OT Travel Itinerary: 3 Days In Kolkata, The City Of Joy

The City of Joy, as Kolkata is referred to, radiates an indomitable spirit that intertwines history, art, and literature. The capital of West Bengal beckons with its colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, and a cultural landscape that has nurtured Nobel laureates and literary giants. From the iconic Howrah Bridge to the intellectual haven of College Street, every corner of Kolkata tells a story, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Bengal's capital. Here is a three-day itinerary that encapsulates the best of the city.

DAY 1

Start your day walking around central Kolkata, exploring the area around the historic Dalhousie Square, or Benoy Badal Dinesh Bagh. It is the core of Kolkata's business sector and a study of colonial architecture. According to the World Monuments Fund, Dalhousie Square is one of South Asia's few surviving colonial centres, and it is unique in India because much of its peripheral environment has survived. The buildings that line the square date from 1695 to 1947. Some of the notable structures are the Writers Building, the General Post Office, the Royal Insurance Building, the Royal Exchange Building, the Telegraph Office, Kolkata Town Hall, St John's Church, and others. The GPO has a small cafe and store selling stamps and other postal memorabilia.

Next move on to the Victoria Memorial. A symbol of Kolkata's grandeur, the Victoria Memorial is a majestic white marble structure that pays homage to Queen Victoria. Surrounded by lush gardens, the memorial houses a museum showcasing the city's colonial history. More info on the website here.

Address: Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Maidan, Kolkata

In close proximity is the Indian Museum. Established in 1814, it is one of the oldest museums in Asia. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including fossils, sculptures, and Mughal paintings, offering a glimpse into India's diverse history. Look out for the Egyptian mummy. More info on the website here.

Address: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata

Enjoy a tram ride. One of the oldest transport systems in Asia, the trams of Kolkata should be on your must-do list. The most picturesque routes is the one that goes to Kidderpore via the green Maidan and Victoria Memorial. You can also head to the Ballygunge Tram Depot and have some excellent coffee and snacks at the tram cafe there. Read more about the movement to save Kolkata trams here.

Break for lunch at Hashtag, which has a rooftop with stunning views of the area. Or hit up Sorano, a classy Italian joint with pasta and cheese made in-house. Check here for a list of restaurants with contemporary vibes.

After lunch, explore the area around Park Street—there are many atmospheric shops such as Sasha and Bengal Home selling interesting handicrafts.

You can't say you have done Kolkata if you haven't spent time by the Hooghly river that threads through the city. The best way to experience it is to walk the ghats as the sun sets. The most beautiful among these is Prinsep Ghat with majestic Gothic columns, Palladian entrances and fluted Ionian columns. The view is truly mind blowing from here with the shimmering river flowing in front, and the Vidyasagar Setu bridge towering above. Hire a boat or take a ferry ride or a river cruise on the Hooghly passing barges, boats, and old warehouses towards the magnificent Howrah Bridge.

Wrap up your day with dinner at the iconic Flurys in Park Street, which opened in 1927.

Address: Mother Teresa Sarani, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071

DAY 2

Start your day at the Jorasanko Thakurbari, a historic mansion located in North Kolkata, which served as the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The mansion, also known as Thakur Bari, was also the residence of Gaganendranath and Abanindranath Tagore, the founders of the Bengal School of Art. Today, the mansion has been converted into a museum that showcases objects used by the Tagore family members and their works.

Address: Ganesh Talkies, 267, Rabindra Sarani, Singhi Bagan, Jorasanko, Kolkata, West Bengal - 700007. Timings: 10:30am-5pm. Mondays closed.

Next check out the Marble Palace, one of the finest examples of 19th-century European architecture in Kolkata features lovely marble flooring and rich wall panels, rare works of art (including a Rubens and original Raja Ravi Varmas), and five grand halls (a reception area, a painting room, another for sculptures, one for billiards, and a place of worship). 

Address: 46, Muktaram Babu Street, Kolkata 700007.

Stop for a break at the Indian Coffee House. The walls of the cafe have overheard numerous passionate discussions and debates by figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Manna Dey, and Amartya Sen, as the place has been the hub for local adda-bazi. Explore the iconic College Street area after a coffee here.

Address: 15, Bankim Chatterjee St, College Square West, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073

Take a walk down the streets of Terreti Bazaar, India's oldest Chinatown. Check out the Chinese clubs and temples such as Gee Hing and Toong On. The latter was built in 1924 and had housed the famous Nanking restaurant where celebrities like Dilip Kumar, Meena Kumari and Shammi Kapoor used to hang out. The Sea Ip Church's antique wooden staircase is from China. Pick up spices, tea, noodles, dried mushrooms from Chinese provision stores.

Break for lunch at Eau Chew, a family-run eating house considered to be one of the oldest Chinese eateries in the city. The dishes here have been created with secret family recipes passed down through generations.

