Once readily associated with slums and poverty, Kolkata (Calcutta) has come of age to be the cultural capital of India. It’s abundant in music, art, dance, and drama. Also unlike some other large Indian cities, there are no curfews in Kolkata, ensuring a surprisingly thriving nightlife.
Here's where to find the best nightlife in Kolkata.
Nandan and Rabindra Sadan Cultural Center
en.wikipedia.org/ user Dwaipayanc
This government sponsored center is the heart of Bengali culture. Rabindra Sadan is highly regarded for its prime Bengali theatre, where a live dance or drama performance or exhibition happens every night of the week. Nandan is a modern cinema complex that hosts an array of movies and film festivals.
- Features: Grand stage and large screen cinemas.
- Address: 1/1, AJC Bose Road (corner Cathedral Road). Ph: (33)2248-9936 for Rabindra Sadan and (33)2223-1210 for Nandan.
- Opening Hours: Call for timings.
Underground
If you really want to party, Underground is the happening place of the moment and is the preferred venue for Kolkata's creatures of the night. DJs spin a mixture of electro and hip hop, and there are often special guest appearances.
- Features: Themed in the style of the London Underground railway.
- Address: Hotel Hindustan International, 235/1 AJC Bose Road.
Ph: (33)2247-2394. - Opening Hours: 5 p.m. until around 4 a.m.
Shisha
Tatyana Postovyk
This intimate bar is warmly decorated in shades of crimson that give it an exotic feel. It was established in 2003 as Kolkata's first hookah bar and judging by its popularity, the trend has really taken off. Shisha is an upmarket bar and has an entry fee of 500-1000 rupees ($12-25) to match. DJs play a mixture of house, hip hop and Bollywood. Don’t come late during the weekends or it’s likely you won’t get in.
- Features: Hookah pipes and over 25 fruit flavors of tobacco.
- Address: Ivory Block D, 22 Camac Street.
Ph: (33)2281-1313. - Opening Hours: 8 p.m. until 4 a.m.
Someplace Else Pub
For a taste of live music and a real pub atmosphere, the place to be is Someplace Else. It feels a little strange to see Indian cover bands playing western rock songs, but they do it to perfection and the atmosphere is alive.
- Features: Designed as a British pub.
- Address: The Park Hotel, 17 Park Street.
Ph: (33)2249-3121. - Opening Hours: 4 p.m. until 2 a.m.
Aqua
Sharell Cook
A new addition to the Kolkata party scene, Aqua is a bar with a difference. It’s completely open air with a swimming pool in the middle. There’s a resident DJ, an inviting cocktail list, as well as lounges and private shamiana style tents for chilling out. The music ranges from relaxed progressive to uplifting trance.
- Features: A full size swimming pool and hot tub.
- Address: The Park Hotel, 17 Park Street.
Ph: (33)2249-9000. - Opening Hours: Midday until around 1 a.m.
Tantra
Sharell Cook
Tantra provides a big club experience and stays open after the other places close. It’s spread over two levels with a floor space of 5,000 square feet. On Saturday nights Tantra rocks until the sun comes up, when DJs play psychedelic trance from 4am until 6am. Don’t come during the week though, as it tends to be very quiet then.
- Features: Two levels and two bars.
- Address: The Park Hotel, 17 Park Street.
Ph: (33)2249 7336. - Opening Hours: 8 p.m. until 4-6 a.m. depending on the crowd.
