Kolkata, India-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City’s History and Culture

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic Victoria Memorial (9:30 AM - 5 PM), a stunning white marble building that serves as a museum. The complex also houses a beautiful garden, a pond, and a statue of Queen Victoria.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Indian Museum (10 AM - 5 PM), one of the largest and oldest museums in India. It’s home to a vast collection of art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits.
  • Evening: Head to Dum Dum Park for a tranquil evening stroll along the lake and enjoy the sunset.
  • Where to eat: Try some delicious Bengali cuisine at Bhojohori Konn or Aaheli. Both restaurants offer a range of traditional dishes like fish fry, jhol, and kosha mangsho.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel, a luxurious hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service.

Day 2: Explore Kolkata’s Markets and Gardens

  • Morning: Visit the vibrant Gariahat Market (9 AM - 12 PM), where you can find everything from clothes to electronics. Be prepared for some haggling!
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll through the beautiful Vidhan Bhavan gardens, which offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
  • Evening: Head to Shyambazar for a traditional Bengali dinner at Jai Hind Restaurant or Dhaba 58. Try some delicious street food at Kolkata’s famous Jatras (night markets).
  • Where to eat: Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of Kolkata’s iconic dishes like jalebis and mishti doi.
  • Accommodation: You can stay at the Hotel Hindustan International, a comfortable hotel with clean rooms and good service.

Day 3: Visit Iconic Landmarks and Markets

  • Morning: Start your day by visiting the iconic Kolkata Railway Station, a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Take a stroll along the platforms and watch the trains arrive.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Esplanade Market (11 AM - 5 PM), where you can find everything from clothes to souvenirs. Don’t forget to try some street food at this bustling market.
  • Evening: Head to Park Street for a lively evening with its many restaurants, bars, and cafes.
  • Where to eat: Try some delicious international cuisine at Mocambo Restaurant, Sahib Sipahi Cafe, or The Chinese Room. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of Kolkata’s famous street food like puchkas and phuchka puri.
  • Accommodation: You can stay at the Hotel Park Prime, a comfortable hotel with good service.

Day 4: Explore Kolkata’s Spiritual Side

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Jorashanko Thakur Bari (9 AM - 5 PM), a stunning temple complex that serves as a museum.
  • Afternoon: Head to Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramkrishna Mission, which offers a peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful garden. Don’t forget to try some delicious Bengali cuisine at the mission’s canteen.
  • Evening: End your day with a visit to Alipore Zoo (9 AM - 5 PM), where you can see a range of animals, including elephants and tigers.

Things to know:

  • Kolkata is a crowded city, so be prepared for some chaos!
  • Don’t forget to try some delicious street food at the many markets and street stalls.
  • Be mindful of your belongings and keep an eye on your purse or backpack.
  • The summer months (April - May) can be very hot, so stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade.

Transportation:

  • Kolkata has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and taxis. You can also hire an auto-rickshaw for short trips.
  • Consider taking a taxi from the airport to your hotel, as it’s more convenient than using public transport.
  • Don’t forget to try some of Kolkata’s iconic modes of transportation like the tram and the metro.

Tips:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Try to learn some basic Bengali phrases like “namaste” (hello) and “dhanyabhad” (thank you).
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to try some delicious street food at the many markets and stalls.
  • Consider purchasing a Kolkata city guide or map to help navigate the city.

Other things of interest:

  • Visit the Kolkata Film Festival, which takes place in December each year.
  • Explore the beautiful Bose Museum, which showcases the life and work of Rabindranath Tagore, India’s first Nobel laureate.
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to try some delicious Bengali cuisine at one of Kolkata’s many restaurants or street stalls.