Navratri Tour in West Bengal

Arrive in Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, where the air is already alive with the spirit of Durga Puja. After check-in and some rest at your hotel, enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city with a short local tour. Begin exploring North Kolkata, where colonial-era buildings and traditional homes paint a nostalgic picture of Bengal’s past. Walk through narrow lanes glowing with early festive decorations and visit a few small pandals already coming to life with lights, artwork, and music. A quick visit to the Kalighat Kali Temple will give you the energy and the blessings for discovering Kolkata in all its glory.

Let your senses soak in the energy of the city, from street food aromas to sounds of dhak drums in the distance. Kolkata’s unique blend of heritage and festivity makes for a perfect start to this journey.

Overnight stay in Kolkata.

After breakfast, gear up for a visual feast as you head into South Kolkata, where some of the city’s most famous and elaborate pandals await. Each neighborhood competes to outdo the other with awe-inspiring themes - from mythological tales to global culture - crafted with bamboo, thermocol, and lights. Visit iconic sites like Deshapriya Park, Tridhara Sammilani, and Ekdalia Evergreen, where the celebration is as much about the art as it is about devotion. Witness how thousands of people come together in celebration, dressed in their festive best. Make a dash to the majestic Victoria Memorial and admire its architecture, blending British and Indian elements, which reflect the historical influences of the city. Try local snacks like kathi rolls and mishti doi as you explore pandal after pandal, each with its unique energy. As evening sets in, experience the vibrance of aarti ceremonies accompanied by conch shells and dhak beats.

Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Kumartuli, the legendary potters’ quarter of Kolkata. Here, generations of artisans craft clay idols of Goddess Durga, often commissioned by pandals and temples across India and abroad. Walk through the narrow lanes filled with half-finished idols, their faces slowly emerging from wet clay - an experience both spiritual and artistic. Take the local rickshaw to the Mother Teresa House. Missionaries of Charity has been 'home' to Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity Sisters since February 1953. Later, cross over to Howrah, one of Kolkata’s oldest colonial areas. Visit the Howrah Bridge, a cantilever wonder, and perhaps stop at Howrah Station, one of India’s busiest railway junctions. End your day with a riverside view of the Ganges as the sun sets over this bustling city.

Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Gear up for beginning your day early. After breakfast, set out for Shantiniketan, the cultural town founded by Rabindranath Tagore, about four hours from Kolkata. The drive through Bengal’s countryside is scenic, dotted with paddy fields and sleepy villages. On arrival, visit Visva-Bharati University, where Tagore’s vision of open-air education still thrives. Stroll through its peaceful campus and learn about Tagore’s life and works at the Rabindra Bhavan Museum. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Baul music, the soulful folk tunes of Bengal.

Overnight stay in Shantiniketan.

After breakfast, spend another beautiful day in Shantiniketan you can immerse yourself in the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore at Visva-Bharati University, where education, art, and nature blend seamlessly. Wander through lively local haats brimming with handmade crafts, soulful Baul music, and vibrant Santali art. All around, the peaceful red-soil paths and ancient trees offer a serene escape into Bengal’s cultural heartland.

Later, drive to Bishnupur, a hidden gem in Bengal’s heartland known for its unique terracotta temples and classical music. Once the capital of the Malla dynasty, Bishnupur’s temples date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are renowned for their detailed terracotta carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Visit iconic sites like Rasmancha, Jor Bangla Temple, and Madanmohan Temple. Explore the town’s quiet lanes, home to craftsmen making Baluchari sarees and traditional terracotta figurines. If time permits, enjoy a short evening classical music recital in the town known for its contribution to the Bishnupur Gharana.

Late-night travel to Kolkata and overnight stay.

This is an early day again! So have a sumptuous breakfast and leave for the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey by road leads you to a world completely different from the cities - tranquil rivers, vast wetlands, and dense forests. Upon arrival, check into your eco-resort. The rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy the local hospitality, hear folk tales of the forest, and prepare for your adventure into the wild the next morning.

Overnight stay in Sundarbans.

After an early breakfast, set off on a guided boat safari through the Sundarbans National Park. Navigate its intricate network of rivers and creeks, keeping an eye out for saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, and if you’re lucky, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. This is the only place on Earth where tigers are known to swim! Learn about the rich biodiversity of the region from naturalists on board and visit watchtowers like Sajnekhali or Sudhanyakhali for a panoramic view of the forest canopy. Listen to the tales of Bon Bibi, the forest’s guardian spirit, worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims. Return to your lodge for a cultural performance and a traditional Bengali dinner.

Overnight stay in Sundarbans.

This day starts early. We will begin our journey back to Kolkata and then to Darjeeling.

After breakfast, begin your journey north toward the foothills of the Himalayas.

A short one, our flight to Bagdogra airport will carry you nearer to Darjeeling. After you get down, you have a 2.5-hour-long but scenic drive through winding past tea estates, forested slopes, and charming hill stations. Stop for refreshments en route and admire the changing landscapes as you ascend. By late evening, arrive in Darjeeling and check into your hotel. The cool mountain air and tranquil surroundings offer the perfect welcome to this hill town.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Start your day early with a visit to Tiger Hill to witness a stunning sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range, the third-highest peak in the world. Return for breakfast, then take a ride on the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the quaint town with a visit to the Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region, and the peaceful Dali Monastery, home to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit a tea estate to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a fresh brew with a view.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

After breakfast, set out to discover more of Darjeeling’s charm. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded by Tenzing Norgay, and explore the Darjeeling Zoo, known for its conservation of high-altitude species. Walk through Chowrasta Mall Road, browse handicrafts, woollens, and souvenirs. Sample local Tibetan momos or Bengali sweets as you take in the lively atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed stroll through pine-scented paths with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Bagdogra Airport for your return flight to Kolkata. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight stay in Kolkata.

After breakfast, a morning visit to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, followed by a boat trip across the Hooghly River to Belur Math. Explore the temple complex, including the main shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali and other temples within the compound. Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the temple and surroundings. Goddess Kali holds a powerful and revered place in Bengali culture as the fierce form of the Divine Mother who destroys evil and protects her devotees. She symbolizes strength, justice, and feminine energy. The annual Kali Puja, especially in West Bengal, is celebrated with great devotion, lights, and rituals. Take a ferry or boat across the Hooghly River to Belur Math. Explore the Belur Math complex, including the Sri Ramakrishna Temple, Swami Vivekananda Temple, and the Ramakrishna Museum. Photography is generally not allowed inside Belur Math.

Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and spend the day as you wish. Visit Kolkata’s Indian Museum, the oldest in India, or take a guided heritage walk around College Street and its historic bookshops. For those interested in art, explore the Academy of Fine Arts or browse through the New Market for handicrafts and festive gifts. This is your last day to soak in the city’s old-world charm, colonial architecture, and artistic soul.

Overnight stay in Kolkata.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward journey. As you fly back, take with you the colours, sounds, flavours, and warmth of Bengal’s grandest festival and its timeless traditions. This Navratri has not just been a tour - it’s been a celebration of art, soul, and story.