Flights from Yangon (RGN) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Discover Kolkata

Why visit Kolkata?
Kolkata is a city of vivid contrasts, where grand colonial-era boulevards meet leafy neighbourhoods, art houses, and lively street life along the Hooghly River. You will find a cultural capital known for literature, film, and festivals, with a welcoming, reflective pace.

What to expect
In Kolkata, tram lines, historic colleges, and book-filled pavements create a strong sense of place. Districts like Esplanade, Park Street, and Bhowanipore mix historic landmarks with cafés, galleries, and theatres, while the waterfront ghats offer a quieter perspective on daily life by the river.

Plan your trip
Kolkata works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for wider journeys across eastern India. With good rail and road links to destinations such as Darjeeling and the Sundarbans region, it is a natural gateway if you want to combine urban discovery with nature or hill escapes.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Explore this grand marble landmark set in landscaped gardens, home to galleries that trace the city’s layered history.

Howrah Bridge

Admire the iconic cantilever bridge at dawn or dusk, when river traffic and city lights bring the Hooghly waterfront to life.

Park Street

Stroll along Park Street for a mix of heritage façades, eateries, and nightlife that showcase Kolkata’s social side.

Indian Museum

Visit one of the region’s oldest museums to see diverse collections spanning art, archaeology, and natural history.

College Street

Browse endless bookstalls along College Street, where second-hand titles and academic texts spill onto the pavements.

Eco Park, New Town

Relax in this expansive urban park with themed gardens, lakeside views, and open spaces ideal for an evening walk.

Prinsep Ghat

Enjoy riverfront views and a gentle breeze at Prinsep Ghat, especially atmospheric during sunset and the evening hours.

Experience Kolkata’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Kolkata’s metro lines, suburban rail, and yellow taxis make it straightforward to move between central districts and newer neighbourhoods. For shorter hops, auto-rickshaws and app-based rides are convenient, while a tram or ferry ride offers a slow, scenic look at the city from a different angle.

Local life & culture
Life in Kolkata often centres on neighbourhood clubs, cultural venues, and long conversations over tea or coffee. You will notice an emphasis on books, theatre, film, and classical music, with regular events and small performances taking place in auditoriums, galleries, and open-air stages across the city.

Where to unwind
You can unwind with a walk along the Maidan, a vast stretch of green dotted with sports fields and tree-lined avenues. Riverfront promenades provide space to pause and watch boats pass, while city parks and lakeside paths are especially pleasant in the early morning or cooler evening light.

A taste of Kolkata

Street food & local specialties
Kolkata is known for its street snacks and savoury bites, sold from carts along major roads and in busy neighbourhood lanes. You can sample classics close to markets, transport hubs, and older residential areas, where quick, flavourful plates are a part of everyday routines.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer parts of the city and major commercial districts, you will find malls and stand-alone venues offering a mix of regional and international cuisines. Food courts and café clusters make it easy to share smaller plates, try different styles in one sitting, and fit meals around sightseeing or shopping.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, consider dining in restaurants overlooking city landmarks, riverside stretches, or the skyline of New Town and central Kolkata. Many hotels and rooftop settings focus on calm interiors and attentive service, helping you mark occasions or simply enjoy an unhurried meal with a view.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kolkata’s major malls bring together international labels, local brands, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions under one roof. These centres double as social spaces, with cafés and sit-down restaurants where you can pause between browsing and catch up with friends or family.

Markets & local crafts
For something more local, explore traditional markets and older streets where independent shops sell clothing, textiles, books, and everyday goods. Areas such as Esplanade, Gariahat, and New Market are known for their clusters of stalls and storefronts, making it easy to compare styles and find distinctive pieces.

Evening retail scene
As the sun sets, many shopping streets and malls stay lively, with illuminated façades and a mix of browsing, snacking, and socialising. Night-time visits to busy commercial pockets offer a different atmosphere from the daytime rush, and public transport and taxis help you return to your accommodation with ease.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (December to February, peak season)
During winter, Kolkata is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). Clear skies and lower humidity make it comfortable for walking tours, outdoor events, and exploring markets and parks throughout the day and evening.

Summer season (March to June, shoulder season)
Summer brings warmer weather, with temperatures commonly between 26–35°C (79–95°F). Longer daylight hours allow you to plan early morning sightseeing and relaxed, air-conditioned museum or mall visits in the afternoon, before venturing out again once it cools in the evening.

Monsoon season (July to September, low season)
The monsoon months are characterised by regular showers and temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). Rain-washed streets, dramatic skies, and quieter tourist sites can be appealing if you prefer a slower pace, with many indoor cultural venues providing rewarding ways to spend your day.

Frequently Asked Questions