Kolkata in Winter: A Homecoming and a Chilled Delight

I always resonate myself with birds. Don’t we all? Born and nurtured in the cozy nest and eventually spread wings and fly far away– chasing our dreams, upgrading identities. Yet, no matter how far we go, the calling of homeland remains the same. That sweet, irreplaceable place where our hearts truly belong. For me, that place is Kolkata.

This December, like a migratory bird, I felt a strong urge to return home, where I could feel the warmth and comfort I loved. A day before the Christmas eve my plane landed at Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport on a chilly midnight. The moment I arrived; the crisp winter air welcomed me like an old friend. Though I grew up in this city, but every visit feels like discovering it new. The entire city was sparkling, draped in colourful Christmas lights. It was magical. Winters in Kolkata always bring back so many old memories. I immediately pictured the Christmas carnivals and winter picnic I used to enjoy with my family and friends.

Why You Should Visit Kolkata in Winter

If you are thinking of visiting Kolkata, winter is the perfect season. For three glorious months from December to February, the city transforms, wrapping itself in festive lights, music, food, and celebrations. Enjoy a warm welcome with the crisp, chilly air. Perfect weather for exploring the places and enjoying the incredible food. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning visitor, you will find plenty of love here.

What to except during winter in Kolkata?

The winter mornings in Kolkata have a unique beauty—cool yet gentle. While wandering to Maidan, you will find the city’s unhurried charm, where life moves at a gentle pace. Boys hitting sixes in cricket matches, couples sipping tea, old friends lost in endless adda over newspaper and the majestic Victoria Memorial peeking through the fog. This is a perfect season to plan a picnic at Maidan with friends.

From there, your mornings may end at Tiretti Bazaar also known as Chinatown (Lalbazar in Central Kolkata) for perfect Chinese breakfast. Here street vendors serve fresh dumplings, fluffy baos and steaming bowls of soup like meat ball soup, fish ball soup that warm you from the inside out. Before you leave don’t forget to visit Pou Chong Brothers and Sing Cheung Sauce Factory for their legendary sauces and stop by Hap Hing Co, one of the oldest Chinese provision stores to pick up some tea and rice noodles.

If winter mornings in Kolkata are serene, evenings are equally enchanting. The golden hour at Prinsep Ghat, with the sun setting over the river Hooghly, makes you stop to enjoy the moment. The cool breeze, the chatter of people, and the gentle sway of boats create an atmosphere that is pure magic. You can have the ride and enjoy the beautiful evening on the river Ganges and looking at Vidyasagar Setu commonly known as Second Hooghly bridge.

A City Alive with Festivities

During winter, the whole city comes alive with Christmas lights, festive decorations, and a joyful vibe.  Bow Barracks -an Anglo-Indian neighbourhood in Central Kolkata and Park Street are the heart of the celebrations, with twinkling fairy lights, cheerful carols, and the smell of freshly baked plum cake and homemade wine. It is the perfect time to explore Kolkata’s beautiful churches like St. Paul’s Cathedral (Maidan) and St. John’s Church (Council House Street), St. Andrew’s Church (BBD Bag).

But winter here is not just about Christmas. It is also a season of fairs, music, and cultural celebrations. The Kolkata International Film Festival is a paradise for movie lovers, while the Book Fair is every reader’s dream—a place filled with endless books, rich aroma of coffee, and the spicy tangy jhalmuri with book lovers wandering around, lost in their world of words.

Then comes the month of January, bringing the excitement of Saraswati Puja (the Goddess of knowledge and art). The streets are filled with young boys in dhotis and kurta and girls in sarees, reminding me of my school days. There is something so simple yet beautiful about this festival—it always leaves me smiling.

Day-out or One Day Trips

If you love exploring, Kolkata has plenty to offer. Though there is history in every corner of this city, l still try to jot down few places for day out like – College street (Boi para / book colony), Park Street Cemetery (Park Street), Jorasanko Thakur Bari-an ancestral home of  Rabindranath Tagore (Girish Park metro station), Netaji Bhawan-ancestral home of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (Elgin Road) , Mother House (A. J C Bose road) , Victoria Memorial (Maidan), Indian Museum (Jawaharlal Nehru Road), Marble Palace-an 19th-century neoclassical mansion known for its stunning architecture (Muktaram Babu Street), Writers’ Building– 243-year-old historical building (B.B.D Bag), Shaheed Minar (Dharmatala), Dakshineswar Kali Temple ( Dakshineswar), Belur math ( western bank of the Hooghly River), Pareshnath Jain temple ( Badridas Temple street), Magen David Synagogue ( Jews church, Burrabazar Market)

If you seek a quick getaway, head to places like Shantiniketan, Bishnupur, Purulia, Raichak, Bakkhali, Diamond Harbour, Taki, Gadiara and Chandannagar. Each spot has something unique to offer, whether it is history, culture, or scenic beauty.

