Whether for a business trip or a tourist trip, you want to know the neighborhoods to avoid in Calcutta and the best ones to stay.
Indeed, Calcutta, now called Kolkata, located in eastern India, is the third most populous city after Delhi and Mumbai . With its 15 million inhabitants, the Kolkata metropolitan area impresses with its size and countless neighborhoods.
However, as with the majority of large cities, Calcutta has a few neighborhoods to avoid which it is better to know rather than choosing your hotel anywhere.
Here is a guide to the districts of Calcutta with a map to better identify the areas to avoid and the best ones to stay. In addition, at the end of the article, I give you a hotel recommendation in a safe and pleasant area of Calcutta.
The information contained in this guide is sourced from press articles, forums, rankings and statistics. This is a synthesis of data without any judgment or discriminatory remarks.
Is Kolkata dangerous?
To know if Kolkata is a dangerous city, you need to compare its crime rate with that of other major cities around the world.
By studying the Numbeo.com global ranking , we can see that Calcutta is not among the most dangerous cities in the world.
With a crime index of 46.07, it is in the average range, at the same level as cities like Stockholm or Palermo in Europe , Tampa or Denver in the United States or Pattaya in Thailand.
This is what you can see on the map published by Numbeo.com where Calcutta is in yellow which means that its crime index is average.
Is Kolkata safe to visit?
Yes, Calcutta does not present any risks for tourists although they must exercise great caution, especially women. Indeed, the condition of women in India is deplorable. And women who travel alone also face problems of harassment in the street, on transport, and sometimes attacks.
On the other hand, petty crime can also impact tourists:
"Pickpocketing is common in busy areas (train stations, markets, etc.). 60 to 70% of thefts reported to the embassy involve travelers using rail services, particularly between Agra, Varanasi, and Kolkata." Source: France Diplomacy
But, by exercising caution and avoiding dangerous areas of Kolkata (see list below), tourists can enjoy the city's sights.
Map of Calcutta districts
To identify the neighborhoods to avoid in Calcutta and the best places to stay, you can enlarge the map below to locate them:
Dangerous neighborhoods in Kolkata
Among the 23 districts and 240 neighborhoods, here is the list of the least safe neighborhoods in Kolkata:
This list of dangerous neighborhoods in Calcutta is neither classified nor exhaustive.
Areas to avoid in Kolkata
The slums of Calcutta are not necessarily dangerous, but the hygienic conditions and poor infrastructure make them areas to avoid for tourists.
Hastings, Number 12 Water Tank, Canal West Gas Godown and Lalmandir are the toughest and poorest slums in Kolkata.
Here is a map showing the main slums to avoid in Kolkata: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7xbZJhS69HMFMhz3A
Calcutta red light districts
Topsia (in certain streets) but especially Sonagachi and Sovabajar are the red-light districts of Kolkata. Known for their dangerous atmosphere and illegal activities, these areas should be avoided, especially at night.
Best areas to stay in Kolkata
Here are some of the best areas of Kolkata for a sightseeing trip:
BBD Bagh and Salt Lake City – Business Districts
BBD Bagh and Salt Lake City are the most modern districts of Kolkata. They are home to large national administrations, numerous multinationals and businesses.
They are also home to large parks and bodies of water. Fairly central, these two neighborhoods are also very well served by public transport.
Here is one of the most beautiful hotels ideally located in this area (a 5-minute walk from the Esplanade metro station): The Oberoi Grand Kolkata
Ballygunge – Upscale district of Calcutta
Ballygunge is a safe and popular neighborhood among travelers visiting Kolkata. It is known for its luxury fashion stores, trendy restaurants and bars. Ballygunge is also well connected by the metro and is located close to the city's main tourist attractions. It's the perfect neighborhood for those looking for a chic and dynamic atmosphere.
Here's a hotel with excellent value for money and a great location in this area: FabHotel Imperio I
Chowringhee for good location
The historic Chowringhee district is located in the center of Calcutta all along Chowringhee Avenue, also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Road.
With its central location, beautiful Victorian buildings and bustling streets, it's the perfect place to stay if you're interested in historic architecture and want to explore the city's iconic sites.
The hotel I recommend is simply exceptional for its location, its view, and its standard: The Glenburn Penthouse
