When you come to Kolkata, don’t rush down the streets to get to other locations. This serene city has a lot of offers if you slow down your pace a little bit. Famous personalities from the past, like, Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Mother Teresa, and many others are associated with Kolkata. It is very different than any other city in India because of its vibrant Bengali culture and explicit traditional values.
There is so much you can do and experience in Kolkata; starting from soaking the sunset in the golden hours at Prinsep Ghat to shopping in the extended area of New Market, you can have it all. Expect to be amazed by comparatively low public transport fares, and friendly people. If you like exploring the nightlife of new places, then you ought to visit Park Street, you will find countless pubs, and bars to party your night away. For more information and unanswered questions, these FAQs will do the talking.
Explore & Travel kolkata
kolkata Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- #BEST TIME TO VISIT
- #CLOTHES
- #DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
- #ELECTRICITY
- #FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
- #FOOD
- #GENERAL
- #GUIDES
- #HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
- #HOTELS
- #INSURANCE
- #LANGUAGE
- #MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
- #MONUMENTS
- #MOVING AROUND
- #NIGHT LIFE
- #PHOTOGRAPHY
- #RELIGIOUS PLACES
- #SAFETY
- #SHOPPING
- #TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
- #THINGS TO DO
- #TIPPING
- #VACCINATIONS
- #VISA
- #WATER AND DRINKS
- #WEATHER
BEST TIME TO VISIT
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Q.What is the most suitable time to visit Kolkata?A.Best time to visit – October to March
CLOTHES
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Q.What clothes should I pack for Kolkata?A.For summer months, including light cotton clothes in your packing list. For winters, you can include light winter clothes. Do pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of walking shoes, and some clean underwear while packing for the city.
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Q.Clothes to wear to a religious site in Kolkata.A.Ideally, visitors are expected to cover their head, shoulders, and knees during their visit to the temple. Trousers, t-shirts, long skirts, tops, and dresses in the similar fashion are most suitable for temple or mosque visit.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
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Q.How much baggage can I carry on domestic flights to Kolkata?A.As per most Indian commercial airliners, guests are allowed 15 kg baggage and 7 kg as cabin luggage.
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Q.Are Indian domestic flights secured for travelling?A.The airliners are very particular about the safety of their passengers and follow strict safety protocols while flying them to their destination.
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Q.Do Indian domestic airlines take off on time?A.Most of the domestic passenger carriers are very punctual.
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Q.Will I get meals on my domestic flight?A.If you have bought your ticket from a domestic airline, then you have to pre-order your meals. However, premium carriers offer complimentary meals to their guests.
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Q.What is closing time for the airport counter?A.The check-in kiosk closes 45 minutes before departure.
ELECTRICITY
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Q.I have appliances running on 110 volts. What type of adapters should I carry to recharge my equipments?A.You will need a universal travel adapter as well as a voltage converter for charging your electrical appliances. In India, most power plugs are type C, D, and M.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
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Q.What are the most visit fairs & festivals of Kolkata?A.Important festivals in Kolkata
• Durga Puja – September/October
• Kolkata International Cinema Festival - 10–17 November
• Christmas /New Year – Last week of December
• Dover Lane Music Festival - 23 – 26 January
• Kolkata International Book Fair – Last week of January
• Poila Boishak (Bengali New Year) – 14th/15th April
FOOD
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Q.I am 50 years old, and on a special diet. Will you be able to cater to my needs?A.Yes, we can definitely help you with your dietary requirements. Please reach out to our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/ for more update.
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Q.Is it offensive to eat raw fruits and vegetables on the Kolkata streets?A.No, you can surely eat fruits and vegetables on the streets of Kolkata. Just keep the city clean, and dispose your garbage responsibly.
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Q.Will I be able to get less spicy food in Kolkata?A.Most restaurants would be happy to provide you with mild and less spicy Indian food. Talk to your serve regarding spice content before ordering.
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Q.Are there some good vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Kolkata?A.Yes. But, you have to do little research for the particular restaurants.
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Q.Where can I find meat or fish in Kolkata?A.Kolkata is well known for its non-vegetarian platters and you will get many options in meat and fish.
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Q.Will there be options for kosher food available in Kolkata?A.Yes, Kolkata does have a few restaurants offering kosher-approved meats.
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Q.Can I get Halal food in Kolkata?A.Yes, you may certainly.
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Q.Will I get European style cuisines in Kolkata?A.Kolkata has several restaurants serving European style food to its guests.
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Q.Will I get food chains like Dominos or KFC in Kolkata?A.You will surely find these global food chains in almost every corner of the city. However, they have an Indianised menu, which might be little from what you get back home.
