Kolkata India 6 Day Itinerary

Kolkata Travel Itinerary: A 6-Day Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

Morning

  • Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
  • Take a prepaid taxi or book an Ola/Uber to your hotel
  • Check-in at Hotel Fairlawn or similar

Afternoon

  • Visit the Indian Museum (open till 4:30 pm) to get an insight into India’s history and culture
  • Walk to the nearby Park Street, a famous street known for its restaurants, cafes, and nightlife

Evening

  • Head to Mother Teresa’s House (open till 6 pm) to learn about her life and work
  • Enjoy a traditional Bengali dinner at Bhojohori Manna or Oh! Calcutta

Day 2: Heritage Kolkata

Morning

  • Visit the Victoria Memorial, a stunning white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria (open till 5 pm)
  • Take a stroll in the surrounding Maidan, one of the largest urban parks in the world

Afternoon

  • Explore the St. Paul’s Cathedral, a beautiful Anglican church with stunning stained-glass windows
  • Visit the Raj Bhavan (open till 3:30 pm), the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal

Evening

  • Enjoy a street food tour at Chowringhee Lane or try some local snacks at Vivekananda Market
  • Catch a performance at the Nandan Theatre Complex, a hub for Bengali cultural activities

Day 3: Religious Kolkata

Morning

  • Visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali (open till 12:30 pm)
  • Take a ferry ride across the Ganges River to Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission

Afternoon

  • Explore the Kalighat Kali Temple, another important Hindu temple in Kolkata
  • Visit the Nakhoda Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Kolkata

Evening

  • Enjoy a relaxing evening at Princep Ghat, a scenic spot along the Hooghly River
  • Savor some local seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf or The Flying Pan

Day 4: Cultural Kolkata

Morning

  • Visit the Rabindra Bharati Museum (open till 5 pm), dedicated to the life and works of Rabindranath Tagore
  • Explore the Jorasanko Thakurbari, the ancestral home of Tagore, now a museum

Afternoon

  • Attend a cultural program at the Rabindra Sadan, a hub for Bengali cultural activities
  • Visit the Asutosh Museum of Indian Art (open till 4:30 pm), showcasing Indian art and artifacts

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Bengali thali at Golbari or Tirtha
  • Catch a live music or dance performance at Kala Mandir or Sisir Mancha

Day 5: Day Trip to Sunderbans

Morning

  • Take an early morning bus or book a private car to Sunderbans National Park (approx. 3-hour journey)
  • Explore the mangrove forests and spot wildlife, including the Bengal tiger

Afternoon

  • Enjoy a boat ride through the Sundarbans River
  • Visit the Sajnekhali Watch Tower for stunning views of the forest

Evening

  • Return to Kolkata in the evening and enjoy dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place or The Wall

Day 6: Shopping and Departure

Morning

  • Visit the New Market, a historic shopping hub with over 2,000 stalls
  • Explore the Chandni Chowk, a bustling market selling everything from flowers to jewelry

Afternoon

  • Last-minute shopping or sightseeing
  • Check-out of your hotel and depart for the airport (approximately 1-hour journey)

Things to Know

  • Kolkata is known for its traffic, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (8 am - 10 am and 5 pm - 7 pm).
  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos at popular tourist spots.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting religious sites.

Transportation

  • Prepaid taxis or private cars are readily available from the airport.
  • Use Ola/Uber or book a private car for daily travel.
  • Kolkata has an efficient metro system, but it may not cover all areas of interest.

Tips

  • Try to learn some basic Bengali phrases to interact with locals.
  • Be prepared for spicy food and try local delicacies like jolpan (breakfast) and puchka (street snack).
  • Respect the city’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Fairlawn: A budget-friendly option in a central location.
  • The Oberoi Grand: A luxurious hotel with excellent service and amenities.
  • Treebo Trendy Park: A mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location.

Where to Eat

  • Bhojohori Manna: Traditional Bengali cuisine at its best.
  • Oh! Calcutta: Another popular option for Bengali food.
  • The Flying Pan: A cozy bakery serving delicious pastries and sandwiches.

This itinerary provides a mix of Kolkata’s rich history, cultural heritage, and daily life. Enjoy your trip to this vibrant city!