Kolkata was formerly known as Calcutta. It is a city of vivacious lifestyle, rich culture, grand festivities, and exciting flavours. Due, in part, to its location in the eastern part of India, it has become the cradle of colonial history and modern expansion. Often referred to as the London of India, this cultural capital of the country will certainly charm you with its diversified charm and elegance. The city’s history and architectural beauty is not the only thing that sets this city apart, Kolkata boasts of literary, scholastic and artistic talents. The city’s institutions continue to spawn ingenious generations of writers, poets, dancers, musicians, filmmakers, painters, Nobel laureates and many more. Apart from its heritage monuments and scholastic achievements, Kolkata is also known for its street shopping spree and its flavourful extravaganza. The extraordinary variety of piquant traditional dishes and dessert delicacies like the syrupy Rosogolla will tantalize even the most finicky eaters.

Best time to fly from Manila to Kolkata

It can be said that the autumn and winter months between October and February are the best time to visit Kolkata, as the weather is perfect, and festivities are aplenty. This is the season that witnesses the peak arrival of travellers, especially during Durga Puja. The city will transform and will vibrate with energy during Druga Puja. Travellers will find numerous pandals all over the city with beautiful idols of Goddess Durga and multiple street food stalls. The festival does not end there as it will be followed by the Laxmi Puja and Kali Puja. Summer months are the least desirable options for a traveller, and monsoons, although lovely, is not exactly the best season worth a visit. Monsoon is from June to September when the city experiences heavy showers. The temperature comes down, but humidity levels rise. August receives the most rainfall throughout the year and it tends to rain for quite some time. Flooding is also a frequent occurrence at this time. September is when the rain slows down and the cool breeze makes for pleasant evenings.

Main airports available in Manila and Kolkata

Ninoy Aquino International Airport -The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is an international airport serving the Manila and surrounding city. It is also known as NAIA by locals. The airport is located along the border between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque. The nearest town to the airport, which is in the south of Manila and southwest of Makati, is located around 7 kilometres. The airlines that operate in this airport is AirAsia Philippines, Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, and Philippine Airlines. There are four different terminals at this airport, and it houses many interesting shops and eateries within the airport so you can shop or dine in while waiting for the plane to arrive or depart. It is easy to reach the airport as there are many types of transportation available in Ninoy Aquino International Airport for visitors.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport -Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is the international airport that serves the city of Kolkata. It is located approximately 17 kilometres from the city centre. Previously known as Dum Dum Airport it was renamed in 1995 in honour of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. With the size covering over 2,460 acres, Kolkata airport is the largest air terminal in the eastern part of the country. Along with Bagdogra, it is one of two international airports operating in West Bengal, the other being. The airport is a major centre for flights to Northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Southeast Asia.

Climate pattern in Manila and Kolkata

Due to its location on the eastern coast of India, Kolkata experiences a typical tropical climate. October to March is considered as autumn when the weather is pleasant and is a great time to visit Kolkata. Apart from great weather, this is also a time for travellers to experience the different festivals celebrated in Kolkata. In winters the temperature varies somewhere between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius. December and January are the coolest months and you would need light woollens for this time, especially during the night. There will be short bursts of rainfall, which makes the weather very pleasant, making it the best time to visit the city. While, from April to May, these are the hottest months in the city with the temperature varying from over 40 to 30-degree Celsius. The heat can make sightseeing a little difficult, so travellers are advised to bring sunglasses and comfortable cotton clothes.

Highlights in Kolkata

• Victoria Memorial - Victoria Memorial is a large marble building dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. Victoria Memorial is now a museum and tourist destination and has a mixture of British and Mughal architectural influences. Constructed and completed in 1921, it currently houses a fine art history collection and a gallery from the British Colonial period including many impressive paintings, sculptures, and books. The building's exterior is evocatively illuminated at night. Victoria Memorial is open every Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. While on Saturday and Sunday it is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is an entrance fee of INR 500 (PHP 357).
• Howrah Bridge – This bridge is one of the iconic landmarks of Kolkata and is considered to be among the longest cantilever bridges in the world. It is a massive steel bridge constructed over the Hooghly River. The uniqueness of this bridge is the fact that it was built without a single nut or bolt and is held together by rivets. It Also known as Rabindra Setu, in honour of the poet Rabindranath Tagore, by the locals and connects Howrah and Kolkata. It is a functioning bridge that carries a daily traffic of over 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians. The grandeur of the bridge, however, can be seen at night as it is all lit up. Visitors can also take a ferry ride between Kolkata and Howrah from the launch ghat nearby the bridge. The night view of the city from the ferry is something that shouldn’t be missed.
• Fort William - Situated on the eastern banks of Hooghly River, Fort Williams is a huge colonial building that has served multiple purposes to date. It is a must-visit attraction during your visit to Kolkata. Also known as the ‘black hole of Calcutta’, this place was once a temporary jail where prisoners were hauled, but now it serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Command. Since it serves as a military structure, most of the interior is off-limits to the public. However, the exterior structure which is embellished with hundreds of arched windows and meticulous stonework is an impressive sight not to be missed. Travellers can also take the opportunity to take a stroll in the building’s carefully tended gardens.