Kolkata Tour Packages

1. About Kolkata
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Kolkata
4. Kolkata At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Kolkata
6. Best Time To Visit Kolkata
7. Top Things To Do In Kolkata
8. Shopping In Kolkata
9. Dos and Don’ts While Travelling To Kolkata
10. Best Quick Getaways From Kolkata
11. Foods To Try Out In Kolkata
12. Art And Culture In Kolkata

The turning point in Kolkata’s history can be traced back to the victory of the British forces in 1757 over Siraj-ud-Daulah, who was the Nawab of Bengal. This is when the British captured Kolkata (then known as Calcutta), and thus began their rule over Bengal. Kolkata became the capital of British India in 1772 and served as its capital till 1911, when it was shifted to Delhi. In 1774, the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William was established. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was a significant event in Kolkata’s history, dividing the region into West Bengal and East Bengal. While the former remained a part of India, the latter eventually became Bangladesh.

The Calcutta Stock Exchange is renowned as the country’s second-largest bourse. Even though Kolkata’s status as an international banking centre has dwindled over the years, numerous international banks have a prominent and established presence in the city.

Various workers in the city are employed in jute mills, coal mines, and engineering industries. When it comes to government jobs, most people work in the educational, medical, and financial sectors. Those working in private firms are primarily employed in fields such as education, medicine, accountancy, legal services, utilities, and the stock exchange.

The biggest jute-processing industry in the country is based in Kolkata. Various kinds of consumer goods are produced in the factories of Kolkata, including textiles, tobacco, beverages, and foodstuffs.

• Kolkata was the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911.
• Eden Gardens is the third-largest cricket stadium in the world by seating capacity.
• Kolkata is home to the Birla Planetarium, the largest planetarium in Asia and the second-largest in the world.
• The city has the Great Banyan Tree, which is approximately 250 years old and is located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Howrah.
• Kolkata has Alipore Zoological Garden, which is known to be one of the oldest zoos in India.
• The oldest and largest multipurpose museum in Asia, known as the Indian Museum, is located in Kolkata.
• Kolkata is the capital of the state West Bengal and its largest city.
• The Kolkata Port in the City of Joy is the oldest operating port in India.
• Kolkata Metro was launched in 1984 and was the first operational metro in India.
• The Calcutta Polo Club in Kolkata is the world’s oldest polo club.
• Kolkata’s tram system is the oldest electric tram system in Asia.
• The International Kolkata Book Fair is the world’s largest non-trade book festival.
• Kolkata’s College Street is known to be the largest book market in India and Asia and also the largest secondhand book market globally.

• Keep an eye on your belongings whenever you’re out in crowded places.
• Although Kolkata is generally a safe place, it’s better not to travel alone at night, especially if you’re a solo female traveller.
• If you have to travel at night, use ride-sharing apps or well-known taxi services only.
• Buses, taxis, and the metro are some of the most affordable transportation options in Kolkata. However, they can be crowded.
• Although tipping is not mandatory in Kolkata, you can tip the servers at an eatery if you like their service. People usually tip those who carry their luggage and engage in other small services.
• The water quality in Kolkata can be concerning, so it’s best to carry bottled water when you’re out and about.
• There are plenty of ATMS in Kolkata so that you can withdraw cash easily.
• Although most establishments accept debit cards, credit cards, and UPI payments, smaller stores may not always accept digital payments. Hence, always carry some cash.

Once you visit Kolkata, you will want to keep coming back. Be it the warm and hospitable nature of its people or the hustle and bustle of the quaint neighbourhoods, the charm of Kolkata is undeniable. Here are some reasons why you should grab our Kolkata tour packages right away:

Kolkata was the capital of British India and also served as the headquarters of the British East India Company, further adding to the city’s historical significance. The rich history of Kolkata is evident through the many architectural wonders scattered throughout the City of Joy. There is the Victoria Memorial, which was built in honour of Queen Victoria. The iconic landmark, Howrah Bridge, was officially opened to the public in 1943 and was renamed Rabindra Setu to honour Rabindranath Tagore. If you want to learn more about the illustrious Tagore family, visit the Jorasanko Thakurbari.

