Ultimate Guide to Street photography in Kolkata

I first visited Kolkata in 2014 for a street photography workshop we were conducting. I immediately fell in love with the city and it’s people. Kolkata is nothing short of charming as if it’s frozen in a different time zone. Without a doubt, it ranks among my top 3 must visit places for street photography in India.

The culture, the unhurried pace of life, the music and the warmth of the people kept bringing me back to Kolkata. Over the last decade, I have returned countless times and have often stayed for extended periods. Kolkata is a city which is alive, immediately makes you feel at home and loved.

From random conversations on a road side tea stall to kids playing cricket in the narrow lanes, football matches at Maidan, early morning walk through the flower market, exploring the artistry in Kumartuli, Kolkata exudes a soul that touches every individual who steps foot in this timeless classic.

Over the years, I have photographed many of the city’s iconic spots and uncovered some hidden gems making Kolkata a paradise for street photographers. Below, I am sharing my top recommendations for street photography locations, though, let me warn you – every corner of the city is a gold mine for street photographers.

1. Mallick Ghat Flower Market: The Colors of Chaos

If there’s one place where Kolkata’s vibrancy truly explodes into color and motion, it’s the Mallick Ghat Flower Market. Located beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge, this market is a sensory overload—perfect for capturing the city’s energy. The narrow pathways are lined with towering heaps of marigolds, roses, and exotic blooms, while vendors yell prices and negotiate deals in the bustling crowd. This is always one of the first places I visit on my trips.

On one of my visits here, I focused on a group of flower vendors, hands moving in synchronised precision as they wove garlands. It was during this shoot that I realised something important: street photography is often about rhythm. Whether it’s the rhythm of the streets, people’s movements, or even the flow of light and shadow, capturing that flow is what transforms a good photo into a powerful one.

2. College Street: Capturing Kolkata’s Intellectual Pulse

Second on the list is College Street, often hailed as the largest second-hand book market in the world, is more than just a haven for book lovers. It’s the intellectual heart of Kolkata, always bustling with students, professors, and book sellers. For street photographers, it offers a unique blend of spontaneous moments, market scenes, and evocative shots of Kolkata’s iconic yellow taxis navigating through narrow lanes.

On one of my many trips to College Street, I saw this couple sitting in a really small kiosk selling books, smiling and seemingly happy with life. Moments like these remind me that street photography is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about telling stories of people, their dreams, and their struggles.

Indian Coffee House, right around the corner is a must visit.

3. Kumartuli: Faces of the Divine in the Making

If you’re a street photographer looking for both human emotion and intricate craftsmanship, Kumartuli is a treasure trove. Known for its idol-making artisans, Kumartuli is best visited in the weeks leading up to Durga Puja. You’ll find a blend of hard work, patience, and an almost spiritual devotion as artisans mold clay into towering figures of gods and goddesses. I have visited Kumartuli during various months and have always found something interesting happening there.

On one of the trips, I captured a scene and while I was shooting, I realised that these craftsmen embody Kolkata’s unique mix of the sacred and the everyday—a juxtaposition I often seek in my work.

4. New Market (Hogg Market): Chaos, Color, and Character

Few places in Kolkata capture the pulse of everyday life quite like New Market, also known as Hogg Market. It’s a street photographer’s paradise—chaotic, colorful, and brimming with characters. Vendors shout prices, customers haggle, and the movement never stops. Whether you’re drawn to street portraits or candid scenes, New Market offers an endless array of photo opportunities. This place is always on my list when I visit Kolkata. You could visit this market anytime of the day and find something special. I stayed close to this place on my first visit and have been returning to this market ever since.

5. Koley Market: The Untold Story of Kolkata’s Wholesale Heart

Koley Market, one of Kolkata’s largest wholesale markets, is often overlooked by tourists but is a hidden gem for street photographers. Nestled near Sealdah, this market is a bustling with activity at all hours of the day. However, I would suggest you start early and capture the early morning activities. Here, you can capture the raw, gritty essence of Kolkata’s street life—vendors, buyers, porters, and a constant flow of movement and goods. The market deals primarily in fruits and vegetables, but what’s more interesting are the layers of stories, the vendors, the porters walking in and out with heaps of vegetables, the dash of light falling from the roof. It’s truly a photographers delight.

