Durga Puja, Food & Heritage Drive Kolkata’s Cultural Travel Boom: Skyscanner Report Reveals Changing Holiday Trends
News Mania Desk/ 6th August 2026
Kolkata, Aug 5, ’26: Kolkata’s identity as the cultural capital of India is gaining stronger recognition among travellers, with festive traditions, heritage experiences, and local cuisine emerging as the biggest drivers of travel decisions, according to The India Culture Travel Index released by global travel platform Skyscanner.
The study reveals that Durga Puja and festive culture represent Kolkata’s strongest cultural identity among travellers, with 69% respondents highlighting it as the city’s defining experience. Bengali food and sweets followed with 53%, while spiritual destinations such as Dakshineswar, Kalighat, and Belur Math were identified by 52% respondents as key cultural attractions.
The findings indicate a major shift in travel behaviour, with tourists increasingly moving beyond conventional sightseeing and seeking deeper connections with local traditions, festivals, food, heritage, and communities.
Culture Becomes the Reason to Travel
The report highlights that culture is no longer just an additional attraction but a primary reason behind travel planning. Nearly one in two Kolkata travellers (47%) now plan holidays mainly around cultural experiences, including festivals, heritage trails, cuisine, and local traditions. Another 39% believe culture enhances their travel experience, even when it is not the main purpose of their journey.
Interest in cultural tourism has grown significantly, with 76% of Kolkata travellers stating that their enthusiasm for culture-led travel has increased in recent years.
According to Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India, Kolkata’s deep connection with celebrations, history, and traditions explains why festive culture has become the city’s strongest cultural identity among travellers.
Festivals Driving Travel Choices
Major festivals are increasingly influencing holiday plans. Nearly three out of four Kolkata residents said they would consider travelling specifically to experience major cultural or religious festivals.
The most popular festival travel attractions include:
- Durga Puja – 59%
- Rath Yatra – 48%
- Kali Puja – 42%
- Kumbh Mela – 33%
- Christmas celebrations at Park Street – 31%
- Poush Mela, Shantiniketan – 30%
Travellers said the biggest motivation is experiencing authentic celebrations that occur only once a year.
West Bengal Tops Cultural Experience Rankings
The survey placed West Bengal as India’s leading state for cultural experiences, receiving 17% preference among respondents, ahead of Uttar Pradesh (15%), Rajasthan (14%), and Kerala (13%).
Beyond Kolkata’s famous festivals, travellers identified several lesser-known cultural destinations with strong potential:
- Sundarbans eco-cultural experiences – 45%
- Shantiniketan festivals and heritage – 38%
- Chandannagar’s Jagaddhatri Puja and French heritage – 33%
- Bishnupur terracotta temples and Baluchari weaving – 28%
- Hooghly riverfront and heritage experiences – 27%
Growing Interest in International Cultural Travel
Kolkata travellers are also looking beyond India’s borders for cultural exploration. Around 85% respondents expressed interest in international culture-focused holidays, with Japan emerging as the most preferred destination (22%), followed by Italy, Thailand, and Vietnam (15% each), Egypt (13%), and France (11%).
Challenges in Cultural Tourism
Despite growing enthusiasm, practical concerns continue to influence travel decisions. The biggest barriers identified were:
- Crowds and overtourism – 41%
- Accommodation availability – 41%
- Festival-season price increases – 40%
- High travel costs – 33%
Experts believe the growing demand for heritage tourism presents significant opportunities for conservation, local employment, and economic development.
Dr Navina Jafa, heritage tourism expert, noted that India’s cultural heritage extends beyond monuments and includes living traditions, creative communities, and local ecosystems that can strengthen sustainable tourism.
With festivals, cuisine, spirituality, and heritage shaping travel choices, Kolkata’s cultural identity is emerging as a powerful force in India’s tourism landscape, transforming the city from a destination to a year-round cultural experience.
