Friday November 10: Exploring the Cultural Heart of Kolkata
Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kolkata. In the morning, visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent marble structure that houses a museum showcasing the city's history. Take a leisurely walk through the lush gardens surrounding the memorial. In the afternoon, head to College Street, known as the intellectual hub of Kolkata, and browse through its numerous bookstores, selling both new and rare books. As the evening sets in, visit the lively Park Street, lined with trendy restaurants and bars, and indulge in delicious Bengali cuisine.
Victoria Memorial: Cost Estimate: $5, Time Spent: 2 hours
College Street: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
Park Street: Cost Estimate: Varies, Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
Arsalan: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Arsalan, known for its delicious Mughlai cuisine. Indulge in their popular chicken biryani and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indian Coffee House: For lunch, head to Indian Coffee House, a historic cafe that has been serving delectable snacks and beverages since 1942. Try their famous samosas and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
6 Ballygunge Place: Indulge in a traditional Bengali dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place. Feast on mouth-watering delicacies like macher jhol (fish curry) and chingri malai curry (prawn curry in coconut milk). Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Saturday November 11: Discovering Historical Landmarks
On the second day, delve into the historical landmarks of Kolkata. Begin your morning by visiting the majestic Howrah Bridge, an iconic symbol of the city. Enjoy panoramic views of the Hooghly River from the bridge. In the afternoon, explore the Marble Palace, a stunning 19th-century mansion adorned with intricate marble sculptures and a vast collection of art. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely boat ride along the serene waters of the Hooghly River, witnessing the beautiful sunset.
Howrah Bridge: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Marble Palace: Cost Estimate: $3, Time Spent: 2 hours
Hooghly River Boat Ride: Cost Estimate: $10, Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near the Howrah Bridge is Sharma Tea Stall, known for its delicious tea and crispy kachoris. The average cost for a breakfast here is about ₹50 per person.
For lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta, a restaurant renowned for its authentic Bengali cuisine. Enjoy favorites like fish curry and mustard oil-laced preparations. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Peter Cat, an iconic restaurant known for its sizzlers and kebabs. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹800 per person.
Sunday November 12: Exploring Kolkata's Temples
Embark on a spiritual journey by visiting Kolkata's renowned temples. Start your morning at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, known for its striking architecture and serene ambiance. Afterward, head to the Belur Math, a magnificent temple dedicated to Swami Vivekananda. In the afternoon, explore the Kalighat Kali Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Kolkata. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Prinsep Ghat, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the river.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
Belur Math: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
Kalighat Kali Temple: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Prinsep Ghat: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is Radharaman Mullick Sweets. Indulge in their delicious assortment of traditional Bengali sweets and snacks. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch near the Belur Math, head to Suruchee Restaurant. They serve a variety of authentic Bengali dishes, including fish curry, rice, and vegetable preparations. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Oh! Calcutta, a renowned restaurant near the Kalighat Kali Temple that specializes in Bengali cuisine. Enjoy their delectable seafood dishes and classic Bengali thalis. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday November 13: Discovering Kolkata's Art and Culture
On the fourth day, delve into Kolkata's vibrant art and cultural scene. In the morning, visit the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, housing a vast collection of artifacts and artworks. Afterward, explore the Academy of Fine Arts, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions and cultural performances. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Kumartuli, known for its skilled artisans creating beautiful clay idols. As the evening approaches, experience a traditional Bengali dance performance at Rabindra Sadan.
Indian Museum: Cost Estimate: $2, Time Spent: 2 hours
Academy of Fine Arts: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Kumartuli: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Rabindra Sadan: Cost Estimate: $5, Time Spent: Evening
Restaurants
Sweet Bengal: Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Sweet Bengal, known for its wide variety of Bengali sweets and snacks. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
Kewpie's Kitchen: For lunch, head to Kewpie's Kitchen, a popular eatery offering authentic Bengali cuisine. Don't miss their signature thali, a platter containing a selection of traditional dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Oh! Calcutta: Indulge in a delicious dinner at Oh! Calcutta, a renowned restaurant highlighting the flavors of Bengal. From seafood to meat dishes, their menu offers a range of delectable options. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Tuesday November 14: Day Trip to Sundarbans
Embark on a thrilling day trip to the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world. In the morning, take a boat ride through the dense mangroves, witnessing the diverse wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger. Explore the enchanting river tributaries and enjoy the tranquility of nature. In the afternoon, visit the Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary and learn about the conservation efforts in the region. As the evening sets in, return to Kolkata, filled with unforgettable memories of the Sundarbans.
Sundarbans Day Trip: Cost Estimate: $100, Time Spent: Full Day
Wednesday November 15: Experiencing Kolkata's Markets
On the penultimate day, immerse yourself in the vibrant markets of Kolkata. Start your morning at the New Market, a bustling shopping destination offering a wide range of goods, from clothing to handicrafts. In the afternoon, explore the iconic Flower Market, a feast for the senses with its colorful blooms and bustling atmosphere. As the evening approaches, visit the vibrant Gariahat Market, known for its traditional Bengali sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts.
New Market: Cost Estimate: Varies, Time Spent: 2 hours
Flower Market: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Gariahat Market: Cost Estimate: Varies, Time Spent: Evening
Thursday November 16: Final Day in Kolkata
On your last day in Kolkata, embark on a culinary adventure to taste the city's flavors. Start your morning with a visit to Tiretta Bazaar, known for its delicious Chinese breakfast options. In the afternoon, indulge in mouthwatering street food at Park Street, trying local favorites like puchka (pani puri) and kathi rolls. As the evening sets in, visit the iconic Flurys, a century-old tearoom, and savor their delectable pastries and tea.
Tiretta Bazaar: Cost Estimate: Varies, Time Spent: 2 hours
Park Street Street Food: Cost Estimate: Varies, Time Spent: 2 hours
Flurys: Cost Estimate: $10, Time Spent: Evening
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, visit the quaint neighborhood of Kumartuli. It's a hidden gem where skilled artisans create clay idols for various festivals. Another local favorite is the South Park Street Cemetery, a tranquil resting place with beautiful Gothic architecture and historical significance. Don't miss the opportunity to sample sweets from the iconic sweet shops in Kolkata, such as Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy and Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick.