Heritage Harmony: Colonial Kolkata, Artistic Bishnupur & Soulful Mayapur
Product Code : AGORA959
Embark on a 5-day cultural journey through Bengal, where colonial elegance, terracotta artistry, and spiritual serenity converge. Begin in Kolkata, unraveling British-era landmarks, grand cathedrals, and stories of saints and revolutionaries. Travel to Bishnupur to marvel at intricately carved terracotta temples and discover the legacy of the Malla kings and Baluchari weavers. Continue to Mayapur, the sacred heart of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, where the Ganges flows gently past vibrant temple complexes and devotional chants fill the air. With expert guides, curated stays, and immersive experiences, this tour offers a soulful blend of history, art, and faith. Perfect for cultural explorers and spiritual seekers alike.
Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata
- Arrive at Kolkata Airport and meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel.
- Check-in and relax at your hotel.
- Enjoy the evening at leisure or take a casual stroll along the Hooghly River near Princep Ghat or Millenium Park.
Overnight in Kolkata.
Day 2: Colonial and Historical Exploration of Kolkata
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive past the iconic Writers’ Building and General Post Office as you begin your exploration of Kolkata's colonial heart.
- Visit the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, to view ancient artifacts, sculptures, and the Egyptian mummy.
- Explore the marble-domed Victoria Memorial, built in honor of Queen Victoria, showcasing colonial art, relics, and history.
- Walk through St. John's Church, one of the earliest built by the East India Company, with historic tombs in its courtyard.
- Step inside the grand St. Paul's Cathedral, an Indo-Gothic Anglican church with beautiful stained glass and carvings.
- Visit Town Hall and Dalhousie Square for their colonial-era architectural charm.
- Drive past Fort William, still active as a military base, with restricted access but visible from outside.
- Conclude the day with a visit to the Mother Teresa House to learn about her life and humanitarian work.
Overnight in Kolkata.
Day 3: Kolkata to Bishnupur (approx. 140 km / 4 hrs)
- Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
- Depart from your hotel in Kolkata and drive to Bishnupur, a historic town renowned for its terracotta temples and heritage crafts.
- Visit Rasmancha, built in 1600 AD by Mallabhum ruler Bir Hambir, known for its unique pyramid-style architecture and arched galleries.
- Explore Jor Bangla Temple, showcasing traditional Bengal hut-style roofs, dedicated to Lord Krishna, and known for its rich terracotta detailing.
- Discover the intricate carvings on the Shyam Rai Temple, which features five spires and narrative terracotta panels depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- See the Madan Mohan Temple, built in the ek-ratna style with elaborate figurative terracotta panels.
- Walk through the Lalji Temple and Radha Shyam Temple, each offering quiet courtyards and rich architectural detailing from the 17th–18th centuries.
- Visit the Bishnupur Museum to explore regional manuscripts, musical instruments, and temple artifacts.
- Enjoy a visit to a local Baluchari saree weaving workshop to see the heritage textile craft in action.
Overnight in Bishnupur.
Day 4: Bishnupur to Mayapur (approx. 200 km / 5.5 hrs)
- Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
- Depart from Bishnupur and drive through scenic rural Bengal to Mayapur, the global headquarters of the ISKCON movement and an important Vaishnavite pilgrimage site.
- Arrive and check in to your hotel or guesthouse in Mayapur.
- Visit ISKCON Chandrodaya Mandir, the main Krishna temple complex in Mayapur.
- Witness the mesmerizing evening aarti and join chanting sessions with devotees from around the world.
- Visit Srila Prabhupada’s Pushpa Samadhi Mandir, a memorial to the founder of ISKCON with a beautiful garden and museum.
- Walk along the serene Ganges riverbank and enjoy views of the temple complex from across the river.
Overnight in Mayapur.
Day 5: Sightseeing in Mayapur and Return to Kolkata (approx. 130 km / 4 hrs)
- Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
- Visit the Goshala (cow sanctuary) within the ISKCON complex to learn about sustainable practices and sacred cow protection.
- Explore Yoga Peeth, the birth site of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the 15th-century saint and proponent of Bhakti yoga.
- Visit the Samadhi of Bhaktivinoda Thakur and Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, key spiritual leaders in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition.
- Enjoy the spiritual ambiance and peaceful ashram gardens.
- Drive back to Kolkata and transfer to your hotel or airport for onward journey.
- Private AC vehicle with professional driver throughout the tour.
- 2 nights accommodation in Kolkata, 1 night in Bishnupur, and 1 night in Mayapur (if option selected).
- English-speaking local guides for sightseeing.
- Monument entrance fees as per the program.
- Bottled drinking water in the car.
- All applicable government taxes.
- Any flight/train tickets.
- Camera/video charges at monuments.
- Meals unless mentioned.
- Personal expenses like laundry, tips, drinks, etc.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.