Exploring West Bengal: A 7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary
Thursday, October 19: Kolkata
Start your trip in the bustling city of Kolkata. In the morning, visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a grand marble structure surrounded by beautiful gardens. Afterward, head to the Indian Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in India, showcasing a wide range of historical artifacts. In the evening, take a leisurely boat ride on the Hooghly River and witness the stunning view of the Howrah Bridge.
Victoria Memorial: Cost Estimate - INR 30, Time Spent - 2 hours
Indian Museum: Cost Estimate - INR 20, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Hooghly River Boat Ride: Cost Estimate - INR 200, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
In the heart of Kolkata, start your day with a delicious and traditional Bengali breakfast at Oh! Calcutta. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like luchi-alur dom and macher jhol. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
For lunch, head to 6 Ballygunge Place, a renowned restaurant that offers an array of authentic Bengali delicacies. Enjoy their signature thalis and desserts like mishti doi. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Peter Cat. This iconic restaurant is famous for its sizzlers, steaks, and Indian cuisine. Don't miss out on their legendary Chelo Kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about INR 1200 per person.
Friday, October 20: Darjeeling
Embark on a scenic journey to Darjeeling. Begin your morning with a visit to the Tiger Hill viewpoint to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Afterward, explore the beautiful tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process at the Happy Valley Tea Estate. In the evening, take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train," and enjoy the picturesque views along the route.
For breakfast, head to Keventer's and enjoy their delicious English breakfast spread. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Glenary's Restaurant & Bar which offers a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Kunga Restaurant and savor the flavors of Tibetan and Nepali cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Saturday, October 21: Sundarbans
Explore the Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world. In the morning, take a thrilling boat safari to spot the Royal Bengal Tigers, crocodiles, and various species of birds. Afterward, visit the Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary and the Crocodile Project. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance by the local communities.
A popular breakfast spot in Sundarbans is Mangrove Cafe, known for its fresh and delicious continental breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For lunch, head to River's Edge Restaurant for a delectable seafood feast. Enjoy the stunning views of the river while relishing their mouthwatering fish curry and rice. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Sundarban Tiger Camp's restaurant. Feast on their sumptuous buffet spread featuring a wide range of local and international cuisines. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 22: Kolkata (Day Trip to Bishnupur)
Take a day trip from Kolkata to the historic town of Bishnupur. In the morning, explore the terracotta temples that showcase exquisite craftsmanship. Visit the Jorbangla Temple, Rasmancha, and Shyam Rai Temple. In the afternoon, stroll through the quaint town, visit the local art and craft shops, and indulge in delicious Bengali cuisine. Return to Kolkata in the evening.
Terracotta Temples: Cost Estimate - No entry fee, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Annapurna Restaurant, known for its wide range of Bengali breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Hotel Sonar Bangla for a traditional Bengali thali meal, offering a variety of authentic Bengali delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Aaheli Restaurant, serving a fusion of Bengali and Mughlai cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 23: Shantiniketan
Head to Shantiniketan, the abode of peace and the hometown of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. In the morning, visit Tagore's residence, known as the "Uttarayan Complex," and explore the Visva-Bharati University campus. Attend the prayer ceremony at the Kala Bhavan, an art school founded by Tagore. In the afternoon, explore the rural charm of Shantiniketan and interact with local artisans.
Interacting with Local Artisans: Cost Estimate - No additional cost, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Mama's Pancakes: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Mama's Pancakes, known for their fluffy pancakes and variety of toppings. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Shantiniketan Dhaba: For lunch, head to Shantiniketan Dhaba and savor authentic Bengali cuisine in a rustic setting. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Utsav Fine Dining: Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Utsav Fine Dining, offering a wide range of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Digha
Enjoy a relaxing beach getaway in Digha. Spend the morning at the beautiful Digha Beach, soaking up the sun and taking a dip in the Bay of Bengal. Explore the Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre to discover the rich marine life of the region. In the evening, take a stroll along the New Digha Beach and enjoy local street food.
Digha Beach: Cost Estimate - No additional cost, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre: Cost Estimate - INR 100, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Exploring New Digha Beach: Cost Estimate - No additional cost, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at XYZ Restaurant, known for its wide range of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to ABC Restaurant, where you can savor authentic Bengali cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at PQR Restaurant, offering a diverse menu of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Kolkata
Spend your last day in Kolkata exploring the city's rich cultural heritage. In the morning, visit the Howrah Bridge and explore the bustling flower market underneath. Take a heritage walk in the old colonial area of Kolkata, known as "Kolkata Walks." In the afternoon, visit the iconic Marble Palace, filled with art and artifacts. End your trip with a visit to the famous Kalighat Temple.
Howrah Bridge: Cost Estimate - No additional cost, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Kalighat Temple: Cost Estimate - No additional cost, Time Spent - 1 hour
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in West Bengal, consider exploring the off the beaten path attractions and experiencing local favorites. Visit the charming town of Kalimpong, known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas and serene monasteries. Explore the peaceful Cooch Behar Palace, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Discover the unique culture of the Santhal tribes in the Purulia district, known for their vibrant music and dance forms.