Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Discover Kolkata

Why visit Kolkata?
Kolkata is a city of creative energy, historic architecture, and leafy streets where old-world charm meets modern urban life. You will find grand colonial-era buildings, vibrant neighbourhoods, and a strong literary and arts culture that shapes daily life.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Hooghly River, with busy markets, tram-lined avenues, and cultural institutions clustered around central districts like Esplanade and Park Street. Expect a lively pace, characterful streetscapes, and a mix of modern malls, traditional bazaars, and calm green spaces.

Plan your trip
Kolkata is a rewarding base for exploring eastern India, from riverfront walks and heritage quarters to nearby wetlands and countryside retreats. With Singapore Airlines you can connect smoothly from Christchurch and onward from Kolkata to other regional destinations.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Explore this white marble landmark set in landscaped gardens, with galleries that trace the city’s colonial-era history and art.

Howrah Bridge

Take in views of this iconic cantilever bridge from the riverfront and watch the constant flow of people and traffic across the Hooghly.

Park Street

Stroll along this lively avenue known for its cafes, restaurants, and atmospheric old establishments that come alive after dark.

Indian Museum

Visit one of the country’s oldest museums, home to extensive collections covering art, archaeology, and natural history.

Kumartuli

Walk through this artisan quarter where skilled craftsmen shape clay sculptures, and narrow lanes are lined with studios and workshops.

College Street

Browse countless bookstalls and historic shops in this academic hub, a favourite haunt of students and literature lovers.

Eco Park

Relax in this large urban park on the city’s northeastern edge, with lakes, themed gardens, and open spaces for evening walks.

Experience Kolkata’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Kolkata’s metro system is one of the easiest ways to move between key districts, supported by buses, app-based rides, and traditional yellow taxis. Trams add a slower, scenic option on select routes. For short distances, cycle-rickshaws and walking are ideal within compact neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
The city’s days are punctuated by tea breaks at roadside stalls, book browsing, and animated street-side conversations. Neighbourhoods each have distinct personalities, from business-focused hubs to quieter residential pockets filled with independent shops and galleries.

Where to unwind
Maidan, the vast central green, offers open fields for strolls and city views, especially pleasant in the late afternoon. Riverfront promenades along the Hooghly provide fresh air, benches, and sunset vistas, while newer parks and lakeside walkways offer calm escapes from the busy streets.

A taste of Kolkata

Street food & local specialties
Kolkata is known for snacks and sweets, from savoury bites sold at street-side stalls to famous confections in long-running shops. Busy commercial areas and older neighbourhood markets are ideal places to sample local flavours in a casual setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city you will find cafes, bakeries, and contemporary restaurants that blend local and international influences. Shopping districts and newer business hubs gather many options in one place, making it easy to try different dishes and share plates with friends.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, seek out venues overlooking the Hooghly River or set within restored historic buildings. Some restaurants and lounges offer elevated city views, creating a relaxed setting for unhurried dinners and special occasions.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls around the city bring together international labels, cinemas, and dining under one roof. They serve as social hubs where you can shop, meet friends, and enjoy air-conditioned comfort during the warmer parts of the day.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and older commercial streets are the best places to look for textiles, books, and locally made items. Districts such as New Market, College Street, and Gariahat each offer a distinct mix of stalls, shops, and pavement vendors.

Evening retail scene
As the sun sets, illuminated shopfronts and food stalls give busy streets a lively after-dark atmosphere. Some markets stay active into the evening, making it easy to combine shopping with dinner. Public transport and taxis help you reach key areas comfortably at night.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (December to February, peak season)
Winter in Kolkata is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). Clear skies, comfortable humidity, and cooler evenings make this a popular time for outdoor sightseeing, garden walks, and cultural events across the city.

Summer season (March to June, shoulder season)
Summer brings warmer conditions, with daytime temperatures often between 25–35°C (77–95°F). Early mornings and evenings are ideal for riverfront strolls and exploring shaded parks, while air-conditioned museums and malls offer comfortable breaks during the hottest hours.

Monsoon season (July to November, low season)
The monsoon season sees regular showers and lush greenery, with temperatures usually around 26–32°C (79–90°F). Rain-cooled evenings can feel refreshing, and the city’s lakes, parks, and tree-lined avenues take on a vibrant, atmospheric character.

Frequently Asked Questions