Kolkata Mahotsav - PI-072
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal comes alive during Durga Pooja. The entire city takes an off for almost a week. The frenzy and the magic of the festivities of going through the large pandals with beautiful idols of Ma Durga, flaunting newly acquired clothes and jewels, enjoying the traditional bengali cuisine, hogging on the famous bengali sweets or touring through various illuminated and decorated pandals to watch the on going cultural programmes, is an experince one can never forget.
Day 1: Kolkata
Saturday, July 12, 2014 - Sunday, July 13, 2014
Arrive and transfer from airport to Hotel. Traditional welcome upon arrival at Hotel.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 2: Kolkata
Sunday, July 13, 2014 - Monday, July 14, 2014
Morning half day city tour visiting
The Howrah Bridge an important landmark that denotes the city of joy. This hanging bridge is an architectural marvel of the country. The recently built Vidyasagar Setu, another architectural marvel, connects both the banks of the Hooghly River. Drive past the
Victoria Memorial built of White Marble. Inaugurated by the Prince of Wales in 1924 it has a statue of the Queen Victoria along with various other exhibits. Visit the Indian Museum and drive past
Dalhousie Square,
St. Paul's Cathedral, National Library, Shaheed Minar, Eden Garden, Fort William and the city centre.Afternoon free for shopping, golfing, exhibitions, museums or films.Evening observe the Durga Puja Festival. Enjoy arts, crafts, vibrant music and dances of rural Bengal.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 3: Kolkata
Monday, July 14, 2014 - Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Morning Cruise down to Ramakrishna Mission - Belur Math. Take a tram ride, taking you through old Kolkata, the imperial legacy of British Raj.Discover the myths and legends of the Mahotsav first hand from a guide. Visit Puja sites from the household to community style, from the traditional to the innovative. Witness rituals, interact with the organizers to understand the social significance of this festival. Experience the richness of rural Bengal and see illuminations and pujas by night.Enjoy sumptuous local cuisine in the dinner.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 4: Kolkata
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Enjoy the Navaratri festival in the morning. Afternoon witness the ritual of Sindur Khela (a vibrant play of colours) as the ladies bid goodbye to Godess Durga. Evening witness the wonderful Dussera Festival and later watch the amazing immersion ceremony of the idol in the river. Bid farewell to the city at a Grand finale at the hotel.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 5: Kolkata - Delhi
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - Thursday, July 17, 2014
Morning departure transfer to airport to leave for Delhi onward destination.
ORExtension can be made: Visit the nearby foothills of the Himalayas, see the majestic mountains. Enjoy an enthralling experience which you won't regret or forget!
