Flights from Hanoi (HAN) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Kolkata, a city of stories and street life

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a city where grand colonial avenues meet lively neighbourhood markets and leafy lakeside promenades. It is known for its rich literary and artistic heritage, intellectual energy, and a distinctive charm that feels both historic and contemporary at once.

As you explore, you will find elegant architecture, traditional tram lines, and bustling cafés where conversation is as important as the menu. The city offers a welcoming pace, with locals gathering along the riverfront, at cricket grounds, and in bookshops. For travellers arriving from Hanoi, Kolkata offers a vivid introduction to eastern India, with warm hospitality, layered history, and a food culture that invites you to linger.

The city is also a convenient base for wider journeys through eastern India, with connections to tea gardens, coastal towns, and heritage sites. Whether you stay a few days or longer, Kolkata rewards unhurried exploration and curiosity.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Stroll through manicured gardens and admire the marble domed Victoria Memorial, home to galleries showcasing the citys colonial-era history and art.

Howrah Bridge

View the iconic cantilever Howrah Bridge at sunrise or sunset and watch the constant stream of people, boats, and traffic across the Hooghly River.

Park Street

Walk along Park Street to experience a mix of classic restaurants, cafés, and nightlife, all framed by grand old buildings and leafy trees.

Kumartuli

Explore Kumartuli, a traditional potters quarter where artisans craft elaborate clay figures in narrow, atmospheric lanes.

Prinsep Ghat

Relax by the riverside at Prinsep Ghat, where you can enjoy evening walks, views of illuminated bridges, and riverside refreshments.

Experience the character of Kolkata

Spend a morning wandering through the citys markets, where you can browse fresh produce, flowers, textiles, and everyday essentials in lively surroundings. Central districts offer wide boulevards and shaded avenues, while neighbourhood lanes reveal corner tea stalls, street food vendors, and shopfronts that have served local communities for generations.

Join a guided walking tour to learn how architecture, literature, and theatre have shaped the citys identity. You might follow routes through colonial-era districts, explore art galleries and bookshops, or visit riverside ghats to see how daily life centres on the water. Tram or ferry rides add another perspective, offering a gentle way to see the citys changing skyline.

For time outdoors, visit the Maidan, a vast green space where people gather to walk, play sports, and relax. Lakeside parks and tree-lined streets in south Kolkata provide further options for quiet strolls, while cultural centres host performances, film screenings, and exhibitions throughout the year.

A taste of Kolkata

Kolkata is renowned for its distinctive cuisine, which balances subtle spices, fresh river fish, vegetables, and grains. You will find long-standing restaurants serving traditional thalis, as well as small eateries specialising in snacks and sweets that locals have enjoyed for generations. Sweet shops are a highlight, offering delicacies made with milk, cottage cheese, and fragrant syrups.

Street food is an essential part of the citys flavour. In busy commercial areas and near offices, you can sample snacks such as filled breads, savoury rolls, and tangy chaats, often prepared to order at compact stalls. Tea, served in glass tumblers or small clay cups, is a constant companion, and you will see people pausing for tea breaks throughout the day.

In more modern districts, multi-cuisine restaurants, cafés, and bakeries sit alongside traditional establishments, giving you a wide range of choices. From family-run dining rooms to contemporary rooftop venues, the city invites you to explore its food scene at your own pace and comfort level.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Kolkata offers a mix of busy markets, specialist shops, and modern malls, making it easy to find both everyday items and special souvenirs. Traditional markets brim with textiles, everyday clothing, and household wares, while smaller boutiques focus on regional fabrics, handcrafted jewellery, and home décor.

If you enjoy browsing books and music, neighbourhoods such as College Street are known for their bookshops, which range from small pavement stalls to established stores. You can also explore shops that highlight local crafts, from handwoven fabrics to decorative items inspired by regional art styles.

Air-conditioned malls around the city provide international and Indian brands, food courts, and cinemas under one roof, ideal if you prefer a quieter, more structured shopping environment. Whether you are looking for a small keepsake or planning a more extensive shopping trip, Kolkata gives you many ways to bring a piece of the city home.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (November to February, peak season): During winter, Kolkata is generally dry and pleasantly cool, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). Clear skies, comfortable evenings, and outdoor events make this a popular time for sightseeing, riverside walks, and exploring the city on foot.

Summer season (March to June, shoulder season): Summer brings warmer weather, with average temperatures around 26–35°C (79–95°F). Days can feel hot, but early mornings and evenings are often more comfortable for exploring. This period is ideal for indoor attractions, cafés, and shopping, with plenty of opportunities to take breaks from the heat.

Monsoon season (July to October, low season): The monsoon months bring regular showers and lush greenery, with average temperatures about 26–32°C (79–90°F). Rainfall can be intense at times, but it also cools the air and creates atmospheric scenes along the river and in city parks. It is a good time for slower-paced, indoor-focused visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore top picked destinations

Hanoi to Ahmedabad Hanoi to Bengaluru Hanoi to Chennai Hanoi to Delhi Hanoi to Hyderabad Hanoi to Kochi Hanoi to Mumbai
Hanoi to Cape Town Hanoi to Colombo Hanoi to Dhaka Hanoi to Dubai Hanoi to Johannesburg Hanoi to Kathmandu Hanoi to Male Hanoi to Riyadh
London to Singapore Singapore to Sydney Singapore to Bangkok Frankfurt to New York Singapore to Tokyo Singapore to Bali Singapore to Phuket Los Angeles to Singapore San Francisco to Singapore Mumbai to Singapore Melbourne to Singapore Paris to Singapore Zurich to Singapore Amsterdam to Singapore