Kolkata, India
Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, boasts stunning architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, welcoming people, and an exciting mix of old and new. Visitors can explore colonial buildings, vibrant markets, and experience the city's rich musical and literary traditions.
Trip to Kolkata, India
Day 1: Arrival and Sudder Street exploration
As you arrive at Kolkata International airport, you’ll be welcomed by your guide and driver who will take you to your hotel. After freshening up and having breakfast, the guide can take you for a walking tour of Sudder Street. This lively street is packed with hawkers, shops, cafes, and street food vendors. You can try some delicious local snacks like phuchka (also known as pani-puri) which is a crispy hollow ball filled with spiced potato and tamarind water. You can also visit the landmark Indian Coffee House, which has been serving excellent coffee since 1942 and is the famous meeting point for college students, writers, and intellectuals.
Day 2: Victoria Memorial and Mother House visit
Today you will start by visiting the iconic Victoria Memorial. This stunning marble palace was built in the memory of Queen Victoria and now turned into a museum. The museum houses an excellent collection of historical and cultural artifacts of Kolkata and has beautiful gardens outside. Later in the afternoon, you can visit the Mother House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa. This beautiful building is a testimony to the life and work of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Day 3: Sunderbans National Park tour
Today, you will embark on a full-day excursion to the Sunderbans National Park, the largest delta park in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers, saltwater crocodiles, and various bird species like the egrets and herons. You will be taken on a river safari and a walk through the jungle to explore the flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem.
Day 4: Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Belur Math visit
Today you will visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the banks of the Ganges River. This beautiful temple has ornate architecture and is a place of immense religious significance. Then, you will move onto the Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramkrishna Mission. This serene ashram houses beautiful gardens and an exhibition hall dedicated to the life of Ramkrishna.
Day 5: Shopping and Ganga Aarti
Today, you can take a break from sightseeing and go shopping at the New Market. This historic market is famous for its leather goods, jewelry, textiles, and street food. In the evening, you can witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats (riverbank) of the Ganges. This mesmerizing ritual is an essential experience and provides a glimpse of the rich Hindu culture.
Day 6: Marble Palace and Park Street Nightlife
Today you will visit the stunning Marble Palace, a mansion featuring Italian, Greek, and Gothic architecture, and houses an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and antiques. Built by a wealthy Bengali merchant in the 19th century, this palace is a spectacle to behold. At night, you will visit Park Street, the restaurant and nightlife hub of Kolkata. You can visit one of the many popular restaurants like Peter Cat or Bar-B-Q, famous for their delicious food and colonial-era decor.
Day 7: Departure
Today is your last day in Kolkata. You can spend the morning relaxing at the hotel or doing some last-minute shopping. Your guide and driver will take you to the airport in time for your flight back home, carrying beautiful memories of Kolkata.
