Kolkata India 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Park Street

  • Morning: Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
  • Afternoon: Check-in at a hotel in the Park Street area, such as Hotel Hindusthan International or The La Lit
  • Evening:
    • Visit the Indian Museum, Asia’s oldest and largest museum
    • Explore the vibrant shopping street of Park Street, known for its restaurants, bars, and shops
    • Enjoy dinner at Aaheli, a restaurant serving Bengali cuisine

Day 2: Birla Mandir and Victoria Memorial

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Birla Mandir, a beautiful white marble temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan
  • Afternoon:
    • Head to the Victoria Memorial, a majestic building built in memory of Queen Victoria
    • Take a stroll through the adjacent Maidan park, which offers great views of the city
    • Enjoy lunch at Keventers, a popular cafe serving sandwiches and salads

Day 3: Fort William and Science City

  • Morning: Visit Fort William, the former residence of the British governor-general
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Science City, an interactive science museum that’s great for families
    • Visit the nearby Mother House, a revered Buddhist monastery founded by Mother Teresa

Day 4: Alipore Zoo and Dakshineswar Kali Temple

  • Morning: Spend some time at the Alipore Zoological Gardens, home to a variety of animals, including elephants and lions
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the beautiful Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali
    • Take a boat ride on the adjacent river, which offers stunning views

Day 5: Belur Math and Ganges Ghats

  • Morning: Visit the serene Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the bustling Ganges Ghats, where you can see devotees bathing in the river
    • Take a sunset boat ride on the Ganges, which offers a unique perspective on the city

Day 6: Esplanade and Jatin Das Park

  • Morning: Visit the historic Esplanade, one of the oldest parts of the city
  • Afternoon:
    • Relax in the peaceful Jatin Das Park, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city
    • Enjoy dinner at Six Ballygunge Place, a restaurant serving modern Indian cuisine

Day 7: Shopping and Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or browsing through local markets, such as the ones on Bowbazar Street or Chandni Chowk
  • Afternoon: Depart from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) or continue your journey to other parts of India.

Things to Know:

  • Kolkata is a humid city with high temperatures during the summer months. Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces.
  • The city has a reputation for being chaotic, but it’s also full of energy and character. Take time to soak up the atmosphere and interact with locals.
  • Be mindful of your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Kolkata is by auto-rickshaw or taxi. You can also use ride-hailing services like Ola or Uber.
  • For shorter distances, you can use the city’s metro system or walk.

Tips and Recommendations:

  • Try some of the local street food, such as jhal muri or puchka.
  • Visit the city’s many markets and bazaars to find unique souvenirs or gifts.
  • Take time to appreciate the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Hindusthan International (Park Street)
  • The La Lit (Park Street)
  • Ibis Kolkata (Salt Lake City)

Note: Prices may vary depending on the season and availability. It’s always a good idea to book in advance to ensure availability.