A Luxurious 7-Day Itinerary in West Bengal in September 2023

1. Day 1: Kolkata
   30 minutes (12.7 km) from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Victoria Memorial, an iconic monument of Kolkata. In the afternoon, visit the Marble Palace, a neoclassical mansion with an impressive art collection. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Hooghly River and enjoy the view of the Howrah Bridge.

2. Day 2: Darjeeling
   1 hour 30 minutes flight from Kolkata

   In the morning, take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate, one of the oldest tea plantations in Darjeeling. In the evening, visit the Ghoom Monastery, a beautiful Buddhist monastery with stunning views of the Himalayan mountains.

3. Day 3: Kalimpong
   2 hours 30 minutes (50.6 km) from Darjeeling

   In the morning, visit the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, a beautiful monastery with stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Morgan House, a colonial mansion converted into a hotel with beautiful gardens. In the evening, visit the Tharpa Choling Monastery, a peaceful Buddhist monastery.

4. Day 4: Siliguri
   2 hours 30 minutes (70 km) from Kalimpong

   In the morning, visit the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautiful sanctuary with diverse flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit the Kali Mandir, a beautiful temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. In the evening, take a stroll in the Coronation Bridge, a beautiful bridge over the Teesta River.

5. Day 5: Sunderbans
   4 hours 30 minutes (110 km) from Siliguri

   In the morning, take a boat ride in the Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Royal Bengal Tigers. In the afternoon, visit the Sajnekhali Watchtower, a beautiful watchtower with stunning views. In the evening, visit the crocodile park and learn about the local wildlife.

6. Day 6: Digha
   3 hours (180 km) from Sunderbans

   In the morning, visit the New Digha Beach, a beautiful beach with clean water and soft sand. In the afternoon, visit the Amarabati Park, a beautiful park with a lake and beautiful gardens. In the evening, take a stroll on the Digha Beach and enjoy the sunset.

7. Day 7: Kolkata
   4 hours (190 km) from Digha

   In the morning, visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. In the afternoon, visit the Indian Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in India. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show at the Rabindra Sadan Auditorium.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, consider visiting the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum or taking a day trip to Mirik Lake. To maximise your fun, try the local cuisine, such as rasgulla and sandesh, and shop for silk sarees and handicrafts in the local markets.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Victoria Memorial (2 hours, £3)
• Marble Palace (2 hours, £1)
• Hooghly River Walk (1 hour, Free)
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (2 hours, £8)
• Happy Valley Tea Estate (2 hours, £2)
• Ghoom Monastery (1 hour, Free)
• Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery (2 hours, Free)
• Morgan House (2 hours, £4)
• Tharpa Choling Monastery (1 hour, Free)
• Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, £5)
• Kali Mandir (1 hour, Free)
• Coronation Bridge (1 hour, Free)
• Sundarbans National Park (4 hours, £15)
• Sajnekhali Watchtower (2 hours, £5)
• Crocodile Park (1 hour, £2)
• New Digha Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Amarabati Park (1 hour, £1)
• Digha Beach (1 hour, Free)
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Indian Museum (2 hours, £2)
• Rabindra Sadan Auditorium (2 hours, £10)
• Total Estimated Costs (£56)

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