Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kolkata, settle in, and take a gentle introductory stroll around the vast urban park known as the Maidan.
Morning
Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). Take a pre-paid taxi or Uber to your accommodation in the Esplanade/Sudder Street area, a central hub for travelers.
2-3 hours (including travel)
$10-15 (taxi)
Use the official pre-paid taxi counter at the airport for a fixed fare.
Lunch
Peter Cat
Indian, Continental, Famous Chelo Kebabs
Mid-range
Afternoon
Stroll the Maidan & Shahid Minar
Walk through the Maidan, the 'lungs of Kolkata'. See the colonial-era cannons, cricket matches, and the iconic 48-meter tall Shahid Minar (Ochterlony Monument). Soak in the open space and views of the Victoria Memorial in the distance.
1.5-2 hours
$0
Evening
Dinner at a Classic Restaurant
Mocambo on Park Street for its retro charm and famous dishes like Chicken a la
Kiev.
Where to Stay Tonight
Sudder Street/Esplanade (Mid-range hotel or heritage guesthouse (e.g., The Lindsay, Fairlawn Hotel))
Central location with excellent transport links, budget to mid-range options, and walking distance to Day 2 sights.
For your first taxi ride, have your hotel's address written in Bengali on a piece of paper to show the driver, as not all read English.
Day 1 Budget: $55
Explore the historic administrative heart of British India and the city's most famous dining and entertainment street.
Morning
Visit
St. John's Church, the third oldest in Kolkata, housing the mausoleum of Job Charnock. Walk past the imposing gates of Raj Bhavan, the Governor's residence modeled on Kedleston Hall.
2 hours
$2 (church entry)
Lunch
Indian Coffee House (College Street Branch)
Indian snacks, coffee, iconic intellectual ambiance
Budget
Afternoon
BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square) Walk
Walk around the square, marveling at the grand colonial architecture: the Writer's Building, General Post Office, and the majestic High Court. See the Lal Dighi pond and the statue of Bengali reformer Sri Ramakrishna.
2 hours
$0
Best explored on foot; be mindful of traffic.
Evening
Park Street Evening
Explore the lit-up Park Street. Have a drink at the historic Olypub, then dinner at either Kwality (for North Indian) or Bar-B-Q (for sizzlers and kebabs).
Where to Stay Tonight
Sudder Street/Esplanade (Mid-range hotel or heritage guesthouse)
Well positioned between the historic district and Park Street.
Look for the 'Blue Plaques' on heritage buildings around BBD Bagh for quick historical insights.
Day 2 Budget: $45
Dedicate time to Kolkata's most iconic landmark and the adjacent cultural institutions.
Morning
Victoria Memorial Hall & Gardens
Spend the morning exploring the magnificent Victoria Memorial, a marble museum and monument. Tour the galleries showing Kolkata's history from the British Raj to Independence, then relax in the large gardens.
3-4 hours
$5 (foreigner entry to museum)
Buy tickets at the gate. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Lunch
Within Victoria Memorial Gardens
Simple snacks and drinks at the garden cafe
Budget
Afternoon
Visit the
Birla Planetarium, one of the largest in the world, for a show (often in Bengali or Hindi). Walk through the Rabindra Sadan cultural complex, the hub of Bengali performing arts.
2 hours
$3 (planetarium show)
Check planetarium show timings in advance.
Evening
Dinner in South Kolkata
6 Ballygunge Place for an authentic and upscale Bengali dining experience in a heritage setting.
Where to Stay Tonight
Sudder Street/Esplanade (Mid-range hotel or heritage guesthouse)
Easy commute to the Victoria Memorial area via taxi or bus.
The best light for photographing the Victoria Memorial's exterior is in the late afternoon.
Day 3 Budget: $50
Experience the spiritual life of the Hooghly River and visit the fascinating potters' quarter.
