Day 01: Arrive Kolkata Airport – Hotel Transfer (Approx. 18 Km | 45 Minutes)

Upon arrival at Kolkata Airport, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Relax after your journey before heading out in the evening to experience your first glimpse of Kolkata's spectacular Durga Puja celebrations.

Visit:

• Durga Puja Pandals – Explore beautifully decorated themed pandals showcasing incredible creativity, lighting, and artistic craftsmanship. Experience the festive spirit with devotional music and celebrations.
• Local Festival Streets – Enjoy vibrant markets, illuminated roads, food stalls, and the lively atmosphere that makes Kolkata come alive during Durga Puja.

Night Stay: Kolkata

Day 02: Kolkata Heritage Sightseeing & Kumartuli

After breakfast, proceed for a heritage tour of Kolkata followed by a visit to the famous artisan district.

Visit:

• Kumartuli – Traditional potters' colony where skilled artisans handcraft magnificent Durga idols using age-old techniques passed down through generations.
• Victoria Memorial – Iconic white marble monument showcasing colonial architecture, beautiful gardens, and galleries reflecting Kolkata's rich history.
• St. Paul's Cathedral – A magnificent Gothic-style church known for its impressive stained-glass windows and peaceful surroundings.
• Princep Ghat – A scenic riverside promenade along the Hooghly River, ideal for enjoying sunset views and festive decorations.
• Evening Durga Puja Pandal Tour – Visit some of Kolkata's renowned themed pandals to witness their unique artistic displays.

Night Stay: Kolkata

Day 03: Full Day Durga Puja Festival Experience

Today is dedicated to enjoying the grandeur of Durga Puja celebrations across Kolkata.

Visit:

• Major Award-Winning Durga Pandals – Explore some of the city's most famous pandals featuring innovative themes, artistic excellence, and elaborate decorations.
• Traditional Bengali Cultural Programs – Witness folk dances, devotional music, drama performances, and local cultural events organized during the festival.
• Traditional Bengali Cuisine Experience – Taste authentic Bengali delicacies and festive specialties at renowned local restaurants or food stalls.
• Evening Aarti & Dhunuchi Dance – Experience the spiritual atmosphere as devotees perform evening aarti accompanied by the traditional Dhunuchi dance.

Night Stay: Kolkata

Day 04: Kolkata Sightseeing & Evening Festival Experience

After breakfast, continue exploring the city's iconic landmarks before enjoying another memorable evening of Durga Puja festivities.

Visit:

• Dakshineswar Kali Temple – One of the most revered temples dedicated to Goddess Kali, located on the banks of the Hooghly River.
• Howrah Bridge (View Point) – One of India's most famous engineering landmarks and a symbol of Kolkata.
• Indian Museum (Optional) – India's oldest museum featuring impressive collections of art, archaeology, and natural history.
• Evening Grand Durga Puja Aarti – Visit another famous Durga Puja venue to experience devotional rituals, cultural performances, and festive lighting.

Night Stay: Kolkata

Day 05: Kolkata Local Experience – Departure (Approx. 18 Km | 45 Minutes)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and enjoy some free time before your departure.

Visit:

• New Market – A historic shopping destination famous for Bengali sweets, handicrafts, traditional sarees, and souvenirs.
• College Street (Optional) – India's largest book market offering a glimpse into Kolkata's literary heritage.
• Local Sweet Shops – Taste famous Bengali sweets such as Rosogolla, Sandesh, and Mishti Doi before your journey home.

Later, transfer to Kolkata Airport for your onward journey with unforgettable memories of the magnificent Durga Puja Festival.

Tour Ends

Durga Puja 2026 Dates (West Bengal)

The main Durga Puja celebrations in 2026 are expected to be as follows:

Best Time to Visit: 16–20 October 2026 (Shashthi to Dashami), when the city is at its festive peak with fully decorated pandals, cultural events, and traditional celebrations.

Important Tourist Information for Durga Puja Festival

1. Best Duration

• 5 Nights / 6 Days is ideal to explore Kolkata and enjoy the major Durga Puja celebrations comfortably.
  
  

2. Hotel Booking

• Book hotels 4–6 months in advance.
• Hotels near Park Street, Esplanade, Salt Lake, Ballygunge, and New Town are in high demand and rates increase significantly during the festival.
  
  

3. Flight & Train Booking

• Reserve flights and trains at least 3–5 months in advance due to heavy tourist and local travel.
  
  

4. Crowd Expectations

• Durga Puja is India's largest public festival, attracting millions of visitors.
• Popular pandals remain crowded, especially from evening until late night.
   

5. Best Time for Pandal Hopping

• Early Morning: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM (less crowded)
• Late Night: 10:30 PM – 2:00 AM (pleasant weather and illuminated pandals)
• Peak Crowd: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  
  

6. Dress Code

• Comfortable cotton clothing.
• Good walking shoes or sandals.
• Traditional Indian attire is popular during the festival.
• Carry a light shawl or jacket for late evenings if required.
  
  

7. Weather

• Temperature: 24°C–32°C
• Warm and humid with a slight chance of post-monsoon showers.
• Carry an umbrella or lightweight raincoat.
  
  

8. Local Transport

• Kolkata Metro is the fastest way to avoid traffic.
• Yellow taxis and app-based cabs are available but may face diversions.
• Walking is often the quickest way to reach famous pandals.
  
  

9. Photography

• Photography is generally allowed.
• Avoid using flash during religious rituals.
• Drone photography is prohibited without official permission.
   

10. Food to Try

• Authentic Bengali Thali
• Kosha Mangsho
• Fish Curry
• Kathi Rolls
• Puchka
• Rosogolla
• Sandesh
• Mishti Doi
  
  

11. Shopping

• Traditional Tant and Jamdani Sarees
• Bengali Handicrafts
• Terracotta Items
• Dokra Art
• Jute Products
• Bengali Sweets
  
  

12. Safety Tips

• Keep wallets and mobile phones secure in crowded areas.
• Stay hydrated and wear comfortable footwear.
• Carry a power bank for long sightseeing days.
• Follow police instructions and designated entry/exit routes at major pandals.
  
  

13. Festival Highlights

• Artistic theme-based Durga Pandals.
• Beautiful decorative lighting throughout the city.
• Traditional Dhunuchi Dance performances.
• Evening Aarti and devotional ceremonies.
• Cultural programs, music, and dance performances.
• Kumartuli artisan workshops where Durga idols are handcrafted.
• Sindoor Khela on Dashami, where married women apply vermilion to each other before the idol immersion procession.
  
  

14. Do's

• Respect local customs and religious rituals.
• Queue patiently at popular pandals.
• Try local Bengali cuisine.
• Carry cash along with digital payment options.
• Keep your hotel address and emergency contact handy.
  
  

15. Don'ts

• Do not touch idols or decorations.
• Avoid littering around pandals.
• Do not block pathways while taking photographs.
• Avoid carrying large luggage during pandal visits.
• Do not enter restricted or VIP areas without permission.
  
  

16. Government Regulations

• No permit or special tourist registration is required for Indian or foreign tourists to attend Durga Puja celebrations.
• Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (passport for foreign nationals).
• Security checks with bag screening and metal detectors are common at major pandals.
• Follow traffic diversions and crowd-control measures announced by Kolkata Police during the festival.
  
  
  

17. Ideal Tour Combination

A 5 Nights / 6 Days Kolkata Durga Puja Tour covering major pandals, Kumartuli, Victoria Memorial, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Princep Ghat, heritage walks, Bengali cuisine, cultural programs, and evening aartis provides the most complete festival experience.