Friday, October 13, 2023: Exploring Historical Landmarks
In the morning, start your trip by visiting the iconic Victoria Memorial, a majestic marble monument that showcases the city's colonial heritage. Explore the lush gardens surrounding the memorial and learn about India's history through the museum housed inside. For lunch, head to Bhojohori Manna, a popular restaurant offering delicious Bengali cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Marble Palace, a beautiful mansion filled with stunning artwork and sculptures. In the evening, take a leisurely boat ride along the serene Hooghly River and marvel at the stunning views of the Howrah Bridge.
Victoria Memorial: Estimated Cost - INR 30 (Entry fee), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Bhojohori Manna: Estimated Cost - INR 700 for a family of four, Time spent - 1 hour
Hooghly River Boat Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Flurys, a historic bakery known for its delicious pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, try Oh! Calcutta, a renowned restaurant offering a wide range of authentic Bengali dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
For dinner, visit 6 Ballygunge Place, a popular eatery known for its traditional Bengali cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹900 per person.
Saturday, October 14, 2023: Cultural Delights and Local Markets
Start your day by visiting the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Observe the rituals and soak in the spiritual ambiance. For lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Bengali delicacies. In the afternoon, explore College Street, known as Boi Para (Book Village), and indulge in a treasure hunt of rare books and scholarly works. In the evening, visit the bustling New Market, a vibrant and bustling market offering a wide range of clothes, accessories, and local handicrafts.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple: No entry fee, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Oh! Calcutta: Estimated Cost - INR 1000 for a family of four, Time spent - 1 hour
College Street: No entry fee, Time spent - 2-3 hours
New Market: No entry fee, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Flurys, a famous confectionery serving a variety of pastries, cakes, and beverages. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Bhojohori Manna, a popular restaurant known for its traditional Bengali cuisine. Indulge in mouth-watering dishes like macher jhol (fish curry) and shorshe ilish (hilsa fish cooked in mustard gravy). Average cost for a lunch meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Bengali delicacies in a nostalgic ambiance. Try their signature dishes like daab chingri (prawns cooked in tender coconut) and kosha mangsho (spicy slow-cooked mutton). Average cost for a dinner meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 15, 2023: Nature and Wildlife Exploration
Start your day early by visiting the sprawling Indian Museum, the largest and oldest museum in India. Discover a vast collection of artifacts and exhibitions that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country. For lunch, head to Arsalan, an iconic restaurant known for its scrumptious Kolkata Biryani. In the afternoon, visit the Alipore Zoological Gardens, home to a wide range of animals, including Royal Bengal Tigers and Indian elephants. End the day by taking a leisurely stroll in Eco Park, a beautiful urban park where you can enjoy tranquil lakes and lush greenery.
Indian Museum: Estimated Cost - INR 30 (Entry fee), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Arsalan: Estimated Cost - INR 1200 for a family of four, Time spent - 1 hour
For a delicious breakfast, head to Flurys, a legendary bakery known for its delectable pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
Indulge in a mouthwatering lunch at 6 Ballygunge Place, a top-rated restaurant serving traditional Bengali cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 600 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Oh! Calcutta, renowned for its authentic Bengali dishes and elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique and off the beaten path experience, visit Kumartuli, a neighborhood known for its bustling artisan studios where idols of gods and goddesses are handcrafted. Witness the fascinating process of idol-making and interact with the local artisans. Another hidden gem is the Rabindra Sarobar Lake, a serene oasis within the city where you can enjoy a peaceful picnic or take a boat ride. Don't miss the opportunity to savor authentic street food at Tiretti Bazaar, a bustling Chinese food market that opens in the early morning hours and offers a delightful culinary experience.