About Kolkata

Climate and Clothing
The best time to visit Kolkata is winter or spring. From September through February. Temperatures during his period range between 15.30 C. The rest of year tends to be hot, with temperatures going up to 38 C in May and early June. Avoid going out in summer, as the dry heat can be unpleasant. The monsoon months ranging from mid June to August are relatively pleasant, though wet. Cottons are ideal all the year round, though blended fabrics can be worn in winter during the morning and evening hours, but no heavy woolens are needed.

Metro Railway

The most efficient mode of transportatin in Kolkata is the underground Metro railway. It usually runs on schedule.It is fast , clean and pollution-free. Fare charts are displayed at the ticket counters. On the weekdays, the metro starts at 07:00 and the last train leaves at 21:20. On Sundays, it operates between 15:00 and 21:20.
Buses
The people of Kolkata are extremely friendly and generous with directions. The best way to take a basis to ask your host or hotel to tell you the bus number/route to your destination. The fares are minimal and the conductors honest and reliable.
Taxis
Kolkata has a huge fleet of black and yellow taxis, most of which are Ambassadors. They run on a meter, but often the meters are outdates and calculations become complicated. The lowest rate should be Rs. 17, but some of old taxis have not yet upgraded their meters and start at Rs. 5.The best thing to do is ask for a tariff conversion card and pay according to that. Please ensure that the meter is flagged down at the beginning of the journey. Drivers charge a bit extra (between Rs. 10-20) between 10 pm and 6am. You are not expected to tip the cabbie.
Trams
Kolkata is the only Indian city where trams ply. They are a leisurely way of seeing certain parts of the city, since they run only on specific routes. It's a comfortable way of traveling. Wait for the conductor to come and ask you for the fare.
Autorikshaws
Autos, as they are called are allowed to ply only on certain fixed routes. However, in keeping with the spirit of the city, 5-6 people usually share one auto, as it's economical for the passenger and viable for the driver/owner.
Tipping
This is just an indication. In restaurants and hotels, tips are pooled and shared by all working staff.
Drivers
If you hired a driver for a day, it is usual to provide his lunch and/or dinner. The standard rate is Rs. 30 per meal and is usually given a tip of around Rs. 50 at the end of the day.
Bargaining
Street stall holders expects bargaining. Even in Shops, you can ask for a discount as most of the shopkeepers expect it and gladly oblige. In some shops, the prices are fixed.
Returns/Exchanges
In Kolkata, like the rest of India, there is no concept of returning goods that have been bought once. However, goods can exchanged for an amount either equivalent to your old bill or more, but never less.
Phones
Carry a lot of Re.1 coins for pay phones or look for ISD/STD/PCO signs. Here you pay as per the computer, printout. However if you are making a local call from such booths then the usual rate is Rs.2 per call.
Dress
Wear informal loose clothes or jeans or skirts and you will feel comfortable. If you are invited to a Bengali home or to eat out in the evening, smart casual cloth or saris. Or salwaar kameez will do. If you are visiting one of the elite clubs of Kolkata, ask your host the dress code. Suits are the norm in Business meeting.
Etiquette
The people of Kolkata are very informal, mostly curious and like talking to visitors. While most strangers are harmless, be wary of the over the overeager types. While visiting people at home, you may have to take off your shoes before entering.Footwear should never be worn in places of worship like temples, mosques and gurudwaras.
Invitations
Most dinner start by 8:30pm, and lunch by 1 pm. You should be punctual for business dinners and weddings. Wine, which is expensive, is not always drunk but most people drink spirits or beer until dinner is served.
Eating out
Most bars and restaurant are close by 11pm (last orders 10:30 pm). However, some restaurants remain open till midnight. Eating and drinking after the closing time is best in a 24hour coffee shop in a bigger hotel.
Health: Drink only Mineral water or aerated drinks from sealed bottles.
Crime
While traveling in a bus always beware of pickpockets. Also while traveling in the city never carry too much cash or valuables/passports etc. as they are safest at the hotel. Please keep a photocopy of your passport, traveller's cheques and other important documents.
Weather
Jan 14.17 Feb 17.30 Mar 22.31 Apr 25.36 May 27.37 Jun 26.34 Jul 26.32 Aug 26.32 Sep 26.32 Oct 24.32 Nov 18.30 Dec 14.27
Common Phrases
Where is the nearest shopping centre? Kacha kachi bazaar kathay?
