Thursday, August 24: Exploring Kolkata's Cultural Heritage
Start your trip by immersing yourself in Kolkata's rich cultural heritage. In the morning, visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a stunning marble building surrounded by beautiful gardens. Explore the museum inside to learn about India's colonial history. In the afternoon, head to the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, housing a vast collection of artifacts. End your day with a relaxing evening stroll along the picturesque Hooghly River, where you can enjoy the view of the iconic Howrah Bridge.
Victoria Memorial: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Indian Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Hooghly River: Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Flurys, a famous bakery known for its delicious pastries and cakes. Enjoy a variety of freshly baked goods with a cup of hot coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try Oh! Calcutta, a popular restaurant specializing in Bengali cuisine. Indulge in traditional dishes like fish curry and rice, along with flavorful vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
For dinner, visit 6 Ballygunge Place, a renowned restaurant offering an array of authentic Bengali delicacies. Feast on dishes like kosha mangsho (slow-cooked mutton) and chingri malai curry (prawns in creamy coconut sauce). The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, August 25: Family Fun at Eco Park and Science City
Start your day with a visit to the sprawling Eco Park. Enjoy the serene lakes, beautifully landscaped gardens, and various recreational activities. Take a boat ride or indulge in a picnic with your family. In the afternoon, head to Science City, a science and technology museum featuring interactive exhibits and a planetarium. Explore the fascinating world of science and catch an educational show at the planetarium. End your day with a leisurely stroll through Salt Lake Central Park, a peaceful oasis in the city.
Eco Park: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Estimated time spent - 3-4 hours
Science City: Estimated cost - INR 40 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Salt Lake Central Park: Free, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Tea Trove. This cozy cafe offers a wide range of teas along with scrumptious breakfast dishes such as eggs, sandwiches, and pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, head to Kasturi Restaurant for a taste of authentic Bengali cuisine. This restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes like macher jhol (fish curry), shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce), and chingrir malai curry (prawn in creamy coconut sauce). Average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Oh! Calcutta, a restaurant known for its mouthwatering Bengali delicacies. From Kolkata-style biryani to delectable seafood dishes, you'll find a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Saturday, August 26: Discovering Kolkata's Temples and Markets
Start your day with a visit to the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. Marvel at the intricate architecture and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant New Market, one of Kolkata's oldest and busiest markets. Shop for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and spices. As the evening approaches, head to Park Street, known for its buzzing nightlife and a wide array of restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
New Market: Estimated cost - Varies depending on purchases, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Park Street: Cost varies depending on restaurant, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Flury's, a legendary bakery and cafe located on Park Street. Indulge in their mouthwatering pastries, sandwiches, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, try Bhojohori Manna, a popular restaurant in New Market known for its authentic Bengali cuisine. Savor traditional dishes like macher jhol (fish curry) and chingri malai curry (prawn curry). Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, make your way to Oh! Calcutta, a fine dining restaurant in Park Street that specializes in Bengali and Indian cuisine. Enjoy a wide variety of exquisite dishes such as kosha mangsho (spicy mutton curry) and doi maach (fish in yogurt gravy). Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Sunday, August 27: Serenity at Botanical Gardens and Sundarbans
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, commonly known as the Botanical Garden. Explore the vast collection of trees, plants, and flowers, and don't miss the famous Great Banyan Tree. In the afternoon, embark on a day trip to Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest mangrove forest. Take a boat ride and spot unique wildlife, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. End your day with a mesmerizing sunset view at Princep Ghat, a riverside promenade.
Botanical Garden: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Sundarbans day trip: Cost varies depending on tour package, Estimated time spent - Full day
Princep Ghat: Free, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Flurys, an iconic bakery and tearoom known for its delectable pastries and cakes. Indulge in their heavenly croissants and enjoy a cup of their signature hot chocolate. The average cost for a breakfast here is about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, try Bohemian, a trendy restaurant offering a blend of Bengali and global cuisine. Experience unique dishes like Hilsa Paturi and Chingri Malai Curry while enjoying the artsy ambiance. The average cost for a lunch here is about INR 800 per person.
For dinner, visit 6 Ballygunge Place, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Bengali cuisine. Savor traditional delicacies like Kosha Mangsho and Daab Chingri in a charming old-world setting. The average cost for a dinner here is about INR 1000 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kolkata, don't miss the off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals. Visit Rabindra Sarobar, a peaceful lake surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a family picnic. Explore Kumartuli, the traditional potters' quarter, where you can witness artisans creating beautiful idols. Take a leisurely boat ride along the serene Rabindra Sarovar Lake and enjoy the tranquility. Lastly, indulge in local street food delights at Gariahat Market, offering a wide range of delectable snacks and sweets.