Sunday, September 24: Exploring Kolkata's Heritage
In the morning, immerse yourself in the rich history of Kolkata by visiting the iconic Victoria Memorial. This magnificent marble building showcases the city's colonial past and offers stunning views from its gardens. In the afternoon, wander through the narrow lanes of Kumartuli, where skilled artisans create beautiful clay idols for festivals. As the evening sets in, head to Princep Ghat along the Hooghly River and enjoy a peaceful boat ride.
Victoria Memorial: Admission - $5, Time - 2-3 hours
Kumartuli: Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Princep Ghat: Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Flurys, a legendary Kolkata institution known for its mouthwatering pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta and indulge in a delectable spread of authentic Bengali cuisine. From traditional fish curries to aromatic biryanis, this restaurant offers a true taste of Kolkata. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit 6 Ballygunge Place. This fine dining restaurant serves exquisite Bengali dishes in a charming colonial setting. Average cost for a meal is about 1200 INR per person.
Monday, September 25: Cultural Delights
Start your day with a visit to the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India. Explore its vast collection of artifacts, including the famous Egyptian mummy. In the afternoon, dive into the bustling lanes of the College Street Book Market, a paradise for book lovers. As evening approaches, catch a traditional Kathakali or Odissi dance performance at Rabindra Sadan.
Indian Museum: Admission - $2, Time - 2-3 hours
College Street Book Market: Free, Time - 2-3 hours
Rabindra Sadan: Ticket - $10, Time - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Flurys, a charming bakery known for its wide range of pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head over to 6 Ballygunge Place, a popular restaurant serving authentic Bengali cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like macher jhol and mishti doi. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Oh! Calcutta, a fine dining restaurant specializing in Bengali and other regional cuisines. Try their signature dishes like daab chingri and kosha mangsho. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 26: Spiritual Journey
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Dakshineswar Kali Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali. Explore its intricate architecture and serene surroundings. In the afternoon, head to Belur Math, a spiritual retreat founded by Swami Vivekananda. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and take a boat ride on the Ganges River. End your day with a visit to the Howrah Bridge, one of Kolkata's iconic landmarks.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Free, Time - 2-3 hours
Belur Math: Free, Time - 2-3 hours
Howrah Bridge: Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Flurys, a famous pastry shop known for its European-style pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs 500 per person.
For lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Bengali cuisine. Indulge in flavorful seafood dishes and traditional Bengali thalis. Average cost for a meal is about Rs 800 per person.
For dinner, dine at Peter Cat, a legendary eatery famous for its lip-smacking chelo kebabs and sizzlers. Average cost for a meal is about Rs 1000 per person.
Wednesday, September 27: Art and Literature
Start your day with a visit to the Kalighat Art Market, known for its vibrant paintings and handicrafts. In the afternoon, explore the Indian Coffee House, a historic institution where intellectuals and artists gather. Take a stroll through the College Square and enjoy the company of booksellers and students. As evening approaches, attend a poetry reading or cultural event at the Oxford Bookstore.
Kalighat Art Market: Cost varies, Time - 2-3 hours
Indian Coffee House: Cost varies, Time - 1-2 hours
Oxford Bookstore: Free, Time - Evening
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, dine at 6 Ballygunge Place, a heritage restaurant serving authentic Bengali delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Thursday, September 28: Culinary Adventures
Embark on a food tour to experience Kolkata's diverse cuisine. Start with breakfast at legendary Flurys, known for its delectable pastries. Afterward, explore the vibrant New Market and try local street food like puchka and kathi rolls. In the evening, savor a traditional Bengali dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place, known for its authentic flavors.
Flurys: Cost varies, Time - Breakfast
New Market: Cost varies, Time - 2-3 hours
6 Ballygunge Place: Cost - $15-20, Time - Dinner
Restaurants
Flurys: A legendary bakery famous for its delectable pastries. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
New Market: Explore the vibrant market and try local street food like puchka and kathi rolls. Average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
6 Ballygunge Place: Enjoy a traditional Bengali dinner with authentic flavors. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Friday, September 29: Modern Kolkata
Start your day with a visit to the Science City, an interactive museum and amusement park. Explore its exhibits, including the Space Theatre and Earth Exploration Hall. In the afternoon, indulge in retail therapy at South City Mall, one of Kolkata's largest shopping centers. As the evening sets in, head to Park Street and enjoy the vibrant nightlife at popular pubs and restaurants.
Science City: Admission - $5, Time - 3-4 hours
South City Mall: Cost varies, Time - 2-3 hours
Park Street: Cost varies, Time - Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Flurys, a famous bakery known for its delicious cakes and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta, a renowned restaurant serving traditional Bengali cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
For dinner, visit Peter Cat, a popular eatery known for its sizzlers and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 1000 per person.
Saturday, September 30: Nature's Retreat
Escape the city's hustle and bustle by visiting the serene Botanical Gardens. Explore the lush greenery, visit the Great Banyan Tree, and relax by the lakeside. In the afternoon, take a short drive to Eco Park, a sprawling urban park offering various recreational activities. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake or simply unwind in the serene surroundings. End your day with a mesmerizing sunset at the Millennium Park along the riverside.
Botanical Gardens: Admission - $1, Time - 2-3 hours
Eco Park: Admission - $3, Time - 2-3 hours
Millennium Park: Free, Time - Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Flurys, a popular bakery known for its scrumptious pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta, a renowned restaurant offering authentic Bengali cuisine. Enjoy their flavorful fish curry and aromatic rice. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place, known for its traditional Bengali delicacies like Hilsa Fish and Chingri Malai Curry. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, visit the Marble Palace, a stunning mansion filled with artistic treasures. Explore the Indian Coffee House in College Street, where intellectuals and locals gather for lively discussions. Don't miss the vibrant street art in the neighborhoods of Park Street and Shyambazar. Experience the local street food scene at Tiretti Bazaar, known for its Chinese breakfast delights like momos and dumplings.