10 day itinerary for West Bengal

Itinerary

West Bengal is a vibrant state with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. Here’s a delightful 10-day itinerary that will let you explore the best of what West Bengal has to offer, all while enjoying your solo adventure!

## Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata

• Morning: Arrive in Kolkata, the capital city. Check into your hotel or a cozy guesthouse.
• Afternoon: Head to the iconic Victoria Memorial. Stroll through the gardens and soak in the architecture.
• Evening: Visit the Howrah Bridge and take a walk along the Hooghly River. Grab dinner at a local eatery and try some Bengali fish curry!

## Day 2: Explore Kolkata

• Morning: Visit the Indian Museum, one of the oldest museums in India. Don’t miss the Egyptian mummies!
• Afternoon: Explore the bustling streets of Chowringhee and indulge in some street food. Try puchka (pani puri) and kathi rolls.
• Evening: Head to Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Enjoy the serene atmosphere by the river and watch the sunset.

## Day 3: Kolkata to Sundarbans

• Morning: Take an early train or bus to Sundarbans. Check into a forest lodge or eco-resort.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride through the mangroves. Keep an eye out for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger!
• Evening: Attend a local cultural program or enjoy a quiet evening by the river.

## Day 4: Sundarbans Exploration

• All ## Day: Spend the day exploring the Sundarbans. Visit the various watchtowers, go bird watching, and learn about the local flora and fauna. Don’t forget your camera!
• Evening: Return to your lodge for a traditional Bengali dinner.

## Day 5: Sundarbans to Darjeeling

• Morning: Travel back to Kolkata and then take a train or flight to Bagdogra. From there, head to Darjeeling (about 3 hours by car).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. Enjoy the cool mountain air!
• Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along Mall Road and enjoy some local tea.

## Day 6: Darjeeling Sightseeing

• Morning: Wake up early for a sunrise view at Tiger Hill. The sight of the sun rising over the Kanchenjunga is breathtaking!
• Afternoon: Visit the Batasia Loop and the War Memorial. Then, head to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
• Evening: Enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea at a local tea estate.

## Day 7: Darjeeling to Kalimpong

• Morning: Take a scenic drive to Kalimpong (about 2 hours). Check into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery and the Kalimpong Science Centre.
• Evening: Explore the local market and try some momos (dumplings) for dinner.

## Day 8: Kalimpong to Gangtok

• Morning: Depart for Gangtok (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Enchey Monastery and the Ganesh Tok viewpoint for stunning views of the mountains.
• Evening: Explore MG Road, the main market area, and enjoy some local cuisine.

## Day 9: Gangtok Sightseeing

• Morning: Take a day trip to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. The lake is stunning, especially if you catch it with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
• Afternoon: Return to Gangtok and visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
• Evening: Relax at a café and enjoy the local vibe.

## Day 10: Departure from Gangtok

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, you can visit the Tashi View Point for one last look at the mountains.
• Evening: Head to Bagdogra for your onward journey.

Tips for Your Solo Trip:

• Stay connected: Keep your phone charged and have a local SIM for navigation and communication.
• Safety first: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
• Embrace the local culture: Don’t hesitate to chat with locals; they often have the best recommendations!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an unforgettable solo adventure in West Bengal! Enjoy every moment! 🌏✨