Very few cities in the world are renowned for their food, and Kolkata has been proudly a part of that list for ages now. Are you in the mood for something sweet? Go for some mishti doi and malpua. Perhaps some street food is what you’re craving? The phuchkas and kathi rolls are unforgettable. Maybe it’s dinner time and you’re searching for authentic Bengali food? Don’t miss out on Kolkata Biryani, luchis, and aloo posto. Our Kolkata tour packages can ensure that the city’s delectable food goes straight to your soul.

Kolkata has some of the busiest and most vibrant markets you will ever come across. Whether you’re looking for secondhand books at College Street or traditional Bengali sarees at Gariahat, the markets in Kolkata have a variety of enticing souvenirs you will want to take back home. If you like oxidised and artificial jewellery, do check out New Market, Dakshinapan Shopping Complex, and Hatibagan Market.

Kolkata is a potpourri of different cultures and traditions. People from different communities have settled in Kolkata over the last couple of centuries, including Jewish, Chinese, and Armenian. All of these groups contributed to the city’s cultural, political, social, and economic growth. Whether you’re catching a play at Nandan or watching a match at Eden Gardens, there is always some cultural event or another to experience in Kolkata. From the trams and yellow taxis to the footfall fever that permeates through the city, Kolkata’s culture shines through in every nook and cranny.

Kolkata has a tropical climate, and much of its weather is influenced by the Bay of Bengal. The city has three distinct seasons, namely summer, monsoon, and winter. While the dry season has mostly clear skies and is humid and moist, the wet season is hot along with overcast conditions. Let’s take a look at what each season in Kolkata is like so you can decide when to book our Kolkata tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature in Kolkata ranges between 30 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. The days are hot and humid, and the nights offer little respite, making it challenging to go sightseeing during the summer months. On some days, the temperature also goes up to 45 degrees Celsius.

Since summer is the off-season, you could get discounts on flights and hotels with GT Holidays’ Kolkata tour packages. Make sure to pack comfortable cotton clothes, sunscreen, and clothing made from breathable fabrics. Also, carry an umbrella to protect yourself from the heat. Always have a bottle of water when you go sightseeing, as it will help you stay hydrated in the heat. The Bengali New Year, or Pohela Boishakh, is celebrated at this time.

The temperature during the monsoon season in Kolkata fluctuates between 20°c and 28°c. Although the rains bring about some relief, it’s still pretty hot and humid in the city at this time. The nights and evenings are slightly better than the summer ones. Certain areas face waterlogging issues, particularly the low-lying regions, which makes sightseeing tricky. However, if you’re travelling on a budget, this is a good season to grab our Kolkata tour packages. The rainfall begins to slow down during the month of September. Durga Puja, which is the biggest festival in Kolkata, is usually held around September and October. So, chances are you can catch the grandeur of the celebrations if you visit at this time. Pack an umbrella and the necessary rain gear.

The winter months are the best time to visit Kolkata. While the coldest days experience a temperature range of 9 degrees Celsius to 11 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature usually reaches about 25 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to go sightseeing, but keep in mind that it’s peak tourist season, so most tourist attractions will be crowded.

After Durga Puja, another important festival among Bengalis is Kali Puja. This takes place around Diwali, illuminating the streets of Kolkata with Kali Puja pandals and twinkling fairy lights. Saraswati Puja is also a festival you can encounter in the city during the winter season. Make sure to carry some light layers to stay warm during Kolkata’s winter days. For book lovers, there is the world-renowned International Kolkata Book Fair you can attend at this time. So, plan your trip with GT Holidays’ Kolkata tour packages accordingly.

Kolkata, with its never-ending charisma and eclectic tourist attractions, is bound to keep you busy. As you explore the city with our Kolkata tour packages, here are some of the places to visit and activities to engage in:

Situated in the heart of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial was ordered to be built by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of British India. The grand marble monument was dedicated to Queen Victoria after she passed away in 1901. The foundation stone for the structure was laid in January 1906 by the Prince of Wales, who was later crowned King George V. It was officially opened to the public in December 1921 when the site was formally visited by the Prince of Wales (Edward VIII). The high-quality white marble used to build the Victoria Memorial was the same as the one used to create the Taj Mahal.

