Delhi to Kolkata & Beyond: 11‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi → Kolkata (Travel & Evening Exploration)

Morning: Depart Delhi by early train or flight and enjoy the scenic ride north‑eastwards.

Afternoon: Arrive in Kolkata, check into your hotel, and freshen up.

Evening: Stroll to the illuminated Victoria Memorial and capture its marble glow against the night sky.

Day 2: Kolkata – City Highlights

Morning: Walk across the iconic Howrah Bridge and visit the historic Indian Museum.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Park Street for street food and colonial‑era cafes.

Evening: Experience the devotional ambience of Kalighat Temple and its surrounding market.

Day 3: Kolkata → Serampore (Travel & River Walk)

Morning: Take a short train ride to Serampore, enjoying the lush Hooghly River scenery.

Afternoon: Check into a boutique guesthouse and settle in.

Evening: Wander along the Hooghly Riverbank, watching the sunset over the water.

Day 4: Serampore – Heritage Day 1

Morning: Tour the historic Serampore College, founded by missionaries in 1818.

Afternoon: Visit the Danish Museum to learn about the town’s European past.

Evening: Browse the lively local market for handicrafts and street snacks.

Day 5: Serampore – Heritage Day 2

Morning: Discover the beautiful architecture of St. Mary’s Church.

Afternoon: Take a relaxing boat cruise on the Hooghly, spotting riverine wildlife.

Evening: Attend a cultural performance featuring traditional Bengali music.

Day 6: Serampore → Kolkata (Return & Evening Leisure)

Morning: Return to Kolkata by train, enjoying the river views on the way.

Afternoon: Check into your Kolkata hotel and unwind.

Evening: Explore the vibrant New Market area for shopping and dinner.

Day 7: Kolkata → Gaya (Travel & Night Visit)

Morning: Board an early flight or train to Gaya, the Buddhist pilgrimage hub.

Afternoon: Settle into your hotel and rest after the journey.

Evening: Visit the illuminated Mahabodhi Temple for a serene night experience.

Day 8: Gaya – Sacred Sites

Morning: Explore the grounds of Mahabodhi Temple and the surrounding monasteries.

Afternoon: Pay respects at the historic Vishnupad Temple and enjoy the peaceful courtyard.

Evening: Dine on local Bihari cuisine at a recommended eatery.

Day 9: Gaya → Ayodhya (Travel & Riverfront)

Morning: Travel to Ayodhya by train or flight, crossing into Uttar Pradesh.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax.

Evening: Walk along the sacred Saryu River ghats and witness the evening aarti.

Day 10: Ayodhya – Pilgrimage Highlights

Morning: Visit the revered Ram Janmabhoomi complex and learn its history.

Afternoon: Climb up to Hanuman Garhi for panoramic views of the city.

Evening: Enjoy a light‑and‑sound show recounting the epic Ramayana.

Day 11: Ayodhya → Delhi (Return)

Morning: Depart Ayodhya on a comfortable train or flight back to Delhi.

Afternoon: Arrive in Delhi, concluding the journey.

Evening: Optional: unwind at a Delhi hotel or explore a nearby market before departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Victoria Memorial – 2 hrs, ₹300 entry
• Howrah Bridge – 1 hr, Free
• Indian Museum – 2 hrs, ₹200
• Park Street – 2 hrs, Food ₹600
• Kalighat Temple – 1 hr, Free
• Hooghly Riverbank (Serampore) – 1.5 hrs, Free
• Serampore College – 1 hr, Free
• Danish Museum – 1.5 hrs, ₹150
• St. Mary’s Church – 1 hr, Free
• Hooghly River Cruise – 2 hrs, ₹800
• New Market – 2 hrs, Shopping ₹1,200
• Mahabodhi Temple (Gaya) – 2 hrs, Free (donation ₹200)
• Vishnupad Temple – 1 hr, Free (donation ₹100)
• Saryu River ghats – 1.5 hrs, Free
• Ram Janmabhoomi – 2 hrs, Free (donation ₹250)
• Hanuman Garhi – 1 hr, Free
• Light‑and‑Sound Show (Ayodhya) – 1 hr, ₹350
• Transport (trains/flights, intra‑city) – 10 hrs, ₹12,000
• Accommodation (10 nights) – 10 nights, ₹12,000
• Meals (average ₹500/day) – 11 days, ₹5,500
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹33,500

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider skipping the two‑night stay in Serampore and combine Day 4‑5 activities into a single day, reducing the itinerary to 9 days. To extend, add a full day in Kolkata to explore the Mother House and a day trip to Sundarbans for wildlife spotting, which will enrich the cultural and natural experience.