket-obsessed India, football (soccer) reigns supreme in Kolkata, often called the "mecca of Indian football". Local clubs like Mohun Bagan Athletic Club and East Bengal Club ^{[dead link]} are the most successful in Indian football. They contest the Kolkata Derby biannually at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Salt Lake, which is considered by many to be the oldest and most intense football rivalry in all of Asia.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the main club cricket league in India. It is one of the world's most widely attended sporting events, and if you are in Kolkata during the season (April–May), consider watching the home team (Kolkata Knight Riders) play at Eden Gardens. In addition to the IPL, India's national team also plays some of its international matches at Eden Gardens. While its size was surpassed by the new Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad in 2020, Eden Gardens is widely regarded as the spiritual home of Indian cricket, similar to the role Lords plays in England, or the role the Melbourne Cricket Ground plays in Australia.

Individual listings can be found in Kolkata's district articles

While not comparable to Delhi, Kolkata is a key centre of learning in India and is home to a large variety of academic institutions, including the prestigious ones like the Jadavpur University (JU), University of Calcutta (CU), Medical College Kolkata (MCK), Presidency University (PU, formerly Presidency College) and IIM Calcutta (Indian Institute of Management).

There are some language schools in Kolkata as well, including French and German courses.

Despite no longer having the reputation as a major employment hub, Kolkata remains the cheapest metro city to live for working professionals, with IT and banking being the main areas of employment.

Volunteering is a real option here with several opportunities.

• Mother Teresa's Mission accepts volunteers to help in its multiple projects around the city. Enquire at the motherhouse.
• Brother Xavier's New Hope. Home for orphans of Kolkata's red-light district in Sonagachi. A much smaller mission than Mother Teresa's which one man built from the ground up. Brother Xavier and the children always need volunteers and funds.

Individual listings can be found in Kolkata's district articles

Traditionally Kolkata had certain shopping areas or districts. The New Market area was considered the core of fashionable marketing. That was the marketplace for the British and later patronised by the more sophisticated Indians. There are large markets in Burrabazar, Shyambazar-Hatibagan, Gariahat and Lake Market. There were several specialised markets: electrical goods at Chandni Chowk, jewellery at Bowbazar, books at College Street, fish at Maniktala, flowers at Jagannath Ghat, the Maidan market for sports goods and so on.

The malls are a more recent addition, mostly in the South and East. The South City Mall and the Quest Mall in South Kolkata are two of the biggest in the city, whereas the Axis Mall, City Centre and Mani Square are some notable ones in the East.

All shops in Kolkata get closed by 10PM, except pharmacies. The shops in New Town and Salt Lake are allowed to open till 11PM.

Individual listings can be found in Kolkata's district articles

It's a huge task for a first-time visitor to find a "right place" to eat in Kolkata – with the "right atmosphere", at the "right price" – largely because, as in any big city, there are literally thousands of venues from which to choose, ranging from fast food joints and mainstream chains all the way up to the exclusive restaurants that attract the kind of clientele that don't need to ask the price. Sorting the good from the bad isn't easy, but Kolkata has something to accommodate all budgets and tastes.

Kolkata has old traditions about eating out. Wilson's Hotel (which later became the Great Eastern Hotel) is credited to have been the first western-style hotel/restaurant in Kolkata, serving what was then forbidden food for Indians, particularly Hindus. One could be treated as an outcast if caught eating there, but the idea caught on and others followed. Many of the restaurants that line the streets in Esplanade have been around for more than a hundred years.

Prices inevitably become inflated at venues closest to major tourist attractions as well as at the premium localities in South and East Kolkata. However, the cost of eating out gets reduced dramatically in the suburbs like Behala, Dum Dum and Jadavpur.

The joy of food in Kolkata is in its Indian foods. Nizam's (23/24, Hogg St), close to New Market, is credited with the invention of the famous "kathi kebab roll" and still serves up the best of the best. For Mughlai dishes, there are several places to eat in the Park Circus area and there are others all over the city.