Morning
Morning at Babu Ghat
Take a taxi to Babu Ghat. Witness the daily rituals of bathers and devotees on the Hooghly (Ganges). Walk along the Strand Road promenade for impressive views of the Howrah Bridge.
2 hours
$0
Go early (6-8 AM) for the most lively activity. Be respectful of worshippers.
Lunch
Dacres Lane
Local Bengali office-goer fare - rice, fish, lentils
Budget
Afternoon
Kumortuli (Potters' Quarter) Walk
Walk north into Kumortuli, the traditional clay idol-making neighborhood. Navigate narrow lanes lined with workshops where artisans sculpt magnificent Durga, Kali, and other deities. You can see work in progress year-round.
2 hours
$0 (tipping for photos is appreciated)
Go with a guide or be very polite and ask permission before entering workshops or taking photos.
Evening
Sunset at Prinsep Ghat
Head to the scenic Prinsep Ghat for a peaceful sunset view of the Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge). Enjoy a stroll along the river.
Where to Stay Tonight
Sudder Street/Esplanade (Mid-range hotel or heritage guesthouse)
Well-connected to the northern ghat areas by taxi.
In Kumortuli, look for small shops selling miniature clay souvenirs, a great alternative to taking photos of large, sacred idols.
Day 4 Budget: $40
Visit India's oldest museum and get lost in the world's largest second-hand book market.
Morning
Indian Museum
Explore the vast and slightly dusty Indian Museum, founded in 1814. Highlights include the Egyptian mummy, the Bharhut Gallery railings, the beautiful Mughal paintings, and the massive meteorite.
3 hours
$5 (foreigner entry)
The museum is closed on Mondays. Allocate time as it's huge and not all sections may be open.
Lunch
Golbari on Shyambazar (short taxi ride)
Famous for Kosha Mangsho (slow-cooked mutton) and parathas
Mid-range
Afternoon
College Street (Boi Para - Book Town)
Spend time in 'Boi Para', a kilometer-long maze of bookstalls and publishing houses around Calcutta University and Presidency College. Hunt for rare editions, academic texts, and Bengali literature.
2-3 hours
$0-20 (depending on book purchases)
Bargain politely. Most stall owners are knowledgeable and can help you find specific titles.
Evening
Coffee & Cultural Reflection
Return to the historic Indian Coffee House on College Street for coffee, adda (conversation), and to reflect on your literary finds.
Where to Stay Tonight
Sudder Street/Esplanade (Mid-range hotel or heritage guesthouse)
Walking distance to the Indian Museum and a short ride to College Street.
For a specific book, ask at the larger stalls like Dasgupta & Co. or the iconic Presidency Library stall.
Day 5 Budget: $50
A day of intense spirituality at the famous Kali temple followed by exploration of upscale South Kolkata.
Morning
Kalighat Kali Temple
Visit one of India's 51 Shakti Peethas, the ancient and powerful Kalighat Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The atmosphere is intense, with rituals, sacrifices (symbolic goats), and fervent devotion. Leave bags and leather items at your hotel.
1.5-2 hours
$0 (donations expected)
Go very early (6 AM) to avoid massive crowds. Hire a temple priest ('panda') to guide you through rituals if you wish (negotiate fee upfront).
Lunch
Bhawanipore area
Local Bengali meals at a 'bhoj' restaurant
Budget
Afternoon
Gariahat Market & Rabindra Sarobar
Experience the controlled chaos of Gariahat, a famous street market for saris, fabrics, and souvenirs. Then, find tranquility at Rabindra Sarobar (Lake), a peaceful man-made lake perfect for a walk or boat ride.
3 hours
$0-30 (shopping)
Be prepared to bargain fiercely at Gariahat. Keep valuables secure.
Evening
Dinner at a Modern Bengali Eatery
Bhojohori Manna in Gariahat for excellent, homestyle Bengali food in a contemporary setting.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ballygunge/Gariahat (Hotel in South Kolkata (e.g., The Peerless Inn, Lytton Hotel))
A change of scene to a more residential, upscale part of the city, closer to Day 7's sights.
