Kolkata-6-day-itinerary

Kolkata Travel Itinerary (6 Days)

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of North Kolkata

Morning

  • Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
  • Check-in to your hotel in North Kolkata, such as Hotel Fairlawn or Lytton Hotel
  • Visit the Marble Palace, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture (entry fee: ₹40)

Afternoon

  • Head to Jorasanko Thakurbari, the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, now converted into a museum (entry fee: ₹50)
  • Explore the nearby College Street, known for its bookstores and educational institutions
  • Try some street food at Chitpur Road, including puchkas ( ₹10-20) and jhal muri (₹10-20)

Evening

  • Enjoy a Bengali dinner at Bhajahari Manna, a local favorite restaurant
  • Take a stroll along the Ganges River at Prinsep Ghat

Day 2: Kolkata’s Iconic Landmarks

Morning

  • Visit the Victoria Memorial, a majestic white marble monument (entry fee: ₹50)
  • Explore the Indian Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in India (entry fee: ₹50)

Afternoon

  • Head to St. Paul’s Cathedral, an Anglican cathedral built in 1847
  • Visit the Mother Teresa House, a museum dedicated to the life and work of Mother Teresa (entry fee: free, but donations welcome)
  • Try some coffee and snacks at Café Coffee Day

Evening

  • Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Ganges River with River Cruise Kolkata
  • Watch a cultural program or play at Rabindra Sadan or Academy of Fine Arts

Day 3: Markets and Street Food

Morning

  • Explore the bustling New Market, also known as Hogg’s Market, for shopping and souvenirs
  • Visit the Flower Market, a colorful and fragrant experience

Afternoon

  • Head to Park Street, known for its street food, restaurants, and bars
  • Try some rolls at Kusum Rolls (₹20-50) or Badshah’s Rolls (₹20-50)
  • Visit the Asiatic Society, a museum and library dedicated to Asian studies

Evening

  • Enjoy a dinner of Chinese cuisine at Beijing or Golden Dragon
  • Explore the nightlife of Park Street, with bars like Someplace Else or The Myx

Day 4: Day Trip to Belur Math and Dakshineswar

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission (entry fee: free)
  • Visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a beautiful temple on the banks of the Ganges River (entry fee: free)

Afternoon

  • Head back to Kolkata and visit the Science City, a popular science museum (entry fee: ₹50)
  • Explore the nearby Millennium Park, a scenic spot for relaxation

Evening

  • Enjoy a Bengali dinner at Aaheli or Oh! Calcutta
  • Watch a movie at Nandan, a cultural complex with multiple screens

Day 5: South Kolkata and its Wonders

Morning

  • Visit the Birla Mandir, a beautiful Hindu temple built in 1970 (entry fee: free)
  • Explore the nearby National Library of India, one of the largest libraries in the country

Afternoon

  • Head to Lake Gardens, a scenic spot for relaxation and boating
  • Visit the Rabindra Sarobar Lake, a popular spot for picnics and boat rides

Evening

  • Enjoy a dinner at The Park or The Ffort Raichak
  • Explore the nightlife of Southern Avenue, with bars like The Grid or The Wharf

Day 6: Departure

Morning

  • Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for departure

Things to Know

  • Kolkata is known for its traffic, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-10 am and 4-7 pm).
  • Bengali cuisine is a must-try, with popular dishes like fish curry, biryani, and mishti doi.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples or cultural institutions.

Transportation

  • Taxis: Available throughout the city, but be prepared to haggle over prices.
  • Autos: Three-wheeled vehicles that are a cheap and efficient way to get around.
  • Metro: Kolkata’s metro system is an easy way to travel across the city.
  • Bus: An affordable option for longer distances.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in markets and popular tourist spots.
  • Try to avoid eating from street vendors, as food safety can be a concern.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples or cultural institutions.
  • Learn some basic Bengali phrases, such as “dhonnobad” (thank you) and “kemon acho?” (how are you?).