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DURGA PUJA IN KOLKATA, INDIA 

A UNESCO INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE EVENT

 17-23 October, 2026

7 Days / 6 Nights | Prices starting from $2,750 / £2,000 per person

Experience the grandeur of Durga Puja in Kolkata, the world’s largest street art festival, where art, craft, devotion, and passion come together, transforming the city into a living masterpiece. Recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event, this epic 10-day durga festival in Kolkata is a magnificent cultural showcase unlike anything else in the world. For months, master artisans dedicate themselves to hand-crafting monumental pavilions and clay idols that honour the Goddess’s triumph of good over evil. What takes a full year to build is celebrated with millions of dazzling lights and mesmerising rituals before being immersed in the sacred river. It is a fleeting, awe-inspiring bucket-list spectacle you simply must witness yourself.

  Be a part of this 7-Days/6-Nights Durga Puja celebration with exclusive VIP access to the grand pavilions and heritage homes, captivating heritage walk through Kolkata, premium hotel stays, seamless private transfers, and a dedicated English-speaking expert guide.

UNESCO Intangible Heritage

Unlock Exclusive Festival Access

To experience this spectacular celebration of Durga Puja the way it deserves to be experienced, you need something special. From the moment you arrive to the moment you depart, every detail is handled with precision and care. We manage all the complex logistics, transfers, access, and timing,  so you can simply step into the heritage and let the festival take over.

Experience Highlights

Pavilion Visits: Explore contemporary and theme-based Durga Puja Kolkata pandals (pavilions) celebrated for their architectural excellence.

Heritage Home Access: Experience exclusive access to traditional Bonedi Bari Durga Puja in Kolkata, where the city’s oldest aristocratic heritage families host intimate, centuries-old rituals.

Age-old Traditions: Feel the rhythmic beat of traditional drums and deeply rooted rituals.

Vibrant Cultural Celebrations: Witness the electric energy of traditional drummers and be a part of the joyful vermilion celebration.

Kolkata Heritage Tour: Trace the city’s rich legacy through Dalhousie Square, the Victoria Memorial, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

River Cruise: Board a riverboat for a moving view of the Goddess’s grand farewell. 

Expert Guide: Navigate the Durga festival Kolkata effortlessly with a dedicated, English-speaking guide by your side at every step.

Day-wise Itinerary

UNESCO intangible cultural heritage

ARRIVAL IN KOLKATA 

Day 1: 17 October

• Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Check-in. Overnight stay in Kolkata.​

NORTH KOLKATA PUJA EXPERIENCE

Day 2: 18 October

• Visit 6 contemporary, theme-based pavilions (Pandals) with our expert guide’s insights.

• Overnight stay in Kolkata.

ARISTOCRATIC HERITAGE HOME VISITS

DAY 3: 19 October

• Set out early to witness the massive artistic installations. In the afternoon, experience 4 exclusive ancestral heritage homes (Bonedi Bari). Overnight stay in Kolkata.

SOUTH KOLKATA PUJA EXPERIENCE

Day 4: 20 October ​

• VExplore the grandeur of Durga Puja in South Kolkata. Visit 6 contemporary and theme-based Durga Puja pavilions (pandals).

• Overnight stay in Kolkata.

TRADITIONAL CELEBRATION & RIVER CRUISE

Day 5: 21 October

• Witness the tradition of the vermilion celebration (Sindoor Khela) where women celebrate prosperity by playfully smearing vibrant red powder on one another.

• Board an exclusive River Ganges cruise to witness the breathtaking immersion ceremony. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

KOLKATA HERITAGE WALK & SIGHTSEEING

Day 6: 22 October

• Trace the city’s colonial legacy on a Heritage Walk through Dalhousie Square, including the Writers’ Building, the GPO, and St. John’s Church.

• Explore iconic landmarks, including the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral, before discovering Shree Shwetambar Jain Pareshnath Temple. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

DEPARTURE

Day 7: 23 October

• Check out and transfer to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for your onward journey.

Pricing & Accomodation

With 4★ Hotel

Price starting from

 Note: 5% GST applicable.

Peerless Hotel

Kenilworth Hotel

Tollygunge Club

With 5★ Hotel

Price starting from

 Note: 5% GST applicable.