In terms of sweet, Kolkata is best known for its "rosogolla" (রসগোল্লা rosogōllā), consisting of balls of "chhana" (a moist, softer cheese than paneer) cooked and permeated in a light rose-scented syrup. Although the exact origin is disputed with Odisha, the first canned rosogollas were sold in this city in 1930, after which they took off in popularity across South Asia. A variant of the dish is "rasmalai" (রসমালাই rosomālāi) where the chhena balls are immersed in sweet thickened milk instead of syrup, providing a creamier feel to the sweet.

Besides Bengali foods, Kolkata is also the home of Indian Chinese food. Chinese restaurants are everywhere so try the Indian variant of hot and sour soup and the famous Indian Chinese dish of chilli chicken. The best place to have Chinese is to visit Chinatown near Tangra, East Kolkata. It serves the best of the Chinese dishes and you will find plenty of large, small & medium restaurants. There are some restaurants serving Thai, Mediterranean or Italian food.

Street vendors selling egg rolls/chicken rolls abound and their freshly prepared kathi rolls are safe to eat. Mughlai Paratha (earlier it was a paratha stuffed with minced meat, but now the minced meat has been replaced by cheaper but tasty alternatives) is a Kolkata speciality.

For those looking for vegetarian street foods, one can find ubiquitous jhālmuṛi (ঝালমুড়ি) (somewhat similar to "bhel puri" of Mumbai), a concoction of puffed rice mixed with various spices, vegetables & other ingredients available at street vendors all over Kolkata. "Phuchka" (ফুচকা phuchkā), the Kolkata version of pani-puri, but very different from the ones found in Delhi, is available on the streets but be wary of the tamarind water. It never troubles the local people and outsiders can safely taste this delicacy as long as they don't take too much.

Kolkata has many excellent vegetarian restaurants ranging from budget to expensive ones. There are two types: those serving North Indian and those serving South Indian food.

PETA considers Kolkata as the most "vegan-friendly" city in India, and many of city's street foods (like jhalmuri, jilipi and phuchka) are inherently vegan. However, finding a standalone vegan restaurant is difficult, although South Kolkata has fine-dining restaurants and posh cafés that may cater to vegans.

Individual listings can be found in Kolkata's district articles

Kolkata has many pubs, bars and nightclubs, which are frequented by youngsters as well as its older residents. Some pubs have live concerts or DJs.

All pubs are supposed to shut shop by midnight or 1AM. So go early if you want to enjoy yourself in the club.

Individual listings can be found in Kolkata's district articles

Kolkata has long had a concentration of budget backpacker hotels in the Sudder Street area and many of these are colonial era gems, albeit decaying ones. Sudder Street is centrally located and is well connected by public transport. Both the major railway stations at Howrah and Sealdah have many hotels around them. Most of them might be only licensed to accommodate Indian citizens. Be sure to not walk with a local "friend" or guide, unless you want to have higher prices. There are some hotels in South Kolkata. The growth of the IT Sector and hospital facilities in East Kolkata has led to development of hotels in that district.

However, if money is of no object, you can stay at Great Eastern, ITC Sonar, Taj Bengal and JW Marriott Kolkata. British-era clubs such as Tollygunge Club, Calcutta Club (AJC Bose Rd), Saturday Club (Shakespeare Sarani) and Bengal Club (Russel St) have lavish rooms for rent. However, they only accept bookings through members.

The STD code for Kolkata is "33". Add a "0" before it for domestic calls, and "+91" for ISD calls. Phone numbers are eight digits long.

Jio has the best coverage in Kolkata, although Airtel, Vi and BSNL also provide telecom services to the city.

Unlike other major Indian cities, public Wi-Fi is limited in Kolkata, although New Town and Salt Lake have decent public Wi-Fi.

Internet cafés are available in plenty and charges ₹10–20/hour. You need to show your ID to use internet in those cafes. As a precaution, change your password after you use it at a cybercafe or do private/incognito browsing.

The PIN code of Kolkata is in the format '700 xxx', and neighbouring towns like Barasat and Barrackpore also use the same format.

For any emergency dial ☏ 112. This number connects to police, fire, ambulance, women and child helplines as well as the coast guard for incidents on the river. You will be asked which of these services you require before being connected to the relevant operator.

