A Weekend in Kolkata: Embracing the Cultural Charms of the City of Joy

Best Time to Visit Kolkata

Winters are the best time for a vacation in Kolkata. Between the months of October through March, the weather is delightful and festivities are happening all around, making this time ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures during this time fluctuates between 15°C and 25°C, offering a refreshing escape from hot and humid summers.

How to Reach Kolkata

• By Air: Take a flight to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, which has great connectivity from major cities in India and abroad. Once you land, hire a cab or use other public transportation to reach your accommodation.
• By Train: Kolkata is a major railway hub, with two primary railway stations - Howrah and Sealdah. These stations connect Kolkata to almost all major cities and towns in the country. You can choose either of these stations to arrive in Kolkata.
• By Road: Kolkata has a well-developed network of roads, and you can easily access the city by buses, private taxis, or your own vehicle. National Highways NH2, NH6, and NH34 pass through Kolkata, providing smooth connectivity.

Day-wise Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Discovering Historical Gems

Make an early arrival in Kolkata, freshen up at your accommodation, and have a heart breakfast for the busy day ahead.

• Morning: Our first stop is the exquisite Victoria Memorial. Featuring an eclectic blend of European and Mughal architecture that was heavily inspired by the Taj Mahal, the white memorial was built in 1901 in Queen Victoria's memory shortly after her death. Here, you will find aspiring artists painting, families playing in the parks, and photographers trying to capture perfect moments. The Victoria Memorial Hall is home to an amazing collection of original western and Indian paintings, rare photos, and manuscripts.
• Afternoon: Head to the nearby Indian Museum, the largest in the Asia Pacific and among the oldest in the world. The Asiatic Society founded this multifunctional, three-story museum, which is home to galleries featuring art, archaeology, geology, industrial, and zoological collections. In addition to a 4000-year-old Egyptian mummy, you will discover a sizable collection of unique antiquities, fossils, and other items.
• Evening: Princep Ghat, another gorgeous white edifice on the riverfront, is up next on our itinerary for Day 1. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the Hooghly River, while the setting sun paints the sky in hues of orange and pink. The stunning view of the Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge) adds to the enchanting ambiance. To witness the sunset and take in the chilly Ganges evening breeze, this is the perfect place for an evening of exploration.
• Night: If you’re looking for a nice place to eat, dine at Ballygunge Place, one of Kolkata's most well-known multi-cuisine restaurants. Mainland China, Spice Craft, and Kasturi, among other places, are just a few of the many dining options in the neighbourhood.

Day 2: Immersing in the Culture

• Morning: Day 2 begins with a visit to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, an iconic temple located on the banks of the Hooghly River. The temple’s magnificent architecture and serene ambiance evoke a sense of devotion and awe, making both pilgrims and tourists flock here in big numbers. The vibrant atmosphere, the sound of devotional chants, and the fragrance of incense create a spiritual ambiance, giving us a glimpse of Kolkata's rich religious heritage. The temple complex also includes twelve smaller shrines dedicated to various deities.
• Afternoon: Treat your taste buds to the flavours of Bengal with a traditional Bengali lunch at a local eatery. Savour delicacies such as Mishti Doi (sweet yogurt), Shukto (a mixed vegetable dish), and delectable seafood specialties. After lunch, head back to your accommodation for an afternoon siesta, which is sacrosanct in Bengali household.
• Evening: Treat your soul with a cultural extravaganza at Rabindra Sadan, where you can enjoy enthralling performances of Rabindra Sangeet (songs written by Rabindranath Tagore) and mesmerising dance recitals. The ambiance exudes an artistic aura, drawing tourists, art enthusiasts2, and artists in large numbers. Immersed in the beauty of the performances and surrounded by like-minded individuals, visitors can experience the essence of Bengal's artistic legacy here.

Day 3: Exploring the Soul of Kolkata

• Morning: Start your day with a quick visit to the renowned Kalighat Kali Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, one of the most revered deities in Bengal. The temple's vibrant ambiance, rhythmic chants, and the fragrance of incense create an atmosphere of devotion and reverence, which attracts devotees and pilgrims from all over the country. The iconic idol of Goddess Kali, adorned with flowers and ornaments, leaves a profound impact on visitors.
• Afternoon: Delve into the heart of Kolkata at College Street, the largest second-hand book market in India. Browse through the endless rows of bookstores, offering a vast collection of books on diverse subjects. If you’re a bookworm, this is the perfect place to get lost in the world of literature for hours.
• Evening: Conclude your weekend in Kolkata with a leisurely stroll along Park Street, a lively thoroughfare known for its vibrant nightlife and an array of restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Relish a sumptuous dinner at one of the many iconic eateries here while enjoying the city's buzzing ambiance.

Other Attractions

While it’s not possible to explore Kolkata fully over the course of 3 days, there are many other places in Kolkata that must be explored, if time permits. For example: Hogg Sahib's Market, Millennium Park, Jorasanko Thakur Bari, Potters’ Colony, Biswa Bangla Flyover, and Eco Park.

Conclusion

A weekend trip to Kolkata promises an unforgettable experience full of history, culture, and the warm hospitality that the city is known for. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a food lover, or someone seeking an enriching cultural experience, the ‘City of Joy’ will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your heart.