After arriving and settling in, take a gentle morning walk through the historic heart of the city starting at Victoria Memorial, where manicured lawns and the marble museum set a grand, calming tone; follow this with a short rickshaw ride to the vibrant College Street to browse iconic bookshops and sip a strong coffee at a local café. Finish the morning with a riverside stroll along the Hooghly at Prinsep Ghat, watching river life and colonial-era bridges - a perfect, low-key introduction that orients you to Kolkata's history and pace before afternoon explorations.
Ease into Kolkata's rhythm with a late-afternoon visit to the bustling New Market (Hogg Market) for a sensory introduction to Bengali street shopping and snacks, sampling chanachur, jhal muri and a steaming kathi roll from a trusted stall. From there, take a short drive to the serene St. Paul's Cathedral to admire its Gothic interiors and then continue to Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge) viewpoint at sunset for panoramic river views and the city lighting up-perfect to bridge your calm morning with an evening of local flavors.
As twilight falls, head to the atmospheric Kumartuli to watch artisans shape clay deities and pick up a small handcrafted souvenir while soaking in the neighborhood's lived-in charm; the narrow lanes and glowing lamps make for evocative photos. Later, enjoy a relaxed dinner at Peter Cat (Park Street) or a nearby Bengali eatery to taste classic chello kebab or fish curry, then finish with a nightcap and people-watching on Park Street as the city's nightlife hums gently around you.
Begin with a guided visit to Belur Math, where serene riverside gardens and eclectic architectural styles tell the story of Ramakrishna Mission, then stroll the tranquil paths and catch the morning prayer at the main temple. From there, head to the nearby Indian Museum to explore its impressive collection of art, archaeology and natural history-allow time for the Egyptian mummy and the fossil exhibits-before finishing with a leisurely brunch of kachori and mishti at a classic Bengali café near Esplanade.
Wander through the leafy lanes of Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, where guided rooms and the on-site museum bring Bengal's literary golden age to life, then pause for a traditional peda and chai at a nearby sweet shop. Continue to the stately Marble Palace, exploring its eclectic collection of art, sculptures and Victorian furnishings, and finish the afternoon with a relaxed ferry ride from Bagbazar Ghat to watch the Hooghly's riverine rhythms and catch late-afternoon light on colonial facades.
As dusk settles, wander the charming lanes of Sudder Street to browse bookshops and cozy cafes, then step into the atmospheric Esplanade Theatre area to catch a live Bengali play or small concert if available. After the show, savor a leisurely dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place for homestyle Bengali cuisine and finish with a late-night stroll through the illuminated gardens of Maidan, watching the city lights reflect off the open lawns and historic clubhouses.
Start early with a hearty Kolkata breakfast at Nahoum's to pick up pastries and sweet treats for the journey, then transfer to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport or the railway station. If traveling by road via Siliguri, plan a comfort stop at Dalkhola or Bagdogra highway cafés for hot chai and local snacks, and stretch your legs with a quick walk through the small market near Bagdogra before continuing into the hills toward Darjeeling.
Break the journey with a scenic stop at Sevoke Bridge to stretch your legs and watch the Teesta River carve its way through forested valleys, then continue uphill with a roadside visit to Rungmook Tea Estate for a short guided tour and a fresh cup of single-estate tea. As the road climbs, pause at Rangtong Viewpoint to take in layered mountain vistas and the first hints of Darjeeling's skyline, arriving into town in the early evening ready to settle into your hotel and savor a warm momos dinner nearby.
After arriving and checking in, take a gentle stroll through the fragrant paths of Victoria Tea House Garden for a sit-down tasting of Darjeeling first flush and conversation with the host about local harvests; follow this with a relaxed walk along the historic Chowrasta Mall, watching local families and street musicians as twilight settles. Finish the evening with a warm plate of steamed momos at Kunga Home Kitchen and a nightcap of butter tea at a nearby terrace café while the town lights twinkle against the hillside.
