Morning: Take an early express train from Durgapur to Kolkata (≈2.5 hours). Start the city tour with a stroll around the majestic Victoria Memorial and the serene St. Paul’s Cathedral, soaking in colonial architecture and lush gardens.
Afternoon: Enjoy a hearty Bengali lunch at Bhojohori Manna, then visit the world‑class Indian Museum followed by a lively walk along the historic Park Street, famous for its cafés and retro vibe.
Evening: Dine at the iconic Peter Cat for its famous Chelo Kebab, then unwind with a sunset boat ride on the Hooghly River, watching the city lights shimmer on the water.
Find HotelsMorning: Hire a private car for the 2‑hour drive to Shantiniketan. Begin with a guided tour of Visva‑Bharati University and the poetic Kavita Bhavan, where Rabindranath Tagore’s literary legacy lives on.
Afternoon: Savor a simple yet tasty lunch at Ashutosh Café before exploring Tagore’s House (Santiniketan) and the nearby Santiniketan Museum**, which showcase original manuscripts and artwork.
Evening: Experience a captivating Rabindra Sangeet performance at the open‑air auditorium, followed by dinner at a local eatery serving authentic Bengali thali.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra (≈1 hour) and drive to Darjeeling. Arrive in time for sunrise at Tiger Hill, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga peaks.
Afternoon: After a hearty lunch at Kunga Restaurant, board the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for a scenic toy‑train ride, then visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see rare alpine wildlife.
Evening: Stroll along the bustling Mall Road, shop for local handicrafts, and enjoy dinner with a mountain backdrop at a rooftop restaurant.
Find HotelsIf you have extra days, consider adding a day trip to the Sunderbans for mangrove wildlife or a visit to Kalimpong for more mountain scenery. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Darjeeling leg and spend a relaxed afternoon exploring more of Kolkata’s museums and gardens instead.