Kolkata To Dhaka Distance By Road
If you’re looking for an exciting road trip from Kolkata to Dhaka, then you’re in the right place. This comprehensive travel guide will take you through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
When it comes to attractions, Kolkata and Dhaka are not short of options. In Kolkata, start with the iconic Victoria Memorial, a stunning white marble structure that houses a museum and beautiful gardens. Visit the Howrah Bridge, the largest cantilever bridge in India, and the colorful flower market nearby. Explore the narrow alleys of the vibrant North Kolkata, where you can find beautiful colonial-era buildings, street food, and bustling markets.
In Dhaka, the must-visit attractions include the Lalbagh Fort, a 17th-century Mughal fort with beautiful gardens and a museum, the Ahsan Manzil, a stunning pink palace turned museum, and the National Parliament House, a modern architectural marvel. Take a boat ride on the Buriganga River and explore the bustling Sadarghat riverfront.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, Kolkata and Dhaka have plenty to offer. In Kolkata, visit the South Park Street Cemetery, a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city that houses the graves of many British colonial-era residents. Explore the narrow alleys and beautiful temples of Kumartuli, the traditional potters’ quarter of North Kolkata.
In Dhaka, visit the Shankhari Bazaar, a hidden gem that dates back to the Mughal era and is famous for its brass and copper artisans. Explore the colorful street art and murals in the old part of the city, and visit the Dhaka Art Summit, a biennial art event that showcases contemporary South Asian art.
Food Scene
The food scene in Kolkata and Dhaka is a foodie’s paradise. In Kolkata, start with the iconic Kolkata biryani, a flavorful rice dish with tender meat and potatoes. Try the delicious street food at Park Street and New Market, where you can find everything from spicy chaat to mouth-watering jalebis.
In Dhaka, don’t miss out on the delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes like hilsa fish curry, beef tehari, and khichuri. Visit the bustling street food scene at Old Dhaka, where you can find everything from kebabs to samosas to lassi.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re traveling on a budget, there are plenty of ways to save money in Kolkata and Dhaka. In Kolkata, take the local buses or trams, which are cheap and offer a unique way to explore the city. Stay in budget-friendly guesthouses or hostels in the backpacker-friendly Sudder Street area.
In Dhaka, take the local rickshaws or CNGs, which are cheap and offer a fun way to explore the city. Stay in budget-friendly hotels or guesthouses in the Gulshan or Banani areas, which are popular with budget travelers.
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, Kolkata and Dhaka have plenty to offer. In Kolkata, take a leisurely boat ride on the Hooghly River and enjoy the beautiful views of the city. Visit the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world, which is home to the Bengal tiger.
In Dhaka, take a day trip to Cox’s Bazar, the longest natural sea beach in the world, and enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Visit the Lawachara National Park, a beautiful rainforest that is home to many rare species of plants and animals.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with your family, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy in Kolkata and Dhaka. In Kolkata, visit the Science City, a fun and interactive science museum that is perfect for kids. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Victoria Memorial and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
In Dhaka, visit the Dhaka Zoo, which is home to many exotic animals and birds. Take a day trip to Sonargaon, an ancient capital of Bengal that is now a museum complex and a popular picnic spot.
Natural Wonders
If you’re a nature lover, Kolkata and Dhaka have plenty of natural wonders to explore. In Kolkata, visit the Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world, which is home to the Bengal tiger. Take a day trip to the nearby Shantiniketan, a beautiful university town that is famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
In Dhaka, visit the Lawachara National Park, a beautiful rainforest that is home to many rare species of plants and animals. Take a day trip to the nearby Srimangal, a picturesque town that is famous for its tea gardens and natural beauty.
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife scene, Kolkata and Dhaka won’t disappoint. In Kolkata, head to Park Street, which is famous for its nightlife and has plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Visit the iconic Flurys, a century-old bakery and tea room that is open 24/7 and is a Kolkata institution.
In Dhaka, head to Gulshan or Banani, which are popular with expats and have plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Visit the Dhaka Regency Hotel, which has a rooftop bar with beautiful views of the city.
Local Markets
If you’re a shopaholic, Kolkata and Dhaka have plenty of local markets to explore. In Kolkata, visit the New Market, a bustling market that sells everything from clothes to souvenirs to electronics. Explore the colorful street markets of Gariahat, where you can find everything from sarees to street food.
In Dhaka, visit the Bashundhara City Mall, the largest shopping mall in South Asia, which has over 2,500 shops and restaurants. Explore the bustling street markets of Old Dhaka, where you can find everything from spices to handicrafts to jewelry.
Beaches and Mountains
If you’re looking for a beach or mountain getaway, Kolkata and Dhaka have plenty of options. In Kolkata, take a day trip to Mandarmani, a beautiful beach town that is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
In Dhaka, take a day trip to the nearby Chittagong Hill Tracts, a beautiful mountainous region that is home to many indigenous communities and is perfect for trekking and hiking.
Cultural Immersion
If you’re interested in cultural immersion, Kolkata and Dhaka have plenty to offer. In Kolkata, visit the Kalighat temple, a famous Hindu temple that is dedicated to the goddess Kali. Attend a traditional Bengali cultural program at the Rabindra Sadan, a cultural center that showcases traditional music, dance, and theater.
In Dhaka, visit the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, the largest mosque in Bangladesh, and learn about Islamic culture and traditions. Attend a traditional Bengali cultural program at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, a cultural center that showcases traditional music, dance, and theater.
Art and Music Scene
Kolkata and Dhaka have a vibrant art and music scene, with plenty of galleries, museums, and cultural events to explore. In Kolkata, visit the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, which houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and fossils. Attend a classical music concert at the Dover Lane Music Conference, a famous annual music festival that showcases the best of Indian classical music.
In Dhaka, visit the Bangladesh National Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Bangladesh through its exhibits. Attend a classical music concert at the Bengal Classical Music Festival, a famous annual music festival that showcases the best of classical music from South Asia and beyond.
Walking Tours
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the cities, take a walking tour of Kolkata and Dhaka. In Kolkata, take a walking tour of the colonial-era buildings in North Kolkata, and explore the narrow alleys and beautiful temples of Kumartuli.
In Dhaka, take a walking tour of the old part of the city, and explore the colorful street art and murals. Visit the Dhaka Art Summit, a biennial art event that showcases contemporary South Asian art.
Architectural Marvels
Kolkata and Dhaka are home to many architectural marvels, from ancient forts to modern skyscrapers. In Kolkata, visit the Victoria Memorial, a stunning white marble structure that houses a museum and beautiful gardens. Visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic Revival-style cathedral that is over 150 years old.
In Dhaka, visit the National Parliament House, a modern architectural marvel that was designed by the