Flights to Kolkata (CCU)

Often referred to as India’s culture capital, Kolkata is a diverse city on the banks of the Hooghly River that’s brimming with impressive architecture.

Howrah Bridge is among the city’s most distinctive features and connects its central area with the Howrah district. Join the thousands of pedestrians who use the bridge each day or observe from afar as the impressive steel structure is lit up with coloured lights when night falls.

Fascinating cultural experiences and rich history are at every turn in Kolkata, and none more so than at the Indian Museum, one of the world’s largest and oldest museums. Tour this grand palace to see rare collections of skeletons, Mughal paintings, and other antiques, including from the Mohenjo-daro civilisation, one of the world's earliest major cities.

To the north of Kolkata, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a glorious sight worth making the trip up the Hooghly River for. See the red and yellow walls of this magnificent 19th-century temple, featuring a nine-spired main complex, reflecting off the river.

The Victoria Memorial is another unmissable architectural feat back in central Kolkata. This majestic white marble building sits on the edge of the sprawling Maidan urban park and its stunning domed roofs, intricately designed walls and immaculate gardens make for a picturesque view.

Elsewhere, the sprawling Science City offers an exciting array of interactive exhibits that capture the imaginations of visitors of all ages. Allow your visual perception to be toyed with by mind-bending illusions, or experience the thrills of a space expedition in a state-of-the-art motion simulator.

Kolkata also plays host to elite cricket, India’s most popular sport. Take your seat alongside over 65,000 others at Eden Gardens, the nation’s oldest cricket stadium, as some of the best players on the planet grace the field.

There are plentiful shopping opportunities in Kolkata, particularly on Park Street, a famously colourful and lively strip of trendy stores and eateries. For a more traditional retail experience, head to New Market, a staggeringly large maze of stalls and shops that has been serving the city for well over a century.

While exploring Park Street or New Market, you’ll be inundated with smells of Kolkata’s famous cuisine. For a quick snack, try a kati roll, a delicious skewer-roasted kebab wrapped in a paratha bread. For a more substantial meal, macher jhol is a traditional fish curry with a delightfully tangy flavour.