Kolkata, India-5-day-itinerary

Kolkata Travel Itinerary: 5 Days

Welcome to Kolkata, the City of Joy! This 5-day itinerary will guide you through the best places to visit, activities to indulge in, delicious food to savor, comfortable accommodations, and essential tips for a memorable trip.

Day 1: Exploration of Colonial Kolkata

  • Morning: Start at Victoria Memorial (entry fee: ₹20), a stunning white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Indian Museum (entry fee: ₹50) to discover India’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along the River Ganges at Prinsep Ghat, enjoying the sunset and street food.

Places to Stay:

  • Budget: Hotel Pushpak (₹800 per night)
  • Mid-range: The Park Hotel (₹3,500 per night)
  • Luxury: The Oberoi Grand (₹8,000 per night)

Day 2: Spiritual Kolkata

  • Morning: Visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali.
  • Afternoon: Explore Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission.
  • Evening: Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the Ganges at sunset.

Food Recommendations:

  • Try the famous Bengali cuisine at Oh! Calcutta (₹500 per meal)
  • Savor street food at Vivekananda Road

Day 3: Cultural Kolkata

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Howrah Bridge, a cantilever bridge over the Ganges.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant College Street, lined with bookstores and cafes.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Bengali folk music performance at Jorasanko Thakurbari.

Transportation Tips:

  • Use autos (three-wheelers) or taxis for short distances
  • Book Ola or Uber cabs for longer journeys
  • Kolkata Metro is an efficient way to travel across the city

Day 4: Historical Kolkata

  • Morning: Visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic-style church.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic Fort William, built by the British East India Company.
  • Evening: Take a walk through the lively Park Street, known for its restaurants and nightlife.

Things to Know:

  • Kolkata is known for its traffic congestion; plan your itinerary accordingly
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples or monuments
  • Be prepared for crowds and long queues at popular tourist spots

Day 5: Local Markets and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the bustling New Market, a shopper’s paradise.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Gariahat Market, famous for its traditional Bengali clothing and accessories.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  • Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas

This 5-day itinerary provides a comprehensive guide to exploring Kolkata’s rich history, vibrant culture, and spiritual heritage. Enjoy your journey!