GENERAL
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Q.What should I pack for India?A.Kolkata has a lot of good stores, where you can find almost everything you want. However, carry a sturdy suitcase for carrying your luggage. Also, bring in comfortable walking shoes, your prescribed medicines, sunscreen, and power bank while travelling to the city.
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Q.What are the rules of etiquette I must remember while travelling to India?A.While visiting temples, keep your head covered and dress moderately. Also, before entering any religious center remember to open your footwear. While visiting someone’s home, remember to take something sweet or savoury as a token.
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Q.I need a crutch to travel. Will I be able to visit the monuments of the city?A.Most landmarks in Kolkata are friendly towards differently-abled visitors. However, before visiting the place do take some time to research regarding their infrastructure.
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Q.Can I visit the local educational centers of Kolkata?A.To visit the local educational centres, you will need special permission from the assigned authorities. For more help regarding the matter, you can always reach out to our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Is it acceptable to pay the beggars?A.Although it is not illegal to pay the beggars, it is best to avoid it. If you want to help these people, you can reach out to the institutions who are working towards helping these individuals.
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Q.What are some of the common Hindi words I should know while travelling to Kolkata?A.Although most people speak Bengali at Kolkata, they can understand basic Hindi. Some common Hindi words are
• Hello – Namaste or Pranam
• What’s this – Ye kya hai
• Water – Pani
• Left – Dai
• Right – Baye
• Thank you – Dhanyavad
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Q.Is it true that India is a secular country?A.India is a secular country, according to its constitution. Hinduism and Islam are two major religions practised in the country, followed by Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, and Sikhism.
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Q.What type of toilets can I find in Kolkata?A.In Kolkata, you will be able to find both squatting style toilets as well as European style toilets.
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Q.Is Kolkata a LGBT friendly city?A.Although the city is open and friendly towards all communities and people of different sexual orientation, it is advisable to stay at places where no one will question your sexuality. Refrain from public display of affection, and stay alert during your stay.
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Q.Can you recommend some offbeat destinations at Kolkata?A.Some of the offbeat destinations in Kolkata are -
Maidan, College Street, Town Hall, Bhawanipore Cemetery, South Park Cemetery, are a few of the offbeat places less frequented by tourists. -
Q.I am travelling with my family of four to India. Is it a safe destination for my family?A.Kolkata is a safe city, with vigilant and alert police security. The city has a lot of kid-friendly destinations, where your kids will enjoy themselves.
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Q.How is the pollution crisis in Kolkata?A.According to Real-time AQI (Air Quality Index) of around 84, making it moderately polluted.
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Q.Do people in Kolkata stare at foreign tourists?A.Most people in Kolkata are friendly and do not stare at the foreigners. However, to avoid unwanted attention, you can always dress moderately.
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Q.Can I approach the tourist police in need?A.Tourist police have not been much of a success in maintaining the security of the tourists in the city. In case of difficult situations, always carry the number of a local police station.
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Q.Is there a chance that I can meet snake charmers or bears tamers on the streets of Kolkata?A.In India, capturing and taming wild animals is a punishable offence. So, the chances of finding these performers might be difficult.
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Q.Will I encounter stray dogs or cows on my tour to Kolkata?A.Yes.
GUIDES
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Q.I will need bilingual (English and French) tour guide for my Kolkata tour. Will you be able to provide me with some?A.Yes, we can help you with it. Please, reach out to our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.My team of all women travelers would like to hire a woman travel guide. Can you recommend us someone?A.Yes, we can help you with booking a women travel guide for the trip. Reach out to us with your travel requirements at https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Can I book audio guides for the Kolkata landmarks?A.There are certain tour packages where you can get audio guides. For more information, visit https://www.india-tours.com/.
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
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Q.Does Kolkata have good hospitals and medical centers?A.Yes. Kolkata offers quality health care facilities to its visitors.
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Q.Are treatments for special medical cases like aneurism or cancer available at Kolkata?A.Yes. The city is one of the most visited destinations of Eastern India offering state-of-the-art medical facilities.
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Q.Can I get over the counter medicines in Kolkata?A.Most over the counter medicines are easily available in almost all the medical centres of the city.
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Q.Can someone recommend good Ayurveda Centers in Kolkata?A.Kolkata has some state of the art Ayurveda Centers. Get in touch with our representatives for making a visit to these venues.
HOTELS
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Q.Will I get international hotel chains in Kolkata?A.Major international hotel chains have their outlets in Kolkata. You can find your best option, depending on your preferences.
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Q.Are most hotels in Kolkata too expensive?A.You will find different hotels and resorts in the city, according to your budget and preferences. However, before confirming the booking, do compare the prices.
