Kolkata

Best time to visit

October to February

Kolkata's climate is generally hot and humid during the summer months, with temperatures often feeling oppressive, while the winters are mild and pleasant. The city experiences a distinct monsoon season from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall and a welcome respite from the heat.

Getting there & around

• Air — Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The Kolkata Metro, India's first. The tram network, the last operating in India. Yellow Ambassador taxis.

Before you go

• During Durga Puja the city effectively stops for five days and pandal-hopping crowds are enormous
• accommodation must be booked months ahead. At Kalighat, leather items and sanctum photography are restricted and touts are persistent. Dakshineswar closes in the middle of the day - reported 06:00-12:30 and 15:00-20:30, so verify.

Emergency numbers