Flights from Taipei (TPE) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Discover Kolkata

Why visit Kolkata?
Kolkata is a vibrant cultural hub where historic boulevards, riverside promenades, and leafy neighbourhoods frame a city known for arts, literature, and creativity. You will find galleries, theatres, and cafes that invite you to slow down and explore at your own pace.

What to expect
The city blends grand colonial-era architecture with bustling avenues, tram-lined streets, and atmospheric alleys. Neighbourhoods such as Park Street and the riverside areas offer lively urban energy, while quieter districts reveal bookstores, music shops, and long-established clubs.

Plan your trip
Kolkata is an excellent starting point for exploring eastern India, with easy links to coastal regions and hill towns. Allow time to discover its museums and riverfront at a relaxed pace before continuing your journey further into the region.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Stroll through expansive gardens and admire this landmark marble monument, home to galleries showcasing the city’s history and art.

Howrah Bridge

View this iconic steel bridge at sunrise or dusk for striking river scenes and a sense of Kolkata’s daily rhythm.

Indian Museum

Explore extensive collections of art, natural history, and cultural artefacts in one of the oldest museums in the region.

Park Street

Walk along this lively thoroughfare lined with eateries, music venues, and heritage buildings that come alive after dark.

Eco Park

Relax by lakes and themed gardens in this large urban park, a popular space for walking, cycling, and family outings.

Kumartuli

Visit this artisan quarter to see skilled craftspeople at work in narrow lanes filled with workshops and studios.

Prinsep Ghat

Unwind by the riverfront promenade, where elegant architecture and open views make it a favourite evening gathering spot.

Experience Kolkata’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Kolkata’s metro system and suburban trains help you cover longer distances efficiently, while yellow taxis and app-based rides are useful for door-to-door journeys. For a slower look at the city, try a tram ride along older routes, then use auto-rickshaws or short walks for the final stretch.

Local life & culture
The city’s streets are filled with bookshops, music stores, and cultural centres that host regular performances and exhibitions. You will notice a strong appreciation for theatre, film, and art, with lively discussions in cafes and clubs that reflect Kolkata’s long-standing creative traditions.

Where to unwind
Along the Hooghly riverfront you will find promenades and open spaces that are ideal for evening walks. City parks and botanical gardens offer shaded paths and quiet corners, especially pleasant in the early morning or just before sunset when the light softens and the temperature eases.

A taste of Kolkata

Street food & local specialties
Kolkata is known for its flavourful street snacks and sweets, often enjoyed around buzzing neighbourhood crossings and markets. You can sample savoury bites, fresh snacks, and traditional desserts as you wander between busy lanes and quieter residential streets.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around Park Street, Salt Lake, and newer business districts, you will find relaxed eateries, cafes, and food courts serving regional and international flavours. Portions and menus often encourage sharing, so you can try several dishes across a single meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, look for dining rooms in heritage properties, river-facing venues, or rooftop restaurants with sweeping city views. These settings pair refined menus with atmospheric surroundings, creating unhurried meals that showcase Kolkata’s hospitality and sense of occasion.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls around central and eastern Kolkata bring together international labels, local brands, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. They are convenient places to combine shopping, dining, and leisure under one roof, especially during the warmer parts of the day.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and older shopping streets are ideal for discovering handcrafted textiles, accessories, and everyday essentials. Areas such as New Market, Gariahat, and Hatibagan are known for their busy stalls, where you can browse for clothing, fabric, and small keepsakes.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, shopping districts and mall facades light up, and many stores remain open into the evening. Street-side vendors add to the energy around central junctions and popular promenades, all easily reached using the metro, taxis, or app-based transport.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (December to February, shoulder season)
Winter in Kolkata is pleasantly mild, with temperatures around 12–26°C (54–79°F). Clear skies, comfortable humidity, and cooler evenings make it ideal for sightseeing on foot, enjoying riverfront walks, and spending long hours exploring markets and outdoor attractions.

Summer season (March to June, low season)
Summer brings warmer weather, with daytime temperatures often between 24–36°C (75–97°F). This is a quieter time for visitors, and indoor attractions, air-conditioned malls, and evening outings become especially appealing as you plan shorter but focused explorations around the city.

Monsoon season (July to November, peak season)
During the monsoon, temperatures generally range from 25–33°C (77–91°F), with regular showers refreshing the city. The landscape turns lush and green, and cloud-filtered light creates atmospheric conditions for photography, riverfront walks between showers, and relaxed cultural experiences indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions