Kalighat Kali Temple
One of the 51 Shakti Pithas, a major Kali temple in south Kolkata.
Overview
Kalighat Kali Temple is among the most significant places to visit in Kolkata for pilgrims. This guide covers darshan timings, history and what to expect.
Kalighat Kali Temple is a Hindu temple in south Kolkata dedicated to Kali and listed as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas; according to the traditions Wikipedia cites, the toes of Sati's right foot fell here. It is one of the most important places of worship in eastern India and draws large crowds on occasions such as Kali Puja, Poila Baisakh, Snana Yatra and Durga Puja.
The Incredible India page describes a 19th-century structure with a sandstone idol of Kali made by Atmaram Giri and Brahmananda Giri, and notes the Natmandir (a rectangular veranda), the Jor Bangla viewing platform, Shoshi Tola, and shrines to Radha–Krishna and Shiva. The same page lists darshan times of 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM. A secondary source says entry is free and that puja services are priced separately.
The lanes around the temple are crowded with flower and offering sellers and with priests offering to guide visitors; agree on any puja fee before starting. Kalighat Metro station is the nearest. Queues can be very long on Tuesdays, Saturdays and festival days.
Entry fees
Entry
All visitors
Free entry reported by a secondary site seen in search results; puja services are charged separately.
Free
Needs verification
No ticket reported; puja and offerings are paid separately and rates vary.
We only show an amount when a source backs it. Prices change, so confirm locally before you go.
Opening hours
- Mon – Sun
- 5 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM
5:00–14:00 and 17:00–22:30 daily; may change on festival days.
Closed in the afternoon break. Timings can change during festivals.
Visitor information
- Best time to visit
- October to February; early morning on weekdays.
- Best time of day
- Early morning on a weekday
- How long to spend
- 1–2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Families
- Suitable for families
Good to know
- Footwear is left outside
- Agree on puja charges beforehand
Location
Photos
The temple exterior. Photo: Sivakeshreddy / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 Another view of the temple. Photo: Ankur P from Pune, India / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 Temple spire and courtyard. Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 The temple and bazaar. Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 The temple tank. Photo: Sankarrukku / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Frequently asked questions
What are the Kalighat temple timings?
Incredible India lists 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM; timings can change on festival days.
Is entry to Kalighat Temple free?
A secondary source says yes, with puja services charged separately; not confirmed on an official page.
Information sources
Where the facts on this page come from, and what still needs confirming.
Information last checked 8 October 2026
Not yet confirmed
- free entry (secondary source)
Not available yet
- official temple committee page
- Incredible India – Kalighat Temple · Tourism board
- Wikipedia – Kalighat Kali Temple · Encyclopedia
- Kalighat Temple guides (search results) · Other
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