✓Taj Bengal

ITC Sonar

Hear From Our Global Travellers

Every year, our clients set out across the globe to find their escape. From crossing continents to discovering hidden gems, they have experienced the world with complete confidence and ease. Having had the privilege of catering to over 10,000 travellers, here is what our guests have to say about the flawless care, luxury, and unforgettable moments we deliver on every journey.

Why Travel With Flying Squirrel Holidays?

At Flying Squirrel Holidays, we believe every journey is special. For over 12 years, we have been designing handcrafted holidays that are as distinct as the travellers who embark on them. Our promise is simple- It’s taken care of. We have had the privilege of delivering top-class service to more than 10,000 happy travellers worldwide, and we would love to add your Durga Puja story to that list.

Curated Experiences: Your journey should be as unique as you are. Every moment is crafted to absolute perfection and designed entirely around your travel choices.

Luxury Travel Specialists: We believe how you travel is just as important as where you go. We begin by simply listening, taking the time to understand your vision before tailoring an itinerary exactly to your needs. Our experts have a deep understanding of destinations worldwide, built through personal travel and years of hands-on experience addressing the diverse needs and wants of our clients, ensuring every moment of your holiday feels indulgent and stress-free.

On-Ground Support: Travel with total reassurance. Our global support team is available 24/7, managing your logistics in the background so you can step into your destination stress-free.

FAQs

Do I need a Visa to travel to India?

Yes, most international travellers require an e-Visa or tourist visa to enter India. We recommend applying at least a month in advance.

What is the weather like in Kolkata during Durga Puja?

Durga Puja takes place during Kolkata’s autumn season in October, when the city enjoys favourable conditions for outdoor celebrations. The weather is generally pleasant, allowing visitors to comfortably explore the grand pavilions, cultural performances, and festive events.

Is it safe to navigate the massive crowds?

Absolutely. While the city gets busy, your expert guide and VIP access ensure you stay secure, comfortable, and free from heavy congestion at all times.

What should I pack?

Light, breathable cotton clothing is highly recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for Pandal hopping and heritage walks. Modest attire is appreciated when visiting temples and ancestral homes.

What exactly is a “Pandal”?

They are temporary, monumental art installations built from scratch to house the deity. It transforms the city of Kolkata into the world’s largest open-air art gallery. For its massive scale, the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata gained the status of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Are Kolkata and Calcutta the same city?

Yes. Kolkata was formerly known as Calcutta. If you are searching to experience the legendary Calcutta Durga Puja, you will be travelling to modern-day Kolkata. While the name has changed, the city’s incredible heritage, colonial architecture, and grand festive traditions remain exactly as they were.

Can I experience the festival without walking all night?

To beat the heavy evening crowds, you can explore the main art pavilions during the quieter daylight hours. Our itinerary also features exclusive access to the aristocratic heritage family celebrations (Bonedi Barir Puja) for a rare and deeply intimate cultural experience. 

Is the local festive food safe for European palates?

While street food is iconic during the festival, travellers can safely experience authentic festive Bengali meals like Bhog (sacred community lunch) or curated traditional Bengali platters in hygienic, air-conditioned settings.

What is the dress code for visiting the celebration sites? 

You are completely free to wear whatever comfortable, modest clothing you prefer during the celebration. We highly recommend choosing breathable, lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton that keep your shoulders and knees covered out of respect for the traditional festivities.

10 days of pure magic. 1 unforgettable journey.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Durga Puja in Kolkata, India, one of the world’s largest street art festivals.

Connect with us to receive the detailed itinerary and learn more about booking details. 

Call or WhatsApp: +91-8336978737  

Email us at: connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com

Accommodation and Daily breakfast.

Air-conditioned private vehicles as per the itinerary.

English-speaking expert guide throughout the tour.

VIP access to all Durga Puja pavilions (Pandals).

Entrance fees for the Kolkata tour.

Durga Puja Immersion Cruise (21st October).

Applicable taxes.

 ✘Airfares.

Lunches and dinners(Drinks unless specified).

Personal expenses.

Tips and gratuities for drivers and guides; Porterage fees.

Travel insurance.

Visa fees and processing.

Personal expenses such as telephone bills, room service, laundry, etc.

Waiting time and additional transfer charges.

Any services not mentioned in the inclusions or itinerary.

Secure your spot now for an exclusive Durga Puja experience.