I don't want this -Ami eta chai na
Take me to (New Market) niye cholun
Please come here -Ekhaney ashun
Please wait for me -Amar jonney opekhya korun
I will return in (an hour)- Ami (ek ghantar) Modhey phirchi
What is your Name?- Apnar naam ki?
How do I go from airport to Park Circus-airport thekey Park Circus ki bhabey jabo?
Where is it? Eta kathay?
Thankyou for your help- Apnar sahajjiyer jommo dhanyabad
Day Trips
Belur Math
This is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission built by Swami Vivekananda on the Hoogly.
Chandan nagore
This is where the French landed and controlled. Some French -style buildings can be seen here.
Raichak
Raichak is situated on the river Hoogly between Haldia in the south and Falta in the North and is only 52 Km away from the city.
Bakkhali
It is a long beach with a great landscape and red crobs. 132 Km from Kolkata
Diamond Harbour
A 48Km drive out of the city at the mouth of Ganges. Spectacular landscape.
Monuments
Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial is the greatest landmark of the city. This huge piece of architecture is built with white marble and if seen carefully one can find a resemblance between the Taj Mahal at Agra and St. Paul's Cathedral at London. The memorial remains open to the public from 10:00-15:30 in winter and 16:30 in the summers. Closed on Mon. Son-EtLumiere is open daily expect Mondays. Bengali: 18:15-19:00, English 19:15-20:00 , Tickets: Rs. 10& Rs. 20.
St. John's Church
This church was built in 1874 and is located near the high court. The founder of Kolkata Job Charnoch's tomb is inside this church.
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral is located in the heart of the city at Chowringhee. It was constructed in 1847.
National Library
The National Library is one of the largest libraries of the world. This magnificent sprawling architecture on belvedere Road was the residence of British lieutenant-governor of Bengal.
High Court
The high court built in 1862 by Walter Granville is one of the oldest court in India.
Museums
Indian Museum
This magnificent structure was built in 1875. It is the largest museum in the country with six broadly defined sections art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology and industry.
Birla Museum
This museum is located at the intersection of Syed Amir Ali Avenue and Gurusaday Road.
Nehru Children's Museum
Located at 94/1, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, this museum is a busy centre of Children's activities.
Sri Aurobindo Parichay Gallery
A Son-El-Lumiere exposition on the recolutionary struggle in the first decade of the 20th Century with specific reference to Sri Aurobindo's life and contribution. Authentic arms and ammunition have been replicate, the cell in Precidency Jail historical account that promises to transport the viewer into an each of patriotism, valour and sacrifice for the motherland. Located ar 3, Regent Park.
Birla Planetorium
The Planetorium is located at the intersection of Jawaharlal Nehru Road and Shakespeare Sarani.
The Marble Palace
The Palace was the residence of the Mullick family of North Calcutta. To enter the place prior permission has to be obtained from the deputy director of tourism. The place remains open from 10:00 to16:00. closed on Mon and Thu.
Tagore House
Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore was born and lived in this house situated at 6/4, Dwarakanath Tagore Lane, Kolkata-70007. The museum opens daily between 10:30 to 16:30. Closed on Mon.
The Aemenium Church
The main attraction of the church are the three oil painting of the Holy trinity, The last Supper and the Enshrouding of the Lord.
Shahid Minar
The monument is 48 meters high and has 198 steps to the top. Created with public subscription to honour Sir David Ochterliny. Permission required to climb to the top.

Parks
Botanical Gardens
It is the oldest and one of the largest gardens in Kolkata, situated 9 Km from Kolkata to Shibpur.

Agri-Horticulture Society
A lovely garden located near the National Library and the Zoo. Opens for walking 0600-1900. No picnic allowed. Located in Alipur.

Rabindra Sarobar
This is a combination of two artificial lakes located in the south of the city between Lake gardens and southern Avenue.
Zoological Gardens
State of the animals of the zoo is pretty depressing. It is pleasant during the winter when migratory birds from Siberia flock to the warmer climate of Kolkata.
Nalban
This area used to be the wetland of Kolkata-an area dored with widelakes, lush green trees, birds and fish in the water. Off Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. Can be reached by Bus, Taxi.
Millennium Park
The park is situated at fairlie place on the banks of the river Ganga. The park is opened daily between 13:00-20:00 including holidays. The entry fee per person is Rs. 5.