Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotels
Cracking Kolkata
India’s cultural capital is a shock to most tourists, and not always in a good way. Kolkata has its fair share of confronting poverty, crumbling colonial architecture and street kids desperate to sell sympathetic visitors a ‘bargain’. But amidst teeming streets thick with the flavour of human life are some of India’s brightest gems. ... Read more »
South Kolkata is the city’s fanciest quarter and one of the least congested. Equally ritzy are the five-star hotels, theme parks and Bengali gentry housing estates of fast-developing East Kolkata. Further up meanwhile, North Kolkata’s narrow lanes and centuries-old buildings are an ode to romantic dilapidation. The Esplanade is the clogged artery of Kolkata’s fast-beating heart, where the bustling human life flows faster than the nearby River Ganges.
KOLKATA’S TOP 10
10. National Library The 250-year-old former viceregal residence is now full of bookshelves and reading rooms, but you’ll probably spend more time ogling the palatial interior… |
5. Birla Planetarium The informative shows explaining the intricate world of planets and galaxies are sure to fascinate. |
9. Saheed Minar This massive 48m (157ft) high column celebrates the martyrs of the freedom struggle. |
4. Eden Gardens More for cricket fans than nature freaks, the gargantuan Eden Gardens is the oldest stadium in India and one of the finest in the world. |
8. Nicco Park Spread over 40 acres, the ‘Disneyland of Kolkata’ is a feast for the eyes of nature freaks and adrenaline junkies alike. |
3. Howrah Bridge The best-known landmark in Kolkata is best viewed from a distance, when the pretty lights mask its dirtiness. |
7. Writer’s Building This massive heritage site has been home to all shades of political opinion. Whatever yours is, you’re bound to appreciate its grand red façade. |
2. Victoria Memorial Modelled on the Taj Mahal, this early 20th century structure has its status as one of Kolkata’s top tourist attractions to thank for its well-maintained anatomy. |
6. Marble Palace The eclectic and bizarre mix of magnificent sculptures and shoddy maintenance is everything a 19th century Kolkata mansion should be. |
1. Fort William You’ll have to get permission to enter this majestic former British fortress, constructed in 1781 and still a picturesque site on the banks of the Hooghly. Its predecessor was the site of the infamous Black Hole of Calcutta. |
Kolkata, India
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of West Bengal in India. Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, Kolkata beckons visitors with its rich history and beautiful architecture, such as the Marble Palace and the Victoria Memorial. Kolkata is an extraordinary location to discover art, culture, history and, most of all, a refreshed spirit.
Kolkata Attractions
- Kali Temple of Dakshineshwar
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Nicco Park
Kolkata Activities
- Attend Durga Puja, an important fall festival
- See the beautiful Indian Museum of Kolkata
- Tour the Academy of Fine Arts
Kolkata Climate
The summer months of May through August experience hot and humid days, with highs reaching about 104°F (40°C). Winter tends to last for about two and a half months, and temperatures drop to 57°F (14°C) between December and February. The average annual temperature is 80°F (27°C), annual rainfall measures 62 inches (1,575 mm) and the best time to visit is from October to March.
Getting There & Around
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, located in Dum Dum to the north of the city, provides both domestic and international flights to Kolkata. Visitors can take trams and buses to reach hotels.
Public transport in the city is provided by Kolkata Metro, which is run by Indian Railways. With its extensive network, travellers are able to get about the city as well as the distant suburbs.
Kolkata Events
If you’re not Hindu, don’t try to enter the temple during Ratha Yatra in June/July. Happily, you can still enjoy the fairs and festivities of the event celebrating the symbolic movement of the chariot of Jagannath.
Kolkata comes to vibrant life for the Durga Puja Festival commemorating the goddess Durga and her trusty lion steed in late-September or early October.
The lavish street fairs that mark Eid are open to all in October/November. Kolkata is the gastronomic capital of Eastern India, so come hungry.
When To Go
- Expect plenty of rain if visiting between May and September.
- Most tourists arrive in the dry months between November and April, when the heat subsides and a walk around the Esplanade isn’t almost physically impossible.
- The coolest months are December and January, when daytime averages still hover around 27°C (81°F).
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« HideLytton Hotel Kolkata
3 Stars$168
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14 & 14/1, Sudder Street Kolkata West Bengal 700016
Lytton Hotel Kolkata offers business facilities and quality service for travellers visiting to Kolkata. This property ... More hotel details
Chrome Hotel Kolkata
4 Stars$111
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226 A J C Bose Road Kolkata West Bengal 700020
Chrome Hotel Kolkata offers luxurious accommodation, pleasing ambience and friendly service. This boutique hotel enjoy... More hotel details
Floatel Hotel Kolkata
4 Stars$112
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9/ 10 Kolkata Jetty Strand Road Kolkata West Bengal 70001
Providing comfort and luxury at the edge of river Hooghly, the Floatel Hotel Kolkata offers guests with spectacular vi... More hotel details
$102
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Kona Expressway Howrah Kolkata West Bengal 711403
Located in a quiet environment near Hooghly River and connected to Kona Expressway, Fortune Park Panchwati Hotel Kolka... More hotel details
$292
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21B Doctor Upendra Nath Brahmachari Street Kolkata West Bengal 700016
Boasting modern architectural design in central Kolkata, Fortune Select Loudon Hotel Kolkata offers a stylish base sui... More hotel details
The Kenilworth Hotel Kolkata
4 Stars$201
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1 & 2 Little Russel Street Kolkata West Bengal 700071
The Kenilworth Hotel Kolkata makes for an ideal Indian accommodation in the lively city of Kolkata with its elegant ro... More hotel details
The Peerless Inn Kolkata
4 Stars$201
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12 Jawaharlal Nehru Road Kolkata West Bengal 700 013
At Peerless Inn, Bengali hospitality welcomes you with all its warmth and charm into the heart of Kolkata's vivacious ... More hotel details
$175
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235/1 Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road Kolkata West Bengal 700 020
A place in which to work and enjoy, Hotel Hindusthan International Kolkata is designed for comfort and relaxation, equ... More hotel details
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
5 Stars$196
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JA-1 Sector 3 Salt Lake Kolkata West Bengal 700 098
Combining exceptional location, incapable charm and welcoming atmosphere, this property is an ideal place for a splend... More hotel details
ITC Sonar Hotel Kolkata
5 Stars$264
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JBS Haldane Avenue Opposite Science City Kolkata West Bengal 700046
ITC Sonar Hotel Kolkata offers impeccable service with uncompromising dedication and individual attention to all servi... More hotel details
Other Recommended Hotels
| Swissotel Kolkata | 5 Stars | Price from $219 |
| Taj Bengal Hotel Kolkata | 5 Stars | Price from $231 |
| The Oberoi Grand Kolkata Hotel | 5 Stars | Price from $268 |
| The Park Kolkata | 5 Stars | Price from $182 |
