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12-Day Itinerary: Kolkata, Darjeeling & Pelling

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Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata & Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, transfer to your hotel and settle in after a brief rest. Enjoy a light breakfast while reviewing the day’s plan.

Afternoon: Visit the majestic Victoria Memorial and stroll through its surrounding gardens, then explore the historic St. Paul’s Cathedral nearby.

Evening: Walk along vibrant Park Street, sampling street-side snacks, and dine at a classic Kolkata restaurant.

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Day 2: Cultural Highlights

Morning: Cross the iconic Howrah Bridge and pay respects at the sacred Kalighat Temple, soaking in the city’s spiritual atmosphere.

Afternoon: Discover India’s oldest museum, the Indian Museum, followed by browsing rare books at the bustling College Street Book Market.

Evening: Experience a cultural performance of Rabindra Sangeet at Nandan, showcasing Bengali music and dance.

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Day 3: Heritage and Art

Morning: Explore the private Marble Palace with its eclectic collection, then wander through the artisan lanes of Kumartuli to see clay idol makers at work.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Mother House, the birthplace of Mother Teresa’s mission, and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the elegant Bhowanipore neighborhood.

Evening: Take a relaxing river cruise on the Hooghly River, watching the city lights reflect on the water.

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Day 4: Sundarbans Day Trip

Morning: Depart early for the Sundarbans mangrove forest, traveling by boat to the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon: Embark on a guided wildlife safari, spotting crocodiles, spotted deer, and the elusive Bengal tiger.

Evening: Return to Kolkata, unwind with a quiet dinner at your hotel, reflecting on the day’s adventure.

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Day 5: Modern Kolkata

Morning: Visit the interactive exhibits at Science City in Salt Lake, ideal for families and curious minds.

Afternoon: Explore the expansive Eco Park in New Town, enjoying its themed gardens and water features.

Evening: Shop for souvenirs and local crafts at the bustling New Market, ending the day with a street‑food snack.

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Day 6: Food & Relaxation

Morning: Savor a classic breakfast at the historic Flurys on Park Street, then take a gentle walk through the verdant Maidan grounds.

Afternoon: Join a guided food tour of Gariahat, tasting iconic Kolkata dishes such as puchka, kathi rolls, and mishti doi.

Evening: Attend a cultural show at Rabindra Sadan, featuring contemporary interpretations of Bengali theatre.

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Day 7: Transfer to Darjeeling

Morning: Check out and travel by flight to Bagdogra, followed by a scenic drive to the hill station of Darjeeling.

Afternoon: Arrive, check in to your hotel, and unwind while admiring the mist‑covered hills.

Evening: Stroll along Darjeeling Mall Road and ride the historic Darjeeling Ropeway for sunset views.

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Day 8: Darjeeling Exploration

Morning: Watch the sunrise from Tiger Hill and then visit the scenic Batasia Loop for panoramic mountain vistas.

Afternoon: Explore the serene Ghoom Monastery and learn mountaineering history at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

Evening: Experience a traditional tea tasting session at a local tea estate, sampling the world‑renowned Darjeeling tea.

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Day 9: Nature & Views

Morning: Tour the lush Happy Valley Tea Garden, walking among tea bushes and learning about production processes.

Afternoon: Visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the adjoining Himalayan Wildlife Trust to see rare snow leopards and red pandas.

Evening: Wander through the vibrant Darjeeling bazaar, picking up local handicrafts and trying street snacks.

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Day 10: Transfer to Pelling

Morning: Depart for Pelling in Sikkim, enjoying a picturesque four‑hour drive through mountain passes.

Afternoon: Check in, then visit the tranquil Khecheopalri Lake, revered for its crystal‑clear waters and spiritual significance.

Evening: Relax at the hotel, soaking in the crisp mountain air and planning the next day’s activities.

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Day 11: Pelling Sightseeing

Morning: Capture breathtaking views of Kangchenjunga from the Pemako (Kangchenjunga) Viewpoint and cross the dramatic Singshore Bridge.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Rabdentse Ruins and learn about the former capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sikkimese dinner featuring momos and thukpa at a local restaurant.

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Day 12: Adventure Day

Morning: Embark on a guided trek to Yuksom, experiencing alpine forests and river valleys (moderate difficulty).

Afternoon: Visit nearby monasteries such as Ralang and Tashiding, admiring intricate murals and prayer wheels.

Evening: Return to Pelling, unwind with a warm cup of butter tea, and reflect on the journey.

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Day 13: Departure

Morning: Check out and travel back to Bagdogra Airport for your onward flight.

Afternoon: Fly home, carrying memories of bustling Kolkata and the serene Himalayas.

Evening: Arrive at your destination, concluding the trip.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Victoria Memorial – 2 hrs, $5
  • Park Street – 1.5 hrs, $0
  • Howrah Bridge – 1 hr, $0
  • Kalighat Temple – 1 hr, $0
  • Indian Museum – 2 hrs, $3
  • College Street – 1 hr, $0
  • Nandan performance – 2 hrs, $10
  • Marble Palace – 1.5 hrs, $4
  • Kumartuli – 2 hrs, $0
  • Mother House – 1 hr, $2
  • Hooghly River Cruise – 2 hrs, $15
  • Sundarbans Safari – full day, $120
  • Science City – 3 hrs, $6
  • Eco Park – 2 hrs, $4
  • New Market – 1.5 hrs, $0
  • Flurys breakfast – 1 hr, $8
  • Gariahat Food Tour – 2 hrs, $15
  • Rabindra Sadan show – 2 hrs, $12
  • Tiger Hill Sunrise – 2 hrs, $0
  • Batasia Loop – 1 hr, $2
  • Ghoom Monastery – 1 hr, $3
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – 2 hrs, $5
  • Happy Valley Tea Garden – 2 hrs, $10
  • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo – 2 hrs, $5
  • Khecheopalri Lake – 2 hrs, $3
  • Singshore Bridge – 1 hr, $0
  • Pemako (Kangchenjunga) Viewpoint – 1 hr, $0
  • Rabdentse Ruins – 1.5 hrs, $4
  • Yuksom Trek – 4 hrs, $20
  • Total Estimated Cost: $256

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider combining Kolkata’s Sundarbans day with a half‑day river cruise and dropping the Yuksom trek, which reduces the itinerary by two days. To extend your stay, add an extra night in Darjeeling for a full day at the Ghoom Tea Estate and another night in Pelling to explore the nearby Namchi attractions such as the Char Dham complex and Samdruptse Monastery. Adjustments can be made based on your interests in culture, nature, or adventure.

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