Wake before dawn to drive up to Tiger Hill for a legendary sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range, then return via the aromatic slopes of Goomtee Tea Garden for a guided walk through terraced bushes and a tasting of first-flush Darjeeling. After the tasting, visit the nearby Tenzing Rock for a short, scenic climb and panoramic photos, finishing with a cozy breakfast of piping-hot thukpa and butter tea at a local hilltop café that connects your Kolkata-to-hills journey with the specialties of mountain life.
After your sunrise outing, wander the fragrant paths of Happy Valley Tea Estate for a guided tour of processing sheds and a hands-on tasting of second-flush Darjeeling while learning about estate history; follow with a leisurely lunch at the estate café sampling a local trout or thukpa. Later, stroll through the nearby colonial-era Shrubbery Tea Garden trails to spot rhododendrons and Himalayan birds, then visit the charming Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre to meet artisans, browse handwoven shawls and support local crafts before an early evening tea at a hilltop café.
As dusk deepens, stroll down to the lively Mall Road to mingle with locals, browse artisan stalls and sample street snacks like sel roti and aloo dum from a favorite vendor. For dinner, reserve a table at Glenary's bakery-restaurant to enjoy freshly baked breads and a comforting Himalayan stew, then finish the night with handcrafted cocktails or a quiet cup of Darjeeling tea at the cozy terrace of Keventer's while the town's lights shimmer below.
Begin with a peaceful stroll through Observatory Hill, pausing at its small temples and viewpoints for morning light on the town and nearby ridges, then wander down to the charming Laha Market to sample local breakfasts-try steamed thukpa or a plate of aloo momos-and watch vendors unpack fresh hill produce. Afterward, visit the atmospheric Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see high-altitude wildlife like red pandas and Himalayan wolves while learning about conservation efforts, finishing with a relaxed coffee at the nearby Keventer's Garden Café before an easy midday break.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the colonial charm and local crafts of Chowrasta Mall's quieter lanes before heading to the nearby Bhutia Busty Monastery to admire thangka paintings and enjoy peaceful courtyard views. Continue with a hands-on visit to Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum to learn steam-era stories and, if available, catch a short joyride on the toy train; finish with a late-afternoon stop at Observatory Tea Stall (a local favorite) for a fresh cup of Darjeeling tea and homemade biscuits while watching mountain light shift over the valley.
As evening cools, wander to the atmospheric Sadar Bazaar to browse local tea stalls, handmade woolens and antique shop windows while sampling hot chini ko roti from a street vendor; the lively market offers a genuine slice of hill-town life. Later, dine at the intimate hillside Acland Road's Sonam's Kitchen for homemade thukpa and momos, then finish with a nightcap on the terrace of The Elgin's lounge where valley lights and soft Tibetan music make for a relaxed, reflective end to the day.
Depart Darjeeling after breakfast and enjoy a scenic drive through mountain hairpins with a first stop at Tinchuley Viewpoint for sweeping views of the Teesta valley and mist-wreathed ridgelines; stretch legs on a short walk through the village's pine-scented trails and tea gardens. Continue downhill to the lively roadside market at Ravangla Bazaar for a quick taste of Sikkimese munchies (yak cheese fritters or sel roti) and visit a nearby local orchid nursery to see high-altitude blooms before resuming the gentle drive toward Gangtok, arriving in time for an easy afternoon check-in.
Pause your drive with a relaxed lunch at Melli Bazaar, sampling fresh river fish thali and local momo varieties while watching traders and Teesta-side life unfold. Afterward, unwind with a short riverside walk to Chinga Viewpoint for layered hill vistas and a photo stop, then visit the nearby Namchi Cultural Centre to glimpse Sikkimese handicrafts and traditional masks before continuing the scenic mountain ascent into Gangtok.