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Q.Can you suggest the average cost of accommodation in Kolkata?A.Kolkata has different options for guests looking for budget hotels to luxury resorts. You can book according to your preference and budget.
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Q.Can someone suggest some heritage hotels in Kolkata?A.Some finest heritage houses in Kolkata have opened their doorways to its guests. You can stay at these places to enjoy some old school luxury and elegance.
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Q.Will I get modern amenities in the hotels at Kolkata?A.Yes, most hotels in Kolkata offers safe and comfortable stay to their guests.
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Q.Do hotels in Kolkata ensure safety of their guests?A.Most standard hotels have CCTV surveillance and tight security for providing a safer stay for their guests.
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Q.Are the hotels in Kolkata safe for single woman travelers?A.Yes, they are.
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Q.Will I get handicapped friendly hotels in Kolkata?A.Yes, there are several hotels in Kolkata with wheelchair accessibility.
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Q.Do hotels in Kolkata offer handicapped friendly toilets to their guests?A.Hotels with handicap-friendly rooms will come with handicap compliant washrooms as well.
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Q.Are there western style toilets available in public place?A.Yes.
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Q.At what time do bars and pubs in Kolkata close down? There are some bars and open lounges which are open 24 hours.A.Most bar and pubs in Kolkata close by midnight.
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Q.How can I book a hotel in Kolkata?A.You can reach out to our representatives about finding suitable hotels for you. Visit https://www.india-tours.com/ for more information.
INSURANCE
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Q.Can I skip getting medical and travel insurance for Kolkata tour?A.The travel and medical insurance protect you against possible damages including loss of luggage, theft, flight cancellation, medical emergencies, etc.
LANGUAGE
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Q.Will I be able to talk to people in English?A.Yes. Most urban settlers of Kolkata are affluent in English.
MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
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Q.Will I be able to withdraw foreign currencies from the Indian ATM machines?A.Most Indian ATMs accept international credit cards but do not disperse overseas currencies. They will disperse Indian denominations in the value of 2000, 500, 200, and 100.
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Q.Can you recommend some suitable outlets for exchanging foreign currency?A.There are several institutions where you can exchange your foreign currency. For more information, talk to our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Will I be able to exchange overseas currency at my hotel or banks of Kolkata?A.Yes, you may exchange your currency at your hotel. Just carry suitable identification to validate your credentials.
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Q.Are credit card transactions safe in Kolkata?A.Usually, credit card transactions in the city are safe. However, be sure to keep your credit card CVV number as well as your ATM pin secured.
MONUMENTS
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Q.When are most monuments closed in Kolkata?A.• Victoria Memorial – Monday
• Marble Palace – Monday and Thursday
• Raj Bhavan – Sunday
• Metcalfe Hall – Saturday/ Sunday
• Raja Rammohun Roy Memorial Museum – Monday -
Q.Will we be able to avail public conveyances in Kolkata?A.Yes, it is a more cost-effective option for travelling in the city.
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Q.Will I find wheelchairs at popular landmarks of Kolkata?A.Yes. Most tourist landmarks are accessible through a wheelchair.
MOVING AROUND
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Q.Can you recommend some affordable ways to travel around Kolkata?A.Kolkata public transport is very reliable for travelling around the city. You can avail buses, metros, and inter-city railway network that covers almost all the corner of the city.
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Q.Can I rent a self-driven car in Kolkata?A.Many reputed companies offer self-driven cars to tourists. Talk to our representatives https://www.india-tours.com/ to know more.
NIGHT LIFE
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Q.Will I find good theatres in Kolkata?A.Yes, Kolkata has a good number of theatres and movie halls that offers the latest entertainment to its guests.
PHOTOGRAPHY
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Q.Is photography prohibited at public places of Kolkata?A.No, most public places are open to photography.
RELIGIOUS PLACES
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Q.Can you recommend some religious places for offering prayers?A.You can visit these places for offering your prayers:
Churches - Christ The King Church, Mar Thoma Syrian Church, St Thomas Church, St John’s Church
Temples - Kalighat Kali Temple, Birla Mandir, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Thanthania Kalibari, ISKCON Sri Radha Govinda Temple
Mosques - Tipu Sultan Mosque, Lal Masjid, Masjid-e-Mohammadi, Colootolla Chhoti Masjid -
Q.Do I need to follow certain dress code to visit the religious places in Kolkata?A.Although there is no specific dress code for visiting the temples, try wearing clothes that cover your head, shoulders and knees. Also, keep your footwear outside before entering the religious site.
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Q.Is there certain restriction on the entry of foreign guests in Kolkata?A.No, however any specific guidelines regarding entry would be mentioned separately.
