Flights from Seoul (ICN) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Discover Kolkata

Why visit Kolkata?
Kolkata blends grand colonial-era architecture, leafy avenues, and a lively arts scene with a warm, lived-in charm. You will find bookstalls, cafés, and galleries sharing the streets with tram lines and markets, creating a city that feels both historic and creative.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Hooghly River, with landmarks, museums, and cultural institutions clustered around central districts such as Dalhousie Square, Esplanade, and Park Street. Street life is energetic, with yellow taxis, trams, and busy bazaars forming a colourful backdrop to daily life.

Plan your trip
Kolkata is a rewarding base for exploring eastern India, with good connections to the Himalayas, coastal areas, and neighbouring states. Plan time for both landmark sights and slower wanderings through older neighbourhoods to experience the city beyond its main attractions.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Explore this marble landmark set in manicured gardens, with galleries that trace the citys past and offer peaceful walks at sunset.

Howrah Bridge

View the iconic cantilever bridge from the riverfront or a boat ride to appreciate its dramatic structure and constant flow of city life.

Park Street

Stroll along Park Street for classic eateries, cafés, and nightlife, all framed by historic buildings and lively pavements.

Indian Museum

Visit one of the countrys oldest museums to see extensive collections spanning art, archaeology, and natural history in a grand heritage building.

Kumartuli

Walk through this artisans quarter to watch sculptors at work and see detailed clay figures taking shape in narrow lanes.

New Town and Eco Park

Head to the newer districts for wide boulevards, public art, and a large urban park with lakeside paths and recreational areas.

Prinsep Ghat

Relax by the Hooghly River at this restored riverside promenade, popular for evening walks, cycle rides, and views of the illuminated bridges.

College Street

Browse countless bookstalls along College Street, where second-hand titles, academic works, and small presses line the pavements.

Experience Kolkatas everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis, app-based rides, and the metro are the most practical ways to move between central districts and outlying neighbourhoods. Trams offer a slower, scenic perspective on older parts of the city. For short distances, walking or short auto-rickshaw rides help you navigate busy local streets.

Local life & culture
Kolkata has a strong literary and artistic tradition, reflected in its bookstores, galleries, and frequent cultural events. Neighbourhoods feel distinct, from the bustle of markets to quieter residential streets lined with verandah-fronted houses. You will notice a relaxed but engaged pace of life, with conversations often spilling out into cafés and street corners.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as the Maidan provide open lawns and shaded trees for morning walks and late afternoon breaks. Along the river, renovated ghats and promenades offer fresh air, seating, and space to pause. Early mornings and evenings are the most pleasant times to enjoy these outdoor areas, when temperatures are softer and the city feels unhurried.

A taste of Kolkata

Street food & local specialties
Kolkata is known for savoury snacks and sweets served from humble stalls and small shops. Areas around Esplanade, Gariahat, and local markets are good places to sample classic bites and desserts that have been perfected over generations.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In districts such as Park Street, New Town, and Sector V, you will find cafés, bakeries, and restaurants offering both regional dishes and international flavours. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can try several small plates across a meal and explore different styles in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a venue with views of the river, city skyline, or a historic streetscape. Heritage hotels, rooftop terraces, and refined dining rooms across central Kolkata add attentive service and carefully prepared menus to their settings, turning dinner into a relaxed occasion.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in areas such as New Town, Rajarhat, and central Kolkata bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and cafés. These climate-controlled spaces are convenient meeting points, especially during the warmer months.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and shopping streets, including Gariahat, New Market, and College Street, are ideal for exploring textiles, handicrafts, books, and everyday items. Smaller boutiques scattered through older neighbourhoods showcase contemporary designs inspired by regional craft traditions.

Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping districts remain lively, with illuminated storefronts and food options nearby. Some markets open into the evening, offering a cooler time of day to browse. Well-used public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach and return from these areas at night.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (December to February, peak season)
During winter, Kolkata is generally dry and comfortable, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). Clear skies and lower humidity make it an inviting time for walking tours, riverfront strolls, and outdoor events.

Summer season (March to June, shoulder season)
Summer brings higher temperatures, typically 25–35°C (77–95°F), with warm evenings and bright days. Indoor attractions, shaded parks, and air-conditioned malls provide pleasant breaks between sightseeing in the early morning or late afternoon.

Monsoon season (July to November, low season)
The monsoon months see regular showers and higher humidity, with temperatures around 24–32°C (75–90°F). Rain-washed streets, lush greenery, and fewer crowds at some attractions give the city a different charm, especially if you plan flexible, weather-aware itineraries.

Frequently Asked Questions