Start early and spend some time here, it can be a overwhelming at times but if you stay long enough, you will become one with the crowd and will be able to discover those unique moments.

6. Md. Ali Park: Where Heritage Meets Everyday Life

Md. Ali Park is located in the heart of Kolkata, not very far from college street and it offers a unique juxtaposition of heritage and daily life. Known primarily for hosting grand Durga Puja celebrations, the park is surrounded by old-world buildings and bustling streets. Throughout the year, however, it serves as a hub of activity—locals gather here to relax, vendors sell street food, and children play in the open space. It’s a perfect location for street photographers who love capturing moments of everyday life framed against a backdrop of heritage.

What makes Md. Ali Park special is the opportunity to shoot both candid street moments and Kolkata’s architectural history. The colonial-era buildings surrounding the park have a certain worn-down elegance, while the streets offer a window into the lives of Kolkata’s residents—whether it’s an elderly man reading a newspaper, street vendors selling tea, or children playing football in a makeshift ground.

Often overlooked, this park and the surrounding area is a must visit for street photographers.

7. Akhara on the Banks of the Hooghly: The Soul of Kolkata’s Wrestling Tradition

Tucked away along the banks of the Hooghly River, the traditional Akhara (wrestling ground) is an unexpected gem for street photographers. This ancient space is where wrestlers—both young and old—train in the centuries-old art of Kushti. Early morning is the best time to visit, as the wrestlers begin their training at dawn, surrounded by the backdrop of the tranquil river and Kolkata’s old-world charm.

The raw energy and focus of the wrestlers, mixed with the serene beauty of the Hooghly, provide a unique contrast that makes for powerful photographs. If you are lucky, the wrestlers will invite you in and you can get up close and personal.

8. Shyambazar: The Bustling Heart of North Kolkata

Shyambazar is one of the most iconic areas of North Kolkata, with its five-point crossing and the famous statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Shyambazar is not just a landmark but a lively hub of activity. The area’s narrow streets, old colonial buildings, parks and vibrant markets give photographers a rich environment to explore and capture. Often missed or overlooked, this place is a must visit for street photographers.

9. Ghats on the Hooghly River: The Heart of Kolkata’s Spiritual and Daily Life

The ghats along the Hooghly River offer an unmatched street photography experience, capturing the pulse of Kolkata’s spiritual and everyday life. These ghats are not just places of religious significance but also hubs of human activity—from early morning prayers to evening rituals, bathing, and daily commerce. The iconic Prinsep Ghat, with its classical structure, and the lesser-known Babu Ghat, provide a diverse range of photographic opportunities for street photographers. These ghats are perfect for capturing people performing rituals by the water. A must visit in my opinion. While visiting the Malik Ghat flower market, stroll under the Howrah bridge and you will find these beautiful ghats along the Hooghly river.

10. Maidan: Kolkata’s Street Photography Haven

Last but not the least, Kolkata’s Maidan, with its vast green spaces and dynamic atmosphere, is not just a park—it’s a street photographer’s dreamscape. As someone who finds beauty in candid moments and unfiltered realities, Maidan provides an expansive stage where the everyday drama of Kolkata unfolds. Early mornings and late afternoons are perfect for capturing Maidan’s essence. 

Final Thoughts on Kolkata’s Streets

Kolkata is more than just a city to me—it’s a living, breathing entity. The streets are its veins, pumping life through every corner. As a street photographer, it’s this energy that keeps pulling me back. The stories here are endless, waiting for someone with a keen eye and open heart to capture them.

I would encourage you to explore these spots and create your own visual narratives. And remember, sometimes the best shots aren’t the ones you plan—but the ones that surprise you when you least expect it.

I would love to hear about your favourite spots in Kolkata.

Do share if you liked this. Also I would recommend reading the post below.

Mastering Candid Moments: Top 10 Street Photography Tips