Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Discover Kolkata

Why visit Kolkata?
Kolkata is a lively riverside city known for its literary heritage, grand colonial-era buildings, and a strong love of arts and culture. You will find tree-lined avenues, tram-streaked streets, and a warm, engaging local spirit that makes every conversation feel memorable.

What to expect
The city centres on wide boulevards, the Hooghly riverfront, and districts like Park Street and central Kolkata, where old architecture sits beside modern cafes and boutiques. Expect busy markets, art galleries, and cultural venues that keep the city moving from early morning until late evening.

Plan your trip
Kolkata is a rewarding standalone destination and a starting point for exploring eastern India, the Sundarbans, and nearby hill regions. With a major international airport and good rail connections, it works well as both an arrival city and a base for wider journeys.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Stroll through manicured gardens and admire this striking white-marble landmark that houses galleries on the city’s history and art.

Howrah Bridge

View the iconic cantilever bridge at sunrise or dusk and watch ferries, buses, and pedestrians flow across the Hooghly River.

Park Street

Explore one of Kolkata’s best-known streets, lined with restaurants, cafes, and nightlife that comes alive after dark.

Kumartuli

Wander through artisan workshops where skilled craftspeople sculpt intricate clay figures for festivals and cultural displays.

Indian Museum

Visit one of the subcontinent’s oldest museums to see extensive collections of art, archaeology, and natural history.

Prinsep Ghat

Relax by the riverside promenade, enjoy evening walks, and take in illuminated views of nearby bridges and the Hooghly River.

College Street

Browse countless bookstalls and second-hand shops in this famed academic district, home to a long-standing literary culture.

Eco Park

Spend time in this vast urban park with themed gardens, lakeside paths, and open spaces ideal for families and groups.

Experience Kolkata’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Kolkata’s metro, suburban trains, and extensive bus network are the most efficient way to cover longer distances across the city. Historic trams and yellow taxis offer a slower, scenic view of daily life. For short hops, app-based cabs and auto-rickshaws are convenient for door-to-door travel.

Local life & culture
Life in Kolkata unfolds in street-side addas, bookshops, and cultural venues where people gather to talk, debate, and enjoy performances. Neighbourhoods feel distinct, from the traditional north Kolkata lanes to the broader avenues of the south, each with its own rhythm throughout the day.

Where to unwind
Along the Hooghly riverfront, green spaces and ghats offer calm corners away from busy streets, especially around early morning and late afternoon. Larger parks and lakeside promenades provide space for jogging, boat rides, or quiet walks, with cooler evenings ideal for relaxed outings.

A taste of Kolkata

Street food & local specialties
Kolkata is known for savoury snacks, sweets, and flavourful seafood dishes served at small stalls and casual eateries. Areas around central markets and older neighbourhood streets are especially good for sampling local favourites throughout the day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In and around Park Street, New Town, and major malls, you will find cafes, bakeries, and restaurants serving both regional and international cuisines. Menus are often designed for sharing, so you can try several dishes in one meal and explore different flavours.

Signature & scenic dining
For a more elevated experience, look for dining rooms in heritage buildings, rooftop terraces, or riverside venues with views of the city skyline. These settings pair carefully prepared menus with memorable surroundings, ideal for marking a special evening in Kolkata.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kolkata’s modern malls combine international labels, local brands, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions under one roof. They are comfortable places to shop, dine, and meet friends, with extended opening hours that suit varied itineraries.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and shopping streets offer textiles, handicrafts, and everyday goods in busy, colourful surroundings. Districts such as New Market, Gariahat, and Hatibagan are popular for browsing smaller shops and stalls showcasing local styles and designs.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and mall districts stay lively with illuminated storefronts and street-side snacks. Some markets are especially atmospheric in the evening, when the heat softens and more residents are out. Public transport and app-based cabs make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Cool and pleasant season (peak season)
From November to February, Kolkata enjoys its coolest weather, with average temperatures around 15–27°C (59–81°F). Skies are generally clear and humidity is lower, making it a popular time for sightseeing, outdoor walks, and cultural events across the city.

Pre-monsoon and early showers (shoulder season)
March to May brings warmer days, with temperatures typically between 25–35°C (77–95°F). Occasional showers and breezes offer relief, and longer daylight hours allow you to plan slower-paced sightseeing, indoor attractions, and evening outings.

Monsoon and late-year warmth (low season)
From June to October, the monsoon season brings regular rain and lush greenery, with average temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). Showers can be intense but often come in bursts, and quieter tourist numbers mean a more relaxed feel at many sights and parks.

Frequently Asked Questions