Flights To Kolkata Guide

Kolkata, otherwise known as the ‘City of Joy,’ speaks to a spirit of resilience and revelry that’s as contagious as it is captivating. Board your plane and allow us to lead the way – an odyssey brimming with vivid colours, delightful chaos, and a tapestry of human tales is about to unfold. Book your season’s flights to Kolkata with Woking Travel – we’re a trusted team of wanderlust-enablers, committed to offering secure, seamless voyages that shelter you from the travel logistics hustle. 

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) serves as the most significant airport in Kolkata. It facilitates both international and domestic flights and provides passengers with all standard amenities. Alternative airport options include the Bagdogra Airport (IXB), 560 km away from Kolkata, and Jamshedpur Airport (IXW), 250 km away.
The direct flight from the UK to Kolkata takes 9 to 10 hours and the major airlines facilitating this operation include British Airways, Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways.

Woking Travel also provides seamless transportation service from the airport to your accommodation. To book your transfer, please visit Transfers-Woking Travel.

Kolkata, a city that welcomes every traveller with open arms, offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. Woking Travel provides a range of options for booking your holidays and hotels for a divine experience.
Here, we present a categorised selection of the best hotels in Kolkata to help you find the best suited stay:

1. The Oberoi Grand: Known as the ‘Grande Dame of Chowringhee,’ this heritage hotel offers unmatched luxury and service in the heart of Kolkata.
   
   
2. ITC Sonar: A stunning property reflecting the cultural ethos of the city, set amidst lush gardens and water bodies, providing an oasis of tranquillity.
   
   
3. Taj Bengal: A sanctuary of elegance and comfort located close to the city’s prominent landmarks.
   
   
4. The Park Kolkata: A contemporary hotel with stylish rooms and modern amenities located on the vibrant Park Street.
   
   
5. Kenilworth Hotel: Nestled in a quaint corner of Kolkata, this hotel offers a blend of modernity and tradition, ensuring a comfortable stay.
   
   
6. Sapphire Suites: Offering well-appointed rooms and essential facilities, this hotel ensures value for money in the central business district.
   
   
7. Hotel Esplanade Chambers: A budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on comfort, located conveniently close to major attractions.
   
   
8. Astoria Hotel: With its prime location and affordable pricing, Astoria offers a no-frills stay for travellers looking to explore Kolkata on a budget.
   
   
9. Geetanjali Regency: A cost-effective choice for visitors, providing basic amenities and a friendly environment.
   
   
10. The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat: A luxurious facility that offers roomy lodgings, a well-equipped fitness centre, and a variety of dining options. 

Exploring Kolkata offers a unique glimpse into a mix of traditional and modern modes of transportation. Each mode serves as a means to get around and as an experience. Below are the categories and examples of transport you can utilise in Kolkata:

• Hand-Pulled Rickshaws: A throwback to a bygone era, offering a slow-paced tour of narrow city lanes.
• Trams: One of Kolkata’s most endearing symbols, trams offer a leisurely way to see the city, clacking through its heart.
• Yellow Taxis: Iconic to Kolkata, these cabs are an easy way to get around the city, offering door-to-door service.
• Metro Railway: The first metro service in India, providing a quick and efficient way to cover long distances without the hassle of traffic.
• Local Trains: Connecting Kolkata’s suburbs to its bustling centre, they are a lifeline for daily commuters.
• UBER and Ola Cabs: These ride-hailing services are readily available through mobile apps for those looking for a comfortable and air-conditioned ride.
• Electric Rickshaws: A greener alternative for short distances, offering a silent, pollution-free ride.
• Ferries across the Hooghly River: A picturesque way to travel between Kolkata and Howrah, offering a serene view of the river bordered by the city’s architecture.

Choosing a convenient mode of transport in Kolkata can significantly enhance your exploration of the city, giving you a richer experience of its diverse culture and vibrant streets.

Here are top 10 destinations that should make it to your Kolkata itinerary:

1. Victoria Memorial: An architectural splendour dedicated to Queen Victoria, set amidst sprawling gardens that offer a picturesque respite from the urban hum.
   
   
2. The Indian Museum: An intellectual odyssey spanning five millennia, where antiquities, art, and natural history collections create a chronicle of India’s narrative.
   
   
3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple: A revered sanctum, its divine aura is complemented by the tranquil Hooghly river beside it.
   
   
4. Eden Gardens: An icon in cricketing lore, echoing with the cheers of generations of genuine fans.
   
   
5. Kalighat Kali Temple: A testimony to the city’s spiritual magnetism, drawing pilgrims and travellers in an unceasing throng.
   
   
6. St. Paul’s Cathedral: A neo-gothic cathedral, a serene haven standing silent witness to the city’s tumultuous past.
   
   
7. Princep Ghat: A romantic rendezvous with history, where the palaeolithic eminence of the Vidyasagar Setu Bridge brings ancient and modern together.
   
   
8. M.P. Birla Planetarium: A cosmic experience that educates and enthrals with breathtaking shows and celestial displays.
   
   
9. Thakur Bari: The ancestral home of the Tagore family, where serenity and the muse intertwine harmoniously.
   
   
10. Park Street: A bustling promenade resonating with the laughter and music of numerous eateries, ranging from age-old bakeries to upscale restaurants.