At Kalighat, the queue for the main sanctum can be hours long. Consider doing a 'darshan' (viewing) from the outer courtyard, which is still a profound experience.
Day 6 Budget: $60
Look into the life and legacy of Bengal's Renaissance man, Rabindranath Tagore.
Morning
Jorasanko Thakur Bari (Tagore House)
Visit the ancestral home of the Tagore family, now the Rabindra Bharati Museum. Wander through rooms preserved as they were, see Tagore's paintings, manuscripts, and personal effects, and feel the creative energy of the place where he was born and died.
2-3 hours
$3
Closed on Mondays. Audio guides may be available.
Lunch
Burdwan Road in Shyambazar
Traditional Bengali sweets and snacks from iconic shops like Ganguram's
Budget
Afternoon
Rabindra Sarobar & Nandan
Return to the Rabindra Sarobar lake area for a more leisurely visit. Walk around the lake, perhaps rent a paddleboat. Later, visit Nandan, the West Bengal Film Centre, to see if any Bengali film screenings or exhibitions are on.
2 hours
$2 (boat ride)
Check Nandan's bulletin board for daily cultural events.
Evening
Cultural Performance
Attend a Bengali play at the Academy of Fine Arts or a Rabindra Sangeet (Tagore song) concert at Rabindra Sadan. Check schedules in advance.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ballygunge/Gariahat (Hotel in South Kolkata)
Close to Rabindra Sarobar and the cultural hubs of South Kolkata.
At Jorasanko, don't miss the small room where Tagore took his last breath. It's a simple, moving space.
Day 7 Budget: $45
Cross the river to Howrah for a giant banyan tree and a impressive universal place of worship.
Morning
Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden
Take a taxi across the Howrah Bridge to these large 270-acre gardens. The star attraction is the Great Banyan Tree, a 250-year-old wonder with a canopy covering 1.5 hectares. Enjoy a peaceful stroll among rare plants and lakes.
3 hours
$2 (entry fee)
The garden is vast; consider hiring a cycle rickshaw inside to reach the Great Banyan Tree.
Lunch
Basic snacks and drinks
Budget
Afternoon
Belur Math
Visit the global headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The serene campus on the Hooghly's banks has architecture that harmoniously blends Hindu, Christian, and Islamic motifs. Visit the main temple, the room of Swami Vivekananda, and the museum.
2 hours
$0 (donations welcome)
Dress modestly. Photography is not allowed inside the main temple or museum.
Evening
Ganga Aarti at Belur Math
If timing aligns, stay for the beautiful and solemn evening Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony) on the ghat at Belur Math. It's less crowded than Dakshineswar.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ballygunge/Gariahat (Hotel in South Kolkata)
Convenient for the return trip from Howrah and for the next day's plans.
Coordinate your visit to Belur Math to end just before sunset to experience the aarti. Check timings online or call ahead.
Day 8 Budget: $40
Another spiritual day at a famous Kali temple followed by the sensory overload of Asia's largest flower market.
Morning
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Travel north to the Dakshineswar Temple complex, where Sri Ramakrishna achieved spiritual enlightenment. The main temple, dedicated to Bhavatarini Kali, is set on the river with 12 identical Shiva temples along the ghat. The atmosphere is devotional but less frenetic than Kalighat.
2-3 hours
$0 (donations expected)
Visit early to avoid tour groups. The temple is closed from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Lunch
Local stalls near Dakshineswar
Simple Bengali vegetarian thalis
Budget
Afternoon
Mullick Ghat Flower Market
On the way back, stop under the Howrah Bridge at Mullick Ghat, a impressive, chaotic, and fragrant wholesale flower market. Navigate through mountains of marigolds, roses, and lotus blossoms being sorted, bundled, and sold.
