Dazzling West Bengal Cultural Tour - 6 Nights / 7 Days

3N Kolkata 1N Shantiniketan 1N Mayapur 1N Murshidabad

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

West Bengal, the land of art, intellect, devotion, and irresistible cuisine, offers an unforgettable sensory experience. This 7-day journey takes you through the state’s most vibrant cultural and spiritual landscapes, where every meal and monument tells a story.

Begin your exploration in Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, where British-era architecture, old temples, and legendary food stalls coexist. Savour the iconic Bengali dishes, from kosha mangsho and mishti doi to street-side kathi rolls and puchkas. Visit the revered Kalighat Temple and the artistic lanes of Kumartuli, where clay idols of gods come to life.

Move on to Shantiniketan, Rabindranath Tagore’s university town, known for its tranquil ambience, baul music, and tribal-inspired cuisine. Then head to Mayapur, ISKCON's international headquarters, where devotion meets global harmony amid serene temple chants and vegetarian feasts.

Your culinary experiences continue through Murshidabad, the former Nawabi capital, where Mughlai influence meets Bengali flavours, sampling delicacies like biryani, rezala, and chhanar payesh. End your journey with a river cruise on the Hooghly, reflecting on Bengal’s spiritual depth and its love for food.

This itinerary celebrates Bengal’s “Anand and Aradhana”, Joy and Worship, offering travellers a taste of divine culture, soulful cuisine, and timeless tradition.

Itinerary Highlights

Experience the best of West Bengal with your visit to Kolkata for its Food Trail, Kalighat Temple, Dakshineswar Temple, College Street, and Kumartuli. Visit Tagore Ashram in Shanti Niketan and grasp the beauty of the Hooghly River.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata−

Arrive in Kolkata, where heritage and flavour welcome you warmly. Check into your hotel and relax. In the evening, embark on a street food tour through Park Street and Vivekananda Park, taste authentic kathi rolls, puchkas, and fish fry. End your day at a traditional sweet shop, sampling rosogolla and sandesh.

Overnight in Kolkata.

Day 2: Temples of Kolkata+

After breakfast, visit the Kalighat Temple, one of India’s most important Shakti Peethas, and the Dakshineswar Kali Temple on the banks of the Hooghly. Later, explore Belur Math, the serene headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Lunch at a heritage Bengali restaurant serving thalis of rice, mochar ghonto, and kosha mangsho. Evening at leisure or optional Ganga Aarti experience.

Overnight in Kolkata.

Day 3: Cultural Heritage North Kolkata+

Explore the historic lanes of North Kolkata, visit Kumartuli, where artisans sculpt idols for Durga Puja. Continue to College Street, the world’s largest second-hand book market, and sip coffee at the century-old Indian Coffee House.

Afternoon cooking workshop with a local chef, learning authentic Bengali dishes like shorshe ilish and cholar dal. Evening free for shopping at New Market.

Overnight in Kolkata.

Day 4: Kolkata - Shantiniketan+

Drive to Shantiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore. Visit Visva Bharati University, Uttarayan Complex, and Kala Bhavana Art Gallery. In the evening, enjoy a folk Baul music performance followed by a dinner of local delicacies such as posto bora, dhokar dalna, and payesh.

Overnight in Shantiniketan.

Day 5: Shantiniketan - Mayapur+

After breakfast, drive to Mayapur, the spiritual home of ISKCON. Visit the Chandrodaya Temple, attend evening Aarti, and experience the devotional chants and kirtans.

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian prasadam meal at the temple kitchen. Optional visit to nearby Nabadwip, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Overnight in Mayapur.

Day 6: Mayapur - Murshidabad+

Drive to Murshidabad, the ancient capital of Bengal’s Nawabs. Explore Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque, and Motijheel Palace. Later, embark on a Mughlai food trail, tasting nawabi biryani, rezala, and sweet chhanar payesh. Evening boat ride on the Bhagirathi River to see illuminated ghats and heritage mansions.

Overnight in Murshidabad.

Day 7: Murshidabad - Kolkata Departure (Approx. 5 hours)+

After breakfast, drive back to Kolkata. En route, stop at the Hooghly Riverfront and Bandel Church, one of Bengal’s oldest churches.

Return to the city for a farewell lunch featuring your favourite Bengali dishes before your onward departure.

FAQs on Dazzling West Bengal Cultural Tour

What makes this West Bengal Cultural Tour unique?

This tour blends temples, heritage, food trails, and art experiences across Kolkata, Shantiniketan, Mayapur, and Murshidabad. Travellers enjoy authentic Bengali cuisine, spiritual visits, Tagore’s legacy, Mughlai traditions, and riverside heritage,offering a complete cultural immersion in just seven days.

How is the accommodation throughout the tour?

Guests stay in comfortable hotels across Kolkata, Shantiniketan, Mayapur, and Murshidabad. Stays combine modern amenities with local charm. Upgraded boutique or heritage properties can be arranged on request, depending on availability.

Does the tour involve long travel hours between destinations?

Travel hours are moderate. Kolkata-Shantiniketan and Shantiniketan-Mayapur drives take about 3-4 hours, while Mayapur-Murshidabad takes roughly 3 hours. En route sightseeing and food stops make the journeys enjoyable and comfortable.

What should I pack for this cultural and culinary tour?

Carry breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, light woollens (seasonal), a reusable water bottle, personal medicines, and modest attire for temples. Since many activities involve food and local markets, a small daypack is useful.

Are temple visits mandatory during this tour?

While temple visits such as Kalighat, Dakshineswar, and ISKCON Mayapur are core highlights, participation is always optional. Travellers may choose alternate nearby activities or simply explore the surroundings at their own pace.