Hotels In Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. Visitors can explore the colonial architecture and landmarks such as Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Howrah Bridge. Kolkata also offers a variety of cultural experiences such as attending a Bengali play or listening to live music. Foodies will enjoy sampling local delicacies such as rasgulla and kathi rolls. There are plenty of accommodation options available, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Kolkata is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the heart and soul of India.

History

Kolkata's ancient name was Kalikata, which was derived from 'Kalikshetra'. This can be translated to "the ground of the Goddess Kali". Calcutta was the anglicized name of this city, which was the capital of British India between 1772 and 1911. The city was renamed from Calcutta to Kolkata in 2001. Kolkata is one of India's most important cultural, literary, and intellectual centers.

Overview

Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and the largest city of the state. Bengali is the official language, but English and Hindi are widely used. If you are looking to travel soon, then January and February are perfect for a visit. The average temperature begins to rise in March, and you can expect a heavy downpour between June and September. November and December are more suitable for a trip.

Places of Interest

Mother's Wax Museum: This museum is located in Action Area II of New Town, Kolkata. It has lifelike wax sculptures of various Indian and international personalities. The artistic perfection is worth admiring. If you've always wanted to take a photo with a sports star like Lionel Messi or Kapil Dev or renowned names from the past like Rabindranath Tagore or Jagadish Chandra Bose, then this is your best bet.

Dakshineshwar Kali Temple: This Hindu temple lies on the east bank of the Hooghly River. It was built by Rani Rashmoni, a devotee of Kali, back in 1855. This Kali temple has been built in the nine spires style that is commonly associated with Bengali architecture. The beautiful temple houses an idol of the Goddess within its sanctum. Close to this main structure are twelve Shiva temples.

Victoria Memorial: The Victoria Memorial is the largest monument dedicated to any monarch globally. Dedicated to the British Empress Queen Victoria, who was also the Empress of India until her death in 1901. The memorial houses 25 galleries of historical collections. The splendid greenery of the surroundings and the well-crafted statues deserve a mention.

Nicco Park: If you are looking for an option beyond temples and museums, then Nicco Park is just the place for you. Also known as the "Disneyland of West Bengal", the 40-acre park houses over 35 different attractions. Near the park is also the Nalban Boating Complex which offers boat tours. Your kids may get bored at a trek, but at this park, their entire day will be sorted.

Travel Options

By Air: Being a metropolitan city with a large population, there are plenty of air travel options to get to and fro from Kolkata. The following are the times taken:

• Mumbai to Kolkata — 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (non-stop flights)

• Chennai to Kolkata — 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes (non-stop flights)

• New Delhi to Kolkata — 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (non-stop flights)

By Rail: The following are the approximate rail times from some major cities to Kolkata:

Raipur to Kolkata — 13 hours 15 minutes to 15 hours 40 minutes

Ranchi to Kolkata — 7 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 35 minutes

Lucknow to Kolkata — 18 hours 20 minutes to 20 hours 50 minutes

By Road: There are several options for hiring private buses and taxis to travel to Kolkata.

• Patna to Kolkata (around 581 kms) — 13 hours to 14 hours 30 minutes

• Siliguri to Kolkata (around 560 kms to 580 kms) — 4 hours 30 minutes

• Durgapur to Kolkata (around 165 kms to 171 kms) — 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes

For travelling within the city, you can use different modes of transport, including buses, trams, ferries, the metro, and even auto-rickshaws.

Accommodation

Lemon Tree Premier, New Town, Kolkata: Picking a hotel in Kolkata may feel like an enormous task, but if there is one option that ticks all the right boxes, then it is Lemon Tree Premier, New Town, Kolkata. The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport and 30 minutes from the Sealdah Railway Station. The hotel is also in close proximity to prominent tourist sites like Mother's Wax Museum and Nicco Park, making it an ideal location for your next trip.

This refreshingly different place has artistically designed interiors that reflect the vibe of the glorious city. The Lemon Tree Premier in Kolkata has 142 well-furnished and spacious rooms and suites. You can expect a range of top-notch amenities like high-speed WiFi, DTH services, a working desk, a minibar, a safe for your valuables, and more.

While searching for restaurants near South City Mall, do not forget the award-winning Republic of Noodles. They offer a huge variety of Asian delicacies. The multi-cuisine Citrus Cafe is also a great option for dining, and the Slounge Recreation Bar is great if you're looking to catch up with friends over drinks.

Additionally, if you're searching for banquet halls near Salt Lake, Kolkata, then the Lemon Tree Premier's facilities are just what you need. The Tangerine Hall can accommodate up to 250 people for a wedding reception, while the comparatively smaller but equally efficient Tangerine 1 is useful for business meetings and private gatherings. For recreation, you can use the wellness spa that provides soothing massages to rejuvenate you. You can also keep up with your workouts at the well-equipped fitness center or take a dip at the swimming pool to refresh yourself.