1.5 hours
$0
Wear closed-toe shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Be mindful of porters carrying huge loads. Photography is allowed but be respectful.
Evening
Relaxed Riverside Dinner
Return to your hotel to freshen up. For dinner, try Kasturi on Ballygunge Circular Road for excellent Rajasthani and Bengali fare.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ballygunge/Gariahat (Hotel in South Kolkata)
A comfortable base after a long day of exploration in the northern parts of the city.
At Dakshineswar, walk to the Panchavati garden behind the temple, a cluster of five ancient trees where Ramakrishna meditated.
Day 9 Budget: $40
A day focused on art, colonial history, and experiencing the city's iconic tram network.
Morning
Park Street Cemetery
Explore this hauntingly beautiful 18th-century necropolis, the resting place of notable Anglo-Indians. The Gothic and Indo-Saracenic tombs, overgrown with moss, tell stories of Kolkata's early European settlers.
1.5 hours
$0
Open during daylight hours. A guidebook from the gatekeeper can be helpful.
Lunch
Flurys on Park Street
Continental, Bakery, Iconic English Tea Room
Mid-range
Afternoon
Tram Ride & Academy of Fine Arts
Board a heritage tram (Route 25 from Esplanade is scenic) for a slow, rattling journey through the city. Alight near the Academy of Fine Arts to view its excellent collection of Bengal School paintings, modern Indian art, and temporary exhibitions.
3 hours (including tram ride)
$0.10 (tram), $2 (museum donation)
Trams are slow and unpredictable but a classic experience. Have small change for the ticket.
Evening
Dinner & Jazz
Dinner at Trincas on Park Street, a legendary venue. Stay for live music if available, often featuring jazz or rock bands.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ballygunge/Gariahat (Hotel in South Kolkata)
Easy tram and taxi access to Park Street and the city center.
For the best tram experience, take the 'Heritage Tram' that sometimes runs on a curated route from Esplanade, or simply hop on any working tram for a local vibe.
Day 10 Budget: $50
Discover the opulent, decaying mansions of the city's Bengali aristocrats (zamindars).
Morning
Marble Palace
Visit the extraordinary, eccentric Marble Palace, a 19th-century mansion filled with European statues, Victorian furniture, paintings by Rubens and Reynolds, and a private zoo. Entry requires a permit obtained on the spot with your passport.
1.5 hours
$0 (mandatory tip for guide expected)
Open 10 AM-4 PM, except Mondays and Thursdays. You MUST bring your passport for the free entry permit.
Lunch
Local eateries in Shobhabazar
Bengali street food like kachori and jhalmuri
Budget
Afternoon
Walk through Pathuriaghata & Jorasanko
Take a guided walk or explore with a map to see other grand but often crumbling 'rajbaris' (palaces) of North Kolkata, like the Sovabazar Rajbari or the house of the Tagores at Jorasanko (exterior). See the unique architectural blend of Neoclassical and traditional Bengali styles.
2.5 hours
$0 (or $15-20 for a guided walking tour)
Consider booking a specialized 'North Kolkata Heritage Walk' for context and access.
Evening
Traditional Bengali Dinner with Music
Oh! Calcutta for a reliable and high-quality Bengali meal, sometimes accompanied by live Rabindra Sangeet.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ballygunge/Gariahat (Hotel in South Kolkata)
Return to the comfort and dining options of South Kolkata after a day in the north.
At Marble Palace, the 'guides' are mandatory but their information can be dubious. Enjoy the visual spectacle more than the historical narrative.
Day 11 Budget: $55
Explore Kolkata's fascinating multicultural layers through its Jewish and Chinese communities.
Morning
Maghen David & Beth El Synagogues
Visit the beautifully restored Maghen David (blue) and neighboring Beth El (beige) synagogues in the Burrabazar area. These are impressive testaments to the once-thriving Baghdadi Jewish community. Entry requires prior permission from the caretaker.
