Friday, September 22: Exploring Kolkata's Heritage
In the morning, start your trip by visiting the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent marble monument that showcases Kolkata's colonial past. Explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the memorial and learn about the city's history at the on-site museum. In the afternoon, head to the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, housing a vast collection of artifacts and artworks. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along the Hooghly River and enjoy the stunning views of the Howrah Bridge, an iconic landmark of Kolkata.
Victoria Memorial: Estimated cost - INR 30, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Indian Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Hooghly River and Howrah Bridge: Free, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Tiretti Bazaar: Start your day with a visit to Tiretti Bazaar, where you can find an array of street food stalls serving delicious Chinese breakfast items like momos and dumplings. Average cost for a meal is about 50 INR per person.
Oh! Calcutta: For lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta, a popular restaurant serving traditional Bengali cuisine. Indulge in dishes like fish curry, kosha mangsho, and shorshe ilish. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Peter Cat: For dinner, dine at Peter Cat, a legendary restaurant known for its famous Chelo Kebabs and sizzlers. Enjoy the old-world charm and delicious food. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, September 23: Cultural Delights
Start your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Kalighat Kali Temple, one of the holiest shrines in Kolkata. Experience the religious rituals and soak in the spirituality of this iconic place. In the afternoon, visit the Marble Palace, a mansion adorned with exquisite artworks, sculptures, and antiques. Take a tour of the palace and marvel at its grandeur. As the evening approaches, explore the bustling College Street, popularly known as "Boi Para" (Book Market), where you can indulge in book shopping and witness the intellectual atmosphere of the city.
Kalighat Kali Temple: Free, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
College Street: Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Sip on a hot cup of Darjeeling tea and indulge in a traditional Bengali breakfast at Flurys. This iconic bakery and tearoom offers a variety of mouthwatering pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Delight your taste buds with authentic Bengali cuisine at 6 Ballygunge Place. This restaurant is renowned for its delectable traditional dishes like fish curry, macher jhol, and shorshe ilish. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Experience the royal flavors of Awadhi cuisine at Oudh 1590. Set in a regal ambience, this restaurant offers a range of aromatic and flavorful dishes like biryani, kebabs, and korma. Average cost for a meal is about 900 INR per person.
Sunday, September 24: Art and Heritage
Start your day by visiting the Indian Museum of Modern Art, showcasing contemporary artworks by renowned Indian artists. Explore the diverse collection and appreciate the creativity on display. In the afternoon, visit the Mother House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa. Gain insights into her life and humanitarian work at the museum dedicated to her. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll through the historic Park Street, known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and iconic landmarks.
Indian Museum of Modern Art: Estimated cost - INR 20, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Mother House: Free, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Park Street: Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near the Indian Museum of Modern Art is Flurys. This iconic bakery offers a variety of delicious pastries, cakes, and breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta, a renowned restaurant near Mother House. Specializing in traditional Bengali cuisine, they serve flavorful seafood and other regional dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
For dinner, try Peter Cat, a legendary restaurant on Park Street. Known for its delicious steaks and sizzlers, this place has a cozy ambiance and is perfect for a hearty meal. Average cost for a meal is about ₹1000 per person.
Monday, September 25: Nature and Serenity
Start your day by visiting the peaceful Botanical Gardens, home to a vast collection of exotic plants and the iconic Great Banyan Tree. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens and enjoy the tranquility. In the afternoon, explore the eco-tourism hotspot of Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers. Embark on a thrilling boat safari and witness the unique mangrove ecosystem and diverse wildlife. As the evening approaches, relax and unwind at Princep Ghat, a beautiful riverside promenade offering stunning views of the Hooghly River.
Sunderbans: Estimated cost - INR 2,500 (boat safari), Estimated time spent - Full day
Princep Ghat: Free, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Flurys, a famous bakery known for its delectable pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try Oh! Calcutta, a restaurant specializing in traditional Bengali cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Peter Cat, a popular steakhouse known for its legendary Chelo Kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Kolkata, don't miss out on exploring Kumartuli, the traditional potters' quarter, where skilled artisans create intricate clay idols of deities. Witness the craftsmanship and learn about the centuries-old tradition. Another offbeat attraction is the College Street Coffee House, a legendary cafe known for its intellectual discussions and adda (informal conversations). Enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the history and cultural significance of this iconic place.