Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kolkata. In the morning, visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a stunning marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria. Admire the beautiful gardens surrounding the memorial and learn about Kolkata's colonial history. In the afternoon, explore the Indian Museum, the oldest museum in India, housing a vast collection of artifacts. As the evening sets in, head to Park Street, a vibrant hub known for its restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.
Victoria Memorial: Approximately ₹300 ($4) per person, 2-3 hours
Indian Museum: Approximately ₹50 ($0.70) per person, 2-3 hours
Park Street: Cost varies based on activities, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Flurys, a charming bakery and cafe known for its delicious pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta, a popular restaurant showcasing the flavors of Bengali cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the delectable seafood dishes at Bhojohori Manna, a famous restaurant that specializes in traditional Bengali cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about INR 600 per person.
Friday September 15: Spiritual Awakening
Dedicate this day to exploring the spiritual side of Kolkata. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Dakshineswar Kali Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. Marvel at its magnificent architecture and soak in the spiritual ambiance. In the afternoon, explore the serene Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and learn about the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Howrah Bridge and witness the bustling activity on the Hooghly River.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Flury's, a historic bakery in Kolkata known for its mouthwatering pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta and indulge in authentic Bengali cuisine with a modern twist. Don't miss their iconic Hilsa fish preparations! Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place, a classic restaurant offering traditional Bengali dishes in a cozy ambiance. Try their signature Kosha Mangsho (slow-cooked mutton) for a truly satisfying meal. Average cost for a meal is about ₹1000 per person.
Saturday September 16: Historical Journey
Embark on a historical journey through Kolkata's landmarks. Begin your morning by visiting the majestic Marble Palace, known for its exquisite architecture and art collection. Explore the rooms filled with paintings, sculptures, and antique furniture. In the afternoon, delve into the bygone era at the Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. Experience the poet's world through the museum and exhibits. As the evening sets in, take a relaxing boat ride on the Prinsep Ghat, a riverside promenade with stunning views of the city.
Jorasanko Thakur Bari: Approximately ₹10 ($0.14) per person, 2-3 hours
Prinsep Ghat: Boat ride approximately ₹100 ($1.40) per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious Bengali breakfast at Oh! Calcutta. Indulge in their famous Luchi-Alu Dum combo, consisting of fluffy deep-fried bread served with spicy potato curry. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Lunch: For a traditional Bengali lunch, head to 6 Ballygunge Place. Enjoy their thali, which includes a variety of authentic Bengali dishes like fish curry, vegetable preparations, and sweets. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Dinner: Savor the flavors of Kolkata's street food scene at Nizam's. Treat yourself to their iconic Kathi Rolls, which are grilled flatbreads stuffed with succulent kebabs and garnished with spices. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Sunday September 17: Market Exploration
Immerse yourself in the bustling markets of Kolkata. Begin your morning by visiting New Market, a historic market filled with shops selling clothing, accessories, spices, and more. Bargain for souvenirs and indulge in local street food. In the afternoon, venture into the College Street Book Market, a haven for book lovers. Browse through a wide range of books, including rare editions and academic texts. As the evening approaches, visit the lively Gariahat Market, known for its sarees, handicrafts, and street shopping.
New Market: Cost varies based on purchases, 2-3 hours
College Street Book Market: Cost varies based on purchases, 2-3 hours
Gariahat Market: Cost varies based on purchases, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in the New Market area is Flurys, known for its delectable pastries and cakes. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about 400 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Mocambo, a long-standing restaurant on Park Street offering a mix of Indian and continental cuisine. Average cost for a lunch meal is about 800 INR per person.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at Oh! Calcutta, a restaurant specializing in Bengali cuisine. Average cost for a dinner meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Monday September 18: Nature Retreat
Escape the city's hustle and bustle with a day in nature. Start your morning by visiting the beautiful Botanical Gardens, home to a wide variety of plants and trees. Take a leisurely stroll amidst the greenery and enjoy the tranquility. In the afternoon, head to the Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest mangrove forest. Take a boat tour to explore the unique ecosystem, spot wildlife, and marvel at the beauty of the Sundarbans National Park. As the evening sets in, relax by the serene Rabindra Sarobar Lake.
Botanical Gardens: Approximately ₹100 ($1.40) per person, 2-3 hours
Sunderbans: Cost varies based on tour packages, full day
Rabindra Sarobar Lake: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast:The Chaiwala - Start your day with a delightful breakfast at The Chaiwala. This cozy café offers a range of traditional Indian breakfast items such as samosas, parathas, and masala chai. Average cost for a meal is about $6 per person.
Lunch:The Bohemian - Enjoy a fusion of flavors at The Bohemian. This trendy restaurant serves a mix of Indian and international dishes, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Try their delicious thali or wood-fired pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Dinner:Oh! Calcutta - For an authentic Bengali dining experience, head to Oh! Calcutta. Known for its traditional Bengali cuisine, this restaurant offers a variety of seafood and meat dishes, along with classic favorites like macher jhol (fish curry) and chingri malai curry (prawn curry). Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When exploring Kolkata, don't miss the off the beaten path attractions and local favorites. Visit Kumartuli, a neighborhood known for its skilled artisans who create clay idols for various festivals. Witness the craftsmanship and learn about the idol-making process. Explore the quaint alleys of College Street, lined with bookstores, cafes, and literary history. Don't forget to taste the delicious street food, such as puchkas (pani puri) and kathi rolls, from the local stalls.