Kolkata India 6 Day Itinerary

Kolkata (Calcutta), India: 6-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Central Kolkata

  • Morning: Check-in at your hotel, preferably in the Central Kolkata area like Park Street or New Market. (Suggested Hotel: ITC Sonar)
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a stunning marble building housing exhibits from the British Raj era.
  • Evening: Explore the vibrant New Market for shopping and local delicacies. Don’t miss out on the famous Rolls at Peter Cat or Jhal Muri from a street vendor!
  • Transportation: Kolkata has an extensive network of taxis, auto-rickshaws, and metro rail. Always negotiate fares with taxi drivers.

Day 2: North Kolkata & Howrah Bridge

  • Morning: Visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Belur Math (HQ of Ramakrishna Mission).
  • Afternoon: Cross the iconic Howrah Bridge and explore the bustling markets of North Kolkata like Bara Bazaar and Tangra, known for its Chinese population.
  • Evening: Enjoy a River Cruise on the Hooghly River to witness the spectacular view of the city at sunset. (Suggested: Kolkata River Cruise)

Day 3: South Kolkata & Science City

  • Morning: Visit the South Park Street Cemetery, a peaceful and historical place with tombstones dating back to the 18th century.
  • Afternoon: Head to Science City Bidhannagar for interactive exhibits on science and technology. Don’t miss the Space Theatre and the Earthquake Simulator!
  • Evening: Relax at the Millennium Park or enjoy local delicacies in the food court of South City Mall.

Day 4: Explore Kolkata’s Art & Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Indian Museum, one of the oldest museums in Asia, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts and natural history exhibits.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Academy of Fine Arts or the Kala Bhavan for a glimpse into Kolkata’s vibrant arts scene.
  • Evening: Witness a traditional Bengali Theatre (Jatra) performance at Nandan, the Cultural Centre of West Bengal.

Day 5: Day Trip to Sundarbans

  • Early Morning: Depart for a day trip to Sundarbans, home to the Royal Bengal Tigers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can opt for a boat tour or a jungle safari to explore this unique ecosystem.
  • Return Evening: Back in Kolkata, enjoy some authentic Bengali cuisine at a local restaurant like Kewpies or Flurys.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last moments shopping for souvenirs or exploring any remaining attractions.
  • Afternoon: Check-out from the hotel and depart for your next destination.

Tips:

  1. Kolkata is known for its warm hospitality, don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with locals.
  2. Always carry small change when shopping in local markets.
  3. Avoid drinking tap water and stick to bottled or boiled water.
  4. Traffic can be hectic, so allow extra time for travel.
  5. Respect cultural norms and dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites.