Kolkata Airport Guide: Things To Do While Waiting

what to do at kolkata airport

Known as the City of Joy, Kolkata is a repository of rich cultural heritage, unique architecture, and delicious food. Its airport, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, is located about 10 miles from the city centre. If you have a long layover, there are plenty of things to do at the airport and nearby. The airport itself offers cultural experiences, art installations, exhibitions, and an array of dining and shopping options. For those looking to relax, there are wellness centres, quiet corners to read a book, and cafes to enjoy a cup of coffee. If you decide to venture out, nearby attractions include Eco Park, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Mother House, City Centre II mall, and the historic north of the city, including the Rabindra Bharati Museum.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
Location Dum Dum, 10 miles from Kolkata city centre
Annual Passengers 20 million
Dining Options Over 30 restaurants, including Biryani Bhai, The Tea Shop, and eateries serving traditional Bengali sweets and street food
Shopping Around 20 boutiques and duty-free shops, including CC2 shopping mall
Relaxation Wellness centres offering massages and spa treatments, quiet corners to read, and cafes serving freshly brewed coffee
Transport Bus, taxi, train, and metro
Nearby Attractions Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Eco Park, Mother House, City Centre, Axis Mall, Nicco Park, Chinatown, Park Street, The Maidan, Victoria Memorial, New Market, Rabindra Bharati Museum

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Explore the city's art, culture and history through exhibitions and installations at the airport

Kolkata Airport, also known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, is a gateway to the city's thriving art scene. The airport showcases the region's artistic prowess through exhibitions and installations that celebrate Kolkata's art, culture, and history. Here are some ways you can explore and experience the city's cultural offerings during your time at the airport:

Immerse yourself in art installations and exhibitions:

Kolkata Airport is adorned with art installations and exhibitions that showcase the region's artistic talent. Keep your eyes peeled for intricate terracotta sculptures, vibrant paintings, and traditional handicrafts that reflect Kolkata's rich cultural heritage. These art pieces are scattered throughout the airport, providing a glimpse into the city's vibrant art scene.

Discover the diversity of Indian art:

Kolkata's art galleries and exhibitions present a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. From modern and contemporary works to traditional paintings and sculptures, you can explore the city's artistic side and appreciate the unity and diversity of Indian art. Look out for galleries like the Shree Art Gallery, which showcases the mirror of Indian art and culture, or the Chitrakoot Art Gallery, known for its beautiful exhibitions.

Explore the city's historical context:

Kolkata International Art Exhibitions, such as the Kolkata International Art Biennale, delve into the complexities of the globalized world and the interconnection of cultures, societies, and the environment. These exhibitions often highlight the theme of 'home' and the artistic impulses that arise from development and identity. By attending these exhibitions, you can gain a deeper understanding of Kolkata's historical context and its place in the global art landscape.

Indulge in culinary delights:

Kolkata Airport offers a culinary journey through the flavours of Bengal. Treat your taste buds to traditional Bengali sweets like Rasgulla and Sandesh, or savour the mouthwatering street food, including Kathi Rolls and Puchka (Pani Puri). The airport's dining options provide a delightful introduction to the city's culinary culture.

Recharge and relax:

Take some time to unwind and rejuvenate before your journey. Kolkata Airport offers wellness centres where you can indulge in a soothing massage or spa treatment. Find a quiet corner to relax with a book and a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or make use of the airport's free Wi-Fi to stay connected with friends and family.

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Relax with a massage, spa treatment, book or coffee

If you're looking to unwind and rejuvenate before your journey, Kolkata Airport offers several options for relaxation. The airport is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, art installations, exhibitions, terracotta sculptures, vibrant paintings, and traditional handicrafts. However, if you want to relax with a massage, spa treatment, book, or coffee, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Massage and Spa Treatments

Kolkata Airport has several wellness centres located within the airport where you can indulge in a soothing massage or spa treatment. Thai Odyssey Spa and Skincare, located in DLF Galleria, is a highly-rated spa that offers authentic Thai massages, facials, and rejuvenating skincare treatments. Their expert therapists and top-quality products provide a truly relaxing and healing experience.

Books and Coffee

If you prefer to relax with a book and a cup of coffee, Kolkata Airport has cozy cafes with free Wi-Fi, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of travel and recharge your senses. You can also browse the various shops and boutiques within the airport, offering handcrafted sarees, exquisite jewellery, unique handicrafts, and traditional artwork.

Dining Options

Kolkata Airport has over 30 restaurants and eating establishments, where you can savour the flavours of Bengal. Indulge in traditional Bengali sweets like Rasgulla and Sandesh, or try mouthwatering street food such as Kathi Rolls and Puchka (Pani Puri). The airport offers a wide range of culinary delights to tantalize your taste buds.

Remember, the friendly airport staff at Kolkata Airport are always ready to assist you with any queries or concerns. They can provide information about your flight, guidance on airport facilities, or recommendations for nearby attractions.

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Shop for souvenirs, including handcrafted sarees, jewellery and traditional artwork

Kolkata Airport, also known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBIA), offers a range of shopping options for travellers looking to buy souvenirs, handcrafted sarees, jewellery, and traditional artwork.

