3-Day Itinerary in West Bengal

Saturday, September 30: Kolkata

Start your trip in the bustling city of Kolkata. In the morning, visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent marble building that houses a museum showcasing Kolkata's history. Afterward, head to the Indian Museum, one of the oldest museums in Asia, to explore its vast collection of artifacts. In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat ride on the Hooghly River and visit the Howrah Bridge, an architectural marvel. As the evening sets in, explore the vibrant Park Street, known for its restaurants and nightlife.

• Victoria Memorial: Estimated cost: INR 30, Estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Indian Museum: Estimated cost: INR 20, Estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Boat ride on Hooghly River and Howrah Bridge: Estimated cost: INR 50, Estimated time spent: 1 hour
• Park Street: Cost varies, Estimated time spent: Evening

Sunday, October 1: Darjeeling

On day two, head to the charming hill town of Darjeeling. Start your morning with a visit to Tiger Hill to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Afterward, explore the Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. In the afternoon, take a toy train ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the scenic views of the tea plantations. In the evening, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about the tea-making process and indulge in a tea tasting session.

• Tiger Hill: Estimated cost: INR 50, Estimated time spent: Morning
• Ghoom Monastery: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time spent: 1 hour
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Estimated cost: INR 400, Estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Happy Valley Tea Estate: Estimated cost: INR 100, Estimated time spent: 1 hour

Monday, October 2: Sundarbans

On your final day, venture into the mystical Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. Start your morning with a boat safari to explore the rich biodiversity of the region and catch glimpses of the Royal Bengal Tiger. In the afternoon, visit the Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, home to various species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Take a walk along the canopy walkway for a unique perspective of the forest. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance by the locals, showcasing their traditional music and dance.

• Boat safari in Sundarbans: Estimated cost: INR 2,000, Estimated time spent: Morning
• Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost: INR 100, Estimated time spent: 3 hours
• Cultural performance: Estimated cost: Free, Estimated time spent: Evening

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring West Bengal, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Pay a visit to the small town of Kalimpong, known for its serene surroundings and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Explore the flower markets and try local delicacies like momos and thukpa. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Bishnupur Terracotta Temples, renowned for their intricate terracotta artwork. Lastly, for nature lovers, a trip to the Jaldapara National Park offers the chance to spot rare species like the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal florican.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices on Kayak.