7-Day Itinerary in West Bengal

Tuesday, October 10: Exploring Kolkata

Start your trip by immersing yourself in the cultural capital of India, Kolkata. In the morning, visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent marble structure. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets of Park Street, known for its colonial architecture and bustling restaurants. As the evening sets in, head to Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel, to witness the stunning views of the Hooghly River.

• Victoria Memorial: Estimated cost - INR 30, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Park Street: Estimated cost - INR 300 (lunch), Estimated time spent - 3 hours
• Howrah Bridge: Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour

Wednesday, October 11: Sundarbans National Park

Embark on an adventure to Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, take a boat ride through the mangrove forests and spot unique wildlife, including Bengal tigers and rare bird species. In the afternoon, visit Dobanki Watchtower for breathtaking views. As the evening sets in, enjoy a serene sunset cruise along the riverside.

• Boat ride in Sundarbans: Estimated cost - INR 2,000, Estimated time spent - 6 hours
• Dobanki Watchtower: Estimated cost - INR 100 (entry fee), Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Sunset cruise: Estimated cost - INR 500, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Thursday, October 12: Darjeeling Tea Gardens

Experience the tranquil beauty of Darjeeling's tea gardens. In the morning, visit Happy Valley Tea Estate and learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) to Ghoom Monastery. As the evening sets in, enjoy a cup of authentic Darjeeling tea while enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas.

• Happy Valley Tea Estate: Estimated cost - INR 200 (entry fee + tea tasting), Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Estimated cost - INR 500, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
• Ghoom Monastery: Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour

Friday, October 13: Digha Beach

Relax and unwind at the beautiful Digha Beach. In the morning, soak up the sun and enjoy a leisurely walk along the sandy shores. In the afternoon, indulge in delicious seafood at one of the beachside shacks. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Bay of Bengal.

• Digha Beach: Free, Estimated time spent - 4 hours
• Seafood lunch: Estimated cost - INR 500, Estimated time spent - 1 hour

Saturday, October 14: Shantiniketan

Explore the artistic and intellectual hub of Shantiniketan. In the morning, visit the Visva-Bharati University, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. In the afternoon, explore the serene gardens and art galleries. As the evening sets in, witness a cultural performance showcasing the rich heritage of Bengal.

• Visva-Bharati University: Estimated cost - INR 100 (entry fee), Estimated time spent - 3 hours
• Art galleries in Shantiniketan: Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Cultural performance: Estimated cost - INR 500, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Sunday, October 15: Bishnupur Terracotta Temples

Discover the exquisite terracotta temples of Bishnupur. In the morning, explore the famous Rasmancha, a pyramidal temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. In the afternoon, visit the Jorbangla Temple, known for its intricate terracotta carvings. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing classical music performance at the Madan Mohan Temple.

• Rasmancha: Estimated cost - INR 50 (entry fee), Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Jorbangla Temple: Estimated cost - INR 50 (entry fee), Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Classical music performance: Estimated cost - INR 300, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Monday, October 16: Kolkata Street Food Delights

Indulge in the gastronomic delights of Kolkata's street food. In the morning, start with a hearty breakfast of kathi rolls. In the afternoon, savor the famous Bengali sweets like roshogollas and mishti doi. As the evening sets in, explore the vibrant New Market area for a wide variety of street food options.

• Kathi rolls: Estimated cost - INR 100, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Bengali sweets: Estimated cost - INR 200, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• New Market street food: Estimated cost - INR 300, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, visit the peaceful village of Shobhabazar and explore its historic mansions and palaces. Don't miss a boat ride on River Ganges from Belur Math to Dakshineswar Kali Temple, experiencing the spiritual essence of Kolkata. Locals love the diverse street art scene in Kolkata, especially in the lanes of College Street and South Park Street Cemetery.

To check hotel and flight prices, visit Kayak.com.