SAFETY
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Q.Is Kolkata a safe city for female travelers?A.Being the state capital, Kolkata is a safe city. The roads are under CCTV surveillance and vigilant police force ensures tourist safety. However, it is advisable to carry the phone number of the local police station in case of emergency.
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Q.What should I do if someone wants to take a selfie with me? Dicey situation such as this always demands presence of mind. It is, however, advisable, to avoid complete strangers.A.In such cases, always take the help of presence of mind. If you are not comfortable, then take the assistance of the local authorities or police to tackle the situation.
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Q.Should I go out with a local person, if invited?A.Well, in such situations it is always better to go with your gut feeling. If you do not know the person completely, then it is better to decline the invitation.
SHOPPING
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Q.What should I buy from Kolkata?A.You can buy
• Terracotta
• Dokra craft
• Conch Shell Bangles and jewelry
• Darjeeling Tea
• Traditional saris -
Q.Can I go for haggling?A.Well, haggling is one of the most interesting parts of shopping and you can surely indulge in it.
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Q.Will I be able to get cigarettes in Kolkata?A.You will be able to get cigarettes and tobacco in almost every part of the city. However, remember, public smoking in Kolkata is banned and selling tobacco to a minor is prohibited in the country.
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Q.Is it advisable to visit the shops recommended by my local driver?A.Yes, you can visit those shops. But always compare prices between two to three shops before making the purchase.
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Q.Is it ok to shop at Kolkata?A.Yes, it is. If you are looking for a complete Kolkata shopping guide, you can talk to our representatives at https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Do shops sell genuine products?A.Most high-end showrooms and government-run shops sell genuine products. Before making the purchase, do ensure your product comes with quality marks that prove its authenticity.
TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
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Q.Will I be able to get Indian SIM cards in Kolkata?A.Yes, almost all major cellular providers offer their services at Kolkata. You can get your Indian SIM after providing the required documents.
THINGS TO DO
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Q.Is it recommended to visit the local markets of Kolkata?A.To explore the real flavours of Kolkata, you should visit the local markets of the city.
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Q.I want to learn Bengali cuisine. Can you recommend me some classes in Kolkata?A.There are plenty of options for learning authentic Bengali cuisines. Talk to our representatives to know more.
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Q.Are there recommended ayurvedic wellness centers in Kolkata?A.There are wellness centres at Kolkata. You can approach our representatives for more information.
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Q.What can I do at Kolkata?A.Kolkata, being the city of joy, has plenty of options for an adventure-seeking tourist like you. You can go on a historical tour to explore the rich colonial culture of the city or visit the different religious sites for spiritual awakening. For more information, visit https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Can I volunteer at some charitable institutions or NGOs of Kolkata?A.Yes. The https://www.india-tours.com/ can help you with arranging such tours.
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Q.I want to learn Indian classical dancing. Are there options available for the same?A.Yes.
TIPPING
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Q.How much should I tip my driver or my restaurant server?A.Around 5 – 10% of the total bill.
VACCINATIONS
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Q.What are the required vaccinations for Kolkata visit?A.• Hepatitis A
• Diphtheria
• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Japanese Encephalitis -
Q.List of medicines that I should carry while travelling to Kolkata.A.• Antihistamine tablets
• Analgesic tablets
• Antacid
• Diarrhoea Medicine
• Flu tablets
• Motion sickness tablets
• Cough Medicine -
Q.What are the recommended vaccinations for Kolkata trip?A.• Typhoid vaccine
• Varicella vaccine
• Oral polio vaccine (OPV)
• Yellow fever (YF) vaccine
VISA
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Q.Can I get an entry to Kolkata with an E-Visa?A.Yes, you can.
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Q.What is the validity of E-Visa?A.One year from the date of issue.
WATER AND DRINKS
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Q.Will I be able to drink bottled water in Kolkata?A.Surely.
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Q.Is it recommended to drink tap water in Kolkata?A.It is better to avoid it.
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Q.Where can I get bottled water in Kolkata?A.In almost all supermarkets, restaurants, and street shops.
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Q.Is it safe to brush with tap water of Kolkata?A.Yes.
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Q.Is buying liquor prohibited in Kolkata?A.No. Alcohol is readily available to adults above 18 years of age. Most pubs and bars stock quality liquors for their guests.
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Q.Should I drink tea and coffee at Kolkata?A.Yes. It is highly recommended.
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Q.Can I get pure milk in Kolkata?A.Yes.
WEATHER
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Q.Most suitable time to visit KolkataA.October to March.
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Q.Can you describe the climate of Kolkata?A.The climate of Kolkata is mostly hot and humid, with spells of rain.
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Q.When do monsoons in Kolkata arrive?A.Between July and August
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Q.Does it rain throughout during the monsoon season?A.Yes.
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