Kolkata, August 5, 2026: Nearly half of Kolkata travellers now plan their holidays primarily around cultural experiences, with 8 in 10 reporting increased interest in culture-led travel in recent years, according to findings released by travel app Skyscanner from its India Culture Travel Index.
The survey identified festive culture, particularly Durga Puja, as the strongest representation of Kolkata’s cultural identity among travellers, cited by 69% of respondents. Bengali food and sweets (53%) and spiritual sites such as Dakshineswar, Kalighat, and Belur Math (52%) also featured prominently.
Heritage shapes travel decisions
Interest in culture-led travel has grown among Kolkata residents, with 76% saying their interest has increased in recent years. The study found that 47% now plan holidays primarily around cultural experiences such as heritage, festivals, food, and local traditions, while another 39% say culture enriches their trips even if it is not the main reason for travel.
Nearly all respondents (96%) reported travelling beyond West Bengal for cultural experiences, and almost 90% expressed willingness to visit other states or lesser-known destinations in search of authentic culture. Growing pride in India’s heritage (50%) and the popularity of food, craft, and heritage trails (40%) were among the top factors driving this trend.
Festivals drive travel plans
Major festivals are increasingly influencing travel, with nearly three-quarters of Kolkata residents considering trips specifically to attend cultural or religious festivals. Durga Puja was the top festival travel draw (59%), followed by Rath Yatra (48%), Kali Puja (42%), Kumbh Mela (33%), Christmas in Park Street (31%), and Poush Mela in Shantiniketan (30%). Authentic annual celebrations were the primary motivation for 43% of respondents.
When asked which Indian states offer the richest cultural experiences, West Bengal ranked first (17%), followed by Uttar Pradesh (15%), Rajasthan (14%), and Kerala (13%).
International interest and regional highlights
Interest in culture-led travel extends overseas, with 28% of Kolkata residents having already taken an international culture-focused holiday, 26% expressing definite interest, and 31% open to the idea—bringing total interest to 85%. Japan was the most sought-after international cultural destination (22%), followed by Italy (15%), Thailand (15%), Vietnam (15%), Egypt (13%), and France (11%).
Within West Bengal, experiences such as Sundarbans eco-cultural activities (45%), Shantiniketan’s festivals (38%), Chandannagar’s Jagaddhatri Puja and French heritage (33%), Bishnupur’s terracotta temples and Baluchari weaving (28%), and Hooghly’s riverfront heritage (27%) were identified as deserving greater visibility.
Barriers and planning tools
Despite enthusiasm for culture-led travel, practical barriers remain. Crowds and overtourism (41%) and accommodation availability (41%) were cited as the biggest challenges, followed by price spikes during festivals (40%) and high travel costs (33%).
Skyscanner highlighted several tools to assist travellers in planning culture-led journeys, including AI-powered destination suggestions, price alerts, whole month search, nearby airport comparisons, real-time flight tracking, and the DROPS feature, which identifies flights that have dropped by 20% or more in the past week.
Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert at Skyscanner India, said the findings reflect a shift in how Kolkata travellers approach holidays, with culture increasingly becoming the main reason for trips. Heritage tourism expert Dr Navina Jafa noted that immersive heritage experiences are driving demand and present opportunities for conservation and economic growth.
Skyscanner is a global travel platform founded in 2003, connecting travellers in 180 countries to over 1,200 travel partners for flights, hotels, and car hire.
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