Flights from Paris (CDG) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Discover Kolkata

Why visit Kolkata?
Kolkata blends historic architecture, leafy avenues, and a creative spirit, giving you a vivid sense of India’s cultural life. You will find grand colonial-era buildings, riverside promenades along the Hooghly, and a strong tradition of literature, art, and performance.

What to expect
The city’s heart stretches from the bustling Esplanade and Park Street to the quieter lakes and neighbourhood clubs. Street scenes are lively, with yellow taxis, tram lines, and markets overflowing with flowers and textiles, yet you will also find relaxed cafés and bookshops for slower moments.

Plan your trip
Kolkata is a rewarding first stop in eastern India, with easy access to nearby tea estates, hill towns, and coastal retreats. Plan time to explore its museums and galleries, then use the city as a base for journeys deeper into West Bengal and the wider region.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Explore this grand marble landmark, set in manicured gardens and housing galleries that trace Kolkata’s layered urban history.

Prinsep Ghat

Stroll along the Hooghly River promenade at sunset, with views of the Vidyasagar Setu and snack stalls lining the water’s edge.

Park Street

Experience Kolkata’s classic entertainment strip, lined with restaurants, cafés, and atmospheric venues that stay lively into the evening.

Kumartuli

Walk through this traditional artisans’ quarter, where workshops create large, intricate clay statues for festivals and celebrations.

Indian Museum

Visit one of India’s oldest museums, featuring extensive collections of art, archaeology, and natural history in a historic building.

Rabindra Sarobar

Escape to this lakeside area for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and open spaces that feel far from the city’s busy streets.

College Street

Browse countless bookstalls along this famous avenue, a favourite for students and readers looking for everything from textbooks to rare finds.

New Town Eco Park

Enjoy landscaped gardens, water activities, and themed zones in this expansive urban park on the city’s eastern side.

Experience Kolkata’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Kolkata’s metro network, suburban trains, and buses are the most efficient way to cover longer distances across the city. Historic trams and ferries along the Hooghly offer a slower, scenic perspective. For the last stretch to your hotel or a restaurant, taxis and app-based rides are convenient.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhood life centres around street corners, cafés, and local clubs where people gather to talk, play games, and follow cultural events. You will notice a strong love of books, theatre, and music, with regular performances, small galleries, and informal discussions in many parts of the city.

Where to unwind
Lakeside promenades, riverside ghats, and large urban parks provide welcome pockets of green. Early mornings are ideal for quiet walks and watching the city wake up, while evenings bring cooler air and relaxed crowds to waterfront areas and open spaces.

A taste of Kolkata

Street food & local specialties
Kolkata is known for savoury snacks, sweets, and slow-cooked dishes that reflect local traditions. Areas around Esplanade, Gariahat, and Hatibagan are good places to sample street-side favourites and discover long-running neighbourhood eateries.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find a wide choice of cafés and restaurants in central districts and major malls, offering regional Indian dishes alongside international flavours. Generous yet manageable portion sizes make it easy to try several items across the table and share among friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a venue with views of the skyline or river, or a restored heritage building with a calm, atmospheric interior. These settings give you time to slow down over a multi-course meal and appreciate the city’s night-time lights.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres around the city bring together international brands, Indian labels, cinemas, and food courts under one roof. They are convenient places to combine shopping with dining and entertainment, especially during the warmer parts of the day.

Markets & local crafts
Lively neighbourhood markets and streets offer textiles, jewellery, and handcrafted items with a distinctly local character. Areas such as Gariahat, New Market, and Hatibagan are well known for variety, from everyday essentials to special pieces to take home.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated storefronts and busy market lanes create a vibrant atmosphere in several districts. Night-time is a pleasant moment to browse, pick up last-minute gifts, and enjoy a relaxed walk, with public transport and taxis helping you return to your hotel with ease.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (December to February, shoulder season)
Kolkata’s winter is mild and comfortable, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). Clear skies and drier air make it an inviting time for outdoor sightseeing, evening walks along the river, and exploring markets without the summer heat.

Summer season (March to June, peak season)
Summer brings warmer conditions, with daytime temperatures often between 28–35°C (82–95°F). Longer days and vivid light make landmarks and parks feel bright and energetic, and indoor attractions, cafés, and malls offer plenty of cool spaces to pause and recharge.

Monsoon season (July to October, low season)
The monsoon months are warm, typically 26–32°C (79–90°F), with regular showers that refresh the city’s greenery. Raincoats and flexible plans help you enjoy quieter museums, galleries, and cafés, while breaks in the rain reveal dramatic skies over the river and tree-lined avenues.

Frequently Asked Questions