December 2nd‑Week India Highlights: Golden Temple, Puri & Kolkata‑Belur

Day 1: Arrival in Amritsar – Golden Temple

Morning: Land at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport and check into a hotel near the city centre. Freshen up and enjoy a quick local breakfast of Amritsari kulcha.

Afternoon: Visit the majestic Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), explore its sacred pool (Sarovar) and the museum inside the complex.

Evening: Attend the serene evening “Palki Sahib” ceremony and dine on vegetarian fare at the temple’s langar hall.

Day 2: Amritsar → Puri (Travel Day)

Morning: Board a direct flight from Amritsar to Bhubaneswar and then a short connecting flight or train to Puri.

Afternoon: Check into a beach‑side resort in Puri, unwind, and stroll along the golden sands.

Evening: Watch the sunset at Puri Beach and enjoy fresh seafood at a local shack.

Day 3: Puri – Spiritual & Coastal Exploration

Morning: Visit the iconic Jagannath Temple, witnessing the daily rituals and the vibrant temple market.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its intricate stone carvings.

Evening: Return to Puri for a relaxed dinner and optional cultural performance of Odissi dance.

Day 4: Puri → Kolkata

Morning: Take an early flight from Bhubaneswar to Kolkata; upon arrival, check into a boutique hotel in the city centre.

Afternoon: Begin exploring Kolkata with a visit to the grand Victoria Memorial and its surrounding gardens.

Evening: Wander through the bustling streets of College Street, browse book stalls, and enjoy street‑food delicacies like puchka.

Day 5: Kolkata – Heritage & Culture

Morning: Tour the historic Indian Museum followed by a walk to St. Paul's Cathedral for its neo‑Gothic architecture.

Afternoon: Cruise on the Hooghly River to see the iconic Howrah Bridge from the water and visit the Marble Palace museum.

Evening: Dine on authentic Bengali cuisine at a renowned restaurant in Park Street.

Day 6: Day Trip to Belur Math

Morning: Depart for a 2‑hour drive to Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, and explore its serene campus.

Afternoon: Visit the adjacent Mahabharata Museum and enjoy a peaceful walk along the Hooghly Riverbank.

Evening: Return to Kolkata, relax at the hotel, and perhaps catch a cultural show at the Nandan arts complex.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Leisurely breakfast and last‑minute shopping for handicrafts in New Market.

Afternoon: Transfer to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport for your onward flight.

Evening: Flight departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Golden Temple (Amritsar) – 3 hours, INR 300 (donations & transport)
• Jagannath Temple (Puri) – 2 hours, INR 200 (entry & guide)
• Konark Sun Temple – 3 hours, INR 300 (entry, guide, parking)
• Victoria Memorial (Kolkata) – 2 hours, INR 250 (entry & audio guide)
• Indian Museum – 2 hours, INR 150 (entry)
• Belur Math – 3 hours, INR 100 (donation)
• Domestic flights (Amritsar‑Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar‑Kolkata) – 6 hours total, INR 12,000
• Accommodation (6 nights, mid‑range) – INR 9,000
• Meals (average INR 500/day) – INR 3,500
• Local transport (taxis, trains, river cruise) – INR 2,000
• Total Estimated Cost: INR 28,500

Tips

If you have extra days, consider extending your stay in Amritsar to explore the historic Jallianwala Bagh and the bustling Hall Bazaar, or add a day in Puri for a sunrise visit to the beach and a trip to the nearby Chilika Lake. To shorten the trip, you could combine Day 4 and Day 5 by focusing on Kolkata’s main attractions only, and skip the Belur Math day, using the saved time for a relaxed departure.