A lot of people not just from within the country but also outside India arrive at Kolkata each year to explore the rich heritage and culture of the city. There really is so much to see and do in Kolkatta (formerly Calcutta and the capital of India’s West Bengal state).
If you are travelling from within India, you can get direct flights from different parts of the country. But if you are travelling from somewhere out of India, you may have to take up options such as Chennai, Mumbai or a Dehli to Kolkata Flight.
But if you are planning to travel to Kolkata for the purpose of a vacation, you should keep in mind to choose the right time to visit. The summers in the city are scorching and the monsoons cause floods.
When to visit Kolkata
September to October
One of the biggest attractions of Kolkata is Durga Puja, an annual Hindu festival that takes place in October. Though Dussehra is famous throughout the country in different forms, Durga Puja in Kolkata is a time that attracts several tourists from different parts of the world.
Usually, the event lasts for 10 days but the main attractions are seen during the last five to six days. The whole city is decorated with lights and special arrangements are made to manage the crowd during this time of the year.
What you explore during the Durga Puja in Kolkata are huge pandals with different themes. The city also runs a competition of awarding the best pandals in order to motivate the organisers to come up with unique ideas and create magnificent artworks across the city.
December to January
If you have missed out on the Durga Puja event during the months of September and October, you do not have to worry. You can again plan a trip to Kolkata during the months of December and January. The city celebrates Christmas and New Year with great pomp and ceremony.
If you visit during the festive season, make sure to have a trip to the Park Street area during Christmas Eve. This place is decorated with lights, festoons, Christmas trees, and many other gems to welcome people from different parts of the country.
This festive mood carries on till the New Year. Also, the weather this time is quite amazing to offer you a perfect option to explore the city, too.
February to March
The timing between the mid of February and start of March is another good time to explore the city. The festival of love, Valentine’s Day, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the city.
Apart from this, the weather during this time is quite comfortable so that you can have a proper trip to different places and tourist attractions in the city.
Kolkata is known for its sweets, culture and heritage places. Every year it attracts tourists from across the world. You should just know the right time to visit the city and then you will enjoy all the corners of it.
