Kolkata

• Visa problems: For those of you who are traveling from out of India, it is most advisable to carry an Indian visa at all times with you. It can get quite difficult after a point of time especially after arriving in this place. Make sure that you are carrying all your important documents and money.

• Choose from the best of hotels: There are many distinctive, top-luxury and eco-friendly chains of hotels and resorts that the visitors have the convenience of choosing from. However, one must consider all aspects before making the booking. Factors such as the distance, location, reach, quality of service among other things must be kept in mind.

• Come prepared for the climate: Another thing that needs to be kept in mind while visiting Kolkata is that the climate can get slightly hot. Understand the location of Kolkata is quite close to the equator and therefore, humidity and warm weathers are quite a common thing over here. Be prepared for the same.

• Water and eatables: Travellers travelling to any destination in the whole have the potential of developing the travellers’ diarrhea. People consume contaminated water or food and fall sick. However, make sure that you have bottled water throughout your journey in the city of Kolkata.

• Drinking laws: The truth is – you will fall so deeply in love with this place that you may not want to intoxicate yourself. The legal drinking age is 21 and there are plenty of bars, pubs, clubs, resorts and restaurants that offer the service of alcohol to individuals.

• Visit the Mother Teresa House: Mother Teresa is a well known identity all through the world. The Albanian Roman catholic did a lot while serving India. She spent most of her time in Kolkata. Her former home in Kolkata is now called Motherhouse and is open for interested visitors to visit.

• Worship at the Kalighat Kali temple: The Kalighat Kali temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of Kali and is one of the most visited and sacred destinations in the whole of Kolkata. The place attracts approximately thousands of pilgrims every day. While walking to the temple you will realize how packed the city is on both the sides with stalls and shops selling religious items.

• Get fascinated by South Park Street cemetery: Well, this can be qualified as one of the spookiest things to do in Kolkata. Stroll through the city and end up at the South Park Street Cemetry. It is extremely quite and peaceful and the place, which was set up in 1767 includes at least 160 tombs.

• Shop at the Sir Stuart Hogg market: Looking to experience Kolkata in a typical, ethnic and rural fashion? Kolkata offers just that. It’s the Sir Stuart Hogg market which is one of the most colourful and vibrant affairs in the city. Visitors can shop for vegetables, clothes, handicrafts and so much more from the place. What’s more?

• The Mullik Ghat Flower Market: The Mulluk Ghat Flower Market is located directly under the Howrah Bridge and is the most bustling portions of the city. The market is open at all hours of the day and one can find vendors and porters continuously walking and running up and down the market place trying to auction their stalk off to interested buyers.

• Historic moment at the India Museum: The Indian Museum of Kolkata is one of the most significant structures in the whole of India. There is so much history pouring out of this place, it is unbelievable. The museum has a collection of libraries, artefacts, important documents and so much more. If you are a history buff – you will surely love this place.

• Relaxing sessions at Belur Math: Unlike the chaotic and constant scams that take place around the place, Belur Math is quite the opposite for a change. It is a safe, peaceful and perfect place to relax. This place was founded by the great Swami Vivekananda and still exists to be one of the primary attractions in the whole of Kolkata.

• Indulge in the street food of Kolkata: There are plenty of things to do and see in Kolkata, however if you are a foodie then you are definitely in for a treat. There’s absolutely nothing more rewarding than taking a nice stroll through the city and taking a bite of Kolkata’s street food.

It can be said definitively that autumn is the time when Kolkata offers its best weather. Just after the monsoons, the temperature cools down and makes the weather most comforting. Here is a breakdown of climates during different seasons:

Summer

Summer starts from March and lasts until May in Kolkata; however, it can sometimes last to mid-June. The temperature stays between 30 degrees to 40 degrees Celsius, with high level of humidity.

Monsoon

From June to September, Kolkata experiences its monsoon. It generally rains heavily during these months, sometimes all through the day. This can be little difficult for tourists.

Winter

Post monsoon and winter are the periods of time when Kolkata will offer you the best atmospheres for traveling. The temperature ranges from 9 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius.

Kolkata is a very well connected city by air, road, and rail. You can pick any suitable mode of transfer, depending on where you are coming from and your travel budget.

