India’s Durga Puja is increasingly becoming an international cultural attraction, with Kolkata at the centre of the celebrations. The festival combines faith, spectacular pandals, traditional art, music and Bengali cuisine, drawing visitors from countries including the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Canada and Australia. Travel industry reports indicated that foreign tourist arrivals in Kolkata during the 2025 Puja season rose by around 20% compared with the previous year.
For international visitors, major attractions include Bagbazar, Kumartuli, College Square, Santosh Mitra Square, Sreebhumi, Ekdalia Evergreen, Suruchi Sangha and Chetla Agrani. Visitors also commonly combine pandal-hopping with trips to the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, Princep Ghat, Dakshineswar and Belur Math.
Foreign tourists flying to Kolkata normally arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Depending on flight prices, hotel category and length of stay, a seven-night Kolkata Durga Puja trip can cost approximately $1,200–$3,450 per person, including return international airfare, accommodation, food, local transport and sightseeing. A comfortable mid-range visit may require roughly $1,700–$2,400.
With its spectacular night-time celebrations and unique blend of religion, art and culture, Kolkata’s Durga Puja is emerging as one of India’s distinctive festival experiences for international travellers.
For international visitors, major attractions include Bagbazar, Kumartuli, College Square, Santosh Mitra Square, Sreebhumi, Ekdalia Evergreen, Suruchi Sangha and Chetla Agrani. Visitors also commonly combine pandal-hopping with trips to the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, Princep Ghat, Dakshineswar and Belur Math.
Foreign tourists flying to Kolkata normally arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Depending on flight prices, hotel category and length of stay, a seven-night Kolkata Durga Puja trip can cost approximately $1,200–$3,450 per person, including return international airfare, accommodation, food, local transport and sightseeing. A comfortable mid-range visit may require roughly $1,700–$2,400.
With its spectacular night-time celebrations and unique blend of religion, art and culture, Kolkata’s Durga Puja is emerging as one of India’s distinctive festival experiences for international travellers.