Begin your day at Victoria Memorial, a majestic white marble building, to learn about India's colonial past. Afternoon high tea at The Oberoi Grand Hotel followed by a visit to Dakshineswar Kali Temple, one of Kolkata's holiest sites. In the evening, head to Park Street for dinner at Oh! Calcutta, serving authentic Bengali cuisine.
Rise early to catch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, followed by a visit to the Ghoom Monastery, the oldest Tibetan Monastery in Darjeeling. In the afternoon, take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the tea plantations and enjoy high tea at Glenary's Bakery. End your day with dinner at Keventers, a British-style restaurant serving Indian and European cuisine.
Explore the town of Kalimpong, visiting the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery and Deolo Hill. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch at Dr. Graham's Homes, a boarding school established in 1900. End your day with dinner at the Himalayan Hotel, a colonial-style property with stunning views.
Take a day trip to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the wildlife sanctuary by boat, catching glimpses of tigers, crocodiles, and dolphins. Enjoy lunch on board before returning to Kolkata in the evening.
Head to Shantiniketan, a university town founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Visit the Tagore's Ashram and the Visva Bharati University, known for its unique curriculum emphasizing the arts. Enjoy lunch at Amar Kutir, a cooperative society known for its handicrafts. End your day with dinner at the Baul Fakir's Kitchen, serving traditional Bengali cuisine.
Explore Bishnupur, a historic town known for its terracotta temples from the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit the Rashmancha temple and the Jor Bangla temple. In the afternoon, head to the Mukutmanipur dam for a scenic picnic lunch. End your day with dinner at the Hotel Bishnupur Tourist Lodge, serving local cuisine.
End your trip with a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, one of Kolkata's most iconic buildings. Browse the handicrafts at Dakshinapan Shopping Centre, followed by lunch at 6 Ballygunge Place, offering traditional Bengali cuisine. Head to the airport in the evening for your flight back home.
If you have time, consider visiting the Buxa Tiger Reserve, a natural reserve in the eastern Himalayas, or the Cooch Behar Palace, a grand palace with stunning gardens. For day trips, consider visiting the tea estates of the Dooars region or the Mangal Pandey Park, which commemorates the Indian revolt of 1857. To maximize your fun, be sure to try the local sweets, such as sandesh and rasgulla, and take a class to learn traditional Bengali dance.
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