Once you arrive in Gangtok and settle in, take a gentle stroll to MG Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road) to soak up the evening buzz of shops, street-food stalls and local musicians; sample steaming thukpa or piping hot steam momos from a favored stall and browse artisan shops for handwoven scarves. Later, head to the tranquil Enchey Monastery for a brief dusk visit to catch evening prayers and the soft glow of butter lamps, then enjoy a relaxed rooftop dinner at a nearby eatery with panoramic views of Gangtok's twinkling hillside lights.
Start your morning with a quiet visit to Rumtek Monastery, where golden shrines, colorful prayer flags and the monastery museum offer insight into Tibetan Buddhism and recent Sikkimese history; join the monks for a short chanting session if available and stroll the peaceful outer courtyards. Afterward, head to the hillside Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to browse its fine collection of thangkas, ancient manuscripts and ritual objects, then enjoy a light brunch of local millet pancakes and butter tea at the institute café while soaking in panoramic views of Gangtok valley.
After a morning steeped in Rumtek's chants and Tibetology's collections, head for the serene slopes of Do Drul Chorten to walk among its prayer wheels and watch devoted locals spin them while absorbing quiet courtyard life; linger at the adjacent Nam Nang Viewpoint for clear valley vistas and a short picnic of local sel roti and chiura. Later, explore the colorful stalls and handicraft lanes of Ladenla Market to browse Sikkimese masks, thangka prints and handwoven scarves, then pause at a rooftop café near MG Marg Extension for butter tea and panoramic evening light over Gangtok before the stroll back to the main promenade.
As dusk falls, wander up to Tashi Viewpoint for a last golden-hour panorama of the surrounding ridges, then descend to the atmospheric Flower Exhibition Centre to see illuminated displays of alpine blooms and seasonal orchids. Finish the night on MG Marg with a leisurely meal at The Coffee Shop (Hotel Tibet) sampling local thenthuk and a fragrant Sikkimese butter tea, then browse nearby handicraft stalls for a handwoven scarf or prayer wheel as street musicians play into the evening.
Set out early for a full-morning excursion to Tsomgo Lake, where you can walk the frozen shoreline (seasonal), feed friendly yaks and photograph the dramatic reflection of ridgelines; include a visit to the nearby Baba Harbhajan Mandir to learn its moving local legend and watch pilgrims leave prayer flags. On the return, stop at Ngongtok Viewpoint for sweeping valley panoramas and a short guided walk through alpine rhododendron groves, then enjoy a warm roadside cup of butter tea and freshly made steamed momos from a trusted stall before heading back into Gangtok for an easy afternoon.
After returning from the high-altitude morning, spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the serene gardens and cultural spots closer to town: wander the terraced lawns of Flower Exhibition Centre to see seasonal alpine displays up close, then visit the nearby Institute of Himalayan Conservation (or a local natural-history exhibit) to learn about fragile mountain ecosystems and conservation projects. Finish with a calming tea and light snack at the hilltop Palzor Stadium café while watching local children practice football and taking in broad valley views that bridge your Tsomgo morning with Gangtok's everyday rhythm.
After a day in the high country, return to town and soak in a relaxed evening of local flavors and culture beginning with dinner at The Last Resort Bistro, where you can sample Sikkimese thukpa and yak cheese platters while enjoying mountain-brewed teas. Follow this with a leisurely riverside stroll along Rangpo Riverside Promenade to watch the valley lights and try roadside sweets like sel roti from family stalls, then finish the night at Sky Lounge Café for a rooftop cup of butter tea and panoramic views that gently bridge your lake excursion with Gangtok's town-night rhythms.
Leave Gangtok after an early breakfast and drive toward Rangpo Bazaar for a last-minute browse of local pickles, buckwheat snacks and handwoven scarves at the roadside stalls before the journey. Pause at Teesta Barrage Viewpoint to stretch your legs, photograph the river engineering against valley vistas and enjoy a hot flask of roadside butter tea with steaming momos from a trusted vendor-then continue down to Sevoke for a riverside picnic and birdwatching stop that marks the clear transition from Himalayan slopes back to the plains.