The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, also known as the Botanical Garden, is located near Kolkata in the Shibpur area of Howrah. It was founded by the East India Company in 1787. Back then, it was known as Company Garden or Company Bagan. The Botanical Garden is home to over 12,000 exotic and rare plants.

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple was built in the 19th century and is situated near Kolkata in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The temple is dedicated to Maa Bhavatarini, one of the forms of Goddess Kali. It was founded by Rani Rashmoni in 1855, and the temple’s design was derived from the nine-spires style of the Bengal School of Architecture. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa served as the head priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple for three decades, right from 1855 till he passed away in 1886. The temple complex features detailed carvings, embellished domes, towering spires, and sculptures based on scenes from Hindu mythology.

Indian Museum is renowned for being one of the world’s oldest museums and the largest museum in the country. It was founded by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1814. Opened to the public in April 1878, the museum is home to numerous ancient sculptures, contemporary paintings, sacred relics of Buddha, and Egyptian mummies. Also known as ‘Jaadu Ghar’, tourists will come across skeletons, fossils, ornaments, armour, antiques, and Mughal paintings at this museum.

Birla Mandir is a 20th-century temple made of white marble and cream-coloured sandstone. Inspired by Rajasthan’s intricate style of architecture, the temple was built by the Birla family, and its construction took 26 years to complete. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, it was opened to the public in 1996. The walls of the temple feature intricate patterns that were designed by skilled artisans who were called in from Mirzapur, Agra, and Muzaffarpur.

Science City in Kolkata is the largest science centre in the Indian subcontinent. It was inaugurated by Inder Kumar Gujral, the then Prime Minister of India, in July 1997. Ever since its inception, the centre has had almost 30 million visitors. There are two facilities within Science City, namely the Science Centre and the Convention Centre. The Science Centre has various areas for tourists to explore, including the Space Odyssey, Science Exploration Hall, Earth Exploration Hall, Dynamotion, Maritime Centre, and Science Park. The Convention Centre complex has a main auditorium and a mini auditorium. While the former has a seating capacity of 2232, the latter has a seating capacity of 392. This complex holds numerous cultural programmes, conferences, trade exhibitions, and conventions.

The Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata is situated 13 km from the Kolkata Railway Station. It’s one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali. Legend says that Lord Shiva carried Sati’s dead body while performing his cosmic dance, Tandav. During this dance, various parts of Sati’s body were scattered on the ground. The spot where the Kalighat Kali Temple is located is apparently where Sati’s right toe had fallen. The temple’s current form was completed in its construction around 1809 by the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family.

Birla Planetarium is the largest planetarium in Asia and the second-largest planetarium in the world. Situated close to Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the architecture of the planetarium is loosely based on the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh. Inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru in July 1963, it’s open Monday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 6 pm. There are shows conducted daily in English, Hindi, Bengali, and also other regional languages. The tickets for these are made available half an hour before each show.

Belur Math is a temple located on the west bank of the Hooghly River in West Bengal’s Howrah district. It serves as the headquarters of the non-sectarian and non-political spiritual organisations known as Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. Founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897, he conceptualised the design of the temple while the construction of it was overseen by Swami Vijnanananda. The temple’s architecture is a symbol of the union of all religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.

The term ‘rajbari’ translates to ‘a palatial mansion’ that serves as the residence of royal families. Many of these rajbaris of Kolkata have now been repurposed into luxury resorts or heritage hotels to preserve their cultural, historical, and architectural importance. You can get a taste of royalty by taking a tour of one of these rajbaris in Kolkata. Tourists can either choose to spend a couple of hours at these heritage hotels, or even spend the night, if they wish to. Some of the best heritage properties in Kolkata to look into are the Rajbari Bawali and Itachuna Rajbari.

