Once the birthplace of the British Raj, the city is filled with now-crumbling remnants of colonial architecture that seem to both complement and contradict its quintessentially Bengali soul.Buzzing with creative energy, Kolkata’s many museums, galleries and theatres sprawl along the east bank of the Hooghly River.
Crowded bazaars and teeming streets appear alongside upmarket shopping centres and restaurants where visitors can sample the mild, fruity tang of Bengali cuisine.
Why Visit?
- Set at the heart of Kolkata, the BBD Bagh is surrounded by crumbling colonial masterpieces.
- Built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee but only completed 20 years after her death, the beautifully proportioned white marble domes of the Victoria Memorial mark Kolkata’s most magnificent building.
- The old-fashioned Indian Museum houses its extensive collection of exhibits in an elegant colonnaded palace.
- Home to one of Kolkata’s most famous inhabitants, pilgrims to Mother Teresa’s mission can pay homage at her tomb or visit the small on-site museum.
Climate
Summer (May – September)
Min 25°C/77°F Max 45°C/113°F
Winter (October – April)
Min 5°C/41°F Max 25°C/77°F