Kolkata is one of the safest cities in India. People here are friendly and helpful and accept people of different cultures warmly. Taking normal precautions for the safe keeping of your personal possessions is enough, as you would do in any Indian city.

The Kolkata Police (KP) is responsible for policing the city except New Town and Salt Lake, which are the responsibility of the Bidhannagar City Police, and much of the Northern Suburbs, which are the responsibility of the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate. In addition to these, the Kolkata Metro and suburban railways are patrolled by the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

For non-emergencies, or to report a crime, visit the nearest police station. See the district articles for police stations.

Violent crime in Kolkata is more or less like any other large Indian city, including begging and theft. Be on guard for anybody trying to help you by giving you unsolicited directions or travel advice. Do not blindly rely on the advice of taxi and auto drivers. Carry your cash and cards in a secure money belt, with only enough cash for a few hours at a time in your wallet or other accessible place. Beware during the rush hours in bus terminals and railway stations as many pickpockets will try to get your belongings.

Visitors to Kolkata are often magnets for beggars and touts. They often knock at the glass windows of cars. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behaviour. The more attention you pay to a beggar or tout, positive or negative, the longer they will follow you hoping for a donation.

While Kolkata is significantly safer for women travellers compared to Delhi, sexual harassments still happen, including molestation, rape and murder. In addition, Sonagachi in North Kolkata is Asia's largest red-light district. Take usual precautions like in any Indian city.

While overt discrimination is rare due to Kolkata's cosmopolitan nature, some visitors may encounter prejudice depending on various factors. In particular, travellers of Bihari heritage may face prejudice from some segments of Bengali speakers as "gutka-chewers" (গুটকাখোর guṭkākhōr), and they get offended if you converse in Hindi. In this case, just drop the stick and apologise.

The monsoon (Jun–Sep) is considered the worst time to visit unless you are an adventure seeker. Rain and waterlogging can easily flood the streets, and water levels can reach over a foot.

The Regional Meteorological Centre Kolkata provides up-to-date weather forecasts for the city (Alipore for South Kolkata and Dum Dum for North Kolkata).

For medical emergency, dial ☏ 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Despite not being known as the "medical capital" of India (that honour goes to Chennai), Kolkata does have several hospitals and other healthcare facilities that draw people from Eastern India, thus a major centre of medical tourism in that region.

Major hospitals in Kolkata include:

• 22.5746488.401572 Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, 58 Canal Circular Rd, EM Bypass, ☏ +91 33 23203040.  (updated Sep 2022)
• 22.54252588.3548563 Belle Vue Clinic, 9 UN Brahmachari St, ☏ +91 33 22472321.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.6257888.435064 Charnock Hospital, BMC 195, MAR, ☏ +91 33 4050-0500, charnockhospital@gmail.com.  (updated Sep 2022)
• 22.5145888.403255 Desun Hospital, 720, EM Bypass, ☏ +91 90517 15171, desun@desunhospital.com. Open 24 hours, even during holidays. A superspecialty hospital in East Kolkata with modern equipment. Has a helicopter facility for emergency admission.  (updated Jan 2025)
• 22.5124888.36776 Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, 4-5, Gariahat Rd. A well-known trauma centre in Dhakuria, the hospital also has excellent set up for 'Golden Hour' support in Cardiac Sciences, along with facilities for advanced treatment procedures. The cardiac emergency department provides support across the board, from paediatric to geriatric.  (updated Nov 2025)
• 22.494388.400527 Medica Superspecialty Hospital, 127, EM Bypass, Mukundapur.  (updated Sep 2022)
• 22.48093788.3937938 Peerless Hospital, 360, Panchasayar Rd (off EM Bypass).  (updated Nov 2025)
• 22.49153288.4024279 Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences (RTIICS, RN Tagore Hospital), 124, EM Bypass, rtiics@narayanahealth.org. 24 hours daily.  (updated Nov 2025)
• 22.51408488.40282510 Ruby General Hospital, Kasba Golpark, EM Bypass, ☏ +91 33 39871800.  (updated Nov 2025)
• 22.57719488.479511 Tata Medical Centre, 14, MAR (E–W), DH Block, AA I.  (updated Nov 2025)
• 22.573688.361912 Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata (MCK).  (updated Nov 2025) ^{[dead link]}
• 22.56189488.37054213 NRS Medical College & Hospital, 138, AJC Bose Rd, ☏ +91 33 22443213.  (updated Nov 2025)
• 22.60416788.37833314 R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, 1, Khudiram Bose Sarani, ☏ +91 33 2555-7656.  (updated Nov 2024) ^{[dead link]}
• 22.53966788.33999115 SSKM Hospital (IPGMER), 244 AJC Bose Rd, ☏ +91 33 22041101.  (updated Oct 2026) ^{[dead link]}
• 22.5324388.3291716 Woodlands Multispecialty Hospital, 8/5, Alipore Rd, ☏ +91 33 40337000.  (updated Nov 2022)

