Calcutta, also formally known as Kolkata, is often referred to as the intellectual capital of India. Home to more than 14 million people, Calcutta sits on the deltas known as Brahmaputra and Ganges, long ago an area under British control. Today, visitors to the beautiful city of Calcutta are amazed by its Victorian architecture, markets, and gardens.

When to Visit Calcutta

The best time to visit Calcutta is between the months of November and February. While the average tourist season is a bit longer, lasting from October through March, you’ll find that the weather in October is a bit too humid, and that in March the weather is beginning to get a little too warm. The nicest months to visit are in Decemberand January, when the sun is warm and there is very little rain.

The worst time to visit Calcutta is during the months of April, May, and June. During these months the weather is incredibly hot and humid and the oppressive heat will make it nearly impossible to go out and sight-see during normal daytime hours. During the months of July, August, and September you’ll have to travel at your own risk as those months are right in the midst of monsoon season.

Transportation throughout Calcutta

The most common form of transportation in Calcutta is the taxi cab, though you may find that a cab ride is more expensive than you originally anticipated. Because most of the meters are old, you’ll end up paying about 50% more than what the meter reads, making it very difficult to determine whether or not you’re paying a fair amount for your ride. If you are traveling during the summer months you’ll want to make sure you call Kolkata Cabs. They charge a flat rate and, unlike the traditional yellow cab, actually have air conditioning.

Etiquette in Calcutta

Tipping expected in certain service industries in Calcutta but not in others. You are not, for example, expected to tip a taxi cab driver. You should, on the other hand, tip the porters at the airport, train station, or at your hotel. If you have a private tour guide or driver you should tip him approximately 10% per day for his services.

In restaurants you are expected to tip between 5 and 10% for good service. You are not necessarily expected to leave tips for services provided to you in a hotel (for cleaning services, for example).

Check with the concierge at any of your Calcutta hotels before you leave on a tourist excursion. He will be able to tell you what type of attire you should be wearing. If you’re going to visit any sort of religious center you should be dressed modestly. Your head should be covered and you will be required to take off your shoes before entering. While most locals are understanding of tourists, it is always better to try to blend in and respect local customs no matter where you are traveling.

Learning Indian Phrases

While it is unlikely you will find yourself in a situation where there are no interpreters or people who speak English, it is advisable to learn at least a few Indian phrases. Doing so will endear you to your hosts and let them know that you cared enough to at least attempt to learn a bit of their language. Some of the most useful phrases to learn are as follows:

• Na-ma-ste (Hello)
• Ach-ha (Goodbye)
• Kripaya (Please)
• Dan-ya-vad (Thank you)
• Bath-room kid-har hai (Where is the bathroom?)
• Mujhe paani chahiye (I want water)
• Ye kitne ka hai (How much is this?)
• Ma-dad (Help)

Things to See in Calcutta

There are, of course, plenty of astounding things to see and do in a city as amazing as Calcutta. Make sure you start with a trip to the Kalighat Kali Temple, the temple from which the city got its name. The temple has had the distinction of being considered a holy place of the goddess, or Shakti pitham, for the past 500 years. The temple that sits on the property now was built during the 19^th century and the entire complex is filled with shrines, statues, shops, and vendors clamoring to sell devotional items.

A few other notable attractions in Calcutta include the Howrah Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Zoological Garden Kolkata (or the Alipore Zoo), and the Malik Ghat Flower Market. Each represents a distinct part of the ever evolving culture of Calcutta.

The city of Calcutta is warm, welcoming, and waiting for your arrival. Your trip to Calcutta is one we’re sure you’ll never forget!