The Rajbari Bawali is a 300-year-old property which is sprawled over an area of four acres. Situated about 90 minutes away from Kolkata, the décor and the luxurious rooms will offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Zamindars of Bengal. Make sure you don’t miss out on the authentic Bengali thalis offered at the restaurant of this rajbari. The Itachuna Rajbari, also known as Bargee Danga, was established in 1766 by the Kundan family, who were descendants of Maratha soldiers. There are day trips and summer packages, too, available at this luxury resort.

• Boat ride at Prinsep Ghat
• Kayaking in Eco Park
• Boating at Rabindra Sarobar Lake
• Mangrove safari in the Sundarbans

Kolkata is a paradise for shopaholics. High-quality items are available at affordable prices at the bustling bazaars of Kolkata, thereby adding more character to the city’s soul. When you embark upon your journey with our Kolkata tour packages, do check out the following souvenirs:

The city of Bishnupur, located in the Bankura district of West Bengal, is known for its exquisite terracotta temples, which gave it the title of ‘the terracotta capital of India’. Terracotta items are some of the most popular souvenirs to buy in Kolkata, particularly the Bankura horses. You can also find jewellery and musical instruments under this category of mementoes.

Conch shell bangles – which are also known as ‘shaankhas’ in Bengali – can be found in many stores across Kolkata. These are worn by married Hindu women as a symbol of their marital status, signifying marital bliss and representing the purity of the union. The areas of Baghbazar and Barrackpore in Kolkata, among others, manufacture these bangles. They are white in colour and have various intricate carvings on them.

Kolkata is known for its diverse range of foods, and sweets often take the lead in that department. You absolutely cannot leave Kolkata without taking back some delicious Bengali sweets for yourself and your loved ones. Bring back boxes of roshogollas, sandesh, and chom chom from your trip.

If you like wearing sarees, then Kolkata has an eclectic variety of sarees for you to choose from, be it silk sarees, cotton sarees, or handloom boutique sarees. There are the luxurious, silky sarees and intricately embroidered sarees and also the comfortable cotton fabrics that you can explore at several saree markets in Kolkata. Some of the popular kinds of sarees you will find in the city are tant sarees, kantha sarees, baluchari sarees, and jamdani sarees.

Sholapith or shola pith is a popular art form in West Bengal. Also known as Indian cork, sholapith is a milky-white, sponge-like wood used to create intricately carved pieces of art. Skilled artisans use it to make various handicrafts, such as garlands, decorate headgear for deities, divine ornaments, and figurines of Hindu deities.

Kalighat paintings originated from the skilled artists who lived near the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata. The themes of these paintings centre around both religious and non-religious subjects. They feature images of Goddess Kali and scenes from epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and also scenes from everyday life, along with social commentary.

Shantiniketan bags are made from high-quality leather, and they can be found in plenty in the markets of Gariahat in Kolkata. Known for their vivid colours and unique designs, these are available in numerous sizes and varieties. They contain traditional motifs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Shantiniketan, including geometric patterns and floral designs. There are shoulder bags, sling bags, tote bags, and handheld clutches you can choose from.

New Market: For clothes, sarees, accessories, jewellery, fresh produce, electronics

Gariahat Market: For jewellery, sarees, clothes, bags, footwear, handicrafts

College Street: For novels, secondhand books, stationery

South City Mall: For luxury brands, beauty products, gourmet food, electronics

Dakshinapan Shopping Complex: For textiles, handicrafts, sarees, jewellery

Hatibagan Market: For sarees, jewellery, fabrics, clothes

• When visiting popular shopping places, try to shop either during the weekdays or early in the day so as to avoid the crowd.
• Haggling is a common practice in the markets of Kolkata, so don’t shy away from bargaining while also being respectful towards the vendors.
• Keep your belongings close and safe in the crowded markets to save yourself from petty thefts.
• Many of the street vendors don’t accept credit or debit cards; therefore, keep some cash with you when you go out shopping.

