Fly from Washington, DC to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on your confirmed itinerary, allowing roughly 24–30 hours including connections. After immigration and baggage collection, use your pre-arranged transfer rather than negotiating at the curb; the drive to The Oberoi Grand Kolkata in Esplanade usually takes 45–90 minutes depending on traffic. Kolkata’s August weather is hot, humid, and often rainy, so keep a change of clothes and essential medication in your hand luggage.
Check in at The Oberoi Grand Kolkata, shower, hydrate, and give yourself about two hours to recover. If you still have energy, take a short taxi or app-cab ride to the Indian Museum on Chowringhee for an easy first introduction to the city; allow about 1½ hours and check the current gallery schedule before leaving, as some sections may have limited access. The museum is generally closed on Mondays, so if your arrival falls on a Monday, treat this as a rest period rather than trying to force the visit—your coordinator’s next planned stop remains the evening meal.
Head by taxi or app cab to Peter Cat on Park Street, allowing 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect a queue at dinner, especially for the restaurant’s famous chelo kebab; a meal costs approximately ₹800–1,500 per person, and cash or a card backup is sensible. After dinner, spend about 45 minutes taking an easy stroll along Park Street, enjoying its colonial façades, old restaurants, and evening lights without pushing too far on your first night. Return to The Oberoi Grand Kolkata by app cab, and keep the evening quiet—jet lag and Kolkata’s humidity can catch up with you quickly.
After your arrival in Chennai, head first to Kapaleeshwarar Temple Mylapore. Arrive around 9:30–10:00 a.m., when the streets are lively but the heat is still manageable. Allow about an hour to admire the brightly painted gopuram, inner courtyards, and flower sellers outside; dress modestly, remove shoes before entering, and avoid photographing worshippers. A short auto-rickshaw ride or roughly 15-minute walk brings you to San Thome Basilica in Santhome, a quieter neo-Gothic landmark traditionally associated with the apostle Thomas. Spend 30–45 minutes inside and in the small grounds; entry is free, though opening and service times can vary.
Continue north to Marina Beach—about 10 minutes by auto-rickshaw, depending on traffic—for an easy late-morning walk along the broad promenade. Stay near the main access areas rather than swimming, as currents are strong and lifeguard coverage is limited. Try a paper cone of sundal or roasted corn from a busy vendor, but carry sanitizer and bottled water. Give yourself around an hour here; Chennai’s humidity makes a slower pace worthwhile.
From Marina Beach, take a prepaid taxi or app cab toward Fort St. George in George Town, usually 20–30 minutes in midday traffic. The fort complex and Fort Museum are generally open during daytime hours, commonly around 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with closures or reduced access on some government holidays; confirm locally before setting out. Allow 1–1½ hours to see the colonial buildings, ramparts, and museum collections, and carry photo identification because this remains an active administrative area. Keep the afternoon relaxed afterward—traffic across central Chennai can be surprisingly slow, especially after rain.
Finish in T. Nagar at Murugan Idli Shop, where a simple South Indian dinner of idlis, vadas, pongal, dosa, and chutneys is filling and inexpensive, about ₹250–500 per person. Expect a busy, casual setting rather than leisurely restaurant service, and go early—around 6:30 p.m.—to avoid the largest dinner rush. From Fort St. George, allow 30–45 minutes by taxi or metro-and-auto combination, depending on the station and traffic. Chennai’s August evenings can bring sudden showers, so keep a compact umbrella handy and use app-based transport for the return to your hotel.
After your early arrival in New Delhi, take a prepaid taxi or app cab to Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin East; allow roughly 45–60 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. The complex generally opens around sunrise and admission is approximately ₹50 for Indian citizens and ₹600 for foreign visitors, though fees and timings can change. Spend about 1½ hours wandering through the charbagh gardens and red-sandstone arcades—the morning light is especially good, and the site is far more comfortable before Delhi’s heat builds. From here, a 10–15-minute cab ride along Lodhi Road brings you to Lodhi Garden. Take a relaxed, shaded loop past the medieval tombs, allowing about an hour; carry water, as August is humid and the monsoon paths can be muddy.
Have lunch near Khan Market or Sujan Singh Park, then continue by cab to India Gate and Kartavya Path, roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. The monument and boulevard are best treated as a short outdoor stop—about 45 minutes—with the broad ceremonial vista opening toward the government district. Avoid lingering in the exposed midday sun and keep valuables secure around busy viewing areas. From India Gate, it is about 10 minutes by taxi to the National Museum, New Delhi on Janpath. Allow two hours for the archaeological galleries, Chola bronzes, miniature paintings, and Buddhist collections; it is typically open Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 10 a.m.–6 p.m., so verify the Wednesday schedule and ticketing before setting out.
