Kolkata & Darjeeling 10‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata

Morning: Arrive at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, transfer to your hotel and settle in.

Afternoon: Take a relaxed stroll around the colonial Prinsep Ghat to enjoy the river views and fresh air.

Evening: Dine on classic Bengali dishes at a bustling restaurant on Park Street, soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Day 2: Heritage Highlights

Morning: Explore the magnificent Victoria Memorial, its marble façade and lush gardens.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Indian Museum, India's oldest museum, showcasing art, archaeology and natural history.

Evening: Walk across the iconic Howrah Bridge and enjoy the illuminated riverfront.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Morning: Wander through the opulent Marble Palace, admiring its collection of sculptures and antiques.

Afternoon: Seek blessings at the revered Kalighat Temple, a major pilgrimage site.

Evening: Savor a dinner of authentic Kolkata biryani at a famed eatery on New Market Road.

Day 4: Artistic Kolkata

Morning: Visit the bustling artisan quarter of Kumartuli, where traditional clay idols are crafted.

Afternoon: Browse the legendary book market on College Street, a paradise for readers.

Evening: Admire the neo‑Gothic architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral and enjoy a quiet tea nearby.

Day 5: Nature & Science

Morning: Stroll through the verdant Botanical Gardens, home to the famous Great Banyan Tree.

Afternoon: Discover interactive exhibits at Science City, perfect for a fun learning experience.

Evening: Return to the hotel for a relaxing night before the journey to Darjeeling.

Day 6: Transfer to Darjeeling

Morning: Travel by flight/train to Bagdogra and transfer to Darjeeling, checking into a boutique hotel.

Afternoon: Acclimatize with a gentle walk along the charming Mall Road, sampling local snacks.

Evening: Enjoy sunset views over the hills from the nearby Rooftop Café.

Day 7: Himalayan Highlights

Morning: Witness a spectacular sunrise at Tiger Hill, with panoramic vistas of Kanchenjunga.

Afternoon: Ride the scenic Batasia Loop and explore the poignant War Memorial.

Evening: Take a nostalgic ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), winding through misty valleys.

Day 8: Wildlife & Mountaineering

Morning: Tour the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, spotting red pandas and snow leopards.

Afternoon: Visit the adjacent Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, learning about legendary expeditions.

Evening: Relax in a lush tea garden, sipping freshly brewed Darjeeling tea.

Day 9: Tea Estate & Monastery

Morning: Experience a guided walk through the historic Happy Valley Tea Estate, learning about tea plucking and processing.

Afternoon: Explore the serene Ghoom Monastery, perched above the town with spectacular mountain views.

Evening: Browse local handicrafts at the bustling Darjeeling Market.

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Visit the tranquil Peace Pagoda for a moment of reflection.

Afternoon: Enjoy last‑minute souvenir shopping on Mall Road before heading to the airport.

Evening: Depart from Bagdogra Airport, concluding the trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Victoria Memorial – 2 hrs – ₹150 entry
• Indian Museum – 2 hrs – ₹100 entry
• Howrah Bridge – 1 hr – Free
• Marble Palace – 1.5 hrs – ₹50 entry
• Kalighat Temple – 1 hr – Free
• Kumartuli – 2 hrs – Free (donations welcome)
• College Street – 2 hrs – Free
• St. Paul’s Cathedral – 1 hr – ₹30 entry
• Botanical Gardens – 2 hrs – ₹30 entry
• Science City – 3 hrs – ₹200 entry
• Tiger Hill – 2 hrs – ₹50 entry
• Batasia Loop & War Memorial – 2 hrs – ₹30 entry
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – 2 hrs – ₹500 round‑trip ticket
• Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park – 2 hrs – ₹150 entry
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – 1.5 hrs – ₹100 entry
• Happy Valley Tea Estate – 3 hrs – ₹300 tour
• Ghoom Monastery – 1 hr – Free
• Peace Pagoda – 1 hr – Free
• Average meals (10 days) – 10 hrs – ₹4,500 total
• Transportation (flights/trains, local taxis) – – ₹6,000 total
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹13,500

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a day in Sundarbans for a mangrove wildlife cruise or a day trip to Kalimpong for its Buddhist monasteries. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 4 and Day 5 in Kolkata by skipping the Botanical Gardens and focusing on the city’s museums, and reduce Day 9 in Darjeeling by omitting the Ghoom Monastery visit.