Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata

• Morning: Arrive in Kolkata, the cultural capital of India. The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. You can also arrive by train or bus, as Kolkata is well connected.

  • Check-in at your hotel and freshen up.

• Late Morning to Afternoon:

  • Victoria Memorial: Start your exploration with a visit to the Victoria Memorial, an iconic white-marble structure surrounded by lush gardens. It houses a museum and offers insights into Kolkata's colonial past.
  • Indian Museum: Head to the Indian Museum, which is the oldest and largest museum in India, featuring a vast collection of art, fossils, and cultural artifacts.

• Evening:

  • Howrah Bridge: Take a drive to see the famous Howrah Bridge, one of the busiest bridges in the world, over the Hooghly River. It’s especially stunning at night when it’s lit up.
  • Mother Teresa's House: Visit Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity to pay tribute to her work, and explore the Missionaries of Charity Home.

• Night:

  • Visit Park Street for a vibrant evening, famous for its restaurants, cafés, and nightlife. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like Peter Cat or Flurys for some Kolkata specialties.
  • Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Kolkata to Digha

• Morning: After breakfast, head to Digha, a popular beach destination in West Bengal. It is approximately 4-5 hours by car (approximately 180 km) or you can take a train from Howrah Station.

  • Check-in at your hotel or resort in Digha.

• Late Morning to Afternoon:

  • Digha Beach: Start with a visit to the Digha Beach, where you can take a relaxing walk, enjoy the sea breeze, or indulge in beach activities. The beach is famous for its tranquil environment and gentle waves.
  • Talsari Beach: If you want a less crowded beach experience, visit Talsari Beach, located a little further from Digha. It’s perfect for peaceful walks and witnessing the beauty of the coastline.

• Evening:

  • Marine Aquarium and Research Centre: Visit this center to see marine life and learn about the aquatic biodiversity of the region.
  • Enjoy the sunset at Digha Beach, which is often a highlight of the day.

• Night:

  • Have dinner at a seaside restaurant and enjoy local seafood dishes like pomfret and hilsa.
  • Overnight stay at Digha.

Day 3: Digha to Gangasagar

• Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Digha and travel to Gangasagar. The distance between Digha and Gangasagar is about 100 km, and it will take around 3-4 hours by road. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus.

• Late Morning to Afternoon:

  • Gangasagar Ferry Ride: Upon reaching Frazergunj, take a ferry across the Sagar Island to reach Gangasagar, the confluence of the River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. The boat ride is an important part of the journey and offers beautiful views of the river and sea.

  • Gangasagar Temple: Once you reach Sagar Island, visit the Gangasagar Temple, dedicated to Kapil Muni. This sacred spot is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus, especially during the Makar Sankranti festival when thousands of devotees come for a holy dip.

  • Sacred Bath at Sagar: Take a ritualistic dip at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal, believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual purity.

• Evening:

  • Explore the beaches of Sagar Island and relax in the serene environment. The area is less commercialized compared to Digha, offering a peaceful escape.

• Night:

  • Enjoy a local meal in the area, featuring fresh seafood and traditional Bengali dishes.
  • Stay overnight in a basic guest house or hotel near Gangasagar (accommodation options are limited but functional).

Day 4: Gangasagar to Kolkata

• Morning: After breakfast, take the ferry back to Frazergunj, and then drive back to Kolkata.

• Late Morning to Afternoon:

  • On your return, you can either relax or do some last-minute sightseeing in Kolkata if time permits.

  • Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the banks of the Hooghly River. It’s a peaceful place for a spiritual retreat and has historical significance in Bengal.

  • Belur Math: If time allows, you can visit Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, which is located on the opposite bank of the Hooghly River. It is known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy a final stroll through the New Market for some last-minute shopping, or visit Kalighat Temple, another important religious site in Kolkata.
  • You can also relax at Eco Park or enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly River.

• Night:

  • Head to the Kolkata Airport or Howrah Station for your departure, bringing with you memories of a delightful trip through the cultural and spiritual heart of West Bengal.

Additional Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit these places is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.
• Local Cuisine: Don't miss the local Bengali cuisine, especially machher jhol (fish curry), mishti doi (sweetened yogurt), and rosogolla (sweet dumplings).
• Travel Tips:
  • In Gangasagar, basic amenities might be limited, so it’s advisable to carry essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen.
  • Public transportation from Gangasagar can be tricky, so it's better to hire a private taxi or arrange for a guide.