6-Night, 5-Day Tour Itinerary from Kolkata

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Kolkata

Morning: Arrive in Kolkata and settle into your hotel. Start your day with a visit to Victoria Memorial, an iconic symbol of the city’s colonial history.

Afternoon: Explore Indian Museum to see ancient artifacts and art collections. Take a walk around St. Paul’s Cathedral nearby for some historic architecture.

Evening: Enjoy a leisure stroll at Howrah Bridge and visit local markets to experience Kolkata’s vibrant street life.

Day 2: Day trip to Sunderbans

Morning: Depart early for a guided tour of the Sunderbans mangrove forest, famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers. Cruise through the waterways and enjoy bird watching.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the river delta and visit local fishing villages to learn about the unique ecosystem.

Evening: Return to Kolkata for rest and dinner at a local Bengali restaurant.

Day 3: Kolkata to Darjeeling

Morning: Travel from Kolkata to Darjeeling via flight or scenic train journey. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.

Afternoon: Take a stroll through Darjeeling’s tea gardens, visiting the Happy Valley Tea Estate.

Evening: Enjoy panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range from the Darjeeling Mall area.

Day 4: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Morning: Visit the famous Tiger Hill for a breathtaking sunrise over the mountains. Explore the Ghoom Monastery.

Afternoon: Go to the Batasia Loop to see the scenic railway spiral and garden.

Evening: Spend time at the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway museum and relax at your hotel.

Day 5: Darjeeling to Gangtok

Morning: Depart for Gangtok, Sikkim, by road, enjoying the lush mountain scenery. Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Afternoon: Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and the MG Road market for local shopping and dining.

Evening: Relax with a walk around Lachung Monastery and experience the local cultural vibe.

Day 6: Gangtok & Departure

Morning: Take a trip to Tsomgo Lake and visit Nathula Pass (if open), enjoying stunning high-altitude views.

Afternoon: Return to Gangtok and explore Banjhakri Falls or relax at your hotel before departure preparations.

Evening: Depart for Kolkata by flight or overnight train, concluding your trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Victoria Memorial: 2 hours, $5
• Indian Museum: 1.5 hours, $3
• Howrah Bridge: 1 hour, free
• Sunderbans Tour: 1 day, $120
• Darjeeling Tea Gardens: 2 hours, $4
• Tiger Hill & Ghoom Monastery: 3 hours, $6
• Gangtok sights (Tsomgo Lake, Nathula): 4 hours, $15
• Accommodation & Meals (average): $200 total

Total Estimated Cost: approximately $363

Tips

If you wish to extend your trip, consider adding more days in Darjeeling or Gangtok to explore their surrounding attractions in depth. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Sunderbans day trip or visit fewer sites in Kolkata, focusing on your top interests.