Air pollution is a major problem in Kolkata, with regular smog and haze. Since 2022, Kolkata is ranked as India's second most polluted city after Delhi, with pollution levels often in the "very unhealthy" or "hazardous" range. Anyone visiting the area should try to limit outdoor and exhausting activities. Elderly visitors are recommended not to get out in the morning due to diesel exausts in the air. Instead, they should get out in the evening. Have masks (single-use surgical masks are okay), tissues, and eyedrops ready when going out.

While casual and liberal attire are very common in Kolkata, dressing conservatively may garner more respect in the eyes of citizens, especially in North Kolkata. The traditional Bengali clothing is dhoti-kurta (ধুতি-পাঞ্জাবি dhuti-pānjābi) for men and a sari (শাড়ি shāṛi) for women. Younger men often wear tight-fitting trousers (পাজামা pājāmā) as they are easier to wear than a dhoti, and younger women often wear shalwar kameez (সালোয়ার কামিজ sālōār kāmij) as it is easier to wear than a sari.

The Partition of India (দেশভাগ Deshbhāg) is a very emotional subject among former East Bengal refugees and their descendants, who may blame Muslims for uprooting them from ancestral homes. Unless you want to start an argument, the topic is best avoided.

Bengalis have diverse opinions on political parties like CPM (Communist Party of India (Marxist)) and TMC (Trinamool Congress). Some may appreciate either for their stable governance (CPM: 1977–2011, TMC: 2011–2026), while others express frustrations with their policies. There are also different opinions on the Tata Nano controversy whereby Tata was unable to set up a motor factory near Kolkata in 2006 due to local protests. As always, it is better to listen than to express firm opinions, and tread carefully if you do.