The city is known for its culinary delights. Here are the best restaurants you can visit in Kolkata;

1. Peter Cat: It is a legendary establishment in Park Street, famous for its Chelo Kebabs. Peter Cat offers a blend of Continental and North Indian cuisines.
   
   
2. Oh! Calcutta: It is a must-visit for anyone keen on exploring Bengali cuisine. Oh! Calcutta serves authentic Bengali dishes, including delectable fish preparations and traditional sweets.
   
   
3. Arsalan: It is known for its sumptuous biryanis and Mughlai cuisine. Arsalan is a go-to spot for those craving rich, flavourful dishes.
   
   
4. Bhojohori Manna: They specialise in traditional Bengali dishes. Bhojohori Manna offers a homely dining experience with an extensive menu that highlights the region’s culinary heritage.
   
   
5. The Corner Courtyard: It is a boutique restaurant housed in a restored 1904 bungalow. They offer a fusion of Continental, Indian, and Oriental cuisines in an elegant setting.
   
   
6. Bohemian: They are known for their innovative take on Bengali cuisine. Bohemian blends traditional flavours with modern techniques, resulting in unique and delightful dishes.
   
   
7. Kewpie’s Kitchen: This is a family-run restaurant offering an authentic Bengali dining experience. Kewpie’s Kitchen serves traditional dishes in a cosy, homely environment.
   
   
8. Indian Accent: It is located in The Park Hotel. Indian Accent offers contemporary Indian cuisine with a creative twist, merging traditional flavours with modern presentation.
   
   
9. Paris Café: It is a charming café that brings a slice of Paris to Kolkata. They offer French patisseries, savoury crepes, and a delightful selection of coffees.
   
   
10. Flurys: It is an iconic tearoom on Park Street. Flurys is celebrated for its delectable pastries, English breakfasts, and delightful teas, providing a quintessential colonial ambience.

Prepare to immerse yourself in experiences as enriching as they are exhilarating with these ten essential activities in Kolkata.

1. Attend a Durga Puja: Immerse yourself in the festivity and fervour of the city’s grandest festival.
   
   
2. Experience the Railway Museum: A homage to India’s tryst with the tracks, where vintage locomotives preserve the stories of steel and steam.
   
   
3. Day at the Race Course: Sample the luxury at the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, where horse racing paints the city in a mosaic of excitement.
   
   
4. Science City: Where the realms of science meet entertainment, fostering the spirit of inquiry among its visitors.
   
   
5. Botanical Gardens: Home to the world’s largest tree species, the Great Banyan, where nature’s creation strikes a humbling chord.
   
   
6. Kumartuli at Work: Witness the artisans at work, crafting idols with religious zeal and artist’s passion.
   
   
7. Kolkata Literary Meet: For the bibliophile, this event is a confluence of literature, philosophy, and the free exchange of human thought.
   
   
8. Bengali Recitals: Engage with the poetries and dramas in their native tongue at cultural meetings across the city.
   
   
9. Elliot Park: Seclude yourself with a book here as strangers pass by in semi-andante.
   
   
10. Sovabazar Rajbari: A shrine to the noble past, among havelis and the finesse of European architecture.
    
    

Kolkata, with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and modernity, invites explorers to immerse themselves in its unique charm. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of its festivals, the wisdom of its literary meets, or the tranquillity of its green spaces, the city promises a bouquet of experiences that resonate with every traveller.

Weather plays a pivotal role in planning your trip. Kolkata experiences three distinct seasons:

• Summer: Summers can be sweltering, with soaring temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) and reaching 40°C (104°F).
• Monsoon: Monsoon brings relief with its cascading rain with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
• Winter: Winter is the ideal time to soak in Kolkata’s charms, with its mild climate categorised by temperatures dropping down and ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

You can get more information from here about the live weather conditions in Kolkata.

• During GMT: Kolkata on Indian Standard Time (IST), stands 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

• During BST: Kolkata on Indian Standard Time (IST) is 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of British Summer Time (BST).

Be sure to make the necessary adjustments; time holds the key to unlocking Kolkata’s secrets at just the right moment.

Currency:

• The Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency used in Kolkata. With a favourable exchange rate, your dollars stretch far, letting you experience the city’s grandeur without excessive strain on your wallet. Moreover, ATMs are available throughout the city. Cash and card payments are extensively accepted, as well.
  
  

Language:

• Primary language spoken in Kolkata is Bengali (Bangla). Other languages spoken in the city are English, Hindi and Urdu.

Local Customs: 

Travellers in Kolkata should remove their shoes before entering homes and temples as a sign of respect. It is also customary to greet with a “Namaste” and a slight bow, especially when meeting elders.

Local Laws:

To find out more about the laws pertaining to travellers in Kolkata, please visit the following sites:

• UK government laws for travelling to Kolkata.
•  West Bengal tourism rules

With Woking Travel, every step of your Kolkata sojourn is paved with care. Every corner you turn unravels new wonders, and every smile you meet is another invitation to the City of Joy—a place where experiences come to life in vibrant, poignant harmony. Embark on this shared odyssey and discover the kaleidoscope of humanity that resides in the heart of Kolkata. Your adventure awaits.

Book your Kolkata adventure with Woking Travel Centre today and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of India’s cultural capital. Start planning now!