Alluring Kolkata Durga Puja Tour - 5 Nights / 6 Days

5N Kolkata

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
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Sightseeing
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Wi-Fi

Overview

With Cholan Tours' Alluring Durga Puja Tour, experience Kolkata during the Durga Pujo. This UNESCO-recognised festival transforms the city into one large stage where artistry, spirituality, and celebration blend together. Each street, idol, and light has a story to tell of devotion, heritage, and creativity.

Your journey begins with Kolkata's heritage Bonedi Bari Pujas, where centuries-old families perform age-old rituals amidst regal courtyards. Then step into the city's pulsating heart: modern pandals that redefine imagination through architectural brilliance and social themes.

Witness the holy Pushpanjali offerings, the chilling beats of dhakis, and Sindoor Khela marking a sad farewell of the Goddess. Meanwhile, savour Bengal's essence: steaming phuchkas, fragrant biryani, and syrupy rosogollas - a blend of epicurean pleasure with festive delight.

The experience extends beyond the festival, explore the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Dakshineswar Temple; take a serene Hooghly River cruise at sunset; and shop for handloom saris and artisanal sweets. This immersive journey with Cholan Tours celebrates not just Durga Puja but also the eternal spirit of Kolkata, artistic, soulful, and endlessly joyous.

Itinerary

Durga Puja is the most looked-forward-to festival in Kolkata, from royal Bonedi Bari celebrations to the city’s most artistic pandals like Sree Bhumi, Ekdalia Evergreen, and Suruchi Sangha.

Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata−

Arrive in Kolkata, where your Cholan Tours guide greets you at the airport and helps you with checking into the Hotel. As evening descends, venture on a drive through the city’s illuminated city lights, Park Street, Esplanade, and BBD Bagh, glowing in a festive mood. The air hums with dhak beats and the scent of incense. Enjoy a traditional Bengali welcome dinner featuring kosha mangsho, luchi, and mishti doi at an authentic restaurant. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Day 2: North Kolkata Heritage & Bonedi Bari Pujas (Maha Saptami)+

Begin your festival immersion with North Kolkata’s timeless Bonedi Bari (aristocratic house) celebrations. Continue to Kumartuli Park, where idols are sculpted by master artisans, and nearby Ahritola Sarbajanin Durgatsab, one of the oldest and most revered community pujas. Walk through Bagbazar and Sikdar Bagan, rich in traditional charm and devotional fervour. Overnight in Kolkata.

Day 3: Central Kolkata Classics & Culinary Exploration (Maha Ashtami)+

Maha Ashtami marks the festival’s spiritual peak. Start at College Square, and sit beside the lake soaking in the grandeur of the pandals, then proceed to Mohammad Ali Park, renowned for its stunning architectural pandals. Visit Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty, famous for creative artistry and the rhythmic dhunuchi dance. Take part in Pushpanjali, offering flowers to the Goddess with hundreds of devotees. Afterwards, dive into Kolkata’s culinary lanes, taste hot kathi rolls, jhal muri, and iconic sweets from century-old shops. Evening cultural events feature Rabindra Sangeet and dance performances. Overnight in Kolkata.

Day 4: South Kolkata Splendour & Artistic Innovation (Maha Navami)+

Discover the modern artistic soul of Durga Puja in South Kolkata. Visit Ekdalia Evergreen Club, known for temple-themed pandals, followed by the magnificent Deshapriya Park and Singhi Park. Explore the grandeur of Sree Bhumi Sporting Club, and Suruchi Sangha, which showcases a new Indian state each year through art and design.

In the afternoon, relax with a Heritage Tram Ride or a Hooghly River Sunset Cruise, where the reflection of pandals dances on the water. Overnight in Kolkata.

Day 5: Bijaya Dashami – The Immersion of the Goddess+

This day brings an emotional crescendo as the city bids farewell to Maa Durga. Witness women performing Sindoor Khela, smearing vermilion in celebration, celebration of womanhood and togetherness. Head to Babughat or Princep Ghat to watch the grand idol immersion ceremony, where thousands gather with music, drums, and devotion.

For an exclusive experience, opt for a special immersion cruise on the Hooghly River with dinner, live dhak music, and panoramic views of the departing Goddess. The sight of idols gliding into the river under city lights is unforgettable. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Day 6: Beyond the Festival – Heritage & Departure+

After the festival, explore Kolkata’s landmarks, the majestic Victoria Memorial, the iconic Howrah Bridge, the serene Dakshineswar Temple, and the vast Indian Museum .If time permits, visit Lake Town Adhibasi Brinda and Nalin Sarkar Street to see their pandals based on social themes. Later, shop for handloom saris, terracotta art, and sweets at New Market or South City Mall. Transfer to the airport with festive memories that stay long after the lights fade, the sound of dhak, the fragrance of incense, and the warmth of Kolkata’s heart.

FAQs on Kolkata Durga Puja Tour

What is the best time to visit West Bengal for this tour?

October to March offers pleasant weather, vibrant festivals, and ideal sightseeing conditions. This season lets travellers enjoy cultural experiences, heritage walks, and delicious local cuisine in comfortable temperatures.

Are food tastings included in the package?

Yes, the tour includes curated food tastings, market visits, and interactive cooking sessions with local chefs, offering travellers a deep insight into Bengal’s diverse culinary heritage and regional traditions.

Can vegetarians enjoy the culinary tour?

Absolutely. Bengal offers an impressive range of vegetarian options including shukto, luchi alur dom, chhana dal, and temple cuisine all rich in flavor, tradition, and authentic Bengali essence.

Are all temples open to non-Hindu visitors?

Most temples welcome all visitors. However, some inner sanctums may be restricted to Hindus only. Respect local customs, dress modestly, and follow guidance from temple authorities while visiting.

Is transport included between cities?

Yes, all intercity and local transfers are included in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring convenience and safety throughout your cultural journey across Kolkata, Shantiniketan, Mayapur, and Murshidabad.

Are cooking workshops included?

Yes. Guests enjoy an authentic Bengali cooking workshop led by a local chef, learning traditional recipes, spice blends, and techniques used in everyday as well as festive cooking.

What type of accommodation is provided?

Expect boutique hotels in Kolkata, heritage stays in Shantiniketan, and comfortable eco-lodges in Mayapur and Murshidabad all chosen for charm, authenticity, and warm Bengali hospitality.

Is this a group or private tour?

The tour can be customized as a private, small-group, or family experience, with flexible pacing, personal guides, and curated activities tailored to traveller preferences and group size.

What are some must-try Bengali dishes on this tour?

Shorshe ilish, kosha mangsho, luchi alur dom, mishti doi, and chhanar payesh are highlights, representing Bengal’s perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and mustard-flavored culinary artistry.

Can this tour be extended to include Sundarbans or Darjeeling?

Yes, extensions are available. Add 3-4 days to explore the Sundarbans mangrove forests or Darjeeling’s scenic tea hills, creating a more diverse and enriching Bengal experience