Winter also brings flocks of migratory birds from Europe, Russia, Siberia to places like Purbasthali (Bardhaman), Saheb Bandh (Purulia), Rasikbill (Cooch Behar), Kulik Bird Sanctuary (Raiganj), and of course, the Sundarbans, making them paradise for birdwatchers. So, grab your binoculars, cameras, and bird checklists, and get ready for an unforgettable birding adventure.

A Culinary Adventure

If you are a foodie, winter in Kolkata is pure bliss. During my visit, I made it a mission to indulge in all the street food I had been craving for the months like spicy phuchka, churmur, yummy egg rolls, tangy jhalmuri, steaming hot momos, toast and googhni and crispy fish fry. And, of course, the winter special nolen gurer sandesh (nolen gur or palm jaggery is used to make several sweet dishes like ice cream, mishti, sandesh, rasgulla and cheesecakes). And I cannot forget the countless cups of chai in earthen cups, the perfect companion to a cool winter evening. It was a true feast for the senses. Beyond street food, Kolkata is also home to a buzzing cafe culture and an amazing restaurant.  Here are some of my favourite food joints:

• For an authentic biryani experience –Oudh 1590, Royal Indian Hotel, Arsalan, Zam Zam, Shiraz Golden and for tehari lovers- Sufia (Barabazar).
• For traditional Bengali cuisine- 6 Ballygunge Place, Kasturi, Aaheli-the Peerless Inn, Sonar tori or for delicious black mutton curries- Gol Bari (Shyambazar)
• For classic ambiance and Continental cuisine – Peter Cat and Mocambo (Park Street)
• For Chinese cuisine – Tung Nam (Tiretti Bazar), Kimling and Kafulok (Tangra), Eau Chew (G. C Avenue)
• For cafe and food joints – Roastery Coffee House (Hindustan Park), Raj Spanish Cafe (Esplanade), Blue Sky Cafe (Esplanade), 8^th day Cafe (Salt Lake), Cafe Latte, and Cafe Celestial (James long Sarani)
• For Bengali sweets – Balaram Mullick, K.C. Das, Nakur Chandra Das
• For snacks like fish fry, fish kabiraji, cutlet (prawn/ mutton/ fish / banana flower or mocha) – Kalika (College Street), Camper (Gariahat), Mitra Cafe (Sobhabazar), Chitta Da (Dacres Lane)
• For crunchy roll / wrap- Bedwin (Gariahat), Kusum roll (Park Street)
• For delicious Momo and Thukpa –Tibetan Delight (Exide), Momo Plaza (Exide)

Local Markets and Melas

Experience Kolkata’s vibrant culture at lively markets like Gariahat and New Market, where you can shop for everything from trendy clothes to beautiful handicrafts, fashion jewelries. Winter is also the season of fairs, so do not miss events like the Handicrafts Fair (Hasta Shilpa Mela, Saras Mela, Kolkata Trade Fair) and the famous International Kolkata Book Fair (dates change every year). Be sure to pick up some unique souvenirs.

Final Thoughts

As my winter stay ended, I realized just how much this city means to me. Even though my visit was short, I tried to make the most of it, celebrating festivals in my own way. I savoured Pithe, Patisapta, and even the simple Gotaseddho that my grandmother used to make. These flavours, much like the city, carried memories of warmth and love.  We explored, shopped, shared plenty of laughs. This short trip felt like a powerful recharge, a reminder of everything that makes Kolkata so special.

Perfectly Imperfect

Like any city, Kolkata has its flaws. The monsoon floods its streets, traffic can drive you crazy, and life here moves at a slower pace than in other metros. This slow pace makes the city so special – you can still relate to the city when you revisit even after years. Kolkata offers something rare—a sense of belonging that is hard to find anywhere else. The warmth of its people, melodious Bengali language, and the city’s rich culture will make you feel part of the city. The city will embrace you with open arms, and if you are looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, winter in Kolkata is the perfect time to visit. Why think so much? Pack your bags, plan your trip, and head to Kolkata. You will fall in love with this city in your own special way.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Pack Layers: While the weather is cool, it can get chilly in the evenings. Pack warm clothes to stay comfortable.
• Be Adventurous with Food: Do not be afraid to try street food – it is an integral part of the Kolkata experience.
• Carry Cash: Many street vendors and smaller shops prefer cash payments.
• Learn a Few Basic Phrases: A few basic Bengali phrases will go a long way and be appreciated by the locals.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Like any city, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe.

If you have any questions or want to prepare your itinerary for any trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us.