Looking For A Year-End Travel Destination? Here Are 6 Things To Do When Visiting Kolkata
From unique cultural experiences to fun events, Kolkata has plenty in store for adventurous travellers.
Published for Malaysia Airlines, 19 Nov 2024, 02:45 PM
When we talk about holiday destinations for the year-end season, popular destinations like London, Tokyo, Sydney, or even Singapore come to mind.
But a hidden gem you probably haven't considered is the East Indian city of Kolkata.
With Malaysia Airlines unveiling its new direct route to Kolkata, there's never been a better time to visit.
Often called the 'City of Joy,' Kolkata is seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern-day energy. When visiting the city, you'll find colonial architecture, bustling markets, and intellectual heritage in abundance.
Known for its warmth, creativity, and rich cultural fabric, Kolkata captivates visitors with its art, literature, and love for music and food, and is a particularly great place to visit during the winter months from November to February.
1. Attend the Kolkata Christmas Festival on Park Street
One of India's most iconic Christmas celebrations can be found right in downtown Kolkata along Park Street. During the celebrations, the entire street is lit up with festive decorations, live music performances, and loads of food options.
Both locals and foreigners alike gather here for a warm and lively atmosphere amid the cool temperatures, making it an essential stop worth planning your trip around.
2. Enjoy a scenic boat ride at Princep Ghat
Princep Ghat is a stunning riverside promenade along the Hooghly River and offers a peaceful winter escape with its iconic Greek-Gothic columns and picturesque setting.
Built in honor of British scholar James Prinsep, the ghat is especially enchanting at sunrise. A boat ride here is a great way to take in the morning views, with gentle breezes and panoramic sights of the Vidyasagar Setu bridge overhead. For those looking to extend their stay, the nearby floating hotel, Polo Floatel, provides a unique experience with open-deck views over the river.
3. Check out the Republic Day Parade at Red Road
On 26 January, Kolkata hosts its own Republic Day Parade on Red Road. The event features military displays, traditional dance performances, and elaborate floats showcasing Bengal’s cultural heritage. This winter-exclusive experience shows off the city's patriotic spirit and offers a visual that's worth adding to your Instagram feed.
4. Observe the migratory birds at Santragachi Jheel lake
During the winter season, Kolkata attracts migratory birds from Siberia and other cold regions to Santragachi Jheel lake on the outskirts of Kolkata. They typically begin arriving around mid-November, with peak sightings occurring in December and January.
Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts often make the worthwhile trip here to see species like Northern Shovellers, Gadwalls, and Ferruginous Ducks, which are only present during these months.
5. Indulge your inner bookworm at the International Kolkata Book Fair or Kolkata Literary Meet
Book lovers will love Kolkata during the winter period, as the city hosts the International Kolkata Book Fair and Kolkata Literary Meet over the months of January and February.
The International Kolkata Book Fair, one of the largest non-trade book fairs in the world, is held at the start of the year, attracting publishers, authors, and readers from around the globe.
Additionally, the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet at the scenic Victoria Memorial brings renowned authors, poets, and intellectuals together for insightful discussions, book launches, and debates.
Both events offer a chance to explore Bengali literature, international books, and interact with prominent writers in the heart of the city’s historic landscape.
6. Fill your tummy with traditional Bengali winter foods
'Nolen gur rosogolla' (left) and 'phulkopir singara' (right) are well-loved Bengali treats during the wintertime.
Image via @kolkata_oikkotaan (Instagram)The tail end of the year brings a slight chill, making it perfect for trying out tasty Bengali treats.
You should look out for local delights like phulkopir singara (cauliflower samosa), koraishutir kochuri (peas-stuffed bread), and nolen gur desserts made with date palm jaggery.
Try the region's unique joynagar er moa, a puffed rice treat with jaggery, and enjoy the traditional pithe and patishapta sweets during Makar Sankranti. Iconic spots like Nahoum's and Flurys offer rich plum cakes in December.
With so many amazing things to experience, there's no better time to visit Kolkata than during this winter season.
Best of all, you can do so with Malaysia Airlines starting this December!
That's right!
Malaysia Airlines will fly direct to Kolkata (CCU) starting 2 December, with up to five flights weekly — Kolkata marks the airline’s 10th destination in India.
And with the codeshare partnership with IndiGo, Malaysia Airlines now connects travellers to 16 cities across India.
From now until 20 December, introductory fares to Kolkata start from RM1,499 all-in return, making it the perfect opportunity for a winter getaway with friends and family.
To book your flights to Kolkata at an attractive price from only RM1,499, you can visit this website
