A 7-Day Nature Adventure: Exploring Mumbai and Kolkata
Embark on a thrilling 7-day journey through the vibrant cities of Mumbai and Kolkata, immersing yourself in the mesmerizing blend of urban charm and natural beauty. Experience the best of both worlds as you explore magnificent landscapes, serene parks, and picturesque sights. Follow this itinerary to make the most of your trip:
Tuesday, October 24: Exploring Mumbai
Start your adventure by visiting the lush Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai. In the morning, enjoy a peaceful nature walk amidst the rich biodiversity of the park. In the afternoon, head to the iconic Marine Drive and take in breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. As the sun sets, explore the bustling markets of Colaba Causeway, known for their vibrant atmosphere and unique shopping experiences.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Approx. cost - INR 100, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Marine Drive: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Colaba Causeway: Cost varies, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious Indian breakfast at Cafe Madras. This popular eatery in Mumbai is known for its authentic South Indian dishes such as idli, dosa, and filter coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Britannia & Co. in Mumbai. This iconic restaurant is famous for its signature Parsi dishes like Berry Pulao and Dhansak. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Oh! Calcutta, a renowned restaurant in Kolkata known for its authentic Bengali cuisine. Try dishes like Hilsa Machher Jhol and Chingri Malai Curry. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Elephanta Caves and Juhu Beach
Set off for a scenic boat ride to the mesmerizing Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the morning exploring the intricately carved caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, unwind at the popular Juhu Beach and enjoy the serene coastal ambiance. As the evening approaches, indulge in delectable street food at the famous beaches of Mumbai.
Thursday, October 26: Discovering the Wildlife of Mumbai
Embark on a thrilling safari adventure at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, known for its diverse wildlife. Spend the morning exploring the park's designated safari areas, where you may spot deer, leopards, and various bird species. In the afternoon, visit the Kanheri Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut monuments nestled amidst the park's serene surroundings.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park Safari: Approx. cost - INR 200, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Village Cafe, known for its delicious homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head over to Olive Bistro for a delightful experience of Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy their signature dishes such as grilled chicken salad and falafel wraps. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Indulge in a fine dining experience for dinner at The Table, offering a contemporary menu with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss their famous black truffle pasta. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Friday, October 27: Serene Eco Parks and Gardens
Start your day by exploring the enchanting Hanging Gardens, perched atop Mumbai's Malabar Hill, offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, visit Powai Lake, a tranquil oasis surrounded by lush greenery. Spend some time enjoying the serenity of the surroundings and indulging in water activities. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Mumbai Port Trust Garden.
Hanging Gardens: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Powai Lake: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Mumbai Port Trust Garden: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Saturday, October 28: Majestic Nature at Sundarbans National Park
Embark on an enchanting journey to Sundarbans National Park, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. Spend the day exploring the park's rich biodiversity, with a chance to spot the famed Bengal tiger, as well as crocodiles and a variety of migratory birds. Take a boat cruise along the river and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the surroundings.
Visit to Sundarbans National Park: Approx. cost - INR 2,000, Time spent - Full day
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Sundarbans National Park is The Mangrove Cafe, offering a delicious spread of local and international breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Riverside Restaurant, located by the river, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Bengali dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, try The Sundarbans Grill House, known for its mouthwatering barbecue and grilled delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Sunday, October 29: Nature and History in Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata and start your day by visiting the beautiful Indian Botanical Gardens, known for its extensive collection of exotic plants and the iconic Great Banyan Tree. In the afternoon, explore the historic Victoria Memorial, an architectural masterpiece surrounded by lush gardens. As the evening unfolds, wander through the vibrant streets of Park Street and savor the delectable local cuisine.
Indian Botanical Gardens: Approx. cost - INR 10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Victoria Memorial: Approx. cost - INR 30, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Park Street: Cost varies, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Flurys, a legendary bakery known for its delicious pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Oh! Calcutta, a popular restaurant that offers a wide range of traditional Bengali dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Peter Cat, a iconic restaurant famous for its sizzling steaks and mouth-watering Iranian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 30: Sundarbans Day Trip and Local Cuisine
Embark on a day trip to the Sundarbans Delta, where the river meets the Bay of Bengal. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the mangroves as you take a boat ride through the serene creeks. Witness the local way of life and savor traditional Bengali cuisine. In the evening, explore the vibrant street food scene of Kolkata, tasting delicious puchkas, kathi rolls, and mishti doi.
Sundarbans Day Trip: Approx. cost - INR 1,500, Time spent - Full day
Exploring Local Street Food: Cost varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Madras, known for its authentic South Indian dishes such as dosas and idlis. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Oh! Calcutta and indulge in traditional Bengali cuisine like macher jhol (fish curry) and shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce). The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Zaranj, a fine dining restaurant specializing in Indian and Mughlai cuisine. Enjoy dishes like biryani and kebabs in a luxurious setting. The average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature lovers seeking off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting Bhitarkanika National Park near Kolkata. This lesser-known gem is home to dense mangrove forests, diverse wildlife, and the endangered saltwater crocodile. Experience a thrilling boat safari and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of this hidden treasure. Another local favorite is the serene Rabindra Sarobar Lake in Kolkata, a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city, offering beautiful views and a peaceful ambiance ideal for nature walks.
For checking hotel and flight prices, you can visit KAYAK.