Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Kolkata (CCU)

About Kolkata

Discover Kolkata

Why visit Kolkata?
Kolkata is a vibrant cultural capital, known for its literary heritage, grand colonial architecture, and friendly street life. You will find leafy boulevards, lively cafés, and a creative scene that gives the city a distinctive, intellectual charm.

What to expect
The city stretches along the banks of the Hooghly River, with historic districts, bustling markets, and wide avenues framed by iconic trams. You can explore landmark buildings, leafy parks, and waterfront promenades, alongside neighbourhoods where art, theatre, and bookshops are part of daily life.

Plan your trip
Kolkata is an excellent starting point for exploring eastern India, with good onward connections to hill stations, coastal areas, and wildlife reserves. Whether you stay in the city or travel further, Kolkata offers a memorable first introduction to the wider region.

Top sights in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

Walk through manicured gardens and admire the marble domes and galleries of this grand landmark museum.

Howrah Bridge

View this iconic cantilever bridge from the riverfront and watch the constant flow of people and traffic across the Hooghly.

Park Street

Stroll along this lively avenue, known for its historic eateries, music venues, and illuminated façades in the evening.

Indian Museum

Explore extensive collections spanning art, archaeology, and natural history in one of the oldest museums in the region.

College Street

Browse endless bookstalls and tiny shops in Kolkata’s famous book district, popular with students and writers.

Kumartuli

Visit this artisan quarter to see skilled craftspeople shaping clay figures in narrow, atmospheric lanes.

Prinsep Ghat

Relax by the riverside, enjoy views of the bridges, and take a gentle evening walk along the promenade.

Eco Park

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

Experience Kolkata’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Kolkata is easy to explore using the metro, suburban trains, and yellow taxis for longer journeys. Iconic trams and ferries along the Hooghly give you a different view of the city, while app-based rides and auto-rickshaws help with shorter, last-mile trips.

Local life & culture
Daily life unfolds on the streets, from morning walks in the parks to evening chats at neighbourhood cafés and teashops. You will notice a strong love for literature, theatre, and music, with regular cultural events, bookshops, and performance spaces woven into residential areas.

Where to unwind
For a slower pace, head to the Maidan, riverfront ghats, or lakeside parks in the southern and eastern parts of the city. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for walks, jogs, or quiet moments on a bench, when temperatures are gentler and the light is soft.

A taste of Kolkata

Street food & local specialties
Kolkata’s street corners offer savoury snacks, sweets, and comforting rice-and-curry meals that locals enjoy throughout the day. Areas around College Street, Esplanade, and north Kolkata lanes are especially known for casual stalls and family-run eateries.

Casual & modern dining hubs
For a wide range of cuisines in one place, visit dining clusters in Park Street, Salt Lake, and New Town. You can choose from regional Indian favourites to Asian and Western dishes, with portions that make it easy to sample several items when dining with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
If you are looking for something special, consider heritage restaurants along Park Street or contemporary venues in rooftop hotels. Many offer views of the skyline or major avenues, turning an evening meal into a relaxed way to experience the city’s atmosphere from above.

Retail therapy in Kolkata

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kolkata has modern malls where you will find international labels, local designers, cinemas, and cafés under one roof. Popular lifestyle centres in central and eastern districts double as social spaces, ideal for combining shopping with a relaxed meal or film.

Markets & local crafts
For a more local feel, browse city markets and neighbourhood streets that specialise in textiles, crafts, and everyday goods. Areas such as New Market, Gariahat, and Hatibagan are known for their mix of traditional garments, home décor, and small independent shops.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and mall façades light up, creating a lively atmosphere for an evening stroll. Night-time browsing around Park Street and major retail avenues is popular, and public transport, taxis, and app-based rides make these areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Kolkata

Winter season (December to February, peak season)
Kolkata’s winter is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). Clear skies and comfortable evenings make this a popular time for outdoor sightseeing, cultural festivals, and long walks in the city’s parks and along the riverside.

Pre-monsoon summer (March to June, shoulder season)
The pre-monsoon months are warm and often humid, with temperatures typically between 25–35°C (77–95°F). This is a good period for indoor museums, galleries, and malls during the day, with cooler late evenings ideal for riverfront strolls and night-time dining.

Monsoon and post-monsoon (July to November, low season)
During the monsoon, Kolkata experiences regular showers and lush greenery, with temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). The city takes on a fresh, atmospheric feel after rain, and post-monsoon weeks bring slightly cooler conditions that are well suited to exploring markets and historic streets.

Frequently Asked Questions