Start your trip by delving into the colonial past of Kolkata. In the morning, visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent marble structure built in honor of Queen Victoria. Explore the lush gardens surrounding the memorial and admire the impressive collection of artifacts inside. For the afternoon, head to the Marble Palace, a hidden gem showcasing stunning European sculptures and paintings. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along the Hooghly River and enjoy the picturesque view of the Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel.
Victoria Memorial: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Hooghly River & Howrah Bridge: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Flury's: Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Flury's, a famous bakery and restaurant known for its delicious pastries and English breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Mocambo: For lunch, head to Mocambo, a legendary restaurant serving a variety of cuisines including Continental and Chinese. Don't miss their signature dish, Chelo Kebab, and indulge in their delectable desserts. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Oh! Calcutta: For a memorable dinner experience, visit Oh! Calcutta, a renowned restaurant specializing in authentic Bengali cuisine. Enjoy the flavors of traditional Bengali dishes like Bhetki Paturi and Kosha Mangsho. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 1000 per person.
Saturday, September 9: Cultural Immersion
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kolkata on the second day of your trip. Start your morning with a visit to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Witness the morning rituals and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore the Indian Museum, the oldest museum in India, housing a vast collection of artifacts and artworks. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll through College Street, also known as Boi Para (Book Market), where you can find an array of second-hand books, rare manuscripts, and intellectual discussions.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Indian Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
College Street: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Dakshineswar Kali Temple is Gali Paranthe Wali, serving delicious paranthas stuffed with various fillings. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, head to Mocambo, a classic restaurant known for its Continental and Chinese cuisine. Enjoy their famous Chelo Kebabs and Chicken a la Kiev. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 800 per person.
In the evening, dine at Oh! Calcutta, a restaurant specializing in traditional Bengali cuisine. Indulge in their delectable Bhetki Paturi and Kosha Mangsho. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 1000 per person.
Sunday, September 10: Heritage Walk and Culinary Delights
On the final day of your trip, embark on a heritage walk to explore the historic neighborhoods of Kolkata. Start the morning by visiting the iconic Howrah Station, one of the busiest railway stations in India, known for its architectural grandeur. Then, take a stroll through the narrow lanes of Kumartuli, the potters' quarter, where you can see artisans sculpting clay idols. In the afternoon, satisfy your taste buds with a visit to the renowned New Market, a bustling marketplace offering a wide variety of local delicacies and spices. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the serene waters of the Prinsep Ghat, while witnessing the mesmerizing views of the illuminated Vidyasagar Setu.
New Market: Estimated cost - Varies based on purchase, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Prinsep Ghat: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person for boat ride, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delectable breakfast at Flurys, an iconic bakery and cafe in Kolkata. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and delightful sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to 6 Ballygunge Place, a famous eatery known for its traditional Bengali cuisine. Enjoy their mouthwatering fish curry and aromatic rice dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Oh! Calcutta, a fine-dining restaurant specializing in Bengali delicacies. Delight in their flavorful seafood preparations and authentic regional dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kolkata, don't miss out on these off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals. Visit the South Park Street Cemetery, a serene and historical burial ground with beautifully carved tombs. For a taste of authentic Bengali cuisine, head to Golpark and indulge in mouthwatering sweets at renowned sweet shops like Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick or K.C. Das. Lastly, spend an evening at Princep Ghat to witness the stunning sunset over the river while enjoying the company of locals engaging in various activities like photography, boat rides, or simply relaxing by the riverside.