Kolkata-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata

Morning

  • Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
  • Take a taxi or metro to your hotel ( approx. INR 150-200)
  • Check-in at Hotel Hindusthan International or similar (approx. INR 2500-3000 per night)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Victoria Memorial (INR 15 per person, open from 10am-4:30pm)
    • A beautiful white marble building with stunning gardens
  • Walk to the nearby Indian Museum (free entry, open from 10am-5pm)
    • One of the oldest and largest museums in India

Evening

  • Head to Shobhabazar Street for dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place (approx. INR 500-1000 per meal)
    • A popular spot for Bengali cuisine
  • Explore the nearby area, which is known for its street food and local shops

Day 2: Colonial Kolkata

Morning

  • Start the day with breakfast at Olypub (approx. INR 200-500 per meal)
    • A popular spot for eggs and pancakes
  • Visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral (free entry, open from 10am-4:30pm)
    • A beautiful church built in 1847

Afternoon

  • Walk to the nearby Fort William (free entry, open from 10am-5pm)
    • The oldest surviving structure of the British colonial era
  • Visit the Kolkata Museum of History and Civilization (INR 15 per person, open from 10am-4:30pm)

Evening

  • Head to Park Street for dinner at The Great Indian Pub & Bar (approx. INR 500-1000 per meal)
    • A popular spot for pub food
  • Explore the nearby area, which is known for its bars and clubs

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the Kolkata College of Music and Dance (free entry, open from 9am-1pm)
    • A cultural institution that showcases traditional music and dance
  • Attend a morning session at the Santipur Ashram School (free entry, open from 8:30am-12:30pm)
    • A school for children with special needs

Afternoon

  • Visit the Birla Academy of Art & Culture (INR 15 per person, open from 10am-4:30pm)
    • An art gallery that showcases modern and contemporary Indian art
  • Explore the nearby area, which is known for its street food and local shops

Evening

  • Head to Tollygunge Club for dinner at their restaurant (approx. INR 500-1000 per meal)
    • A popular spot for Bengali cuisine
  • Attend a performance at the Sriradha Music Academy (tickets from INR 200-500)
    • A cultural institution that showcases traditional music and dance

Day 4: Nature Escapes

Morning

  • Visit the New Town Eco Park (INR 15 per person, open from 10am-6pm)
    • A large park with beautiful gardens and a lake
  • Explore the nearby area, which is known for its street food and local shops

Afternoon

  • Head to the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple (free entry, open from 5:30am-10pm)
    • A beautiful temple complex dedicated to Goddess Kali
  • Visit the nearby Belur Math (free entry, open from 6am-7pm)
    • The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission

Evening

  • Head back to your hotel and relax or take a stroll around the area
  • Enjoy a quiet dinner at your hotel or explore local eateries

Day 5: Spiritual Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the Dharmatala Street for breakfast (approx. INR 100-200 per meal)
    • A popular spot for street food
  • Attend a morning session at the Kolkata Buddhist Temple (free entry, open from 6am-1pm)
    • A temple that showcases Tibetan Buddhism

Afternoon

  • Visit the ISKCON Temple (free entry, open from 7am-10pm)
    • A beautiful temple complex dedicated to Lord Krishna
  • Explore the nearby area, which is known for its street food and local shops

Evening

  • Head back to your hotel and relax or take a stroll around the area
  • Enjoy a quiet dinner at your hotel or explore local eateries

Day 6: Shopping Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the New Market (free entry, open from 9am-7pm)
    • A popular spot for shopping and street food
  • Explore the nearby area, which is known for its street food and local shops

Afternoon

  • Head to the Gariahat Street for shopping (free entry, open from 10am-6pm)
    • A popular spot for shopping and eating
  • Visit the nearby South City Mall (free entry, open from 11am-9:30pm)

Evening

  • Enjoy a quiet dinner at your hotel or explore local eateries
  • Take a stroll around the area and enjoy the nightlife of Kolkata

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Check-out of your hotel (approx. INR 2500-3000 per night)
  • Head to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for departure
  • Take a taxi or metro to the airport (approx. INR 150-200)

Tips and Reminders:

  • Be prepared for crowded streets and traffic in Kolkata
  • Try to avoid traveling during rush hour (7-9am and 4-6pm)
  • Always wear comfortable shoes and clothing
  • Try local street food, but make sure to eat at popular spots
  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Carry a water bottle with you always
  • Be prepared for power outages and internet connectivity issues

Things to Know:

  • Kolkata has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters
  • The city is known for its street food, which is an integral part of the local cuisine
  • Kolkata has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks
  • The city is also home to many beautiful gardens and parks

Transportation:

  • Taxi: readily available, but be prepared for traffic and crowds
  • Metro: efficient and affordable, but can get crowded during rush hour
  • Bus: an option for shorter distances, but may take longer
  • Auto Rickshaw: a popular mode of transportation, but be prepared for traffic and crowds

Other Things to Consider:

  • Power outages are common in Kolkata, especially during monsoons
  • Internet connectivity can be spotty in some areas
  • Be prepared for crowds and traffic congestion in popular areas
  • Respect the local culture and customs, especially when visiting temples or historical landmarks