Top 9 Things to do in Kolkata
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Victoria Memorial
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Large marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria
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Features British royal family paintings and Mughal School miniatures
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Set in beautiful lawns with evening laser audio-visual shows
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Writer's Building
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Former office of the East India Company writers
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Historic red building with distinctive architecture
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Located in the BBD Bagh area
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Indian Museum
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Largest and oldest museum in India (established 1814)
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Houses ornaments, fossils, armours and mummies
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Features four galleries dedicated to natural history and zoology
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National Library
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Largest library in India
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Located in the Belvedere Estate
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Houses over 2.2 million books
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Fort William
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Historic military fortress
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Built during the British Raj
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Located on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River
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Belur Math
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Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission
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Features distinctive architecture blending Hindu, Christian and Islamic styles
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Peaceful riverside location
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Dakshineswar Kali Temple
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Historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali
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Built in traditional Bengali architecture style
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Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River
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Shaheed Minar
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Historic monument and landmark
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Originally known as Ochterlony Monument
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Offers panoramic views of the city
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Howrah Bridge
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City's most prominent and iconic landmark
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Cantilever bridge spanning the Hooghly River
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One of the busiest bridges in the world
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Connects Howrah and Kolkata
Best Hotels and Resorts in Kolkata
Kolkata offers world-class accommodation options that blend luxury with traditional Bengali hospitality. From contemporary high-rises to heritage properties, these hotels provide the perfect base for exploring the City of Joy.
JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata
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Luxurious 5-star property in the heart of the city
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State-of-the-art fitness centre and spa facilities
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Multiple dining venues offering international cuisine
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Elegant rooms with modern amenities and city views
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Rooftop swimming pool and lounge
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Perfect for both business and leisure travellers
Taj Bengal Kolkata
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Historic luxury hotel with colonial charm
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Prime location near Victoria Memorial
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Award-winning restaurants serving Bengali and international cuisine
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Traditional spa treatments and wellness centre
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Landscaped gardens and outdoor pool
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Impeccable service with signature Taj hospitality
The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat
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Contemporary luxury in New Town area
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Panoramic city views from higher floors
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Heavenly Spa by Westin™ for ultimate relaxation
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24-hour WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio
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Seasonal rooftop dining options
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Innovative meeting and event spaces
Dining in Kolkata
Traditional Bengali Sweets
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Rashogolla: Melt-in-your-mouth syrupy dessert, iconic to Bengali cuisine
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Sondesh: Delicate milk-based confection
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Mishti Doi: Creamy sweet yogurt, perfect for dessert
Main Course Specialties
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Kosha Mangsho: Slow-cooked mutton curry with Bengali spices
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Mughlai Paratha: Flaky bread stuffed with:
Seasoned keema
Egg
Aromatic spices
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Macher Jhol: Traditional Bengali fish stew
Must-Try Street Food
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Ghugni: Hearty curry made from yellow peas
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Jhalmuri: Tantalizing mix of puffed rice and spices
Best Food Districts
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Vivekananda Park: Street food delights
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Fairlie Place & Stock Exchange: Quick bites
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Dacre Street: Traditional fare
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China Town: Asian cuisine
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S.P Mukherjee Road: Diverse offerings
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College Street: Food and cultural hub
Shopping in Kolkata
Kolkata offers a treasure trove of shopping experiences, from traditional handicrafts to luxury brands. The city's diverse markets cater to every shopping desire:
Traditional Markets:
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College Street: Perfect for book lovers and antique collectors
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New Market: A historic shopping destination with varied merchandise
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Gariahat Market: Famous for traditional textiles and handloom sarees
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Hatibagan Market: Known for authentic local shopping experience
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Chowringhee Road: Home to diverse retail outlets and street vendors
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Swabhumi: Specializing in handicrafts and cultural items
Modern Shopping:
For those seeking contemporary retail therapy, Kolkata's modern malls offer international brands and luxury labels:
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South City Mall
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Quest Mall
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Acropolis Mall
Whether you're hunting for terracotta wares, antique treasures or designer fashion, Kolkata's shopping scene seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern convenience.
Best Time to visit Kolkata
From October to March, Kolkata enjoys its most pleasant weather making it the ideal time to explore the city. The mild temperatures create perfect conditions for sightseeing and experiencing local culture, including the renowned Durga Puja festival. Visitors should note that April and May bring intense heat to the city, while the monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall.