Kolkata, Sundarbans and Shantiniketan

Days 1 to 2: Kolkata

2 nights · Easy · West Bengal's capital on the Hooghly, known for colonial buildings, temples and Bengali food.

Day 1: Kolkata

• Morning at the Indian Museum near Park Street metro.
• Lunch on Park Street.
• Afternoon at the Victoria Memorial galleries and gardens.
• Evening walk at Prinsep Ghat.

Day 2: Kolkata

• Early start to Dakshineswar Kali Temple by train from Sealdah or by taxi.
• Take the ferry across the river to Belur Math before it closes at 11.30 am, or return for the afternoon opening.
• Back to the city for a Bengali meal and sweets.

Getting here from Kolkata: Road to Godkhali, about 3 to 3.5 hours, then by boat.

Days 3 to 4: Sundarbans

2 nights · Easy · A vast tidal mangrove delta south of Kolkata, explored only by boat, home to the Bengal tiger.

Day 3: Sundarbans

• Leave Kolkata early by train or car for Godkhali jetty.
• Ferry across to Gosaba and see the Gosaba heritage bungalows.
• Check in on Pakhiralay or Dulki and take an evening boat ride.
• Visit Sajnekhali Watch Tower and Mangrove Interpretation Centre before closing time.

Day 4: Sundarbans

• Start early on a hired boat with a forest guide, carrying a packed lunch.
• Stop at Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower.
• Walk the Dobanki Canopy Walk.
• Cruise past Panchamukhani; in season, continue to Netidhopani Watch Tower and temple ruins.

Getting here from Sundarbans: Back via Kolkata, then train to Bolpur, about 6 to 7 hours in all.

Days 5 to 8: Shantiniketan

3 nights · Easy · Tagore's university town near Bolpur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for art, music and red-earth woods.

Day 5: Arrival day

• Travel from Sundarbans to Shantiniketan (Back via Kolkata, then train to Bolpur, about 6 to 7 hours in all).
• Evening: evening at Srijani Shilpagram.

Day 6: Shantiniketan

• Morning visit to Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary at deer feeding time.
• Walk around the Visva-Bharati ashram area, viewing Chhatimtala and Upasana Griha.
• Afternoon at Rabindra Bhavana and the Uttarayan Complex (not Wednesday or Thursday).

Day 7: Shantiniketan

• Morning toto to Kankalitala Temple.
• Stop at Amar Kutir for crafts and lunch.
• Walk by the Kopai River.
• Afternoon at Sonajhuri Haat and the Khoai landscape, ideally on a Saturday.