Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is located in India’s West Bengal region on the banks of the river Hooghly. It is one of the world’s largest cities and serves as eastern India’s main commercial and industrial centre. Kolkata is surrounded by a wealth of unique natural offerings, from the largest deltaic zone in the world west of the city and salt lakes to the east to the renowned mangrove forests of Sunderban, which can be found south of Kolkata.

Travelling with children can often be quite a challenge. Keeping them occupied and content is not always the easiest task. Kolkata fortunately offers a wide range of entertaining and educational options for the whole family to enjoy, including an aqua park, a zoo, the educational Science City and non-stop entertainment at Space Circle.

Kolkata is a busy hub providing flights to other Asian cities as well as Europe and North America. Indian Airlines connects Kolkata International Airport with all the major hubs within India as well as many others around the world. Known as Subhas Chandra Basu, Kolkata’s airport is located approximately 17kms to the northeast of the city. Among the leading carriers serving the airport are Air India, Bangladesh Biman, Burma Airways and Thai International.

Banks: 10:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 12:00, Saturday
Post offices: 10:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 14:00, Saturday
Government offices: 07:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business centres: 08:00 to 21:00, Monday to Saturday
Shops: 09:30 to 19:00, daily.