How to Plan a Trip to Kolkata
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to India needs.
Your 4-step Kolkata plan
Step 1 — Book flights to CCU
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport (CCU) is the main gateway to Kolkata. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to CCUStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Park Street + Tagore's House for the best first-time visit — Kolkata's hipster street + the poet Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home (Jorasanko Thakur Bari, INR 250).
Where to stay in KolkataStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Victoria Memorial, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Kolkata.
Things to do in KolkataStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Pre-paid taxi (rank outside) is INR 500–800 (€5.50–9) and takes 40–60 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
CCU arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Same India rules as Chennai — e-visa USD 25-100. Note: Kolkata airport processes more domestic than international flights — confirm terminal at booking.