Senior Travel in Calcutta

The Indian metropolis of Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is experiencing an active renovation to make the city more tourist friendly. This is great news, particularly for senior travelers.

When to Travel

When considering a trip to Kolkata, winter is the best time to visit. The heat is overwhelming from April through mid September. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures in the low 30's and, during dry spells, the maximum temperatures often exceed 40 degrees C (104 degree F) during May and June. May is a month that seniors with respiratory diseases should completely avoid.

Where to Stay

If you're looking for the best value in accommodations for seniors, look no further than the Hyatt Regency Kolkata. Don't let the Hyatt name deter you from choosing this hotel, because the Hyatt room rates in Kolkata are much more affordable than its European and North American counterparts. Online reservations through the Hyatt Regency Kolkata often provide a 20% discount to encourage advanced booking. The Hyatt Regency Kolkata offers specially designed rooms for physically challenged guests and its concierge service is always ready to serve any special needs requests. Located on the business district, it is conveniently located near the Kolkata City Centre, Indian Museum, Kalighat Temple, and Victoria Memorial.

Another good option is the Park Kolkata, a boutique hotel that is an easy walk to the Indian Museum and the Park Street Cemetery. This 150 room hotel offers very comfortable and lavish accommodations. For those visitors interested in experiencing a bit of the dynamic Kolkata nightlife, this hotel is a good option because it is within walking distance from many restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Where to Eat

Seniors will find that eating in Kolkata is not only a delight to the senses but also to their pockets. At the Kewpie's Kitchen, on 2 Elgin Lane, a dinner for 2 goes for about $10! After Kewpie's, a good second choice for Bengali food is Oh! Calcutta, conveniently located on the Forum Shopping Mall, fourth floor, 10/3 Elgin Road, where a dinner for 2 goes for about $23.

What to Do

In Kolkata, activity options are endless. First, visit the Marble Palace at Muktaram Babu Street. Access permits must be booked 24 hours in advance from the West Bengali Tourism Board. If you're staying at the Hyatt Regency Kolkata, ask the front desk to arrange tickets for you. Wheelchairs are available when making your advanced booking.

Visit the Indian Museum at 27 Jawaharial Nehu Road. Established in 1814, the Indian Museum of Kolkata is the oldest museum in Asia and houses a vast collection of Indian natural history and Indian art.

The Weavers Studio at 5/1 Anil Moitra Road is definitely worth a trip. Having been in the field of textiles since the past 12 years, the Weavers Studio is the paradise for textiles enthusiast. This studio has established its position by setting up hand-block printing, handloom, hand embroidery units in the vicinity of Kolkata employing 250 plus craftspersons directly and many more indirectly.

Last but not least, it's the Victoria Memorial Hall at 1 Queen's Way. The Victoria Memorial is the largest repository in India for a visual history of Calcutta. It also has a major collection of paintings, sculptures and manuscripts from the British period. If necessary, call +91-33-2223-5142 (from oustide India) or 033-2223-5142 (from anywhere within India) to book an appointment for groups with special needs.