For those interested in purchasing handcrafted sarees, the Biswa Bangla showroom at NSCBI Airport showcases the talent of Bengal's weavers and craftspeople. The showroom features a range of handicraft and handloom products, including sarees, that stand out for their quality and uniqueness. By shopping at Biswa Bangla, you not only acquire a piece of Bengal but also support the livelihoods of the region's artisans.

If you're looking for jewellery, the Tanishq store at Kolkata Airport offers an unparalleled retail experience. Tanishq, a division of the renowned Tata Group, prides itself on catering to your unique needs and preferences. Their collection includes a range of jewellery designs, making it a great place to find a special souvenir or gift.

Kolkata Airport is also home to several stores that showcase traditional artwork and handicrafts. The 'Gute Reise' store, for instance, offers different gears and equipment for travellers while also supporting age-old hand-craft techniques and traditions. The 'Accessorize' boutique, with its roots in London's fashion scene, showcases the ARTISAN collection, featuring the skilled work of craftspeople across Asia.

In addition to these dedicated stores, Kolkata Airport houses various shops and boutiques that offer a range of products, including souvenirs. WH Smith, for instance, has four stores scattered throughout the airport, offering books, confectionery, souvenirs, toys, personal care items, and fragrances. So, whether you're looking for a last-minute gift or a memento of your trip, Kolkata Airport provides a diverse and convenient shopping experience.

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Sample the local cuisine, including Bengali sweets and street food

If you're looking to sample the local cuisine at Kolkata Airport, you're in luck! The airport offers a variety of dining options that showcase the flavours of Bengal and beyond.

For traditional Bengali sweets, head to Haldiram's, a well-known sweets and snacks manufacturer. Here, you can indulge in a variety of traditional sweets and namkeens, including the famous "bhujiya". Another spot to satisfy your sweet tooth is Flurys, a famous colonial-era bakery with an iconic store on Park Street, Kolkata. At the airport outlet, you can find treats like the Chocolate Cube, delicate rolls, flaky chicken patties, and other pastries.

When it comes to street food, you can enjoy mouthwatering options like Kathi rolls and Puchka (Pani Puri). Kolkata Airport also has a Wow Momo outlet, where you can try innovative momos and Tibetan cuisine, including the unique Chocolate Momos. If you're craving North Indian Chaats, Kailash Parbat serves delicious dahi bhallas and chole bhatures.

For a quick bite, there are several cafes offering coffee, tea, sandwiches, and snacks. Coffee & More, CCD (Cafe Coffee Day), and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf are perfect spots to grab a hot beverage and a light snack. If you're looking for something more substantial, Copper Chimney at the Domestic Terminal Departures offers gastronomic delights from the North West Frontier province and Northern India.

Whether you're looking for traditional sweets, street food, or a quick coffee and snack, Kolkata Airport has a variety of options to tantalize your taste buds and offer a true taste of Bengal.

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Visit nearby attractions, such as Eco Park, Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Mother House

Kolkata Airport is a great gateway to the city's art, culture, and history. One can visit the nearby Eco Park, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and Mother House.

The Eco Park, officially known as Eco Tourism Park Kolkata, is the largest eco-tourism park in the country. It is situated in the New Town area of Rajarhat and is spread across 190 hectares of land, surrounded by 42 hectares of water body, forming an island. The park is a popular weekend spot for locals. It features a 7-acre island called Sabuj Sathi in the middle of a huge lake, with a 2,800-square-foot glass house that offers a 360-degree view of the park. Eco Park offers a range of boating activities, including kayaking, paddle boating, rowing, and speed boating, with ticket prices varying between INR 50 and 300. The park can be reached by bus from Kolkata Airport.

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, or Dakshineswar Kalibari, is a Hindu navaratna-style temple located in Dakshineswar, Kolkata, on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. The temple was built between 1847 and 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a devotee of Kali. The presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini (Kali), and the temple compound includes a large courtyard, twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva, a temple to Radha-Krishna, and a bathing ghat on the river. The temple is known for its nine-spired main temple, inspired by the Radhakanta temple in Tollygunge.

The Mother House, also known as the Missionaries of Charity, is located about 10-11 miles from Kolkata Airport. It can be reached by bus or taxi, with the bus being the cheapest option, costing around $1 and taking about 1 hour, while a taxi will cost around $6-$8 and take about 21 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Kolkata Airport offers a range of dining and shopping experiences. You can explore the city's vibrant cultural heritage through its art installations and exhibitions, showcasing terracotta sculptures, vibrant paintings, and traditional handicrafts. The airport also provides access to free Wi-Fi, vending machines, and first-class lounges.

Kolkata Airport has over 30 restaurants and eating establishments, offering a wide range of culinary delights. You can savour the flavours of Bengal, including traditional sweets like Rasgulla and Sandesh, or indulge in street food such as Kathi Rolls and Puchka (Pani Puri).

Yes, Kolkata Airport offers several options for relaxation. You can indulge in a massage or spa treatment at one of the wellness centres, find a quiet corner to read a book, or enjoy a cup of coffee at a cosy cafe.

If you have time to explore the area, you can visit Eco Park, a 20-minute trip from the airport, featuring wetlands, grasslands, walking trails, and gardens. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, about 20 minutes from the airport, offers scenic tours and boat rides. The Mother House, a landmark convent opened by Mother Teresa in 1950, is a 45-minute trip from the airport and houses the saint's tomb and a museum showcasing her work.

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