Travel Kolkata

Best Time To Visit Kolkata

Talking about Kolkata's peak travel time, it can be said that period between October-March is the best time to visit Kolkata. This is the perfect time to savor the autumn season that is in its full bloom. Not only the weather is pleasant, but also, it is the time of festivities. Durga puja is a festival that is celebrated with great pomp and show. Laxmi puja and Diwali follow it. January-February is the period that witnesses the conduct of Kolkata book fair that acts as a platform for bringing people from all over the world together under one roof. Thus, if you have an option to choose the time period, then plan out your tour during October-March, as it is the ideal time to visit Kolkata.

Reach Kolkata

Reaching Calcutta is not at all cumbersome, as this city is very well connected.

By Air:

It is completely accessible by air. There are a number of domestic airlines that connect Kolkata with other major cities of India like Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Port Blair.

By Rail:

Kolkata is well linked to other parts of the country by railways. There are super fast trains like Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express that join Calcutta from Delhi and other nearby places. Calcutta consists of three major railway stations; one is located in Howrah (Howrah Station), the second at Sealdah (Sealdah North, Sealdah South and Sealdah Main) and the third one is at Chitpur (Kolkata Station). Satragachi is also one of the important station to reach Kolkata.

By Road:

The city of joy is well linked with almost all the cities of India by road. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminus that lies in the heart of the city. The latest development is the starting of Dhaka-Kolkata buses, which are fully air-conditioned and also very comfortable.

Accommodation In Kolkata

Kolkata has witnessed tremendous growth and today, it is one of the major metropolitan cities of India. There are lots of choices available, when it comes to choosing accommodation in Kolkata, India. In fact, there is a complete plethora of places to stay in Kolkata, India. Kolkata accommodation provides wide choices for every income group. There are hotels of different categories ranging from luxury and deluxe hotels to budget hotels. For the middle class, there are medium class hotels. Apart from that, there are a large number of guesthouses, paying guests and flat on rent also. Kolkata accommodation is an epitome of hospitality and comfort. The hotels are well equipped and provide the best of services. The overall ambience is superb.

Here is given a list of some popular five star hotels in Kolkata:

Oberoi Grand
Hindustan International
Taj Bengal
ITC Shonar Bangla
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
The Park Kolkata

Travel Tips

Going haphazardly without proper planning doesn't give satisfaction and also leads to chaos. Here we will give you a couple of travel tips that will help you plan your tour in a systematized manner.

Dos & Don'ts for Kolkata Travel:

For the international tourists, it is always advisable to carry their Indian visa, as it is cumbersome to get one after arriving.
Carry all your important documents and money, ATM counters are also available at certain distance apart.
If you are traveling alone, don't publicize it.
Incase you happen to lose your passport, immediately lodge a complaint at the police station and also inform your country's embassy.
It is advisable to carry adequate photocopies of your passport, traveler's checks and insurance.
Beware of touts and agents.
Make sure that your hotel reservation is done and it is confirmed.
To secure your belongings, use a combination lock.

Local Transport

Kolkata is a big city and there arises a need to rely on means of transportation for moving from one place to another.

Buses and Trams

There is a complete chaos in buses and therefore the ride is not very relaxing. But it is the best transport facility for daily commuters to rely on. The Minimum fare for buses is Rs 4. For a comfortable journey a better alternative is the slow moving trundling tram that circles the city. It covers the stops at Park Circus, Sealdah Railway Station and Howrah. They charge nominal fares starting from Rs 3.50. They provide services from 4 am till 11 pm.

Metros

Metro system was initialized in Kolkata in 1984. It has helped a great deal in sharing some congestion on the streets. There is one track that covers the entire city from Dum Dum train station (north) to Kavi Subhas - for New Garia (south). On the metro station, TV screens keep the commuters busy.

Taxis

Taxis provide a 24 hour service. The minimum fare is Rs22 for first 2Km. For more Click Here

Ferries

Ferries cover short distances across the river Hooghly and they run every few minutes.

Rickshaws and Auto-rickshaws

Rickshaws and auto rickshaws can be more commonly spotted around the market areas.

Shopping Guide

Here we will present you with Kolkata shopping guide that will give you a good idea about where to shop in Kolkata. The list of Kolkata shopping destinations is very large and consists of a number of bargain hunting places. Infact, there is a shopping destination for every income group. Read on to know more about shopping in Kolkata...

Here is given a list of some popular shopping centers in Kolkata:

Central cottage industries emporium at Chowringee where exquisite handicrafts are available
Shreeram arcade
Shops on the arcade near Oberoi Grand
Treasure island
Forum- Multiplex
South City Mall
Salt Lake City Centre
Hiland Park
Shopper's Stop Forum

Though, quite a decent number of malls have sprung up in the hub city of Kolkata, but if you are looking out for places where you can get a good bargain, then below are given a few options: