The best months to visit Kolkata are Oct – Feb. 18–28°C and dry; Mar–May is brutal heat; Jun–Sep is monsoon.
Quick facts
Currency INR (₹) 1 USD ≈ ₹83. Cards work in restaurants and hotels; carry cash for street food
Language Bengali / Hindi English widely spoken: Kolkata has the highest English literacy in India
Timezone IST (UTC+5:30) No daylight saving time
Best Months Oct – Feb 18–28°C and dry; Mar–May is brutal heat; Jun–Sep is monsoon
Daily Budget ~$18–35 USD ₹1,500–2,900/day: Kolkata is one of India's most affordable major cities
Visa e-Visa online Tourist e-Visa $25 for 30 days; apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in
When to go
India's cultural capital, a city of crumbling colonial grandeur, Nobel laureates, fierce football fans, and the world's best street food.
Getting Around in Kolkata
- Kolkata Metro is the easiest way around: Line 1 (Blue) runs north–south through the city. ₹5–25/trip. Smart card available at stations for small discount. Clean, air-conditioned, and reliable
- Trams (₹7–10) are unique to Kolkata and wonderful for sightseeing: slow, atmospheric, and charming. They share routes with buses and taxis along major corridors
- Yellow Ambassador taxis are metered (₹25 flag, ₹13/km) and nostalgic. Ola and Uber work and are more reliable. Hand-pulled rickshaws survive in the Shyambazar area: use them if you choose, noting the ethical complexity
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Kolkata travel guide.
Timezone: IST (UTC+5:30) (No daylight saving time)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Kolkata?
The best months to visit Kolkata are Oct – Feb (18–28°C and dry; Mar–May is brutal heat; Jun–Sep is monsoon), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Kolkata budget breakdown.
