When: October 2024
Reference: Wikipedia - Kolkata
Quick Facts
- Despite being crowded, the city is cleaner than its reputation suggests
- Locals are friendly, attentive, and helpful
- Warning: Be cautious around Kali Temple - known for scams by local pandits
- The city remains active throughout the night, even at 2-3 AM
Getting Around
- Ride-hailing services available: Uber, Ola, and YatriSathi
- Airport is 40-70 minutes from city center and relatively uncrowded
- Watch out for extra charges from airport transport providers
- Yellow taxis don't use meters - use Ola prices as bargaining reference
- Two tram routes operate from Esplanade, running every 60-90 minutes - worth experiencing despite irregular timing
Places to Visit
- Victoria Memorial
- St Paul's Cathedral
- Pen Hospital - Specialty pen shop
- Esplanade Junction - Tram terminus
- Eden Gardens - Cricket enthusiasts' destination
- Howrah Bridge
- Mallick Ghat - Asia's largest flower market (Note: Area is unsanitary)
Food Guide
- ZamZam - Famous for Beef Biryani
- Peter Cat - Continental cuisine
- The Blue Poppy Thakali - Tibetan cuisine, known for Chilli Pork and Momos
- Mohun Bagan Canteen - Try the Fried Fish and Devil's Egg
- Indian Coffee House - Historic café, famous for mutton omelette and bread toast
- Olypub - Traditional bar atmosphere with excellent food
- Kusum Roll - Best Kolkata rolls
- Maharaj Snacks - Outstanding breakfast options
- 6, Ballygunge Place - Bengali Thali and Kasha Mangsho
- Tung Nam Eating House - Excellent Chinese food, especially Chilli Pork
- Patisserie by Franziska - Coffee and desserts
- Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick - Traditional Bengali sweets
