Flights from Singapore (SIN) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Kolkata, a city of stories and creativity

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a city where historic avenues, bookstalls, and trams meet a lively contemporary arts and food scene. Set along the Hooghly River, it invites you to slow down, wander, and discover its layered past in leafy neighbourhoods and bustling crossroads.

You will find grand colonial-era architecture beside busy markets, modern galleries, and inviting cafes. The city has long been regarded as a cultural heart of India, with a strong tradition of literature, cinema, theatre, and music. Whether you are here for a short visit or a longer stay, Kolkata offers insight, character, and daily life unfolding on every street corner.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Stroll through manicured gardens and explore galleries inside this grand marble landmark that reflects Kolkata's historical legacy.

Park Street

Experience one of the city’s most iconic boulevards, lined with restaurants, cafes, and nightlife that showcase old-world charm and modern energy.

Howrah Bridge

Take in views of the famous cantilever bridge spanning the Hooghly River, especially atmospheric at sunrise or after dark when the city lights shimmer.

College Street and bookshops

Browse endless stacks of books at College Street, where small stalls and historic stores attract students, writers, and curious visitors.

Kumartuli artisans quarter

Walk through narrow lanes where skilled artisans shape elaborate clay figures, offering a close look at traditional craftsmanship.

Experience the spirit of Kolkata

Kolkata is best explored at a gentle pace, on foot or by tram, so you can absorb everyday scenes, street-side conversations, and historic buildings. Join a guided walking tour through heritage districts to learn how the city grew around trading houses, mansions, and institutions that shaped its identity.

You can also discover Kolkata from the water, with a cruise along the Hooghly River offering changing perspectives on the skyline and bridges. In the evening, catch a local theatre production, film screening, or classical music performance to experience the city’s enduring love of the arts.

A taste of Kolkata

Kolkata’s dining scene is rich in flavour and tradition, from long-standing eateries that generations return to, to modern restaurants putting a fresh spin on classic recipes. You can enjoy delicate fish dishes, fragrant rice plates, and a wide range of snacks sold from busy food stalls.

Save time for the city’s famed sweets, including milk-based confections and syrup-soaked treats that are favourites for locals and visitors alike. Cafes and bakeries around Park Street, central Kolkata, and emerging neighbourhoods offer relaxed spaces to pause, sample baked goods, and watch the city go by.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Kolkata offers a blend of traditional markets, independent boutiques, and modern shopping centres. Browse central bazaars and local stores for textiles, handcrafted accessories, and homeware that reflect regional styles and techniques.

In addition to bustling street markets, you will find air-conditioned malls with international brands, cinemas, and dining options for a convenient day out. Literary enthusiasts may enjoy spending an afternoon in the book districts and vintage shops, where you can uncover unique titles and nostalgic memorabilia to bring home.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (November to February, peak season) in Kolkata is pleasantly cool, with average temperatures around 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F). Clear skies, comfortable evenings, and many cultural events make it an inviting time for outdoor sightseeing and riverfront walks.

Pre-monsoon summer (March to June, shoulder season) brings warm to hot days, typically between 24°C and 36°C (75°F to 97°F). Humidity rises, but early mornings and late evenings can be enjoyable for exploring markets, historic landmarks, and shaded parks.

Monsoon season (July to October, low season) sees regular showers, with temperatures around 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Raincoats and umbrellas are useful, and you can enjoy greener surroundings, quieter attractions, and time in museums, galleries, and cafes during heavier rain.

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