Return toward Lodhi Road for dinner at Indian Accent at The Lodhi, a refined but relaxed choice for the evening. Reserve well ahead, especially for a tasting menu or a preferred dinner time, and budget approximately ₹3,000–5,000 per person before drinks and taxes. The restaurant is a convenient 15–20-minute cab ride from Janpath, though rush-hour traffic can make the journey longer. After dinner, keep the evening simple—Delhi’s heat, traffic, and an early start make this a good night to return to your hotel rather than add another major stop.
Allow 30–60 minutes after arriving at Jammu Airport for baggage collection and your pre-booked transfer into the city; traffic and monsoon showers can slow the approach. Leave luggage at your hotel or in the vehicle and head to Raghunath Temple in Old Jammu around 11:00 a.m. Dress modestly, remove shoes, and expect security checks—large bags and photography may be restricted. Allow about an hour for the richly decorated shrines; entry is generally free, though opening hours and access can change around पूजा ceremonies.
Take a prepaid taxi or app cab from Old Jammu to Bahu Fort, usually 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. The hilltop fort is best treated as a relaxed visit rather than a rushed monument stop: walk the ramparts, look across the Tawi River, and keep an umbrella handy in August. Allow roughly 1½ hours, with comfortable shoes for uneven surfaces. Then continue a short distance to Bagh-e-Bahu for an hour among the landscaped paths and lawns. The garden typically stays open into the evening, but confirm the day’s timing locally; combined fort-and-garden admission is usually inexpensive, often around ₹20–50, and taxis are more practical than relying on infrequent local buses.
Return toward central Jammu for dinner at K.C. Regalia on Residency Road, allowing 20–30 minutes from Bahu depending on evening traffic. It is a comfortable choice after the outdoor sightseeing, with North Indian and Kashmiri-style dishes; budget approximately ₹700–1,500 per person. Aim to arrive around 7:30 p.m., when the area is lively but before the later dinner crowd. Keep the evening unhurried—Jammu’s roads can become congested after rain, so arrange your return ride through the restaurant or a trusted app rather than waiting curbside.
After landing in New Delhi, allow about 45–60 minutes for baggage and the transfer into central Delhi; an app cab or prepaid airport taxi is simplest. Start at Jama Masjid, ideally around 9:00 a.m., before Old Delhi becomes intensely busy. Set aside roughly an hour for the vast courtyard and red-sandstone views—modest clothing is required, and small photography or entry charges may apply. Women may be offered a covering at the entrance; carry socks, as shoes must be removed. From here, take a cycle rickshaw or walk about 10–15 minutes into Chandni Chowk, following the lanes toward the market’s food, spice, and textile stalls. Give yourself around 90 minutes to wander, but keep valuables secured and avoid carrying large bags through the tightest lanes.
Take a cab or Delhi Metro from Old Delhi toward Connaught Place—the Yellow Line from Chandni Chowk to Rajiv Chowk is usually faster than road traffic, though the station corridors are crowded. Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in the afternoon, where the white-and-gold shrine, reflective pool, and open community kitchen offer a calmer contrast to the markets. Entry is free; remove your shoes, cover your head, and wash your feet before entering. A short 10-minute walk brings you to Agrasen ki Baoli, a dramatic historic stepwell tucked among modern offices. It normally closes around sunset, and visits are free, so aim to arrive by 4:30–5:00 p.m. Finish with dinner at Saravana Bhavan in Connaught Place, a reliable choice for dosas, idli, and thali meals; budget about ₹400–800 per person and expect a possible evening queue. Keep the rest of the night easy—Delhi’s August humidity and monsoon traffic make an early return to your hotel worthwhile.
Take an early nonstop flight from New Delhi to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, ideally arriving in Kolkata by late morning. Allow 45–75 minutes after landing for baggage, the airport exit, and the transfer into central Kolkata; app cabs and prepaid airport taxis are the easiest options, while the airport-to-city road can be slow in monsoon traffic. Leave your bags at your hotel, then continue to Victoria Memorial Hall in Maidan. The museum is generally open Tuesday–Sunday from around 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and usually closed on Mondays, so check the official schedule before departing—if your visit falls on a Monday, enjoy the gardens and exterior instead. Set aside about two hours; entry is modest, with separate fees sometimes applying to the museum and garden areas.
From Victoria Memorial Hall, walk or take a short cab ride to St. Paul’s Cathedral, directly across the Maidan area. The quiet interior, stained glass, and shaded grounds make a welcome break from the heat; allow about 45 minutes, and dress respectfully. Afterward, spend the late afternoon wandering across the Maidan itself, where cricket matches, horse carriages, walkers, and vendors give the city its most relaxed open-air scene. Aim for sunset, but use a cab rather than walking long distances if the ground is muddy after rain; Kolkata’s monsoon showers can arrive suddenly.
Finish in Ballygunge at 6 Ballygunge Place, a dependable choice for Bengali home-style cooking. From the Maidan, allow roughly 20–35 minutes by app cab depending on evening traffic, and consider reserving a table during the dinner rush. Order a spread of Bengali classics such as shorshe ilish when available, chingri malai curry, kosha mangsho, dal, vegetables, and rice; expect approximately ₹800–1,500 per person. Keep the evening unhurried—this is a good first-night meal after a flight, and the restaurant is close to major hotel areas for an easy return.
