Kolkata West Bengal, India Travel Guide
A chronological timeline of tasks before your trip.
Coordinate your preparations over several months.
Check passport validity (6+ months). Apply for Indian visa or e-Visa (time).
Book international flights (high season). Research and book accommodation.
Consult doctor for vaccinations/prescriptions. Purchase comprehensive Travel insurance.
Book domestic flights or trains within India (AC classes sell out fast).
Finalize your itinerary, book any specific tours or activities. Arrange any health checks or complete vaccinations.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans. Obtain an International Driving Permit (if needed).
Confirm all your bookings (flights, hotels, tours). Pack climate-appropriate clothing, essentials, and medications.
Organize all documents (physical and digital copies). Obtain some local currency or verify easy ATM access upon arrival.
Download key applications and offline maps for Kolkata.
Bookings and reservations for a seamless trip.
Final checks before leaving your home.
Research recommendations for a connection.
A physical checklist, ticking off items as you go, prevents forgetting tasks, even for experienced travelers.
The first steps upon arriving in Kolkata define the beginning of your trip.
Clear immigration and customs at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU).
Collect your baggage off the carousel.
Obtain a local SIM card (if no pre-arranged e-SIM) to stay connected immediately.
Locate your accommodation on a digital or physical map.
Familiarize yourself with local transit options near your stay.
Take a short walk around your immediate neighborhood to get your bearings.
Purchase souvenirs a few days before your departure to avoid a last-minute rush.
If shipping large items, arrange with a reputable service well in advance. Check customs regulations.
India currently does not have a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund scheme for tourists on most goods.
Do not anticipate claiming refunds on purchases.
International Flights: Arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure. Domestic Flights: 2 hours prior.
Train Departures: Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure. Factor in potential traffic delays.
Have your hotel's name and address in both Speaking english and Bengali script. This helps taxi drivers, bridging any language barrier.
Final checks before you set off home.
Confirm your departure terminal to avoid last-minute confusion.
Double-check your flight terminal. While Kolkata airport has an integrated terminal, confirming your departure gate and any specific check-in zones helps prevent confusion.
This straightforward step makes your... more efficient departure experience.
