Bangalore to Kolkata road trip: Complete guide

Get ready for an exciting road trip from Bangalore, the bustling capital of Karnataka, to Kolkata, the vibrant metropolis of West Bengal. This journey will be full of stunning scenery, rich cultural experiences, and the thrill of the open road.

We’ll cover about 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) on our road trip from Bangalore to Kolkata, taking us through the heart of India’s diverse landscapes. We’ll drive through the lush hills of the Deccan Plateau, traverse the fertile plains of Andhra Pradesh, and navigate the bustling cities and serene backwaters of Odisha.

For this adventure, we’ll choose the NH16 route, also known as the Grand Trunk Road. This route is scenic and well-maintained, and it connects the two cities. It will take us through historic towns, vibrant markets, and breathtaking landscapes, making it the perfect choice for an enriching road trip experience.

The best route for a road trip from Bangalore to Kolkata is the NH16 route, also known as the Grand Trunk Road. This route offers a scenic and well-maintained path that connects the two cities. It takes you through historic towns, vibrant markets, and breathtaking landscapes while staying on well-maintained roads.

Route with the best places to visit along the way: Bangalore to Kolkata road trip

Day 1: Bangalore to Mysore

• Mysore Palace: This magnificent palace, adorned with intricate carvings and gleaming with gold leaf, is a must-visit for any traveler to Mysore.

• Brindavan Gardens: These sprawling gardens, a masterpiece of landscaping and horticulture, are a haven of tranquility and beauty.

Day 2: Mysore to Hyderabad

• Charminar: This iconic monument, with its four minarets reaching towards the sky, is a symbol of Hyderabad.

• Mecca Masjid: One of the largest mosques in India, Mecca Masjid is a stunning architectural marvel.

Day 3: Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam

• Ramoji Film City: This sprawling film studio and amusement park is a great place to experience the magic of Indian cinema.

• Borra Caves: These ancient caves, with their natural rock formations and stalactites and stalagmites, are a geological wonder.

Day 4: Visakhapatnam to Bhubaneswar

• Ramakrishna Beach: This popular beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.

• Kailashgiri Temple: This hilltop temple offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills.

Day 5: Bhubaneswar to Kolkata

• Lingaraj Temple: This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most important Hindu temples in India.

• Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: These ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6: Kolkata

• Victoria Memorial: This magnificent white marble monument is a symbol of Kolkata’s colonial past.

• New Market: This bustling market is a great place to find souvenirs and local handicrafts.

• Hatiya Park: This park is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and lions.

This is just a suggested itinerary, and you can customize it to fit your interests and time constraints. There are many other places to visit along the way, so feel free to explore and discover your own hidden gems.

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a vibrant metropolis and the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a city steeped in history and culture, with a rich blend of British, Indian, and Chinese influences. Kolkata is also home to a thriving arts and music scene, and is known for its delicious food.

Best places to visit in Kolkata

Victoria Memorial

This magnificent white marble monument is a symbol of Kolkata’s colonial past. Built in memory of Queen Victoria, the last Empress of India, the Victoria Memorial is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Howrah Bridge

This iconic cantilever bridge, spanning the Hooghly River, is one of the busiest bridges in the world. At night, the bridge is illuminated with colorful lights, creating a spectacular sight.

Indian Museum

This is one of the largest and oldest museums in India, housing a vast collection of artifacts from across the country. The museum’s collection includes sculptures, paintings, textiles, and archaeological finds.

Mother House

This is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, a Catholic order founded by Mother Teresa. The Mother House is a place of peace and tranquility, and visitors can pay their respects to Mother Teresa at her tomb.

Belur Math

This is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, a Hindu monastic order. The Belur Math is a beautiful complex of temples and gardens and is a popular place for meditation and spiritual reflection.

• Prinsep Ghat: This is a historic ghat, or bathing place, on the Hooghly River. Prinsep Ghat is a popular spot for watching the sunset, and is also a good place to take a boat ride on the river.

Eden Gardens

This is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world and is home to the Kolkata Knight Riders, a team in the Indian Premier League. Eden Gardens is a great place to experience the passion and excitement of Indian cricket.

New Market

This is a bustling market in the heart of Kolkata, where you can find everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to spices and food. New Market is a great place to bargain and experience the local culture.

Kumartuli

This is a neighborhood in Kolkata where artisans make and sell traditional Bengali idols. During the Durga Puja festival, Kumartuli comes alive with the colorful and intricate idols that are worshipped throughout the city.

Jorasanko Thakurbari

This is the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Prize-winning poet, playwright, and composer. The house is now a museum, and visitors can see Tagore’s personal belongings and learn about his life and work.

Science City

This is a science and technology museum that is a popular attraction for children and adults alike. Science City has a variety of interactive exhibits, and is a great place to learn about science in a fun and engaging way.

Kolkata is a city that has something to offer everyone, from history and culture lovers to foodies and cricket fans. With its rich heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and warm and welcoming people, Kolkata is a city that will leave a lasting impression on its visitors.

Best places to eat

• The Bridge: This continental restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere, outdoor seating, and Sunday brunch. It has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps
• Jam House: This casual restaurant offers Indian, Italian, and Chinese fare in a space with bold colors and music-themed decor. It has a 4.1 star rating on Google Maps
• Alfresco: This chic restaurant offers Anglo Indian, Tangra Chinese, Nawabi, and Bengali cuisine in a serene location. It has a 4.4 star rating on Google Maps
• Peter Cat: This legendary restaurant is known for its authentic Bengali cuisine and lively atmosphere. It has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps
• Mocambo Restaurant and Bar: This old-school restaurant is a Kolkata institution, known for its Mughlai and Chinese cuisine. It has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps

Local markets

• Hatibagan Market: This large market is known for its fresh produce, spices, and household goods. It has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps
• New Market Kolkata: This historic market is one of the largest in Kolkata, and it sells everything from food and clothing to electronics and souvenirs. It has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps
• Chandni Chowk Market: This bustling market is known for its textiles, electronics, and street food. It has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps
• Chowringhee Market: This market is a good place to find handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. It has a 4.1 star rating on Google Maps
• Esplanade Market: This market is known for its fresh produce, meat, and fish. It has a 4.4 star rating on Google Maps

These are just a few of the many great places to eat and local markets in Kolkata. With so much to offer, you’re sure to find something to your taste.