Calcutta On Map Of India

If you’re planning a trip to India, Calcutta should definitely be on your itinerary. This vibrant city has so much to offer, from historical landmarks to delicious food to outdoor adventures. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top attractions and hidden gems in Calcutta, as well as provide some budget-friendly tips and family-friendly activities.

Top Attractions

Calcutta is home to some incredible attractions, including the stunning Victoria Memorial, which is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Built in memory of Queen Victoria, the memorial is surrounded by beautiful gardens and houses a museum with exhibits on the history of Calcutta.

Another must-see attraction is the Howrah Bridge, which is one of the busiest bridges in the world. It’s a great place to take in views of the river and the city skyline.

Hidden Gems

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Calcutta, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover. One of our favorites is the Marble Palace, which is a stunning mansion filled with art and artifacts from around the world.

Another hidden gem is the College Street Book Market, which is a paradise for book lovers. You can find everything from rare first editions to the latest bestsellers here.

Food Scene

Calcutta is famous for its food, and there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try. Be sure to sample some of the city’s famous street food, like phuchka (a type of fried dough filled with spiced potatoes and chickpeas) and jhal muri (a spicy snack made with puffed rice, vegetables, and spices).

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, there are plenty of great restaurants in Calcutta as well. Some of our favorites include Oh! Calcutta and 6 Ballygunge Place.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Calcutta can be a very affordable destination if you know where to look. One of the best ways to save money is by eating street food, which is not only delicious but also very cheap.

You can also save money on transportation by taking the metro or local buses instead of taxis or Ubers. And if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodations, there are plenty of guesthouses and hostels in the city.

Outdoor Adventures

Calcutta may be a bustling city, but there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. One of the best places to explore is the Sunderbans, which is a vast mangrove forest that’s home to tigers, crocodiles, and other wildlife.

You can also go on a river cruise on the Hooghly River, which is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go bungee jumping at the Eco Adventure Park.

Historical Landmarks

Calcutta has a rich history, and there are plenty of historical landmarks to explore. One of the most impressive is the St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is a stunning example of Gothic architecture.

Another must-see is the Indian Museum, which is the oldest museum in India and houses a vast collection of artifacts from around the country.

Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities in Calcutta. One of the best is the Science City, which is a hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages.

You can also take a trip to the Kolkata Zoo, which is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. And if you’re looking for a fun way to cool off on a hot day, you can take the kids to the Aquatica Water Park.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences in Calcutta. One of our favorites is the Kumartuli Pottery Village, which is a neighborhood of artisans who create beautiful clay sculptures.

You can also take a walking tour of the city’s street art, which is a great way to see some of the city’s hidden gems. And if you’re feeling brave, you can even take a ghost tour of some of the city’s most haunted places.

Natural Wonders

Calcutta may be a busy city, but there are still plenty of natural wonders to explore. One of the most impressive is the Sunderbans, which we mentioned earlier.

You can also take a trip to the Botanical Gardens, which is a beautiful green space filled with exotic plants and trees. And if you’re looking for a scenic drive, you can take a trip to the nearby Darjeeling Hills.

Vibrant Nightlife

Calcutta may not be as well-known for its nightlife as some other Indian cities, but there are still plenty of great places to go out at night. One of the best is the Park Street area, which is home to a wide variety of bars and clubs.

You can also catch a movie at one of the city’s historic theaters, like the Nandan Cinema or the Priya Cinema.

Local Markets

Calcutta is famous for its markets, and there are plenty of great places to shop for souvenirs and other items. One of the best is the New Market, which is a bustling bazaar filled with vendors selling everything from clothing to electronics.

You can also visit some of the city’s specialized markets, like the flower market or the spice market.

Beaches and Mountains

Calcutta is located near both the beach and the mountains, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a beach getaway, you can take a trip to the nearby seaside town of Digha.

And if you’re looking for a mountain adventure, you can take a trip to Darjeeling, which is famous for its tea plantations and stunning mountain views.

Cultural Immersion

Calcutta is a great place to immerse yourself in Indian culture. One of the best ways to do this is by attending a traditional Bengali music or dance performance.

You can also take a cooking class to learn how to make some of the city’s famous dishes, like biryani or rasgulla. And if you’re interested in learning more about the history of Calcutta, you can take a heritage walk with a local guide.

Art and Music Scene

Calcutta has a thriving art and music scene, and there are plenty of galleries and performance spaces to explore. One of the best is the Academy of Fine Arts, which is home to a wide variety of exhibitions and performances throughout the year.

You can also catch a live music performance at one of the city’s many bars and clubs, like the iconic Someplace Else.

Walking Tours

Calcutta is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of walking tours available to help you discover all the city has to offer. One of the best is the Kolkata Heritage Walk, which takes you through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.

You can also take a food tour to sample some of the city’s famous dishes, or a street art tour to see some of the city’s hidden gems.

Architectural Marvels

Calcutta is home to some incredible architecture, from colonial-era mansions to modern skyscrapers. One of the most impressive is the Victoria Memorial, which we mentioned earlier.

You can also visit some of the city’s other stunning buildings, like the Marble Palace or the Birla Temple.

Historical Sites

Calcutta has a rich history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore. One of the most interesting is the Mother House, which is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity and the final resting place of Mother Teresa.

You can also visit some of the city’s other historic sites, like the Fort William or the Jain Temple.

Biking Routes

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore Calcutta, why not rent a bike and hit the city’s biking routes? One of the best is the Strand Road, which runs along the river and offers stunning views of the city.

You can also take a bike tour with a local guide to discover some of the city’s hidden gems.

Wellness Retreats

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, Calcutta has plenty of wellness retreats to choose from. One of the best is the Ananda Spa, which is located in the nearby Himalayan foothills and offers a wide range of treatments and activities.

You can also visit some of the city’s yoga studios or meditation centers for a more local experience.

Adventure Sports

Finally, if you’re looking for some adrenaline-pumping adventure, there are plenty of adventure sports to try in