Early morning flight to Kolkata; aim for an early arrival so you can transfer north to Serampore the same day. Flight duration is roughly 2h; check airline schedules and allow time for immigration/transfer.
Classic Kolkata bakery-café serving continental and Bengali breakfasts; opens around 9:00 — a good spot for eggs, kachori or Bengali sweets before you continue north.
Drive or local suburban train along the Howrah–Bardhaman line; road taxi ~1–1.5 hours depending on traffic, local EMU train ~40–60 minutes. Trains are frequent from Howrah Station.
Explore the historic Serampore College (established 1818) and the old Danish church and colonial buildings; sites are typically visitable in daylight (roughly 9:00–17:00).
Dine at a riverside or well-reviewed local restaurant and try Bengali specialties such as shorshe ilish (mustard hilsa) or chingri malaikari; most open till 22:00.
Short drive north (~20–30 minutes) to Chandannagar to see the Strand, Dupleix Palace, and the French-era architecture; most museums and galleries open around 10:00–17:00, so plan accordingly.
Back in Serampore, take a heritage walk around colonial streets and visit any small local museums or college archives (check local opening times, often 10:00–16:00).
Short ferry or boat ride along the Hooghly for river views and sunset photography; services depend on local operators—confirm times locally (late afternoon/early evening).
Iconic riverside temple on the Hooghly, open 6:30–21:00; visit the main temple and the Ramakrishna Math nearby to experience local devotion and architecture.
Return to central Kolkata for a leisurely lunch at Oh! Calcutta for refined Bengali cuisine or Peter Cat for its famous Chelo Kebab; both open midday (approx 12:00–23:00).
Victoria Memorial (museum and gardens) open 10:00–17:00 and Indian Museum (10:00–17:00; closed Mondays); explore colonial history, art and archaeological collections — check Monday closures before visiting.
Park Street offers a range of options from classic cafés to upscale restaurants; enjoy Kolkata’s nightlife and dinner choices that generally stay open late.
Early transfer to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Intl (CCU) for a morning flight to Gaya (if available) or catch an overnight/early train — flights are fastest (≈1h15m); trains take longer. Check current schedules and book ahead.
The Mahabodhi Temple is the UNESCO-listed site of Buddha’s enlightenment, open from about 4:00–21:00; explore the main shrine, the Bodhi Tree and monastic courtyards — respectful dress required.
See the 25-metre Great Buddha Statue and nearby international monasteries; these areas are open during daylight (approx 6:00–19:00) and are focal points for meditation and photography.
This is a long overland leg (by train via Patna/Lucknow or by private car/coach); trains can take 10–14 hours depending on connections — depart early to arrive by evening, or check for connecting flights via Lucknow/Varanasi where available.
Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi complex and Hanuman Garhi early to avoid crowds; check local visiting hours (temples usually open early morning ~5:00–7:30 and then again mid-morning). Dress respectfully.
If available, take a morning flight from Ayodhya to Delhi (flight time ≈1h15m) or a direct train/bus (6–10 hours); flights are faster but check current schedules and book in advance.
Arrive in Delhi and enjoy lunch at your chosen neighbourhood—Connaught Place for variety or local dhaba for Punjabi fare; restaurants open from midday.
Wrap up with a favourite Delhi restaurant (Old Delhi street food for the adventurous or a fine-dining option in South Delhi); many places stay open late.