WEST BENGAL

6 N / 7 D

Here's a 7-day itinerary for a tour of West Bengal, covering historical, cultural, and scenic destinations. Let me know if you want any modifications!

Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata – The City of Joy

• Morning: Arrive in Kolkata, check-in at the hotel.

• Visit:

  • Victoria Memorial

  • St. Paul's Cathedral

  • Park Street (breakfast at Flurys)

• Afternoon:

  • Indian Museum

  • Howrah Bridge & Princep Ghat

• Evening:

  • Dakshineswar Kali Temple & Belur Math

  • Dinner at a traditional Bengali restaurant (Oh! Calcutta / 6 Ballygunge Place)

Day 2: Kolkata to Sundarbans (Nature & Wildlife)

• Early Morning: Drive to Godkhali, then take a boat to Sundarbans National Park.

• Activities:

  • Mangrove forest exploration

  • Wildlife spotting (Royal Bengal Tiger, crocodiles, birds)

  • Visit Sajnekhali Watchtower

• Overnight stay in a jungle lodge/boat house.

Day 3: Sundarbans to Shantiniketan (Art & Culture)

• Morning: Return to Kolkata, take a train/taxi to Shantiniketan (3-4 hrs).

• Visit:

  • Visva-Bharati University

  • Tagore's Ashram

  • Amar Kutir (handicraft village)

• Evening: Baul folk music performance

• Overnight stay in Shantiniketan

Day 4: Shantiniketan to Murshidabad (History & Heritage)

• Morning: Drive to Murshidabad (3 hrs).

• Visit:

  • Hazarduari Palace

  • Nizamat Imambara

  • Katra Masjid

  • Kathgola Palace

• Overnight stay in Murshidabad

Day 5: Murshidabad to Darjeeling (Hill Station Beauty)

• Morning: Train or flight to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then drive to Darjeeling (3 hrs).

• Visit:

  • Mall Road & Chowrasta

  • Tea Gardens

• Evening: Enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea with a sunset view

• Overnight stay in Darjeeling

Day 6: Explore Darjeeling

• Early Morning: Sunrise at Tiger Hill

• Visit:

  • Batasia Loop

  • Ghoom Monastery

  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train Ride)

  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo

• Evening: Relax at Glenary’s Bakery

• Overnight stay in Darjeeling

Day 7: Return to Kolkata / Departure

• Morning: Drive back to NJP and take a flight/train to Kolkata.

• Evening: Last-minute shopping at New Market / South City Mall.

• Departure.

Alternative Destinations Based on Interests:

• Dooars (Jaldapara, Gorumara National Park) – For more wildlife.

• Digha/Mandarmani – If you prefer beaches.

• Bishnupur – For terracotta temples.

Would you like to customize it based on your preferences? 😊

Cultural & Historical Destinations

1. Kolkata - The cultural capital of India, known for landmarks like:

   • Victoria Memorial

   • Howrah Bridge

   • Dakshineswar Kali Temple

   • Indian Museum

   • College Street (book market)

2. Murshidabad - A historic town with places like Hazarduari Palace and Katra Mosque.

3. Bishnupur - Famous for terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees.

4. Shantiniketan - Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy, known for Visva-Bharati University and cultural festivals.

Hill Stations & Scenic Spots

1. Darjeeling - A charming hill station offering:

   • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

   • Tiger Hill (for sunrise views)

   • Tea gardens

   • Batasia Loop

2. Kalimpong - Known for monasteries, nurseries, and serene landscapes.

3. Mirik - A small hill station with Sumendu Lake as its centerpiece.

Nature & Wildlife

1. Sundarbans - A UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

2. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary - Famous for one-horned rhinoceroses and elephants.

3. Dooars - The foothills of the Himalayas, known for lush tea gardens and wildlife reserves.

4. Gorumara National Park - A paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Beaches

1. Digha - A popular beach destination with serene waters and seafood.

2. Mandarmani - Known for its tranquil beaches and luxury resorts.

3. Shankarpur - A less crowded beach for relaxation.

Spiritual & Religious Destinations

1. Dakshineswar and Kalighat Temples (Kolkata) - Important Kali temples.

2. Tarapith - A famous Shakti Peetha dedicated to Goddess Tara.

3. Mayapur - The global headquarters of ISKCON, a serene and spiritual hub.

Offbeat Destinations

1. Mukutmanipur - A serene retreat with a massive dam and tranquil lake.

2. Taki - A quaint riverside town near the India-Bangladesh border.

3. Lava & Lolegaon - Small, picturesque villages in the hills offering nature treks.

Adventure Activities

1. Rafting in Teesta River - For adventure lovers in the Darjeeling or Dooars region.

2. Trekking in Sandakphu - A trekker’s delight offering views of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

You can choose destinations based on your interests, whether cultural exploration, adventure, or relaxation, and enjoy the rich diversity of West Bengal at your own pace.