First Time Tourists Guide in Kolkata
SIGHTSEEING
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu navaratna temple, built-in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni. This temple is famous for its relation with Ramakrishna, a mystic of 19th Century Bengal. Here, you will see a 9-spired main temple with a big courtyard in the temple and rooms along the walls. There are also 12 shrines dedicated to Siva. You can also enjoy the view of Dakshineswar Lake. This temple is open every day from 5 AM until 8 PM.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
DOWNTOWN
Victoria Memorial is a big marble building in the city. This memorial located on the Maiden, the bank of Hooghly River.
This site was built in 1906-1921, dedicated to Queen Victoria. Now, it becomes a museum and tourist destination. The interiors inside are still maintained and stunning as ever. If you want to visit, you can come between 10 AM and 5 PM.
SHOPPING
Gariahat Market is a busy market in the city. This market is famous for its affordable local handicrafts for souvenirs. Here, you can buy sarees, dokra craft, or terracotta. Also, come to Dakshinapan Shopping Complex. It is a shopping center on Garihat Road. This place is good for buying local stuff to take home.
Gariahat Market
Dakshinapan Shopping Complex
FOOD & DRINK
You shouldn't miss Kolkata's typical food. You must try macher jhol, a spicy curry contains fish, potatoes, and tomatoes. This typical food is cooked with local seasonings. You can get this food at any local restaurants around the city. Don't forget to try kosha mangsho and mishti doi too. Both are very popular traditional dishes in Bengal.
CULTURE
People in Kolkata are so friendly. Most of them speak the Bengali language, but some of them also speak Gujarati, Oriya, Urdu, and Tamil. The majority of the people are Hindu. For arts, the city is famous for terracotta slabs and metal works. Also, Kolkata has Durga Pooja as the biggest carnival in the city.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Kolkata is between October to February. It's when the weather is perfect to explore the city and there will be so many festivals that worth your time.
HOTEL
The first hotel recommendation in Kolkata is the Oberoi Grand hotel. This hotel has unique colonial-style prints and wood furniture in every room. This hotel is only an 11-minute walk from the Hooghly River and 3 kilometers from the Victoria Memorial. You can also book a room at The Astor. The hotel has an old colonial style with comfortable rooms. It's just a 9-minute walk from Maidan Metro Station. So, the guests will have easy access to other destinations by riding on a train.
The Oberoi Grand
The Astor
RESTAURANT
Oh! Calcutta is a Bengali restaurant you must visit. It serves delicious local cuisines in a cultural space. The popular food options in this restaurant are hilsa and bhetki. You should also try dining at 6 Ballygunge Place Restaurant. It has an all-you-can-eat style with authentic options. Daab Chingri is a typical cuisine that is worth a try.
Oh! Calcutta
6 Ballygunge Place Restaurant
CAFE
Go to Artsy - Coffee & Culture to chill out or read books. This cafe has a unique design and delicious foods, especially the chicken menu and hot chocolate to complete your day. Also, this cafe provides books free to read. Another recommended cafe is The 10e cafe. This is a simple and artsy cafe, a perfect spot to hang out with your travel buddies. Don't forget to try its tasty charmula chicken.
Artsy - Coffee & Culture
The 10e cafe
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
Enjoy your night at OlyPub. It has a simple and friendly atmosphere with various drink selection. There are bar games too. Also, this bar is popular for its beef steak and chicken Kyiv that you must taste. You can also come to Monkey Bar. It's a fancy bar in a cozy space Serving fantastic foods, like khichdi or butter chicken menu. The bar also has a great manga drink.
OlyPub
Monkey Bar
INTERESTING PLACE
Indian Museum is a cultural landmark in Kolkata. This elegant site was built in 1814. It's the oldest museum in India. So, don't skip this museum to experience the classic vibes. Inside the site, you will see rare collections of antiques, fossils, skeletons, and Mughal paintings. Also, come to Kalighat Temple. It's an interesting site, dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali. This temple is located on the Adi Ganga canal's banks.
Indian Museum
Kalighat Temple
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Howrah Bridge is a nice spot for taking pictures for your Instagram feed. This bridge was built in 1943 on Hoogly River in West Bengal. You'll get the view of the lights of Howrah Bridge, the river, and the city too. Another Instagramable spot is the Birla Mandir. This building is so cultural and sacred. This marble temple has beautiful Krishna, Radha, Shiva & Durga idols.
Howrah Bridge
Birla Mandir
