Welcome to Kolkata: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying at Calcutta Backpackers
Calcutta Backpackers
Author
Welcome to Kolkata! Whether you just stepped off a long train ride, landed at CCU airport, or arrived after weeks of backpacking through India, we are thrilled to have you with us at **Calcutta Backpackers**.
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is a city unlike any other in India. It doesn’t rush you; it invites you to slow down, wander its historic alleys, sip endless cups of warm chai, and immerse yourself in a culture rich with art, history, and unmatched hospitality.
To help you hit the ground running, here is everything you need to know to make the most of your stay with us and your time in the city!
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Making the Most of Your Stay at Calcutta Backpackers
At Calcutta Backpackers, we’ve built more than just a place to sleep—we’ve created a community for curious travelers. Here are a few ways to settle in:
Meet Fellow Travelers: Head over to our common area, share stories, swap travel tips, or find a buddy for a street food crawl.
Ask Us Anything: Need a local secret, a reliable taxi recommendation, or help navigating the metro? Our team is always here to help you navigate the city like a local.
Unwind & Recharge: Take advantage of our relaxed atmosphere that you wont find at any other hostel in the city, to catch up on work, journal, or rest after a full day of exploring.
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Top Things to Do in Kolkata
If you're wondering where to start your Kolkata adventure, here are the absolute must-visit spots:
1. Victoria Memorial & Maidan: Start your morning walking through the lush green grounds of the Maidan, watching locals play cricket, and admiring the stunning marble architecture of the Victoria Memorial.
2. Cultural Heritage at College Street & Indian Coffee House: Known as Boi Para (Book Town), College Street is the world's largest second-hand book market. Grab a seat at the legendary Indian Coffee House for a dose of intellectual history and a quick coffee.
3. Sunset at Princep Ghat: Take an evening stroll along the Hooghly River under the iconic Vidyasagar Setu bridge, or hire a traditional wooden boat for a calm sunset ride.
4. Kumartuli (The Potters' Quarter): Wander through the narrow lanes where artisans sculpt clay idols of gods and goddesses from river silt—an unforgettable look into local craftsmanship.
5. Howrah Bridge & Flower Market: Experience the vibrant, bustling chaos of the Mullick Ghat Flower Market right beneath the iconic, cantilevered Howrah Bridge.
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Must-Try Foods for Every Backpacker
Kolkata is a paradise for street food lovers and budget travelers alike. Don't leave without trying:
Kolkata Kathi Rolls: Crispy parathas wrapped around spiced paneer, chicken, or eggs.
Puchka: Kolkata’s version of pani puri—crispy, hollow puris filled with spiced potato and tangy tamarind water.
Misti Doi & Rosogolla: Indulge your sweet tooth with authentic Bengali desserts from a neighborhood sweet shop.
Street-side Chai in Clay Cups (Bhar): The quintessential Kolkata experience—best enjoyed during morning or evening chats with locals.
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Quick Tips for Getting Around
The Kolkata Metro: Fast, clean, extremely affordable, and easy to navigate. It’s the best way to beat the city traffic. Nearest metro stations to be Mahanak Uttam Kumar/Rabindra Sarovar (Blue Line), or Behala Bazar (Purple Line)
Motorcycle Rides, Yellow Taxis & Rideshares: Motorcycles, Traditional yellow cabs are iconic, but make sure they use the meter, or use apps like Yatri Sathi, Uber, Indrive, Rapido or Ola for transparent fares.
Trams: Kolkata has Asia’s oldest operating tram network! It's slow, but it's a wonderfully nostalgic way to see the older parts of the city.
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Grab your camera, put on comfortable walking shoes, and step out into the vibrant streets. Have questions or looking for daily recommendations? Come chat with us at the front desk!
Welcome home, traveler—enjoy the City of Joy!