Have a hearty South-Indian breakfast (idli/dosa/uttapam) at a well-rated place near your hotel or near the airport; many outlets open by 6:00–6:30am so you can travel relaxed. It sets you up for a midday flight and avoids rushed airport meals.
Take a direct flight from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU); typical flight time ~1h45m–2h. Flights morning/noon give you a full afternoon in Kolkata.
Arrive CCU, take a taxi (or prebook car) to your central Kolkata hotel (Park Street, Sudder Street or Ballygunge) and check in; traffic can be 30–60 minutes from airport depending on time of day.
Taste classic Bengali dishes (macher jhol, kosha mangsho, mishti) at Oh! Calcutta for an introduction to regional cuisine; good service and reliable quality. Open for lunch (typically 12:00–15:00) so ideal after check-in.
Walk the legacy stretch of Park Street and nearby colonial-era façades, grab coffee at Flurys (opens ~8:00am) or browse bookstores; it's a gentle orientation to Kolkata's colonial heart. Park Street is vibrant in late afternoon and evening.
Head to Prinsep Ghat for a relaxed riverside walk and sunset views of the Hooghly (Prinsep Ghat open early morning to ~8:00pm). The promenade and colonial bridges photograph beautifully around golden hour.
Dine at Peter Cat and try their famous Chelo Kebabs and continental fares; it's an iconic Park Street restaurant operating generally in the evening (open till late). Reserve if you can — it's popular for tourists and locals alike.
Start with pastries, eggs or a classic English-style breakfast at Flurys (opens ~8:00am) which is historic and centrally located. It’s a good prelude to a museum-heavy day.
Visit the Victoria Memorial (museum & grounds) to see the art, statues and landscaped gardens; the memorial building typically opens 10:00–17:00 (confirm current hours on the day). It’s a must-see for colonial-era collections and photo ops.
Explore the Indian Museum (opens ~10:00–17:00; closed Mondays) for archaeology, anthropology and natural history collections — it's India’s oldest museum and rich in artifacts. Allocate a couple of hours to see highlights.
Enjoy authentic Bengali thali or home-style dishes at Bhojohori Manna or 6 Ballygunge Place; both are great for traditional flavors and are open for lunch (roughly 12:00–15:00). These spots are excellent to sample classics like luchi, cholar dal and sweets.
Visit Marble Palace (private house museum; usually open 10:30–16:00, closed some weekdays — check ahead) or go to Kumartuli to see artisans crafting clay idols — Kumartuli is open most of the day and lively in the afternoon. Kumartuli offers a unique, living-art experience.
Take a short heritage tram ride through central routes (trams run roughly daytime hours) and hop off near New Market for bargaining and souvenirs; New Market shops typically operate in the afternoon into the evening. Enjoy street snacks here if you like.
Return to Park Street for dinner or choose a Bengali seafood restaurant for a more regional evening meal; Park Street offers many late-night options. Restaurants on Park Street usually serve until late evening.
Have a light early breakfast at the hotel or a local eatery, then head north toward Dakshineswar to avoid traffic and to experience the morning aarti if you wish. Early starts are best for temple visits and river boat rides.
Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple on the Hooghly river (open ~5:00–21:00); the temple complex is spiritually significant and energetic in the morning. Allow time for darshan and to admire the riverside steps and architecture.
Take a short ferry/boat ride across the Hooghly or travel by road to Belur Math (Belur Math is generally open 6:00–18:00). The riverside crossing and the contemplative Belur Math complex with its serene campus are worth the trip.
Explore Belur Math — the universalist Ramakrishna Mission center with peaceful grounds and distinctive architecture; it’s tranquil and welcoming to visitors. Great spot for photography and quiet reflection.
Have a simple lunch at a recommended local restaurant or canteen near Belur Math offering Bengali or thali-style meals; options near temple complexes cater to tourists and devotees. Expect modest prices and local flavors.
Return toward central Kolkata/Howrah; walk across (or view) Howrah Bridge and absorb the bustle of the river docks and ferry ghats — the bridge is accessible any time and is most atmospheric in late afternoon. Nearby markets and streets are lively.
If you missed Kumartuli earlier, late afternoon is another good slot to see sculptors at work, or head back to Victoria Memorial gardens to relax as evening approaches (gardens open until ~17:00). Time your visit to avoid closures.
Try Kolkata-style biryani at Arsalan or a trusted local biryani place, open late and known for fragrant rice and tender meat; a satisfying end to a full day. Many popular eateries in central Kolkata remain open late into the night.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel or Flurys; this is a good time to pack and finalise purchases. Many bakeries and cafés open by 8:00am for a calm start.
Shop for sweets (Rossogolla, Sandesh), textiles and handicrafts at New Market (shops open ~10:00) or choose South City Mall for air-conditioned comfort and branded stores. New Market is best for local bargains and food gifts.
If time permits, make a short stop at a nearby neighborhood like Ballygunge/Alipore for a last walk; you can revisit a favorite café or pick up packaged sweets for the journey. Keep airport transfer time in mind.
Have a light lunch before heading to the airport; choose a place that allows timely departure and is close to your pick-up point. Many airport-side restaurants handle early-afternoon travelers.
Head to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, return your taxi or ride-share and check in for your flight back to Hyderabad; budget 1–1.5 hours for travel and check-in depending on traffic. Typical flight time ~1h45m.
Arrive back at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) and transfer home; you’ll have completed a compact Kolkata visit covering heritage, river temples, and the best of local food. Allow time for baggage and onward travel.