Explore Kolkata: A 7-Day Itinerary for an Unforgettable Week

Known as the first capital of India, the cultural capital of India, and the city of joy, Kolkata. A city that is filled with history and culture. The city has a unique blend of colonial architecture, artistic spirit, delicious street food, and temples. Things2do has come up with a 7-day adventure that will guide you through the city’s hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable experiences.

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Day- 1

Start your morning with a sunrise at Princep Ghat, on the bank of the Hooghly River. Here, you can go on a boat ride and enjoy the morning sun kiss, and after that, by walking, head to Dacers Lane for a good street breakfast. If you want to see the third largest cricket stadium in the world, Edens Garden, and the oldest High Court in the country, you can simply take a bus or taxi from Dacres Lane.

Near Raj Bhawan, you can visit St. John’s Church, which was once the Anglican Cathedral. It was built by the East India Company in 1787 as the first public building. Here you will be able to attend morning prayer and explore the garden, memorials, and embossed artwork in the church.

For lunch, you can go to Nizam in New Market, where they have Kathi Roll, which is one of the famous food items. New Market is also famous for being one of Asia’s largest thrift markets and for antique items. Spend your evening at the Elgin Fairlawn Hotel, which is one of the oldest heritage properties near New Market.

Day- 2

It is a perfect way to start your morning if you’re a nature lover, as the Dhakuria Sarobar Lake was built in the early 1920s. The lake is in a park, and there is a path to the lake at the end, where you can walk. Almost every tree has a QR code that you can use to learn more about it.

For a good breakfast, head to Flury’s Cafe, one of the oldest cafes in Kolkata. The cafe offers a variety of pastries, cakes, cookies, and puddings made with traditional European recipes. In the next two kilometers, you can visit the Victoria Memorial, one of the largest monuments dedicated to one monarch anywhere in the world. After that, walk to Birla Planetarium, one of the largest planetariums in Asia, offering a spacious atmosphere to explore the wonders of the cosmos. In the evening, go to Trincas or Peter Cat for dinner, which have both been awarded several awards for the quality of their food. 

Day- 3

You can start your day by visiting the famous Jain temples of the city, like Parasnath Jain Temple, Shree Parshwanath Digambar Jain Mandir, and Swetamber Jain Temples, which showcase stunning architecture, often featuring intricate carvings, marble work, and beautiful frescoes. If you have come with friends and family, you can spend your entire day at either Eco Park or Nicco Park, which has a variety of roller coasters like the Giant Cyclone, carousels, water rides, toy trains, and kiddie rides. The park also offers various entertainment shows throughout the day, featuring magic acts, puppet shows, and dance performances. If you want to finish your day off with some clubbing or partying, there are several near Salt Lake City, New Town, and Park Street. Some of the popular clubs are The Irish House, Blue Nile Resto, and Blue Nile Restro.

Day- 4

If you are looking for adventure, you can visit South Park Street Cemetery because it was built during the British Period and is also famous for its paranormal activities. It offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and a touch of the mysterious, making it a popular spot for tourists and history buffs alike. Then head towards the north via metro and then visit the Jorashanko Thakurbari. It is the ancestral home of the Tagore family and the birthplace of the poet Rabindranath Tagore. It has been converted into a museum dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore. It houses a collection of his manuscripts, paintings, and other personal belongings. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase his life, works, and influence on Bengali culture. If you want to satiate your hunger after exploring a lot, you can visit Arsalan or Shairaz, your favorite restaurants serving Kolkata’s dum biriyani.

Day- 5

Visit Science City, the largest science center in the Indian subcontinent, which offers a variety of exhibits and activities. It features interactive exhibits, shows, and demonstrations that make learning about science fun and engaging for visitors of all ages. There they also have the Space Theatre, which features captivating shows about space exploration and astronomy using advanced technology.

Taking a cab will allow you to reach China Town-Topsia, which is right nearby, and you can have lunch there. Visit Salt Lake Stadium, the home ground of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan clubs, two of Kolkata’s oldest football clubs.

In the evening, spend some time at Nalban Park, which offers beautiful sunset views, especially from the palm-dotted areas. Visit JW Mariott too and spend a night there.

Day- 6

Start your day with the blossom of the flower market of Kolkata in Howrah and a beautiful glimpse of the famous and oldest bridge of Kolkata, built by East India Company, the Howrah Bridge, and also the Ganga River. From there, head to the botanical garden by bus or taxi to get a glimpse of a variety of rare plants, giving you a beautiful experience.

Visit Banjara Multi Cuisine Restaurant for lunch; this place is loved by the locals and will give you a variety of flavorful dishes. After the luscious lunch, visiting the Indian Museum is a must. It is the biggest and ninth-oldest museum in the world, spread over 900 square meters, and houses 35 galleries. It has Mugh contemporary works along with tribal artefacts like clothing, tools, weapons, and everyday objects used by various tribes in India. The museum also has so much more to discover, like the fossils and medicinal plants used in traditional Indian medicine. 

The museum and its beauty are the best way to end your day of exploring Kolkata, from some beautiful sights to amazing food and insights about Indian history.

Day- 7

Begin your day with the auspicious sight of Dakshineshwar Temple. This temple, situated on the side of the Hooghly River, is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is not only known as a religious site but also as a landmark for cultural and historical architecture. You can reach them via metro or skywalk. To enhance your morning, the cherry on top is the maha bhog prashad at the temple, for which you can buy a coupon at its office in the temple. There are several vegetarian food outlets within the campus itself. 

After a religious start to the day and a perfect lunch, take a ferry to reach Belur Math, which will give you an entire, mesmerizing view of the Great Ganga. It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda. You can also reach there by auto. The place has a beautiful garden and also has art galleries and shops to spend some time at. Also, do not miss the famous Belur Math Arti in the evening. It will bring a very peaceful end to your evening and week.

Phew, what a week! We explored tons of cool things, from historic sites to mouthwatering eats. By now, you’re probably a Kolkata pro! Kolkata has undoubtedly left its mark on you. From its rich history to its vibrant spirit, this city has a way of captivating hearts. We hope this itinerary from Things2Do helped you create lasting memories. Now it’s your turn to tell your Kolkata story! For more such interesting blogs and recommendations, do follow us on Instagram: @things2doinmumbai.

by Sagar Raj Singh

Content Writer at Things2do