Kolkata, India-7-day-itinerary

Kolkata Travel Itinerary: A 7-Day Guide

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

Morning

  • Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
  • Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in central Kolkata (approx. ₹200-300)
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as The Park Hotel or The Oberoi Grand

Afternoon

  • Visit the Victoria Memorial (entry fee: ₹20), a stunning white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria
  • Take a leisurely stroll in the surrounding gardens and enjoy the street food vendors

Evening

  • Head to Park Street, known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and bars
  • Dine at Mocambo, a popular restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine
  • End the night with a drink at Someplace Else, a rooftop bar with great city views

Day 2: Cultural Heritage

Morning

  • Visit the Indian Museum (entry fee: ₹20), one of the oldest and largest museums in India
  • Explore the exhibits on Indian history, art, and culture

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Rabindra Sarobar, a beautiful lake surrounded by walking paths and gardens
  • Take a boat ride (₹50-100) or simply relax in the peaceful atmosphere

Evening

  • Enjoy a Bengali cultural program at Rabindra Sadan (ticket prices vary), featuring music, dance, and theater performances
  • Savor traditional Bengali cuisine at Bhojohori Manna, known for its fish curries and biryanis

Day 3: Colonial Kolkata

Morning

  • Explore the St. Paul’s Cathedral (free entry), a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture
  • Visit the nearby Writer’s Building (entry fee: ₹20), once the imperial secretariat

Afternoon

  • Walk through the historic Dalhousie Square, surrounded by colonial-era buildings and street vendors
  • Stop by the General Post Office, a beautiful example of colonial architecture

Evening

  • Dine at The Heritage Restaurant (inside The Oberoi Grand), offering fine dining with a focus on local ingredients
  • Take a leisurely walk around the hotel’s surroundings, enjoying the city lights

Day 4: Spiritual Kolkata

Morning

  • Visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple (free entry), dedicated to Goddess Kali and situated on the banks of the Ganges River
  • Explore the surrounding Belur Math, a peaceful spiritual complex

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Nirmal Hriday (entry fee: ₹20), a charitable organization founded by Mother Teresa
  • Learn about her life and work at the adjacent museum

Evening

  • Enjoy a tranquil dinner cruise on the Ganges River with River Cruise Kolkata (ticket prices vary)
  • End the night with a visit to the Ganga Aarti, a spiritual gathering on the riverbanks

Day 5: Street Food and Markets

Morning

  • Explore the bustling New Market (free entry), one of Kolkata’s oldest and largest shopping areas
  • Sample street food at various stalls, including jalebis, pani puri, and chaat items

Afternoon

  • Visit the College Street, known for its bookstalls, cafes, and educational institutions
  • Stop by the Hogg Market (free entry), offering a variety of goods, from clothing to handicrafts

Evening

  • Dine at Azad Hind Dhaba, a popular eatery serving North Indian cuisine
  • Take a stroll around the nearby Esplanade, enjoying the city lights and street performers

Day 6: Day Trip to Howrah

Morning

  • Take a ferry ride (₹10-20) across the Ganges River to Howrah Station
  • Visit the Howrah Bridge (free entry), an iconic cantilever bridge connecting Kolkata to Howrah

Afternoon

  • Explore the Bally Bridge, another popular bridge in the area
  • Stop by the Santragachi Jheel, a scenic lake surrounded by walking paths

Evening

  • Return to Kolkata and enjoy dinner at Oh! Calcutta, serving traditional Bengali cuisine
  • End the night with a visit to the Nicco Park (entry fee: ₹20), an amusement park with great city views

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out of your hotel and depart for the airport (approx. ₹200-300)

Things to Know

  • Kolkata is a bustling city, be prepared for crowds and traffic
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-10 am, 4-7 pm)
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples or cultural institutions
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas

Transportation

  • Taxis: Available throughout the city, but may not always use meters; negotiate prices beforehand
  • Autos: Three-wheeled vehicles ideal for short distances; negotiate prices beforehand
  • Metro: Efficient and affordable way to travel within the city (₹5-20)
  • Uber/Ola: Ride-hailing services available in Kolkata

Tips

  • Try to learn some basic Bengali phrases, such as “dhonnobad” (thank you) and “kichu khawar?” (what’s the price?)
  • Be prepared for power outages; carry a portable charger and adapter
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural institutions

Accommodation

  • The Park Hotel: A 5-star hotel with modern amenities and great city views
  • The Oberoi Grand: A luxurious hotel with colonial-era charm and excellent service
  • Alternative options include budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels

Dining

  • Mocambo: A popular restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine
  • Bhojohori Manna: Known for its traditional Bengali fish curries and biryanis
  • Oh! Calcutta: Serving authentic Bengali cuisine in a cozy atmosphere