Kolkata, India 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kolkata, India 🇮🇳

Day 1: Discovering Kolkata’s Rich History & Culture

Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Bengali breakfast at Panch Phoran (48, Rashbehari Avenue).
  • Visit the Victoria Memorial (Queen’s Road) - a stunning marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Indian Museum (Jawaharlal Nehru Road) housing artifacts from prehistory to modern times.
  • Head to the St. Paul’s Cathedral and Dakshineshwar Kali Temple.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Hooghly Riverfront.
  • Dine at Peter Cat (Multiple locations) for a mix of Indian and Continental cuisine.

Day 2: Embracing Kolkata’s Vibrant Art & Literature Scene

Morning:

  • Visit the Birla Planetarium for an astronomy show.
  • Explore College Street - Asia’s Largest Second Hand Book Market.

Afternoon:

  • Pay tribute at Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue and the Marble Palace.
  • Spend some time in the tranquil Botanical Garden.

Evening:

  • Attend an evening performance at the Nandan Cultural Centre (Rabindra Sarani).
  • Savor delicious street food at New Market (Lewis Road) and try local dishes like Rolls, Phuchka, and Jhal Muri.

Day 3: Exploring Kolkata’s Urban Life & Architecture

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at a local BongBong Cafe.
  • Visit the Howrah Bridge and enjoy a river cruise to see it from another perspective.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the British Raj architecture in South Kolkata, visiting places like Eden Gardens, Victoria Memorial, and St. Xavier’s College.
  • Spend some time at Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity (38, Kala Bagan Lane).

Evening:

  • Visit the lively Boisar Road Market for local spices, sweets, and curios.
  • Dine at 6 Ballygunge Place (Multiple locations) for authentic Bengali cuisine.

Day 4: Connecting with Kolkata’s People & Traditions

Morning:

  • Start your day with a visit to the bustling Flower Market (Taltala).
  • Head to the peaceful Millennium Park.

Afternoon:

  • Experience the local culture at the Ganges River in Dakshineshwar.
  • Visit the unique Dalhousie Square, also known as ‘Writers’ Building’.

Evening:

  • Wrap up your trip with a farewell dinner at Kewpies (Multiple locations) for some classic Bengali dishes.

Tips & Things to Know

  1. Kolkata is famous for its trams, rickshaws, and metro rail. Use them for easy commuting within the city.
  2. Bargaining is common in markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.
  3. Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples or religious sites.
  4. Kolkata experiences intense heat during summers and cold spells during winters, so pack accordingly.
  5. Don’t forget to take back some traditional Bengali sweets like Rosogolla, Sandesh, and Mishti Doi as souvenirs.