Kolkata 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Kolkata

Morning

  • Victoria Memorial: Start your day with a visit to this iconic white marble monument, a blend of Indian and European architectural styles. (opens at 10 am)
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding gardens, Maidan.

Afternoon

  • Indian Museum: Head over to the oldest and largest museum in India, housing a vast collection of artifacts, relics, and exhibits on Indian history, art, and culture.
  • Lunch: Try some authentic Bengali cuisine at Oh! Calcutta, a popular restaurant serving traditional dishes like fish fry and mishti doi (sweet curd).

Evening

  • Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Visit this famous temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, situated on the banks of the Ganges River. Soak in the spiritual atmosphere and watch the evening aarti (prayer).
  • Street Food: Savor some delicious street food at Vivekananda Road, like puchka (spicy potato-filled crispy bread) or jhal muri (a spicy snack made from puffed rice).

Where to Stay

  • Fairlawn Hotel: A budget-friendly option with cozy rooms, located near the Victoria Memorial.
  • Alternative: Book a room at The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, a luxurious hotel with modern amenities.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowded streets and chaotic traffic.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (8 am - 10 am, 5 pm - 7 pm) to minimize traffic woes.

Transportation

  • Use ** autos (three-wheelers)** or taxis for shorter distances.
  • For longer trips, opt for the Kolkata Metro, an efficient and affordable way to get around the city.

Tips

  • Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
  • Try to learn some basic Bengali phrases to interact with locals.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Morning

  • Jorasanko Thakurbari: Visit the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, the famous Bengali poet and Nobel laureate. This museum showcases his life, works, and legacy.
  • Take a short walk to Rabindra Sarobar, a scenic lake with beautiful views.

Afternoon

  • Kolkata Book Fair: If you’re visiting in January or February, don’t miss this iconic book fair, featuring stalls selling books, stationery, and souvenirs.
  • Lunch: Head to Bhawanipore for some delicious Bengali cuisine at restaurants like Azad Hind Dhaba or Tirtha.

Evening

  • Alipore Zoological Gardens: Spend a relaxing evening strolling through this beautiful zoo, home to a variety of animals and birds.
  • Dinner: Treat yourself to some mouth-watering Chinese food at Chili’s, a popular restaurant in the city.

Where to Stay (same options as Day 1)

Things to Know

  • The Jorasanko Thakurbari museum is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
  • Be prepared for crowds at the book fair, if visiting during peak season.

Day 3: Colonial Kolkata

Morning

  • St. Paul’s Cathedral: Marvel at this stunning Anglican cathedral, showcasing a blend of Gothic and Indian architectural styles.
  • Take a short walk to Nandan, a cultural complex featuring art galleries, auditoriums, and a library.

Afternoon

  • Fort William: Visit this historic fort, built by the British East India Company in 1696. While you can’t enter the fort, you can explore the surrounding gardens.
  • Lunch: Try some international cuisine at The Park, a luxurious hotel with multiple dining options.

Evening

  • River Cruise: Take a romantic sunset cruise on the Ganges River, offering stunning views of Kolkata’s skyline.
  • Dinner: Enjoy some authentic Italian food at La Cucina, a cozy restaurant in the heart of the city.

Where to Stay (same options as Day 1)

Things to Know

  • Fort William is closed to visitors, but you can explore the surrounding gardens.
  • Book your river cruise tickets in advance to avoid sold-out situations.

Day 4: Local Markets and More

Morning

  • New Market: Explore this bustling marketplace, offering a wide range of products from clothing to souvenirs. Be prepared for crowds and chaos!
  • Lunch: Try some street food at New Market, like kebabs or falooda (a cold dessert).

Afternoon

  • College Street: Visit this iconic street lined with bookstores, offering a vast collection of books, from academic texts to fiction novels.
  • Indian Coffee House: Take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee at this historic cafe, a hub for intellectuals and artists.

Evening

  • Dakshinapan Shopping Centre: Spend your last evening in Kolkata shopping for souvenirs or trying some local snacks at this popular marketplace.
  • Farewell Dinner: Savor some delicious Bengali cuisine at Bhojohori Manna, a restaurant serving traditional dishes like fish fry and mishti doi.

Where to Stay (same options as Day 1)

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos at New Market.
  • College Street is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

Additional Tips

  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples or cultural institutions.
  • Try to learn some basic Bengali phrases to interact with locals.
  • Stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle throughout the day.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Kolkata!