After your Sevoke picnic, pause in Silchar Road Bazaar (Siliguri's local market) to pick up last-minute Darjeeling and Sikkim tea blends, yak cheese and handmade masks while sampling steaming jhaal muri from a street vendor. Continue with a relaxed stop at Coronation Bridge Viewpoint to photograph the Teesta winding beneath the colonial arch, then enjoy a riverside lunch at Teesta Riverside Café where you can savor a fresh fish thali or momo platter before the onward journey toward Kolkata.
After the day's road journey, unwind with a leisurely dinner at Savoy Residency's Rooftop in Siliguri, where panoramic valley lights pair well with a plate of steaming jhol momos and local river fish curry. Later, take a gentle post-meal stroll through City Centre Mall's open promenade to browse regional handicraft kiosks and pick up a final box of specialty Darjeeling tea before settling into your comfortable transit hotel for an early departure the next morning.
Spend a relaxed final morning wandering the leafy paths of Alipore Zoological Gardens for a gentle wake-up among historic enclosures and well-kept lawns, then head to nearby South City Mall for any last-minute shopping of Bengali sweets and specialty teas. Finish with a leisurely riverside brunch at Hooghly Riverfront Café (near Prinsep Ghat) to savor mishti and luchi while watching the Hooghly bustle-an easy, unhurried close to your trip that leaves time to collect luggage and transfer to the airport or station.
Spend a calm afternoon exploring the leafy colonial lanes around Alipore Club with a stop at the nearby Birla Industrial & Technological Museum for an engaging, air-conditioned dive into science displays and hands-on exhibits. Afterwards, wander to the serene riverside compound of Fort William (views from outside the cantonment gates) and enjoy a late lunch of Bengali fish specialties at the historic Flurys (Park Street branch), leaving plenty of time to collect luggage and make a relaxed transfer to the airport or station.
As the day winds down, take a tranquil riverside stroll at Prinsep Ghat Riverside Promenade (south stretch) to catch the golden hour and watch the Hooghly's ferries glide past, then pause for a cup of tea and light snacks at the nearby Riverside Tea Cottage. Follow this with a relaxed dinner at the historic Indian Coffee House (College Street branch) for comforting Bengali-style coffee and a final plate of kathi rolls, and finish your evening settling luggage with a short visit to New Market's specialty confectioner to pick up last-minute mishti boxes for the journey.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Victoria Memorial (entry & gardens) | ₹30 |
| College Street (book browsing & coffee) | ₹150 |
| Prinsep Ghat (riverside stroll) | Free |
| New Market (Hogg Market) - snacks & shopping | ₹300 |
| St. Paul's Cathedral (entry/donation) | Free |
| Vidyasagar Setu viewpoint | Free |
| Kumartuli (artisan visits / small souvenir) | ₹200 |
| Dinner at Peter Cat (Park Street) - per person | ₹700 |
| Belur Math (entry & morning prayer) | Free |
| Indian Museum (entry) | ₹40 |
| Jorasanko Thakur Bari (entry & museum) | ₹20 |
| Marble Palace (entry - permit/visit fee) | ₹50 |
| Bagbazar Ghat ferry ride | ₹20 |
| Esplanade theatre / live show (ticket) | ₹300 |
| 6 Ballygunge Place (dinner per person) | ₹600 |
| Nahoum's pastries (takeaway for journey) | ₹200 |
| Bagdogra/airport transfer stop snacks | ₹100 |
| Sevoke Bridge stop (viewing) | Free |
| Rungmook Tea Estate tour & tasting | ₹300 |
