Explore the Vibrant City of Kolkata

Friday, August 18: Arrival in Kolkata

Welcome to Kolkata, the cultural capital of India! Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich history and heritage of this bustling city. In the morning, visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent marble structure that pays homage to Queen Victoria. Experience the charm of old Kolkata in the afternoon by exploring the narrow lanes of Kumartuli, where artisans create beautiful clay idols. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Hooghly River and enjoy the serene ambiance of the Millennium Park.

• Victoria Memorial: Estimated cost - INR 30, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Kumartuli: No entry fee, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Millennium Park: Estimated cost - INR 10, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Flurys, a popular bakery and tearoom in Kolkata. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and breads. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For a sumptuous lunch, head to 6 Ballygunge Place, a traditional Bengali restaurant. Enjoy authentic Bengali dishes like macher jhol (fish curry) and doi maach (fish in yogurt gravy). Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
• End your day with a memorable dinner at Oh! Calcutta, a fine dining restaurant specializing in Bengali cuisine. Savour their delectable dishes like kosha mangsho (slow-cooked mutton) and shorshe ilish (hilsa fish prepared in mustard sauce). Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.

Saturday, August 19: Cultural Delights

Immerse yourself in the cultural delights of Kolkata on day two of your trip. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel that connects Kolkata with Howrah. Explore the historical Indian Museum in the afternoon, housing an extensive collection of art, artifacts, and natural history exhibits. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing performance at the Rabindra Sadan, a prominent cultural center dedicated to the works of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

• Howrah Bridge: No entry fee, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Indian Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Rabindra Sadan: Ticket prices vary, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Sunday, August 20: Spiritual Journey

Embark on a spiritual journey in Kolkata on day three. Start your day with a visit to the majestic Dakshineswar Kali Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali. Explore the serene gardens and beautiful architecture of Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, in the afternoon. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony at the Kalighat Kali Temple, one of the oldest and holiest temples in Kolkata.

• Dakshineswar Kali Temple: No entry fee, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Belur Math: No entry fee, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Kalighat Kali Temple: No entry fee, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours

Monday, August 21: Cultural Heritage

Discover the cultural heritage of Kolkata on day four. Start your morning with a visit to the Marble Palace, a stunning mansion showcasing a unique blend of European and Indian architectural styles. Explore the South Park Street Cemetery in the afternoon, known for its historical tombs and serene surroundings. In the evening, indulge in the artistic beauty of Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore and now a museum displaying his works.

• Marble Palace: Estimated cost - INR 100, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• South Park Street Cemetery: No entry fee, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
• Jorasanko Thakur Bari: Estimated cost - INR 10, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours

Tuesday, August 22: Modern Kolkata

Experience the modern side of Kolkata on your final day. Start your morning by exploring the Science City, an interactive science museum and amusement park. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Howrah Station, one of the busiest railway stations in India, and admire its grand architecture. End your trip by enjoying the vibrant nightlife at Park Street, known for its restaurants, pubs, and live music venues.

• Science City: Estimated cost - INR 60, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
• Howrah Station: No entry fee, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Park Street: Prices vary, Estimated time spent - Flexible

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kolkata, don't miss out on these hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the College Street, also known as Boi Para, a haven for book lovers with numerous bookshops offering a wide range of titles. Explore the vibrant Gariahat Market, a bustling shopping destination where you can find everything from clothing to handicrafts. Take a leisurely boat ride along the Hooghly River and enjoy picturesque views of the cityscape. Lastly, savor the delectable street food of Kolkata, including mouth-watering puchkas, kathi rolls, and mishti doi.