Kolkata-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Kolkata

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Start your day with a delicious Bengali breakfast at Bhiman Sen’s (try their iconic jalebi and mishti doi) or Kolkata’s famous street food, Puchka (Panipuri).
  • 9:00 am: Visit the Indian Museum (entry fee: ₹50), one of the oldest and largest museums in India, housing a vast collection of artifacts, fossils, and exhibits on Indian history and culture.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 pm: Head to Park Street, Kolkata’s food and entertainment hub. Grab lunch at Flurys, a legendary bakery and café serving delicious pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
  • 2:00 pm: Explore the Victoria Memorial (entry fee: ₹20), a stunning white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Take a leisurely stroll along the Ganges River at Prinsep Ghat, enjoying the sunset and street food vendors.
  • 8:00 pm: Enjoy a traditional Bengali dinner at Oh! Calcutta, a popular restaurant serving authentic dishes like fish fry, biryani, and mishti doi.

Where to Stay

Recommended budget-friendly options:

  • Fair Tree Hotel (₹2,500 - ₹5,000 per night)
  • Aauris Hotel (₹3,000 - ₹6,000 per night)

Transportation

  • Use auto-rickshaws or taxis for short distances.
  • For longer trips, use the Kolkata Metro (Line 1) or buses.

Tips and Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in this bustling city.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (8:00 am - 10:00 am and 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm).
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Day 2: Cultural Heritage and Street Food

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Jorasanko Thakurbari (entry fee: ₹50), a historic mansion-turned-museum showcasing the life and works of Rabindranath Tagore.
  • 11:00 am: Explore the College Street, a labyrinthine street lined with bookstores, cafes, and street food stalls.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at Dacres Lane, a hidden gem serving delicious Chinese-Indian fusion cuisine.
  • 2:30 pm: Visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral (free entry), an imposing Gothic-style church with stunning stained-glass windows.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Take a food tour of Chitpur Road, sampling local street food and snacks like pani puri, jhal muri, and telebhaja.
  • 9:00 pm: Enjoy a nightcap at Someplace Else, a popular pub with live music and a lively atmosphere.

Where to Eat

Recommended street food joints:

  • Kati Rolls (₹50 - ₹100 per roll)
  • Mouchak (₹20 - ₹50 per serving)

Day 3: Colonial Kolkata and Sunset Cruises

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Writer’s Building (entry fee: free), a historic building housing the West Bengal Government’s secretariat.
  • 11:00 am: Explore the Dalhousie Square, a scenic area surrounded by colonial-era buildings, including the iconic Lal Dighi.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at The Park, a popular restaurant serving international cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • 2:30 pm: Take a guided tour of the Kolkata Harbour (entry fee: ₹50), offering insights into the city’s maritime history.

Evening

  • 5:00 pm: Embark on a Sunset Cruise (₹500 - ₹1,000 per person) along the Ganges River, witnessing the city’s skyline during golden hour.
  • 8:00 pm: Enjoy a farewell dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place, a restaurant serving modern Bengali cuisine.

Things to Know

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting places of worship or cultural significance.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help or directions from locals; they’re generally friendly and eager to assist.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Kolkata!