Kolkata, known for its rich culture, offers excellent shopping for handloom sarees (Baluchari, Jamdani, Garad), terracotta handicrafts, Bengali sweets (Roshogolla, Mishti Doi), and Darjeeling tea. Top shopping areas include the bustling New Market, Gariahat for sarees, and College Street for books.
Kolkata is generally considered one of India's most affordable major cities, especially compared to Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, with significantly lower costs for rent, food, and transport, making it great for budget living, though some note rising costs and lower salaries in certain sectors. You can find very cheap options like ₹100 meals or budget PG stays, but it also has rising luxury markets and costs can increase with lifestyle choices and location, balancing its low-cost reputation with modern urban expenses.
Silk sarees from Kolkata, including the famous Baluchari and Garad sarees, exude opulence. Baluchari sarees are renowned for their elaborate motifs depicting mythological scenes, woven with precision and artistry.
Kolkata Street food [ Part 1 ] | Kachori, Baked Rasgulla, Kathi roll and more
Why is Kolkata called Dead city?
After independence, civil strife and communist rule saw Kolkata lose pace to other Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. In 1985 the prime minister Rajiv Ghandhi described Kolkata as a “dying” city.
Known as one of the best cloth markets in Kolkata, Gariahat is a paradise for saree lovers. It's where you'll find everything from traditional Bengali sarees like Tant, Jamdani, and Baluchari to contemporary designs. This market is ideal for families shopping for weddings or festive occasions.
Jamdani is a traditional fabric of Kolkata, India. It is a type of muslin cloth that is hand-woven and intricately decorated with floral and geometric patterns.
Being a coastal city though, with a typical tropical climate, winter is the best time to visit Kolkata. If you're planning a trip to Kolkata, choose the winter months between October and February for your vacation.
A meal at a moderately priced place costs around ₹200 to ₹500 for each person. The cost of groceries for a small family every month is about ₹8,000 to ₹12,000.
In Kolkata, billionaires predominantly reside in affluent neighbourhoods such as Alipore, Bhowanipore, and Ballygunge, known for their luxurious homes, exclusive amenities, and proximity to key commercial areas.
This has resulted in sweets like the Baked Roshogolla, Baked Mihidana, or the Gur Souffle, which have found takers across age groups. Must Eats: Mihidana, Sitabhog, Baked Roshogolla, Baked Mihidana, Mango Malai Chamcham, Chhanar Murki, Ram Bonde (large-sized boondi dipped in sugar syrup).
Avoid wearing thin spaghetti strap tops, mini-skirts or shorts and tight clothing – tight jeans are fine, as long as you wear a long, loose top or shirt over them.
From the iconic Howrah Bridge to the vibrant bustle of New Market, Kolkata is home to numerous famous spots and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Especially the soulful music of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, known as Rabindra Sangeet.
Early mornings and evenings can feel a bit chilly, so layering with light sweaters or shawls is recommended. Kolkata's rich cultural tapestry shines brightest during winter.
New Market is open every day except Sunday and operates from midmorning to early evening. On Saturdays, it closes in the early afternoon. New Market is close to the centre of Kolkata and is easily reached by taxis and numerous bus services.
South Indian foods like Idli, sambhar, Dhosa, Masala Dhosa, Coconut chutney are among the most consumed street foods in Kolkata since these are easy to ready and easy to eat.
Kolkata was the capital of the British India until 1911, when the capital was relocated to Delhi. Kolkata grew rapidly in the 19th century to become the second most important city of the British Empire after London and was declared the financial (commercial) capital of the British India.
