The city of Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and the country’s third largest metro area. Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, Kolkata is a major business, commercial, and financial hub of Eastern India. Kolkata is known as “the Cultural Capital of India,” and is famous for its street food and diverse architecture, with many impressive colonial-era buildings. Like many cities in India, running in Kolkata presents a challenge due to the city’s density, infrastructure, and climate. The best bet for running in Kolkata is to head to some of the specific spots appropriate for running, which include some larger parks, upscale neighborhoods, and a couple of lakes.
Some of the best places to run in Kolkata include the Hooghly riverfront at Maidan Park, the waterside paths of Rabindra Sarobar Lake, the decorative gardens of New Town Eco Park, and the pristine trails of the Kolkata Botanical Gardens. The Alipore neighborhood, near Maidan Park, has leafy roads and impressive buildings. The Salt Lake neighborhood is also god for running, with waterfront roads and paths around the East Kolkata Wetlands.
Because Kolkata is a large and widespread city, public transport is essential for getting around. The standardized taxi service is popular, but visitors can also use the local metro system or city bus. If you’re extra budget-conscious, shared auto-rickshaws are a good option. Runners should also factor in Kolkata’s heat and air quality.
