Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, known for its colonial buildings and lively street life. It's a mix of culture, history, and affordable living. The city can be busy and crowded but offers a rich experience for travelers and remote workers.
Lifestyle🍽️
The food scene is rich with local dishes like Rosogolla and Fish Curry, plus many international options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are common. Late-night street food is available in busy areas.
Nightlife centers on Park Street and Sector V with pubs, bars, and clubs ranging from casual to upscale.
Coffee culture mixes classic coffee houses and new specialty cafés. Indian Coffee House is a historic spot.
Tipping is expected but not mandatory. 5-10% in restaurants is common. Taxi drivers usually get rounded-up fares or small extra amounts.
Buy SIM cards at the airport or authorized stores. Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea offer good coverage and data. eSIMs are available with some providers. You'll need ID and a photo for activation.
Services & Infrastructure
Cleanliness varies by area. Main roads are cleaner; narrow lanes and old neighborhoods can be less tidy.
Many pharmacies are open 24/7, especially near hospitals. Some supermarkets have extended hours, but true 24/7 stores are rare. Emergency clinics operate round the clock.
Supermarkets like Spencer's, Big Bazaar, More, and Reliance Fresh offer international and local goods. Fresh markets are great for produce and spices. Shops usually open 10 AM–9 PM; Sunday closures are common.
Card payments work well in malls and hotels. UPI apps like Google Pay and Paytm are common even with small vendors. Still, cash is needed for some local shops.
ATMs are everywhere, including major banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis. Check your bank for international withdrawal fees, as Indian banks usually don’t charge extra.
International schools teach mainly in English, offering IB, Cambridge, and American curricula. Plan admissions early.
Work & Digital💻
The digital nomad scene is small but growing. Meetups and nomad-friendly cafes exist but are limited.
Nature & Activities🌿
Parks like Maidan and Eco Park offer green areas for walking and exercise.
Popular running spots include Maidan, Rabindra Sarobar Lake, and Eco Park. Air pollution can be an issue in winter.
Gyms are found citywide, often with daily or short-term passes.
Tennis courts are available at clubs like Calcutta South Club and Bengal Tennis Association.
Padel is less common but can be found at some newer sports complexes.
Many studios offer Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa yoga. Some have English-speaking teachers.
Training options include Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Boxing, and MMA. BJJ and Muay Thai are rare.
No skiing in or near Kolkata.
Kayaking and paddleboarding happen on the Hooghly River, mostly through private groups. Sailing is offered by yacht clubs.
No surfing spots near Kolkata. The Bay of Bengal coast here doesn’t have surfable waves.
No diving or snorkeling spots nearby due to murky coastal waters.
Health & Safety🏥
Private hospitals like Apollo Gleneagles, AMRI, and Fortis have English-speaking staff and good care. Public hospitals are overcrowded. Pharmacies are common, some open 24/7.
Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water.
Community & Family
Parks like Maidan and Eco Park offer playgrounds. Attractions include Nicco Park, Science City, and Alipore Zoo. Baby supplies are easy to find.
Kolkata is relatively progressive with emerging safe spaces. Pride events are held, and legal protections are improving.
Pet-friendliness varies. Some places allow pets, vets and supplies are easy to find, but pet parks are rare. Import rules are strict.
Quick Facts
Power is generally steady with few outages, mainly short cuts in summer or monsoon.
⚠️Natural Disasters Risk
🌦️Seasonal Issues
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