| Rangtong Viewpoint (stop) | Free |
| Victoria Tea House Garden tasting | ₹250 |
| Chowrasta Mall (stroll) | Free |
| Tiger Hill (sunrise viewpoint - shared vehicle/drive) | ₹500 |
| Goomtee Tea Garden walk & tasting | ₹200 |
| Tenzing Rock (short climb/view) | Free |
| Hilltop breakfast (thukpa & butter tea) | ₹150 |
| Happy Valley Tea Estate tour & tasting | ₹300 |
| Shrubbery Tea Garden trails (walk) | Free |
| Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre (donation / shopping) | ₹200 |
| Mall Road (shopping & snacks) | ₹200 |
| Glenary's (dinner / bakery per person) | ₹500 |
| Keventer's (tea / terrace snack) | ₹150 |
| Observatory Hill (stroll & temples) | Free |
| Laha Market (breakfast street food) | ₹150 |
| Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (entry) | ₹60 |
| Keventer's Garden Café (coffee/snack) | ₹200 |
| Bhutia Busty Monastery (entry/donation) | Free |
| Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum (entry) | ₹20 |
| Toy Train short joyride (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) - per person (subject to availability) | ₹60 |
| Observatory Tea Stall (tea & biscuits) | ₹60 |
| Sadar Bazaar (shopping & street food) | ₹200 |
| Sonam's Kitchen (dinner per person) | ₹300 |
| The Elgin's lounge (nightcap) | ₹300 |
| Tinchuley Viewpoint (stop) | Free |
| Ravangla Bazaar snacks (yak cheese fritters / sel roti) | ₹150 |
| Orchid nursery visit (local nursery) | Free |
| Melli Bazaar lunch (river fish thali) | ₹300 |
| Chinga Viewpoint (stop) | Free |
| Namchi Cultural Centre (entry / handicraft browsing) | ₹100 |
| MG Road (Gangtok) street food (thukpa / momos) | ₹150 |
| Enchey Monastery (dusk visit/donation) | Free |
| Rumtek Monastery (entry / donation) | ₹50 |
| Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (entry) | ₹30 |
| Do Drul Chorten (prayer wheels visit) | Free |
| Nam Nang Viewpoint (stop / picnic) | Free |
| Ladenla Market (handicraft shopping) | ₹200 |
| Tashi Viewpoint (golden-hour stop) | Free |
| Flower Exhibition Centre (entry / display) | ₹30 |
| The Coffee Shop (Hotel Tibet) dinner | ₹350 |
| Tsomgo Lake (permits, yak rides optional & transport share) - per person | ₹800 |
| Baba Harbhajan Mandir (visit) | Free |
| Ngongtok Viewpoint (stop) | Free |
| Institute of Himalayan Conservation / local exhibit | ₹50 |
| Palzor Stadium café (tea & snack) | ₹120 |
| The Last Resort Bistro (dinner per person) | ₹400 |
| Rangpo Riverside Promenade (evening stroll & sweets) | ₹100 |
| Sky Lounge Café (rooftop tea) | ₹150 |
| Rangpo Bazaar (last-minute shopping) | ₹200 |
| Teesta Barrage Viewpoint (stop) | Free |
| Sevoke riverside picnic & birdwatching | Free |
| Silchar Road Bazaar / Siliguri market shopping | ₹200 |
| Coronation Bridge Viewpoint (stop) | Free |
| Teesta Riverside Café lunch | ₹300 |
| Savoy Residency's Rooftop dinner (per person) | ₹500 |
| City Centre Mall (promenade & handicraft kiosks) | Free |
| Alipore Zoological Gardens (entry) | ₹40 |
| South City Mall shopping / snacks | ₹300 |
| Hooghly Riverfront Café brunch (near Prinsep Ghat) | ₹350 |
| Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (entry) | ₹30 |
| Fort William (external views) | Free |
| Flurys (Park Street branch) lunch/dessert | ₹400 |
| Prinsep Ghat Riverside Promenade (south stretch) | Free |
| Riverside Tea Cottage (tea & snacks) | ₹150 |
| Indian Coffee House (College Street) - dinner/snack | ₹150 |
| New Market specialty confectioner (mishti boxes) | ₹300 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ₹10560 |