A Family-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary in Kolkata

Thursday, October 12: Exploring Kolkata's Cultural Heritage

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent white marble building surrounded by lush gardens. Explore the museum inside to learn about Kolkata's history and admire the stunning architecture. Afterward, head to the nearby Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, housing a vast collection of artifacts and exhibitions.

• Victoria Memorial: Estimated cost – INR 30 per person, Estimated time spent – 2 hours.
• Indian Museum: Estimated cost – INR 20 per person, Estimated time spent – 3 hours.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Oh! Calcutta, a popular restaurant offering traditional Bengali cuisine. Afterward, take a relaxing boat ride on the Hooghly River, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kolkata's riverside landmarks, including the iconic Howrah Bridge.

• Oh! Calcutta: Estimated cost – INR 800 per person, Estimated time spent – 1.5 hours.
• Hooghly River Boat Ride: Estimated cost – INR 200 per person, Estimated time spent – 2 hours.

Evening: Wrap up your day at Eco Park, a vast urban park known for its beautiful landscapes and recreational activities. Take a leisurely walk around the park, enjoy boating on the lake, and indulge in some street food from the various stalls. Don't miss the musical fountain show in the evening, a mesmerizing experience for the whole family.

• Eco Park: Estimated cost – INR 20 per person (entry fee), Estimated time spent – 2 hours.

Friday, October 13: Exploring Kolkata's Cultural Delights

Morning: Begin your day by visiting the iconic Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Absorb the spiritual atmosphere and explore the stunning temple complex. Afterward, head to the Marble Palace, a unique mansion adorned with exquisite marble sculptures, antique furniture, and beautiful artwork.

• Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Estimated cost – Free, Estimated time spent – 2 hours.
• Marble Palace: Estimated cost – INR 100 per person (entry fee), Estimated time spent – 1.5 hours.

Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious lunch at Bhojohori Manna, a renowned restaurant offering traditional Bengali thalis. Then, visit the Science City, an interactive science center where you can engage in hands-on learning experiences, watch an exciting 3D show, and explore the Space Theatre for a fascinating journey through the universe.

• Bhojohori Manna: Estimated cost – INR 500 per person (thali), Estimated time spent – 1.5 hours.
• Science City: Estimated cost – INR 100 per person (entry fee), Estimated time spent – 3 hours.

Evening: End your day with a visit to Eden Gardens, one of the oldest and most iconic cricket stadiums in the world. If there's a match scheduled, be sure to catch the electrifying atmosphere of a live cricket game. Otherwise, take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful garden complex and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

• Eden Gardens: Estimated cost – INR 100 per person (entry fee for gardens), Estimated time spent – 2 hours.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off the beaten path experience, visit the South Park Street Cemetery, an atmospheric colonial-era cemetery with intriguing tombstones and serene surroundings. Another local favorite is visiting Dakshinapan Shopping Complex, where you can find a wide range of traditional handcrafted items, textiles, and artwork, perfect for souvenir shopping.

Make sure to check hotel and flight prices on Kayak for the best deals for your Kolkata trip!