Kumartuli and Sovabazar
Combine artisan lanes, heritage pujas and the old North Kolkata streets.
KOLKATA DURING PUJO
Best Places to Visit in Kolkata During Durga Puja 2026
Match one cultural area with one pandal circuit so the day remains enjoyable instead of becoming a cross-city race.
Updated 14 October 2026, 10:15 PM IST
College Street and College Square
Pair the illuminated puja with bookshops and the academic quarter.
Gariahat and Lake Market
A dense South Kolkata walk with major theme pujas, food and easy Metro links.
Victoria Memorial and Park Street
Use these as daytime cultural stops before Central or South pandal hopping.
Prinsep Ghat and the river
A quieter early stop before joining evening Pujo crowds.
New Town and Salt Lake
Useful for visitors staying near the airport, with an onward link to Lake Town and North-East pujas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area for a first-time Durga Puja visitor?
Kumartuli, Sovabazar and Bagbazar give a strong mix of artisan culture, heritage and traditional pujas.
Can I combine sightseeing and pandal hopping in one day?
Yes, but keep both in the same part of the city and begin before noon.
What is the easiest circuit by Metro?
Central Kolkata and the North heritage walk have the most convenient clusters near Metro stations.