Address: 12, Ganesh Chandra Ave, Esplanade, Chowringhee North, Bowbazar, Kolkata

When you are in Kolkata, the city of intellectualism you have got to stock up on books. Pay a visit to Earthcare Books, located on Kolkata's Middleton Street, known for its carefully curated stock of books on the environment with selected titles from a number of small, independent publishers, especially in the alternative sector. These are rarely found elsewhere under one roof. Read more about it here.

Address: Earthcare bookstore, 10, Middleton St, near Maidan, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071

Do some shopping at New Market. Established in 1874, New Market was formerly known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market. Situated on Lindsay Street, it is a bustling shopping destination offering a variety of goods in different sections, including all kinds of food items, clothing, accessories, and handicrafts. Some things to pick up from here is the distinctive Bandel cheese, silver from the Tibetan silver stores, Shantiniketan leather goods, and hand embroidered bed and table linen.

DAY 3

Start your day early with a walk around the Lakes (or Rabindra Sorobor). Located in the heart of south Kolkata, this is a cluster of water bodies with pathways for walking and jogging, clusters of trees, a stage for concerts, swimming pools and clubs.

Have brunch, and do some shopping, at Byloom. This boutique in South Kolkata's Hindustan Park area is known for their signature handloom sarees, stoles, dresses, tee-shirts, shirts, and kurtas. Tucked inside is the Byloom Canteen which offers a range of handcrafted beverages perfect for the heat and dust, Darjeeling tea, coffee, sandwiches, and Bangla snacks (think Kolkata's famous chop-cutlets, luchi-mangsho, fish fry, and more).

Address: 58b, Hindustan Park Rd, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029

Next walk around immersing in the charm of more old houses. Kolkata is the only city in India which has still held on to a huge number of old buildings dating back centuries. Take a walk along areas like Harish Mukherjee Road and Hindustan Park and you will come across many such structures. Several of these places have been converted into cafes and eateries. Check here for a list.

If you have more things and people to shop for, hit up Dakshinapan Shopping Complex, a government-run place showcasing traditional handicrafts, textiles, and artifacts from different regions of India.

Address: Off Dhakuria Bridge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700068

Check here for a list of interesting things to pick up in Kolkata. Bengalis are renowned for their love of sweets. When in Kolkata, be sure to try some of the best Bengali sweets, or mishti, at these iconic shops.

This is your last day and last dinner, so make it count. Kolkata is known as a hub of good food, a result of the many culinary influences of different communities over centuries. The city made it to the list of great global food destinations compiled by Eater, the award-winning digital media brand that publishes a list of the world's best culinary destinations every year. For Bengali food, try 6 Ballygunge Place. This is a chain now but the original is nestled in a heritage house, and serves authentic Bengali cuisine in a nostalgic setting. The restaurant is known for its traditional thalis and seafood delicacies. More info on their website here.

Address: 6, Dr Amiya Bose Sarani Rd, near Patha Bhavan School, Ballygunge Place, Ballygunge, Kolkata

Kolkata is known for its Awadhi-style biryani. Royal Indian Hotel serves up a saffron hued plate. Have it with a side of their famous mutton chaap. Though the original outlet is in North Kolkata, the one near Park Circus crossing is the one to go to.

Address: 24 A, Syed Amir Ali Ave, Lower Range, Park Circus, Ballygunge, Kolkata

Where To Stay

Kolkata offer a range of accommodation options from luxury to homestays and guest houses. Here are some.

The Oberoi Grand: A colonial-era masterpiece, The Oberoi Grand offers luxurious rooms, fine dining experiences, and a central location in the heart of Kolkata. More about the property and prices here.

Address: 15, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata

ITC Sonar: Nestled amidst acres of greenery, ITC Sonar is a luxury hotel with modern amenities, spacious rooms, and a tranquil ambiance. More about the property and prices here.

Address: 1, JBS Haldane Ave, Tangra, Kolkata

Metropole: Located in South Kolkata off Deshopriyo Park crossing, Metropole is ideal for leisure and business travellers alike. The multi-cuisine restaurant-bar and cafe at Metropole attracts local residents regularly. More about the property and prices here.

Address: 174 Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata

Calcutta Bungalow: Several colonial era bungalows have been restored and transformed into atmospheric boutique stays. One such is the Calcutta Bungalow, a popular B&B in a characteristic 1920s building. More about the property and prices here. Check here for a list of similar heritage stays in Kolkata.

Address: 5, Radha Kanta Jew St, Fariapukur, Shyam Bazar, Kolkata

Getting There

If you're flying, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is the primary gateway. Alternatively, the city is well-connected by rail, with Howrah and Sealdah major railway stations. Bus services and private vehicles also ply on well-maintained roads.

Best Time To Go

Winter is the best time, from October end till February. Kolkata remains hot and humid from March end to around mid June.