A One-Day Travel Itinerary In Kolkata

The attractions of the City of Joy are manifold, to say the least. However, you might be on a time-leash, not allowing you the luxury to spend several days in Kolkata, for checking out all the major tourist destinations over here. In the current discourse, we will chalk out a model one-day itinerary for your short stay in Kolkata, which would give you at least an inkling of the varied charms of the city:

1. Plan a trip to the Dakshineshwar temples – Get your day off to an auspicious start, by planning a visit to the holy Dakshineshwar temples. Hire the services of any good car rental agency in Kolkata – and request the company representatives to send along the vehicle early in the morning (within 6-6:30am). Have a light breakfast, and then set forth to get a feel of the religious spirits of the city.

2. Visit the Zoological Gardens – Return from the temples at Dakshineshwar within a couple of hours or so, and head straight for the Zoological Gardens of Kolkata. The sheer range and variety of animal life at the Gardens would bowl you over. Take a few snaps – they will be your souvenirs of the city.

3. Have some snacks – You have been out and about since early morning – and by the time the clock strikes 10, you will start feeling peckish. Make sure that the chauffeur assigned to you by the car rental company in Kolkata is aware of the best cafes in the city. You can travel to the heritage-rich Coffee House, and have a couple of sandwiches, or opt to eat something at the more upscale Flury’s. Don’t forget to have the roadside tea though – it’s almost a part of the city lifestyle!

4. Head for the Howrah Bridge – You have seen it in pictures, so why not feast your eyes on the real thing as well? Start for the Howrah Bridge next, and be amazed at the sheer detailing and engineering wizardry that has gone behind the creation of this grand structure. Drivers from companies that provide car hire services would love to drive along the Howrah Bridge too – thanks to the well-regulated traffic here.

5. Have your lunch – There is no dearth of classy restaurants in Kolkata, and you can pamper your taste buds at any one of them during lunchtime. If you are game to splurging a bit, travel to Park Street, and have your lunch at any of the famous eating joints there. If you are a big fan of authentic Chinese cuisine, you can go to Chinatown as well. The pocket pinch would also be lower.

6. Return to your hotel and have an hour’s rest – Ask the chauffeur from the car rental company in Kolkata to drive you back to the hotel where you are staying next. Sleep for an hour or so, and request the reception staff to wake you up by 4pm. This little rest will help you to renew your sightseeing with fresh vigor!

7. Visit the Victoria Memorial – Kolkata’s favorite lovers’ joint. Sit down on the ground in front of this magnificent building, and have tea and peanuts (another Kolkata specialty). You will also find the exquisite carvings and designs on the walls of the Victoria Memorial to be impressive beyond words.

8. Catch a show at the Birla Planetarium – On your way back, ask the driver provided by the car rental agency in Kolkata to take you to the Birla Planetarium. If you are fortunate enough, you will be able to catch a nice, informative science show over there. If the show schedule is not convenient, come to the Science City, and check out some of the ongoing shows/exhibits.

Have your dinner at a well-known restaurant, and head back to your hotel. If your leaving flight is scheduled at night, return the rental vehicle to the office of the car hire services company on your way back. One day is hardly enough to experience all the charms of Kolkata, but following this itinerary would at least whet your appetite to come back for a repeat visit!

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