Take the earliest practical flight from Kolkata to Biju Patnaik International Airport, aiming to be in Bhubaneswar by about 8:30–9:30 a.m. With baggage and a pre-booked app cab, allow 30–45 minutes to reach Old Town; leave your luggage at the hotel before beginning the temple circuit. Start at Lingaraja Temple, the city’s spiritual centerpiece, but note that non-Hindu visitors generally cannot enter the main shrine. You can view the complex from designated outside viewpoints, and photography rules are enforced. Dress modestly, remove footwear where required, and be cautious of unofficial guides around the entrance.
Continue by auto-rickshaw or cab—roughly 10 minutes—to Mukteshwar Temple, where the beautifully carved torana, compact courtyard, and detailed stonework are easy to appreciate in about 45 minutes. From there, another short ride brings you to Rajarani Temple; allow around 45 minutes to walk among its warm-toned sandstone towers and sculpted figures. The sites are close together, but August is humid and rainy, so carry water, an umbrella, and footwear that handles wet stone. Temple access is usually best in daylight, approximately 6:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., though individual rules and conditions can change.
After a relaxed break at your hotel, have dinner at Dalma, a dependable choice for Odia and eastern Indian cooking. Order a thali or share regional dishes such as dalma, mustard-based fish, vegetables, and pakhala if available; expect about ₹700–1,500 per person. It is easiest to reach by app cab from Old Town, generally 15–25 minutes depending on rain and traffic. Keep the evening unhurried—Bhubaneswar’s roads can slow sharply during monsoon showers, and an early night is sensible if you are returning to Kolkata the next day.
After arriving from Bhubaneswar, leave your bags at the hotel and take an app cab toward North Kolkata; allow 30–45 minutes from central Kolkata, longer in weekday traffic. Your first stop is Marble Palace, a richly decorated 19th-century mansion in Chorbagan. Visits require advance permission, and the house is not a casual walk-in attraction, so carry the confirmation and arrive at the agreed morning time. The tour takes about 1½ hours; photography may be restricted, and there is usually no standard admission fee, though a donation is appropriate. From there, a short rickshaw or cab ride brings you to Kumartuli, where narrow lanes open into workshops filled with straw frames and hand-shaped clay figures. Spend about an hour wandering quietly and ask before photographing artisans; a small purchase or tip is appreciated.
Have lunch near Burrabazar or Dalhousie Square—6 Ballygunge Place Thali is a dependable choice for Bengali food, though allow extra time if traffic is heavy—then take a cab toward Howrah Bridge. Rather than lingering in the traffic on the bridge itself, view the immense steel span from the Mallick Ghat riverside area, where the constant flow of pedestrians, buses, flower sellers, and river boats gives you the best sense of Kolkata’s energy. Allow around 30 minutes, and keep phones and bags secure in the crowded lanes. Continue by cab to Prinsep Ghat, usually 25–40 minutes depending on congestion, for a much quieter stretch along the Hooghly River. Walk beneath the Palladian-style memorial and along the promenade for about an hour; sunset is lovely here, but monsoon clouds can arrive quickly, so bring an umbrella and avoid the river edge during heavy rain.
For your last evening, take a cab to The Oberoi Grand in Chowringhee for dinner at Baan Thai. Reserve ahead, particularly for a weekend or holiday evening, and expect approximately ₹2,000–4,000 per person before drinks and taxes. The polished setting makes it a fitting finale after a dusty day in North Kolkata, and the hotel is convenient for a final stroll around Esplanade if the weather stays dry. Allow roughly 1½ hours for dinner, then return by app cab; Kolkata’s traffic can remain slow well into the evening, so do not leave airport packing or departure preparations until late.
Have your hotel arrange a car to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport according to your confirmed flight time. From central Kolkata, allow roughly 45–90 minutes by road, depending heavily on monsoon traffic; leave even earlier if departing during the morning rush. Keep your passport, U.S. entry documents, boarding passes, and any onward-connection details easily accessible, and confirm whether your airline requires baggage re-checking at a connecting airport.
For an international departure, aim to reach the airport at least three hours before takeoff. The terminal has cafés, snacks, drinking-water stations, and duty-free shops, but prices are higher than in the city. Before security, double-check that checked baggage is tagged through to Washington, DC where possible and that your connection allows enough time for immigration, security, and any terminal change.
Your journey from Kolkata to Washington, DC will likely involve one or more connections and can take roughly 24–30 hours overall. Keep a light layer, medication, chargers, and a change of clothes in your cabin bag; long-haul connections can be chilly and baggage delays are more inconvenient on a multi-flight itinerary. Once airborne, Kolkata’s final city views give way to the long westbound journey home—use the flight time to rest and reset your watch for Washington, DC.