🏛️ Kolkata – The Cultural Capital of India

Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is a soulful blend of colonial architecture, intellectual heritage, Bengali culture, and street life intensity. Set on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, the city is known for its art, literature, street food, Durga Puja celebrations, and vintage trams that echo its colonial past.

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📍 Top Attractions in Kolkata

🕍 Victoria Memorial

Iconic white-marble building symbolizing British Raj elegance. Surrounded by gardens and home to a grand museum with colonial artifacts and artwork.

🐅 Sundarbans Day Trips

From Kolkata, you can arrange day tours to the edge of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to Bengal tigers and crocodiles.

📚 Indian Museum

India’s oldest and largest museum, showcasing everything from ancient coins to Egyptian mummies and fossils.

🌉 Howrah Bridge & Prinsep Ghat

Marvel at the steel structure of Howrah Bridge, and enjoy sunsets or boat rides at nearby Prinsep Ghat with a cup of chai.

🏛️ Marble Palace

An opulent 19th-century mansion housing European art, sculptures, and antique furniture—still lived in by descendants of the original owner.

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🎭 Culture & Arts

• 🎨 Kumartuli – Where idols of Hindu gods, especially Durga, are handcrafted in clay before festivals

• 📚 College Street – World’s largest second-hand book market, plus the iconic Indian Coffee House

• 🎭 Rabindra Sadan & Nandan – Cultural hubs for Bengali cinema, theatre, and music

• 🎉 Durga Puja – The city’s most electric celebration every autumn, turning neighborhoods into public art galleries

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🍽️ Food & Cuisine

Kolkata is a paradise for foodies, especially for those who love fish, sweets, and street eats.

• Must-Try Dishes:

  • Macher Jhol – Bengali fish curry

  • Shorshe Ilish – Hilsa in mustard sauce

  • Kathi Rolls – Spiced meat rolled in paratha

  • Momos & Chowmein – A legacy of the Tibetan and Chinese influence

  • Mishti Doi & Rosogolla – Famous Bengali sweets

Top Restaurants:

• 6 Ballygunge Place – Traditional Bengali thali

• Oh! Calcutta – Upscale take on heritage recipes

• Tiretti Bazaar – Early-morning Chinese breakfast street market

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🏨 Where to Stay

• The Oberoi Grand – Colonial luxury in the heart of the city

• The Corner Courtyard – Stylish boutique hotel in a 1904 heritage building

• Backpackers Park – Budget and social hub near New Market

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🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

• 🧵 New Market – For handicrafts, spices, clothes, and trinkets

• 🖼️ Gariahat Market – Sarees, Bengali textiles, and silver jewelry

• 🎨 Shantiniketan Leather Goods & Batik Art – Ethnic designs with local flair

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🚋 Getting Around

• 🛺 Auto-rickshaws & yellow Ambassador taxis

• 🚇 India's oldest Metro system – efficient and cheap

• 🚃 Ride the heritage trams – the last remaining in India

• ⚠️ Traffic is chaotic; allow time for commutes, especially in monsoon

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💡 Travel Tips

• Best Time: October to March – Pleasant weather and prime festival season

• Language: Bengali, but English and Hindi widely spoken

• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

• Water: Drink only bottled water

• Safety: Generally safe, but be alert in crowded markets

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🛶 Day Trips & Excursions

• Shantiniketan – Tagore’s university town (3-4 hrs)

• Diamond Harbour – A peaceful riverfront spot south of the city

• Dakshineswar & Kalighat Temples – Famous for Kali worship

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⭐ Traveler Ratings (Out of 10)

Category	Rating ⭐
Culture & Heritage	★★★★★ (10/10)
Food & Dining	★★★★★ (9.5/10)
Festivals & Art Scene	★★★★★ (9.5/10)
Accessibility & Metro	★★★★☆ (8/10)
Cleanliness	★★★☆☆ (6.5/10)
Value for Money	★★★★★ (9/10)
Nature/Outdoor Nearby	★★★★☆ (7.5/10)