4 days of Joy: A Guide to Exploring Kolkata

Embrace the chaos and colors of Kolkata, a city that will keep you on your toes.

17 June 2023

Kolkata, also known as the city of joy, is a vibrant and bustling city in eastern India. As a tourist, you can experience the rich culture and history of the city through its historical monuments, delicious street food, and colorful markets. Some of the must-see attractions include Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Park Street.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Bengali cuisine

  • Check into The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata's iconic heritage hotel
  • Have a traditional Bengali lunch at Bhojohori Manna, with dishes like luchi, chholar dal, and fish curry
  • Visit Victoria Memorial, the city's iconic marble palace that now serves as a museum
  • Go on a boat ride on the Hooghly River during sunset
  • Have dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place, known for its authentic Bengali cuisine and cozy ambiance
Day 2

Culture and history

  • Start the day with a breakfast of chai and kochuri at Tiretti Bazaar, a popular local market
  • Visit the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, showcasing a wide range of artifacts and exhibits
  • Explore Kalighat Temple, one of the most important Hindu shrines in Kolkata
  • Walk through College Street, known as the "Boi Para" or book market, with over 30 bookshops
  • End the day with a sunset view of the Howrah Bridge and the glittering Kolkata skyline from Prinsep Ghat
Day 3

Art and creativity

  • Take a walk through Kumartuli, the potters' colony known for creating Durga idols for the annual festival
  • Visit the Academy of Fine Arts, showcasing a vast collection of contemporary and traditional art
  • Explore the charming streets of South Kolkata, with its beautiful art deco buildings and quaint cafes
  • Visit the Indian Coffee House, a Kolkata institution favored by the city's intellectuals and artists since 1948
  • Have dinner at Oh! Calcutta, a restaurant showcasing traditional Bengali food with a modern twist
Day 4

Nature and spirituality

  • Drive to Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest mangrove forest in the world
  • Go on a boat ride to spot the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife species
  • Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple, an enormous complex dedicated to the goddess Kali with beautiful gardens and architecture
  • Experience the serene atmosphere of Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, overlooking the river
  • Catch a flight back home from Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, filled with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Kolkata

Welcome to the city where traffic jams are a valid excuse for being late to your own wedding and where every meal comes with a side of spicy tummy troubles. Get ready to explore Kolkata!

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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