Kolkata (Bengali: কলকাতা Kolkātā, Hindi: कोलकाता Kolkātā), formerly and still fondly called Calcutta, is the largest city in eastern India and the capital of the state of West Bengal. Once the capital of the British Raj till 1911, Kolkata is said to have been built on three villages along the Hooghly River, a distributary of the mighty Ganges. The city has seen tremendous growth during and after the partition of India in 1947.
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Kolkata (Bengali: KOHL-kah-tah) is the main business, commercial and financial hub of eastern India. Spread along the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, Kolkata was once the administrative centre of the British Raj, governing a vast region that stretched from Pakistan to Burma (Myanmar) and the "second city of the British Empire after London". The name "Kolkata" is derived from Kolikātā (কলিকাতা), the name of one of the three villages in the area before the arrival of the British. There has been much debate regarding the origin of the name. Some say the name derives from Kālīkhyetro (কালীক্ষেত্র), meaning the "land of [the goddess] Kali".
Kolkata has an extensive public transport network, from the modern rapid transit system to the century-old heritage tram system. The oldest rail rapid transit system in India, the Kolkata Metro is the fastest, cleanest, most reliable, least crowded (though still rather crowded) and most efficient of all the transportation Kolkata has to offer. As of 2025, five lines are operational and more are under construction. The four-seat sections at each end of a coach are reserved for senior citizens and the physically challenged. The two middle seat sections, between the general seat sections on each side, are reserved for women. Smoking is also strictly prohibited on the metro premises.
Individual listings can be found in Kolkata's district articles Kolkata is known for its numerous attractions — palaces, parks and museums — built during and after the 190 years of British rule in India. Built in 1814, the Indian Museum houses large collections that showcase Indian natural history and Indian art. The Marble Palace is a classic example of a European mansion that was built in the city. The iconic Victoria Memorial has a museum documenting the city's history. The National Library is the leading public library in India, while Science City is the largest science centre in the country.
Individual listings can be found in Kolkata's district articles Take a tram ride in Kolkata. The city has the only active tram service in India and has become an icon of Kolkata. They move slowly on the laid tracks in traffic-jammed streets. Several modern cinemas are dotted around the city, including INOX with several locations, Fame at Metropolis Mall in Highland Park, and RDB Adlabs at RDB Boulevard, Near Infinity Building in Sector-V, Bidhannagar, all showing Indian and American blockbusters. Kolkata also has many established theatre houses, which host events by international theatre groups frequently.
Individual listings can be found in Kolkata's district articles Kolkata has old traditions about eating out. Wilson's Hotel (which later became the Great Eastern Hotel) is credited to have been the first western-style hotel/restaurant in Kolkata, serving what was then forbidden food for Indians, particularly Hindus. One could be treated as an out-caste if caught eating there, but the idea caught on and others followed. Many of the restaurants that line the streets in the Esplanade area have been around for more than a hundred years. The joy of food in Kolkata is in its Indian foods.
Individual listings can be found in Kolkata's district articles There are plenty of places to buy alcohol around the city. Kolkata has many pubs and bars, which are frequented by youngsters as well as its older residents. Some pubs have live concerts or DJs. All pubs are supposed to shut shop by midnight or 1AM. So go early if you want to enjoy yourself in the club.
For any emergency dial ☏ 112. This number connects to police, fire, ambulance, women and child helplines as well as the coast guard for incidents on the river. You will be asked which of these services you require before being connected to the relevant operator. Kolkata is one of the safest cities in India, and the people are friendly and helpful. Taking normal precautions for the safe keeping of your personal possessions is enough, as you would do in any Indian city. All shops in Kolkata get closed by 10PM, except pharmacies.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Oct, Kolkata typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 15 rainy days.
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