KOLKATA - DURGA PUJA

WHEN KOLKATA COMES ALIVE

Experience Durga Puja from within

6 DAYS OF ART • CULTURE • FOOD • HERITAGE • PEOPLE • PANDALS • STORIES

STEP INTO THE SOUL OF KOLKATA

There are places you visit.
And then there are places you feel.

Kolkata during Durga Puja is one of them. For a few extraordinary days, the city transforms into a living celebration of art, devotion, food, music, heritage, craftsmanship and community.

This journey is designed to take you into the many layers of Kolkata from the artisans of Kumartuli and the grandeur of traditional Bonedi Bari Puja, to heritage landmarks, Bengali food, textiles, local crafts and the incredible creativity of Puja pandals.

We’ll walk through old neighbourhoods, discover stories behind traditions, taste our way through Bengal, witness the city’s festive energy and make space for the moments in between.

Because at Nroutes, we believe travel is not about how many places you cover.

It is about how deeply you experience a place.

Come curious | Come hungry |Come ready to celebrate.

And let Kolkata unfold, one experience at a time.

Highlights:

KUMARTULI - Walk through the lanes where generations of artisans create the clay idols that become the heart of Durga Puja.

BONEDI BARI - Step into the world of Kolkata's old aristocratic families and discover the traditions of heritage Durga Puja.

PANDAL ART - Explore some of Kolkata's remarkable Puja creations — each with its own theme, imagination, craftsmanship and story.

VICTORIA MEMORIAL - Experience one of Kolkata's most iconic landmarks and its connection to the city's history.

PRINCEP GHAT -Slow down by the Hooghly and take in a beautiful sunset boat ride.

SINDUR KHELA- Witness and participate in the vibrant farewell traditions of Vijaya Dashami, including the spirit of Sindur Khela.

DAKSHINESHWAR & BELUR MATH - Explore two important spiritual landmarks along the Hooghly and experience another side of Kolkata.

TEXTILES & ARTISANS - Visit a live Jamdani weaving unit and explore block printing, natural dyeing, screen printing, tie-dye, Shibori, Kantha and clamp printing.

KOLKATA'S MARKETS - Discover places like Dakhinapan and Gariahat for textiles, crafts, local products and shopping.

AND, OF COURSE… FOOD

From street food and Bengali flavours to curated meals and local dining experiences -  come hungry.

THE JOURNEY

DAY 1

• Arrive in Kolkata before 12 noon and settle in a hotel.
• We begin with lunch and an opening circle
• Later, visit the magnificent Victoria Memorial before stepping into the first evening of Durga Puja at Allen Park in South Kolkata.
• Explore street food of Vardan market

DAY 2

• Begin with a taste of Kolkata through its local street food.
• Then enter the fascinating world of Kumartuli, walking through its lanes and experiencing the artistry behind Durga Puja.
• Continue to a Bonedi Bari experience and discover the traditions of Kolkata's heritage Puja.
• As evening approaches, explore North Kolkata's pandals before heading to Princep Ghat for a sunset boat ride on the Hooghly.

DAY 3

• A festive morning followed by a curated pandal trail, exploring three selected pandals.
• After lunch, return to the hotel and get ready to step into the spirit of Vijaya Dashami.
• Join the vibrant atmosphere of Sindur Khela (Red Holi) at Madox Square, subject to timings.
• End the day with a local Kolkata dinner experience.

DAY 4

• Begin the morning at Dakshineshwar Kali Mandir, with time to explore local shopping options.
• Continue to Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and an important part of Kolkata's spiritual landscape.
• After lunch, take some time to rest before exploring Dakhinapan, known for its collection of state emporiums and regional crafts.
• End the day with dinner in South Kolkata.

DAY 5

• Today we slow down and look closely at the craftsmanship that makes Bengal so distinctive.
• Visit a live Jamdani weaving unit and discover traditional techniques including:Block Printing • Natural Dyeing • Screen Printing • TieDye • Shibori • Kantha • Clamp Printing
• Continue to a textile/artisan studio for exploration, shopping and special lunch.
• Later, visit Kalighat and spend some time exploring Gariahat.
• We close our journey together over a special dinner at a local home and Closing Circle.

DAY 6

• Enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast.
• Take some final time to absorb the city before we head towards the airport for your onward journey.

You came to experience Kolkata.

We hope you leave carrying a little bit of Bengal with you.

Dugga! Dugga!

BEFORE WE BEGIN

Flights

Durga Puja is one of Kolkata's busiest travel periods and airfares can rise quickly. We recommend booking your flights early.

Please plan to reach Kolkata by 12 PM on Day 1 so we can begin the journey together.

Festive Dressing

On Vijaya Dashami, we will experience traditional Bengali festive celebrations including Sindur Khela.

Bring along something red and white if you'd like to dress for the occasion - a saree, of course, is always welcome. If you cant still its ok

Pandal Experiences

Every pandal is different - in its art, scale, materials, theme and storytelling.

We may visit multiple pandals, but the intention is not simply to count them.

Pause. Look. Notice. Ask. Experience.

Flexibility

Festival crowds, timings and access can change in real time. Some experiences may therefore be adjusted based on the situation on the ground while keeping the spirit of the journey intact.

Community

Come open to meeting people, sharing stories, trying new food, walking through busy streets and being part of a small travel community.

THE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES

• Accommodation in Kolkata as per itinerary
• 3 Meals as specified in the itinerary
• Curated cultural and heritage experiences
• Pandal experiences
• Textile & artisan experiences
• Jamdani weaving visit
• Entry fees wherever mentioned/included
• Nroutes curation and facilitation

• Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights / travel to and from Kolkata
• Personal expenses and shopping
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Tips to guides/drivers/facilitators
• Additional experiences or sightseeing outside the planned itinerary
• Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Done Between 60+ Days Before the Trip

10% of the Total Package Cost will be deducted (admin fee).

Cancellation Done Between 45 – 59 Days Before the Trip

20% of the Total Package Cost will be deducted.

Cancellation Done Between 30 – 44 Days Before the Trip

50% of the Total Package Cost will be deducted.

Cancellation Done Between 15 – 29 Days Before the Trip

80% of the Total Package Cost will be deducted.

Cancellation Anytime in Between 0–15 Days to Arrival OR No Show

No Refund & 100% of the Total Package Cost.