Kolkata in 3 Days: Fun, Budget-Friendly, and Unforgettable
Discover the vibrant charm of Kolkata with your family, a journey filled with cultural wonders and unforgettable experiences.
19 July 2023
A family friendly trip to Kolkata, India promises a vibrant and culturally enriching experience. Visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a stunning marble structure surrounded by lush gardens, perfect for a family picnic. Explore Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in the country, offering a wide range of exhibits on art, archaeology, and natural history, fascinating for both kids and adults alike. Lastly, enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the Hooghly River, passing by the famous Howrah Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the city's skyline.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Flurys, a legendary bakery, known for its irresistible pastries and charming vintage decor.
- Get lost in the colorful chaos of New Market, a bustling shopping paradise where you can find everything from clothes to spices.
- Pay a visit to Mother House, the humble residence of Mother Teresa, where you can reflect and bask in her humanitarian greatness.
- Stretch your legs at the iconic Maidan, a vast green space perfect for a leisurely stroll, cricket, or just watching the world go by.
- Indulge in delectable Bengali cuisine at Bhojohori Manna, where you'll savor dishes like fish curry, shorshe ilish, and mishti doi.
- End the day with a sunset boat ride along the serene Hooghly River, and witness the majestic Howrah Bridge illuminate the night sky.
- Grab a quick breakfast from a street-side stall serving piping hot kathi rolls infused with a tantalizing mix of spices and flavors.
- Explore the architectural splendor of the Victoria Memorial, a grand marble structure that encapsulates the essence of British-era Kolkata.
- Escape the city's hustle at the Indian Museum, boasting a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, including the eerie Egyptian mummy.
- Step into the Writer's Building, a magnificent colonial-era structure, where you can glimpse into the administrative heart of Kolkata.
- Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of North Kolkata, passing by elegant mansions, crumbling havelis, and vibrant local markets.
- Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place, a charming eatery serving traditional Bengali delicacies, amidst a cozy, homely ambiance.
- Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Marble Palace, an eclectic mansion filled with art, antiques, and even a private zoo!
- Immerse yourself in the art world at the Indian Museum of Modern Art, showcasing contemporary works by renowned Indian artists.
- Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Kumartuli, where skilled artisans sculpt magnificent idols of gods and goddesses for the city's festivals.
- Pay homage to Rabindranath Tagore at Tagore's House, a serene abode where the Nobel laureate penned his literary masterpieces.
- Indulge in street food galore at Dacre Lane, a culinary haven where you can devour Kolkata's famous puchkas, rolls, and jalebis.
- End your trip with a soul-stirring Kathakali performance at Nandan, a cultural complex that celebrates the richness of Indian art forms.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Kolkata, India by plane is to fly directly to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport which is located in the city. Many major airlines operate flights to Kolkata from different cities around the world.
Car
To get to Kolkata by car, you can take the National Highway 12 which runs from Chennai to Kolkata. The journey takes around 30 hours and it is recommended to stop at several rest points along the way.
Train
Kolkata is well-connected to other major cities in India by train. The best way to get to Kolkata by train is to take the Howrah Duronto Express which runs between Mumbai and Kolkata. The train journey takes around 26 hours.
Boat
Kolkata is connected to various ports along the Ganges and Hooghly rivers. A cruise from cities like Patna, Varanasi or Allahabad is a good way to explore the Ganges and reach Kolkata. However, boat transportation may not be the most practical and comfortable way to get to Kolkata.
Bus
Getting to Kolkata by bus is not recommended as it is a long and tiring journey. However, if you still prefer to travel by bus, the best way to get there is to take a bus from Esplanade Bus Station which connects Kolkata to other cities in West Bengal and neighboring states.
