A Perfect 2-Day Family Getaway in Kolkata

Our recent 2-day trip to Kolkata was nothing short of magical. As a family, we were looking for a mix of culture, history, and fun, and Kolkata delivered on all fronts. Traveling with my wife and our son, Maahi, we curated an itinerary that was both informative and entertaining, ensuring Maahi had an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Kolkata

We kicked off our adventure with a city tour starting at the National Museum. The museum offered a glimpse into India’s rich history, and Maahi was fascinated by the ancient artifacts and exhibits. From there, we headed to the iconic Victoria Memorial, where the grandeur of the British Raj era left us in awe. The lush gardens surrounding the memorial were perfect for a leisurely stroll.

After soaking in the history at Victoria Memorial, we made our way to the Birla Planetarium. We were excited for the show, but right after it ended, the skies opened up with a downpour. It was like a monsoon burst, and we found ourselves stuck in the planetarium lobby along with many others. As we waited for the rain to stop, everyone seemed to share the same weekend frustration—plans interrupted by Mother Nature.

But then something unexpected happened. Among the crowd, I spotted an old college mate, Ramshankar. It had been 17 years since we graduated, and the rainstorm turned into an impromptu reunion. We spent the hour catching up, sharing memories, and laughing about our college days. It was one of those moments where being stuck actually became a blessing. As the rain finally started to ease, we decided it was time to continue our journey.

We booked a taxi to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, but as luck would have it, the rain returned with a vengeance. The streets began to flood, and soon our taxi driver was nervously asking if we wanted to turn back. It became clear that reaching the temple in these conditions wasn’t going to be possible, so we agreed to be dropped off at a nearby restaurant.

Stepping out of the taxi, we found ourselves ankle-deep in water. Maahi, who had insisted on wearing shoes instead of sandals, suddenly found the situation amusing. As we looked around, we noticed the locals were completely unfazed by the waterlogged streets. People in suits and office attire casually walked through the water, shoes in one hand, briefcase in the other, chatting as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Realizing we were the ones out of sync, we quickly joined in, taking off our shoes and walking barefoot through the streets. Maahi thought it was the funniest thing, and it turned what could have been a frustrating situation into a fun family adventure.

When the rain finally stopped, we made our way to Prinsep Ghat for a quiet evening by the river. The atmosphere was serene, and we enjoyed some delicious street food, including an unforgettable pav bhaji that hit the spot.

Day 2: A Divine and Tranquil Experience

The next day, we were determined to make the most of our time, focusing on the major spots we had planned. We began with a visit to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in the morning. The temple’s divine energy was palpable, and the early morning atmosphere added to the serenity. From there, we took a jetty ride across the Ganges to Belur Math. The ride was a highlight for Maahi, who enjoyed the gentle sway of the boat and the scenic views along the way.

Belur Math, with its tranquil surroundings, offered a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The sense of calm and spirituality here made us feel like we could stay forever. The architecture was a testament to India’s cultural harmony.

After this soulful experience, we decided to add a bit of excitement to our day by visiting Science City. This interactive science museum was a hit with Maahi, especially the Space Odyssey section. The highlight was undoubtedly the Space Voyage show—an immersive journey through the universe that left all of us in awe. Maahi was particularly captivated by the visual effects and the thrilling exploration of planets and stars. It was an educational experience wrapped in a spectacle, and it sparked endless curiosity in Maahi, who couldn’t stop talking about the mysteries of space.

Our day wrapped up with a visit to a trampoline park where Maahi got to burn off some energy with a lot of laughter and fun. It was the perfect way to balance the day’s spiritual and educational experiences with some pure joyous play.

We indulged in some retail therapy at Dharmatala, one of Kolkata’s busiest shopping areas. The vibrant markets offered everything from traditional Bengali sarees to modern fashion. Of course, no trip to Kolkata is complete without savoring its culinary delights, and we treated ourselves to authentic Bengali dishes.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Itinerary

Staying at the YMCA Guest House at Esplanade was an excellent choice. Its central location allowed us to cover many of Kolkata’s major attractions with ease. The surrounding area was always buzzing with life, and we had our pick of nearby food joints to explore.

Our trip to Kolkata was the perfect blend of culture, history, and fun. In just two days, we managed to cover so many important places, each offering a unique experience. Whether it was the historical charm of Victoria Memorial, the scientific wonders at Science City, or the spiritual peace at Belur Math, every moment was special. For Maahi, the trip was filled with joy and discovery, making it a truly memorable family getaway.