• Since the vegetation in Kolkata is fragile, make sure to follow the designated trails.
• Refrain from indulging in public displays of affection.
• Respect the sanctity of the holy sites and also show respect for the local culture. Remember to dress modestly when visiting a religious or spiritual location.
• Don’t talk loudly or indulge in smoking and alcohol around a sacred place.
• The people of Kolkata are usually opinionated and enjoy discussing current affairs and politics. Since it’s not possible to predict one’s political inclination, remember not to insult the city’s government, as it could lead to heated arguments.
• Don’t give in to the stereotypes surrounding Bengali people. Not every Bengali loves rice, fish, and sweets, and it’s best to avoid making such assumptions.
• If you’re visiting an area with greenery and forests, don’t discard any plastic items such as plastic bags or plastic bottles in the area as it could harm the environment.

Believe us when we say that one of the primary reasons for tourists to book our Kolkata tour packages is the city’s renowned love for food. The cuisine of Kolkata has been influenced by numerous dynasties and migrant communities who settled in the region. This includes the culinary traditions of the Mughals, Portuguese, Chinese, and French. Rice is a staple presence in most meals in Kolkata. It’s often paired with vegetable curries, fish curries, and so on. The presence of several freshwater lakes in Bengal is a major reason for the popularity of fish dishes in Bengali cuisine, such as macher jhol, shorshe ilish, chingri malai curry, and fish fry. Mustard and mustard oil are both used generously in Bengali dishes. You will also find the presence of panch phoron in Kolkata’s food, which refers to five spices, namely cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, brown mustard seeds, and nigella seeds. Let’s take a look at some of the mouthwatering dishes you absolutely must try during your trip to Kolkata:

Kosha mangsho is a traditional Bengali mutton curry that’s a common presence during special occasions and weekend lunches. The pieces of mutton are marinated and cooked in mustard oil till they become tender. Tomatoes and onions are included in the recipe along with spices, all of which contribute towards making a rich, flavourful gravy. You can pair kosha mangsho with steamed rice, rotis, luchi, and even parathas.

While Bengali cuisine has several celebrated non-vegetarian dishes, it also offers many noteworthy vegetarian options. One of them is aloo posto, a delightful concoction which tastes best when paired with hot steamed rice and dal. The dish consists of potatoes cooked in a rich poppy seed paste (posto). Cooked in mustard oil, green chillies are added to the mix to add an extra zing to it all. If you’re invited to a Bengali household for a meal, chances are aloo posto will be a part of the spread.

Macher jhol is a Bengali fish curry which can be made using any kind of fish, including rohu, hilsa, tilapia, and catla. This dish can be made in two forms: a simple fish curry with vegetables or a traditional, spicy fish curry. It’s traditionally eaten with rice. Some of the ingredients that go into making this dish are mustard oil, onions, garlic, turmeric, tomatoes, potatoes, cumin, ridge gourd, and pointed gourd.

If you have a sweet tooth, you will have a grand time trying out the desserts in Kolkata. Of the sweet dishes to try out in the city, mishti doi is among the top ones. It’s a creamy and thick yoghurt dessert which is made by fermenting sweetened milk. Boiled milk is caramelised with jaggery, after which it is allowed to sit and ferment overnight.

Kolkata has an array of street food you can try, and kathi rolls are among the most beloved ones in that category. These consist of grilled skewers of marinated meat that are wrapped in a flatbread or paratha. The meat can be chicken or mutton, as per your choice. The rolls are filled with toppings like onions, cucumbers, green chillies, and a mix of spicy and flavourful sauces.

While you may have had biryani in other parts of the country, Kolkata biryani must be tasted for its uniqueness. The presence of boiled eggs and potatoes is what differentiates it from the rest. It’s not too spicy and is considered to be a modified version of the Awadhi form of biryani. Kolkata biryani originated in the royal kitchens when Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, was exiled to Kolkata in 1856. When the chefs faced a shortage of meat, they came up with a creative solution and added potatoes and eggs to the dish. You can choose the chicken or mutton form of this biryani, based on your liking.

Shukto is a Bengali mixed vegetable curry or bitter vegetable stew that’s served as the first course of a typical Bengali meal. This moderately spiced gravy is made using mustard paste and milk. The vegetables that usually go into making shukto are eggplant, bitter gourd, pumpkin, potatoes, and drumsticks.