1.5 hours
$5-10 (caretaker donation)
Call the Jewish Girls' School (+91 33 2223 4293) a day in advance to arrange access. Dress modestly.
Lunch
Tiretta Bazar (Old Chinatown) Breakfast/Lunch
Authentic Chinese breakfast (pork buns, dumplings) from street stalls. Must go VERY early (6-8 AM).
Budget
Afternoon
New Chinatown (Tangra) & Seafood
Take a taxi to Tangra, the current hub of Kolkata's Chinese community, known for its tanneries and excellent Chinese restaurants. Visit the Sea Ip Church and explore the distinct neighborhood.
2 hours
$0
The area is industrial; focus on the main restaurant strip. Best visited before dinner.
Evening
Chinese Dinner in Tangra
Have a famous Kolkata Chinese dinner at either Beijing Restaurant or Kim Ling for dishes like Chilli Garlic Noodles and Sweet Corn Crab Soup.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ballygunge/Gariahat (Hotel in South Kolkata)
Good connectivity to both the central synagogue area and Tangra.
The Tiretta Bazar breakfast scene is for the adventurous and early riser. If you miss it, you can still see the area but the food stalls will be gone.
Day 12 Budget: $60
A final day dedicated to shopping for souvenirs, from handicrafts to fabrics.
Morning
New Market (Sir Stuart Hogg Market)
Get lost in the labyrinthine New Market, established in 1874. Shop for everything: spices, tea, textiles, leather goods, souvenirs, and Christmas decorations. Key sections include the Central Avenue for food and the surrounding lanes for clothing.
3 hours
$0-100 (shopping)
Bargain hard (start at 1/3rd the asking price). Nahoum's, a famous Jewish bakery inside, is a priority stop for brownies and fruitcake.
Lunch
Nahoum's Bakery or nearby street food
Bakery items, pastries, or Kathi Rolls from nearby stalls
Budget
Afternoon
Hatibagan Market or Dakshinapan
For a more local, less touristy market, head to Hatibagan in North Kolkata. Alternatively, visit Dakshinapan in South Kolkata, a government-run complex with fixed-price handicrafts from all over India, ideal for stress-free shopping.
2-3 hours
$0-50 (shopping)
Dakshinapan is reliable for quality but prices are fixed. Hatibagan requires bargaining.
Evening
Farewell Dinner
A final, special dinner at 1771, a rooftop restaurant with impressive views of the city, serving Indian and global cuisine.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ballygunge/Gariahat or Sudder Street (Hotel of your choice)
Depending on your flight time the next day, you may choose to stay in the south or move back to the central Sudder Street area for easier airport access.
At New Market, if you're serious about shopping, find a 'courier' (porter/guide) who can help you navigate and get better prices from shops they have relationships with, for a small fee.
Day 13 Budget: $70
Enjoy a final Kolkata breakfast and depart for the airport, reflecting on your two-week immersion.
Morning
Leisurely Breakfast & Last-minute Souvenirs
Enjoy a final, unhurried Bengali breakfast of luchi-alur dom or kochuri at your hotel or a local favorite. Do any last-minute souvenir shopping for packaged spices or sweets from brands like KC Das or Gupta Brothers.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Ensure you have confirmed your airport taxi in advance.
Lunch
At the airport or a quick bite before leaving
Varied
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport
Check out of your hotel. Allow ample time (2.5-3 hours before flight) for the drive to the airport, as Kolkata traffic can be unpredictable.
1-2 hours (travel)
$10-15 (taxi)
Use Uber/Ola or a hotel-booked taxi for reliability.
Evening
Departure
Flight departure. Consider buying last-minute books or snacks at the airport.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Pack your prized Bengali sweets (like sandesh or rosogolla) in your check-in luggage, as the boxes often contain syrup/ghee that may not pass security for carry-on.
Day 14 Budget: $30