• 22.54726788.34889117 Australia, 1A, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, ☏ +91 90071 20000, acg.kolkata@dfat.gov.au.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.54149388.3589818 Bangladesh, 9, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Sarani (Circus Ave) (E of AJC Bose Rd), ☏ +91 33 2290 5208, fax: +91 33 2290 0941, bdhc@bdhckolkata.org. Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM. Visas are issued from the Salt Lake office.  (updated Oct 2026)
  • 22.57613988.43718419 Bangladesh Visa Application Centre, 1F, Infinum Digispace, CP-15, Sector V, Salt Lake, ☏ +91 72890 00071. Visas are issued from here.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.62524388.41988420 Bhutan, 6/1, Mall Rd, Dum Dum, ☏ +91 33 2560 0756, fax: +91 33 2560 0755, consulgeneral@rbckolkata.bt.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.58348388.40700121 China, EC-72, Sector I, Salt Lake, ☏ +91 33 4004 5200, fax: +91 33 4004 5201, chinaconsul_kkt@mfa.gov.cn. Mon-Fri 10AM-12:30PM.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.51842488.32864222 France, 21C Raja Santosh Rd, Alipore, ☏ +91 33 4016 3200, fax: +91 33 4016 3202, +91 33 4016 3203. 9AM–6PM.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.52499388.33432723 Germany, 1 Hastings Park Rd, Alipore, ☏ +91 33 2479 1141, +91 33 2479 1142, +91 33 2479 2150, +91 33 2439 8906, fax: +91 33 2479 3028, gerconsu@vsnl.com. 8AM–2PM. The origins of the German consulate in Kolkata can be traced to before the existence of Germany itself, to the establishment of the consulate of the Kingdom of Hanover in 1851 and the Consulate of Prussia in 1854.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.52407288.32555624 Italy, 3, Raja Santosh Rd, Alipore, ☏ +91 33 2479 2414, fax: +91 33 2479 3892, italy@cal2.vsnl.net.in. Mon–Fri 9AM–4PM.  (updated Oct 2026) ^{[dead link]}
• 22.48743288.34094125 Japan, 55, M.N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge, ☏ +91 33 2421 1970, fax: +91 33 2421 1971. Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.54776788.35985526 Myanmar, 4F, White House, 119, D Block, Park St, ☏ +91 33 2217 8273, fax: +91 33 2217 8274. Mon–Fri 9AM–4:30PM.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.5330188.3276227 Nepal, 1, National Library Ave (off Diamond Harbour Rd), ☏ +91 33 2456 1224, +91 33 2456 1085, +91 33 2456 1154, fax: +91 33 2456 1410, mcg@vsnl.in. Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.5483788.3720828 Netherlands, 5, Rameshwar Shaw Rd, ☏ +91 33 2289 7020, +91 33 2289 7676, fax: +91 33 2289 7919, consulkolkata.netherlands@gmail.com.  (updated Dec 2024)
• 22.51775788.32846729 Russia, 22A, Raja Santosh Rd, Alipore, ☏ +91 33 2479 7006, fax: +91 33 2479 8889, consulru@cal3.vsnl.net.in. Mon–Fri 8AM–1:30PM.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.52240788.36727630 Thailand, 18B, Mandeville Garden, Ballygunge, fax: +91 33 2440 6251, thaiccu@cal.vsnl.net.in. Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.54729988.34877531 United Kingdom, 1A, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, ☏ +91 33 2288 5172, +91 33 2288 5176, fax: +91 33 2288 3435. Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 22.54687788.35148332 United States, 5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, ☏ +91 33 3984 2400, fax: +91 33-2282 2335, consularkolkata@state.gov. Mon–Fri 8:15AM–5PM. It is the oldest diplomatic post of the U.S. in India, and the second oldest in the world (the oldest being in London). Benjamin Joy was appointed the first American Consul to Calcutta by George Washington in 1792, upon the express recommendation of then-Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson. The street is named after Ho Chi Minh as part of a protest against the Vietnam War in the 1960s.  (updated Oct 2026) ^{[dead link]}

Local newspapers can be handy and reliable sources for day-to-day updates about the city. The city has number of newspapers and other publication that list local happenings. There are different options for newspapers including daily, weekly and bi-weekly. Some of the most popular English newspapers are The Statesman, The Telegraph and The Times of India. Popular Bengali newspapers include Anandabazar Patrika, Bartaman, Eisamay and Sangbad Pratidin.

• Bishnupur — Famous for terracotta temples, clay sculptures and silk sarees.
• Darjeeling Hills — A mountainous region home to Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Mirik. When Darjeeling is your destination, you could travel the last 72 km (45 mi) by a combination of bus/train and the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
• Digha — A beach town in the southern part of the state. Buses from Esplanade Bus Station.
• Santiniketan — Famous for the ashramik school and university founded by Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, the town is also known for its handmade leather crafts and kantha stitch sarees.
• Sundarbans National Park — Part of the largest littoral mangrove in the world, and home to the famous Bengal Tigers.

• Bangladesh — Tickets for buses running to the border and Dhaka can be reserved at Shyamoli Yatri Paribahan. Beware that several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side.
• Bhutan — Tucked away in the corner of the bus station is a small Bhutanese Government kiosk selling tickets for buses running to the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. Buses depart Tu Th Sa at 7PM, and the 18-hr journey costs around ₹2,000.(updated Aug 2026)

Bardhaman ← Howrah ←

NW  E

→ Bangaon → Jessore

Krishnanagar ← Santipur ←	N  S	→ Diamond Harbour → Bakkhali
Becomes ← Bangaon ←	NE  SW	→ Ends at

Kalyani ← Barrackpore ←	E  S	→ Jaynagar Majilpur → Ends at
Tarakeswar ← Howrah ←	W  E	→ Barasat → Basirhat
Krishnanagar ← Bangaon ←	N  SE	→ Canning → Sundarbans National Park