Introduction
West Bengal, a vibrant state in eastern India, is a perfect blend of culture, history, nature, and cuisine. From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the serene hills of Darjeeling and the tranquil beauty of Sundarbans, West Bengal offers a diverse range of experiences for a memorable family vacation. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed 7-day itinerary, food specials, estimated prices in INR, and essential cultural tips to help you plan your West Bengal adventure.
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Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata
Itinerary:
- Arrival: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
- Transfer: Check-in at your hotel.
- Explore: Visit Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and St. Paul's Cathedral.
- Evening: Stroll through Park Street and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Food Specials:
- Breakfast: Enjoy a light meal on your flight or at the airport.
- Lunch: Bengali cuisine at 6 Ballygunge Place.
- Dinner: Continental and Indian dishes at Peter Cat.
Estimated Costs:
- Hotel stay: ₹5,000 per night (mid-range family-friendly accommodation).
- Meals: ₹3,000.
- Local transportation: ₹1,000.
- Entry fees: ₹500.
Total: ₹9,500 per person
Day 2: Kolkata Sightseeing
Itinerary:
- Morning: Visit the Indian Museum and Marble Palace.
- Afternoon: Explore the Science City and Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity.
- Evening: Enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly River.
Food Specials:
- Breakfast: Complimentary at the hotel.
- Lunch: Street food at New Market.
- Dinner: Mughlai cuisine at Arsalan.
Estimated Costs:
- Meals: ₹3,000.
- Entry fees: ₹1,000.
- Local transportation: ₹500.
Total: ₹4,500 per person
Day 3: Kolkata to Sundarbans
Itinerary:
- Morning: Drive to Sundarbans.
- Afternoon: Check-in at your eco-resort and take a boat safari.
- Evening: Relax at the resort and enjoy cultural performances.
Food Specials:
- Breakfast: Complimentary at the hotel.
- Lunch: Local cuisine at the eco-resort.
- Dinner: Bengali thali at the resort.
Estimated Costs:
- Private car hire: ₹4,000 per person (including fuel).
- Hotel stay: ₹6,000 per night (mid-range eco-resort).
- Meals: ₹2,500.
- Entry fees and safari: ₹2,000.
Total: ₹14,500 per person
Cultural Tips:
- Respect wildlife: The Sundarbans is a sensitive ecosystem; follow the guidelines provided by the guides.
- Photography: Ask for permission before taking photos of local people.
Day 4: Exploring Sundarbans
Itinerary:
- Morning: Boat safari to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife.
- Afternoon: Visit local villages and interact with the community.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset boat ride.
Food Specials:
- Breakfast: Complimentary at the resort.
- Lunch: Packed lunch on the boat.
- Dinner: Seafood dinner at the resort.
Estimated Costs:
- Meals: ₹2,500.
- Entry fees and safari: ₹2,000.
Total: ₹4,500 per person
Day 5: Sundarbans to Darjeeling
Itinerary:
- Morning: Drive back to Kolkata and take a flight to Bagdogra.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Darjeeling.
- Evening: Check-in at your hotel and explore the local market.
Food Specials:
- Breakfast: Complimentary at the resort.
- Lunch: Light meal during travel.
- Dinner: Tibetan cuisine at Kunga Restaurant.
Estimated Costs:
- Private car hire: ₹4,000 per person (including fuel).
- Flight to Bagdogra: ₹5,000 per person.
- Hotel stay: ₹4,000 per night (mid-range accommodation).
- Meals: ₹2,500.
- Local transportation: ₹500.
Total: ₹16,000 per person
Cultural Tips:
- Local customs: Respect local customs and traditions, especially in the hills where the culture is distinct.
- Interaction: Be polite and courteous when interacting with locals.
Day 6: Exploring Darjeeling
Itinerary:
- Morning: Visit Tiger Hill for sunrise and panoramic views of Kanchenjunga.
- Afternoon: Explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
- Evening: Enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train).
Food Specials:
- Breakfast: Complimentary at the hotel.
- Lunch: Snacks at Glenary’s Bakery.
- Dinner: Traditional Nepali thali at Penang Restaurant.
Estimated Costs:
- Meals: ₹2,500.
- Entry fees: ₹1,500.
- Toy Train ride: ₹2,000 per person.
- Local transportation: ₹500.
Total: ₹6,500 per person
Day 7: Return to Kolkata and Departure
Itinerary:
- Morning: Drive back to Bagdogra and take a flight to Kolkata.
- Afternoon: Visit the Birla Planetarium and Kalighat Temple.
- Evening: Transfer to the airport for departure.
Food Specials:
- Breakfast: Complimentary at the hotel.
- Lunch: Light snacks or meal at a local café.
- Dinner: In-flight meal or airport snack.
Estimated Costs:
- Private car hire: ₹3,000 per person (including fuel).
- Flight to Kolkata: ₹5,000 per person.
- Meals: ₹2,500.
- Entry fees: ₹500.
- Local transportation: ₹500.
Total: ₹11,500 per person
Budget Summary
- Accommodation (6 nights): ₹29,000
- Meals: ₹18,000
- Transportation and Local Travel: ₹28,000
- Activities and Sightseeing: ₹8,000
- Miscellaneous (souvenirs, optional activities, etc.): ₹3,000
Total Estimated Cost per Person: ₹86,000
Conclusion
Planning a 7-day family trip to West Bengal requires careful budgeting and itinerary management. This guide covers all the essential details, from accommodation and meals to activities and transportation, along with cultural tips to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience. With proper planning, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable vacation in this culturally rich state.
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So, pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in West Bengal! And remember, while you're planning your travels, let Labh Wealth Advisory help you plan your financial journey.
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