Enjoy classic Kolkata pastries, eggs and coffee in an iconic colonial patisserie to start the day in the city’s heart; Flurys typically opens from 8:00am.
Visit the famous riverside Kali temple and take a short ferry across the Hooghly for authentic local ritual life; temple visiting windows are commonly early morning and late afternoon (approx. 5:00am–12:00pm & 3:00pm–9:00pm).
Stroll the riverfront to view the Howrah Bridge and enjoy views from Prinsep Ghat — an atmospheric late-morning riverside walk with boat activity and colonial riverside architecture.
Explore the grounds and museum at Victoria Memorial (museum hours generally 10:00am–5:00pm) and admire nearby colonial churches and gardens; plan museum time before closing at 5pm.
Take an early morning flight (approx. 2–3 hours) to Chennai so you arrive with most of the day to sightsee; allow time for check-in and transfer to the city.
Visit the ornate Dravidian temple in Mylapore to experience vibrant temple architecture and daily rituals — typical visiting hours are 6:00am–12:30pm & 4:00pm–8:00pm.
Explore the colonial fort and its museum for an accessible primer on Chennai’s British-era history; museum hours typically 9:30am–5:00pm (check for closures).
See the iconic Shore Temple and rock-cut sculptures at dawn — the ASI site is generally open 6:00am–6:00pm and sunrise is both photogenic and less crowded.
Dine in the French Quarter on fusion Tamil-French fare or refined coastal dishes; popular restaurants are open through the evening (book ahead if possible).
Start the day with French-style pastries or a light continental breakfast in the charming Promenade district; bakeries open early and are ideal before walking the town.
Explore the quiet ashram complex founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother — visiting hours are typically 6:00am–12:00pm & 2:30pm–6:00pm; maintain silence and respect the routines.
Drive ~30 minutes to Auroville; the visitor centre is open roughly 9:00am–5:00pm and Matrimandir viewing must be booked in advance — allow time for transit and the guided viewing slot.
Visit the UNESCO-listed 11th-century Chola masterpiece to appreciate monumental architecture and sculpture; temple visiting hours are generally 6:00am–12:00pm & 4:00pm–8:00pm.
Explore the palace complex, Tanjore paintings and bronze collections; the gallery and library generally welcome visitors around 10:00am–5:00pm (check local opening days).
Visit the well-curated museum detailing India’s freedom struggle and Gandhi’s legacy; typical opening hours are around 9:30am–5:00pm so plan to arrive by mid-afternoon.
Experience the evocative evening rituals and impressive Dravidian gopurams at Madurai’s landmark temple; temple visiting windows are commonly 5:00am–12:30pm & 4:00pm–9:00pm.
Allow 60–90 minutes to clear domestic airport procedures and board your evening flight back to Kolkata; the flight duration is approximately 2.5–3 hours depending on routing.
Arrive back in Kolkata (timing may vary by flight) having experienced coastal monuments, colonial quarters, Chola heritage, vibrant temples and a hill-station retreat.