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West Bengal, India
Kolkata
Cultural capital of eastern India and gateway to the Sundarbans
Art & MuseumsCultureFood & DrinkHistory & Heritage
Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is the capital of West Bengal and the cultural heart of eastern India, set on the Hooghly River. It is the principal gateway to the Sundarbans National Park, the vast mangrove delta and tiger habitat to its south. The city is famed for colonial architecture, literature, and festivals.
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Best time to visit
October to March
Region
West Bengal
Main airport
Kolkata (CCU)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Kolkata
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Kolkata
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
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Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting India
Yes. Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. An e-Visa (eTV) is available for tourism for citizens of over 160 countries — apply online before travel. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan are exempt.
India's tourist e-Visa typically allows stays of up to 90 days per visit (30 days for Pakistani nationals). The e-Visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issue and allows double entry.
A valid passport with at least 6 months validity, a printed copy of your e-Visa approval, return or onward travel details, a passport-sized photograph, and evidence of sufficient funds.
India is generally safe for tourists. Millions of visitors travel safely each year. Petty theft is the most common issue. Solo female travellers should take additional precautions, particularly at night and in rural areas. Read specific destination advice for the regions you plan to visit.
The Indian Rupee (INR, symbol ₹). Cash is still widely used — ensure you carry enough rupees, particularly in rural areas. ATMs are common in cities but less reliable in smaller towns.
India has 22 constitutionally recognised languages. Hindi is the most widely spoken and English is used widely for government, business, education, and tourism.
October to March is the ideal time for most of India — cool and dry across the plains and hill stations. Avoid the monsoon season (June–September) for northern sightseeing, though it can be spectacular in Kerala and Goa. Summer (April–June) is very hot in the plains.
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, witness the Varanasi ghats ceremonies, explore Rajasthan's forts and palaces, take a Kerala houseboat cruise, spot tigers in a wildlife reserve, hike in the Himalayas, explore the temples of Hampi, and experience a local festival.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai are the primary international hubs. Bengaluru (BLR) and Chennai (MAA) also handle significant international traffic.
Yes, strongly recommended. Medical facilities are excellent in major cities but limited in rural areas. A policy covering emergency medical evacuation is advisable.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever zone. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus vaccinations are strongly recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is advisable for travel to certain regions.