A trip to Kolkata is incomplete without trying the world-renowned Bengali street food known as phuchkas. While other parts of India have golgappas and pani puris, Kolkata has phuchkas, which are little, hollow puffed wheat balls that contain a stuffing of mashed potatoes, black chickpeas, onions, and coriander leaves. These are then topped with tamarind chutney and dipped in tangy tamarind water. You can adjust the spice level as per your liking.

Luchi is a traditional Bengali deep-fried puffed bread made with all-purpose flour, also known as maida. These have a slightly crispy exterior and are soft and fluffy on the inside. There are many food items that luchis are paired with in Kolkata, such as cholar dal, aloo dum, aloo torkari, kosha mangsho, and more.

Must-see attractions: Sundarban National Park, Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower

Must-see attractions: Rasmancha, Madanmohan Temple, Jor Bangla Temple, Shyam Rai Temple

Must-see attractions: New Digha Beach, Udaipur Beach, Digha Gate, Digha Mohona Watch Point

Must-see attractions: Visva-Bharati University, Rabindra Bhavan Museum, Amar Kutir, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Must-see attractions: Mandarmani Beach, Chandaneswar Temple, Amarabati Park

The soul of Kolkata is reflected through the many kinds of music the city has birthed and witnessed over the centuries. The roots of Kolkata’s folk music are connected to the ancient era, with the songs reflecting the emotions, experiences, and lives of the common folk. The theme of spirituality is quite common in these folk songs, and they offer social commentary while also narrating stories. The folk music of Kolkata often has philosophical and religious themes, along with simple tunes and evocative lyrics. There are baul songs that are said to have originated from the Hindu and Muslim communities. Transcending the barriers of religion, these usually have a spiritual undertone. The lives of the riverine communities in Kolkata are narrated through bhatiali songs. The themes of such songs include nature, rivers, and the lives of fishermen. When discussing the music of Kolkata, one simply cannot forget Rabindra Sangeet, which refers to the music crafted by Rabindranath Tagore. He is known to have composed over 2000 songs while also having composed the national anthems of India and Bangladesh.

The folk dances of Kolkata symbolise communal involvement and the co-existence of diverse religious and social customs in the city. There is brita dance, which is a significant part of rural Bengali culture. It is usually performed during festive occasions, especially during the Bengali New Year. Involving complex footwork and hand movements, the performers wear traditional clothing for this dance, which is a white saree with purple borders paired with necklaces and bangles. There is Rabindra nritya, which is regarded as the first modern dance of India and was created by Rabindranath Tagore. This expressive dance form uses hand gestures and facial expressions along with body movements to convey the emotions of Tagore’s songs and poems.

Kolkata has given birth to numerous literary geniuses, which is one of the many reasons why it’s considered the literary capital of India. This includes the likes of Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and Kazi Nazrul Islam. A discussion about Bengali literature is incomplete without stressing the endless contributions of Rabindranath Tagore, who brought new forms of prose and verse into the literary scene of Kolkata. In 1913, he became the first non-European to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature. The city witnessed many literary movements, such as the Kallol era and Hungryalist Movement. These helped in focusing the spotlight on fresh literary names, including Jibanananda Das, Sunil Gangopadhyay, Sukumar Ray, and Syed Mustafa Siraj.

The Royal Bioscope Company, which was Bengal’s first film production company, was established in 1898. The renowned filmmakers of Bengali cinema include Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy, Mrinal Sen, and Ritwik Ghatak. The golden age of Bengal cinema lasted from the 1950s to the 1970s. This period led to the creation of movies such as the Apu Trilogy, Nagarik, Ajantrik, Jalsaghar, Devdas, Neel Akasher Neechey, and Meghe Dhaka Tara. Based in the Tollygunge region of the city, Kolkata’s film industry is known as Tollywood. Contemporary Bengali filmmakers who are revered across the country are Aparna Sen, Rituparno Ghosh, Nandita Roy, and Kaushik Ganguly.