Air

The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is one of India’s finest airports. It’s located in Dum Dum and connected to the core of the city by fine roads and over bridges. You can take a yellow taxi or bus to anywhere in the city.

Rail

Kolkata has two of the busiest and largest railway station in India, namely the Howrah Station and the Sealdah Station. There are major railways stations all over the city. Kolkata has a major metro railway system that connects all parts of the city really well.

Road

It’s really easy to travel to Kolkata by road. There are long distance AC buses that leave for Kolkata from most Major cities of India. You can reserve a seat online and have a hassle free journey.

The City of Joy is a dream tourist place with a lot of great attraction. You can travel around the city to discover an array of cultural, historical, and modern places bound to satisfy a traveler's heart. Some of the places that you shouldn’t miss are:

• Indian Museum- India’s oldest and the largest museum. It has a great collection of artifacts from different eras.
• Mother House- established by Mother Teresa, this is one of the city’s most famous pilgrimages.
• Park Street- a very famous street, known for its restaurants, pubs, and stores.
• College Street- famous for the sheer number of bookstores it has. Some of these stores are more than 100 years old.
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple- a popular religious destination.
• Maidan- an urban place to enjoy the breeze, eat, and take part in sporting activities, including horseback riding.
• Victoria Memorial Hall- this marble building was built in the memory of Queen Victoria after hear death in 1901.
• Howrah Bridge- a metallic wonder.

Kolkata is a popular choice when it comes to travels; hence, the accommodations are available in plenty. All the best resorts in Kolkata offer to you the comfort of home and the luxury of your dreams. When you are looking for resorts in and around Kolkata, don’t forget to check these out:

• Vedic Village Spa Resort
• IBIZA Resort
• The Ffort Raichak
• Ganga Kutir
• Aquatica Water Theme Park and Resort
• Anaya
• Chanyakyapuri Resort

Kolkata is a very well planned city with interconnected main roads and streets. Because of this, you can travel within the city and reach anywhere in no time. There is enough number of ways to travel in Kolkata, some of which are:

Metro

The metro rail is one of the fastest and most convenient modes of travels available in Kolkata. There are prominent stops that connect the entire city well.

Bus

State and private buses run all around the city all day long. You can find a bus depot near you and find the right bus that’s going to your destination.

Taxi

The famous yellow taxi of Kolkata is an easy to find transportation. You can get one from any street and enjoy a comfortable ride.

Auto rickshaw and rickshaw

For short distance transports, an auto rickshaw is probably your best choice. The same is true for manpowered rickshaws. They are easily available and cheap.

Kolkata has modern shopping malls in bundles but it also has old market areas which can be considered as tourist attractions too. Some of the best shopping areas in the city are:

• New Market- shop for clothing, jewelries, and accessories from here. A crowded market where you can test your bargaining game.
• Dakshinapan Shopping Center- known for its variety of quality handicraft items.
• College Street- if you are looking for old and rare books then hop around the bookstores and you might find some true gems.
• Bara Bazaar- visit this place to discover what a market can be. It’s a chaotic delight.
• Chowringhee Road- famous for terracotta Items.
• Shopping malls- if you are searching for branded products then the mall is the answer.

Kolkata’s biryani is one of its most iconic dishes. The specialty is that you will get potato and boiled egg served with the biriyani. Two best restaurant chains to buy it from:

• Arselan
• Aminia

You must also try Bengali fish preparations and sweets, specially, Rasogolla.

If you are looking for adventure then there are three things you must do:

Zoo

Visit the Kolkata zoo for a fun filled morning. The weekends are the best times to visit and see a great collection of animals.

Polo Club

The Calcutta Polo Club is famous for its historical story. Among all the polo clubs still in existence, this is the oldest one. It was established in 1862.

Sundarban Tour

Visiting Kolkata won’t be completed until you climb on a cruise to the Sundarbans.

The Kolkata Book Fair is the largest book fair in Asia and the world’s most attended one. It’s held between the last week of January and the end of first week of February.

The Durga Puja is the biggest festival celebrated in Kolkata. During the 10 days of Durga Puja, Kolkata celebrates the goddess, the light, the sound, and the people- all reflecting the beautiful and peaceful culture of the city.