Kolkata trip planner: best time, cost and things to do

Kolkata, West Bengal
Photo: Wikipedia

Cultural capital with colonial architecture, adda culture, literature and legendary sweets. The best time to visit Kolkata is November to February, and May to June is best avoided (hot and humid). Plan 2 days; on the ground you can expect about ₹900 to ₹6,200 per person per day.

Plan your Kolkata trip and see the full cost

Kolkata at a glance

State
West Bengal
Best months
November to February
Best avoided
May to June (hot and humid)
Suggested stay
2 days
Nearest airport
CCU (in town)
Nearest railway station
Howrah Junction (HWH)
Good for
foodie, heritage
Ground cost per person per day
₹900 budget, ₹2,250 mid-range, ₹6,200 comfort

How much does a trip to Kolkata cost?

About ₹900 (budget), ₹2,250 (mid-range) or ₹6,200 (comfort) per person per day, two sharing a room and a cab, excluding the journey to Kolkata.

What to eat in Kolkata

  • Kathi roll
  • Phuchka
  • Kosha mangsho
  • Mishti doi and rosogolla

Top things to do in Kolkata

  • Victoria Memorial: White marble memorial and museum in 64 acres of gardens. about 2 hours. entry about ₹50
  • Howrah Bridge and Mullick Ghat: The cantilever giant over the Hooghly, next to a dawn flower market. about 1.5 hours. free entry
  • Dakshineswar Kali Temple: The riverside Kali temple where Ramakrishna lived. about 1.5 hours. free entry. Take the ferry across to Belur Math
  • Belur Math: A temple that blends temple, church and mosque styles, on the river. about 1.5 hours. free entry
  • Indian Museum: India's oldest museum (1814), complete with an Egyptian mummy. about 2 hours. entry about ₹50
  • College Street and Coffee House: A kilometre of book stalls and the legendary Indian Coffee House. about 2 hours. free entry
  • Kumartuli: The potters' quarter where Durga idols are sculpted by hand. about 1.5 hours. free entry
  • Park Street: Old-school Flurys, Peter Cat and jazz at Trincas. about 3 hours. free entry

How to get to Kolkata

To reach Kolkata, Kolkata has its own airport (CCU), and Howrah Junction (HWH) is the railway station.

Frequently asked questions about Kolkata

When is the best time to visit Kolkata?

The best months for Kolkata are November to February. May to June: hot and humid. Prices for stays and flights rise around holidays and long weekends, so book early for those dates.

How much does a trip to Kolkata cost?

On the ground in Kolkata a budget trip costs about ₹900 per person per day, a mid-range trip about ₹2,250 and a comfortable one about ₹6,200, assuming two people share a room and a cab. That covers stay, food and local transport but not the journey to Kolkata. TripRoast works out the full cost per person from your city, including transport.

How many days do you need in Kolkata?

Plan at least 2 days in Kolkata. It works well as a short break.

What should you eat in Kolkata?

Try Kathi roll, Phuchka, Kosha mangsho, Mishti doi and rosogolla.

How do you get to Kolkata?

To reach Kolkata, Kolkata has its own airport (CCU), and Howrah Junction (HWH) is the railway station.

Similar places to visit

Costs are estimates built from public data, official fares and traveller reports. Always check prices before you book. How TripRoast works.