How to Explore Kolkata on a Budget

Known as the cultural capital of India, Kolkata is a great destination to explore if you love history, heritage, and culinary wonders. On top of that, you can easily explore Kolkata on a budget to make the most of your trip to the city. 

Situated in the Indian state of West Bengal, Anwesha of Going Places with Anwesha will share the guide to unlocking the secrets to experiencing the vibrant essence of the City of Joy without breaking a bank. 

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems in Kolkata, here are some budget-friendly things to do in Kolkata!

4 Things to Do on a Budget in Kolkata

From Leh to Darjeeling, Kolkata is also one of the most budget-friendly cities in India, which never ceases to amaze you. You can get so much out of your $10 USD, which is approximately 700 INR, on a trip to Kolkata. The budget could be spent on things from lip-smacking street foods, heritage spots, and many more.

For a start, there are some must-visit spots in Kolkata that will be the highlight of your stay.

1. Victoria Memorial

Head to Maidan, and wander around the Kolkata's one of the iconic buildings. 

It is dedicated to the memories of Queen Victoria, and now it's a museum attracting lots of tourist round the year. The entrance fee varies from 20 INR to 200 INR.

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata.

2. Princep Ghat

A beautiful spot to enjoy sunsets, Princep Ghat remains popular with all ages of people and has no entrance fee.

This majestic structure is famous for its Greek/Gothic inlays, it is one of the few monuments that have been restored to its pre-Independence glory. Stop by to enjoy some street snacks and a boat ride on the Ganga river for approximately 200 INR.

Princep Ghat, Kolkata.

3. New Town Eco Park

A fairly new addition to Kolkata's attractions, Eco Park is a perfect spot to spend some quality time with your family, enjoying boating, kayaking, water zorbing, and many more activities. 

Entrance fee starts from 20 INR and the activities within the park are charged separately.

There are many other tourist attractions in Kolkata, which either offer free entry or with the fee as low as 10 INR.

4. Must-Try Delicious Street Food in Kolkata

To indulge in Kolkata's delicious street food, start with Phuchka, Ghoogni, Rosogolla and Misti Doi (sweet curd).

Phuchkas consists of a round, crispy puri filled with a mixture of flavored water (commonly known as Imli pani), tamarind chutney, chili, spices, boiled potato, and chickpeas. Making phuchkas is an art, and in order to make a perfect one, you need as well to know how to get the perfect mixture of ingredients.

If your mouth is not watering already, perhaps we can look into Ghoogni.

A Bengali Ghogni is a euphoria of tastes. Dried yellow peas or dried white peas are cooked in a form of gravy and usually served with freshly chopped onions. It is also served with puffed rice to make a perfect evening snack for many locals.

Kolkata is a land of sweets, and while there are so many varieties of sweets available, you should definitely try Rosogolla and Misti Doi. In Kolkata, you can fill your tummy with delicious street foods and sweets for just 100 INR, which is perfect for budget travelers. 


Contributor: Anwesha from Going Places with Anwesha

Anwesha Guha is a blogger behind the ‘Going Places with Anwesha', a blog aimed to inspire others like her to shed their inhibitions and travel to their heart's content. An engineer by profession and a traveler by passion, she loves to travel and capture her journeys through her lenses. 

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