Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Kolkata - Practical Tips for Travelers

13 Best Full-Day Tours In Kolkata (With Reviews & Prices)

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Kolkata is a city that refuses to be overlooked. Its mix of colonial grandeur, bustling markets, spiritual sites, and lively neighborhoods makes it perfect for full-day tours that go beyond the standard checklist. Whether you’re interested in iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial or the soulful offshoots of Mother Teresa's legacy, this city offers deep dives into its culture and history. What stands out is the variety—private guides that tailor your experience, colorful markets like Malik Ghat Flower Market, and spiritual sites such as Dakshineswar Kali Temple make each tour a personal adventure. If you want your Kolkata trip to be more than just a walk-by, these full-day options will help you truly understand this unique city.

Quick Overview

This list covers full-day tours that range from private sightseeing adventures, spiritual pilgrimages, street photography expeditions, to customizable experiences. Some tours focus on heritage sites like the Marble Palace and Howrah Bridge, while others immerse you in local markets and artisan neighborhoods such as Kumortuli. There are also spiritual journeys visiting Mother Teresa’s Mother House and Dakshineswar Kali Temple, as well as specialized photography tours. Each offers a distinct way to explore Kolkata, with different levels of customization and focus. Now, let’s look at each in detail.

1. Kolkata Full Day Sightseeing Including Mother House, Kumortuli and Flower Market

Kolkata Full Day Sightseeing Including Mother House, Kumortuli and Flower Market

This private tour is perfect if you want a flexible day exploring Kolkata’s must-sees at your own pace. You tell your guide what interests you most—whether it’s the Mother House, the flower market, or Victoria Memorial—and they craft a customized route for you. For around $84, you get return hotel transfers and the chance to visit lively spots like Malik Ghat Flower Market, Asia’s largest flower market, as it comes alive at dawn. Then, there’s Howrah Bridge, a cantilever marvel that’s more than just a traffic connector; it’s a Kolkata icon. The guide shares stories and details that make these sites come alive, making this a rewarding experience for anyone curious about the city’s pulse. With a stellar 5.0 rating from 104 reviews, it’s clear travelers appreciate the tailored approach. Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a personal touch and a deep dive into Kolkata’s sights.

2. Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Kolkata

Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Kolkata

For those who prefer a traditional but flexible sightseeing experience, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Kolkata’s highlights. It covers Mother Teresa’s house, the Indian Museum, Victoria Memorial, and Howrah Bridge, all within roughly 8 hours. The private vehicle and guide make it easy to navigate the city’s busy streets and tailor the day to your interests. The tour’s standout feature is the focus on India’s history, from colonial times to independence. The guide’s insights turn landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Marble Palace into stories, not just sights. With a perfect 5-star rating from 73 reviews and a competitive $70 fee, it offers solid value. Bottom line: Ideal for first-time visitors who want a balance of structure and flexibility.

3. Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour

Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour

This tour emphasizes immersion in Kolkata’s key attractions with a personal touch. Highlights include Mother Teresa’s house, Park Street Cemetery, and the Ramakrishna Mission Belur Math. It’s designed as a complete introduction, perfect if you’re short on time but want to see the city’s spiritual, colonial, and artistic sides. The guide customizes the itinerary, which is a plus for those with specific interests. Guests praise the knowledgeable guide and the comfortable AC vehicle. Starting at $90 per person, it’s slightly pricier but offers an all-encompassing experience. Reviewers mention that the guide’s storytelling makes the history come alive. Bottom line: Great for travelers eager for a well-rounded Kolkata experience with personalized service.

4. Kolkata – Sounds and Sights – Private Full Day City Tour

Kolkata - Sounds and Sights - Private Full Day City Tour

If you’re into authentic local sounds, vibrant markets, and artisan neighborhoods, this tour is a must. It combines visits to Malik Ghat Flower Market, Kumortuli, and College Street, with some time for sampling Bengali sweets and coffee. The guide helps you experience Kolkata’s chaotic beauty and artistic craftsmanship firsthand. The highlight is the visit to Kumortuli, where artisans craft clay idols for festivals. It’s perfect for those interested in local culture and traditional crafts. The tour is highly rated (4.5 stars from 93 reviews), and at $96, it’s a bit more expensive but rich in cultural insights. Bottom line: Best suited for curious travelers who want to see the city’s sound and smellscape.

5. Kolkata Daily – A Full Day Private Tour

Kolkata Daily - A Full Day Private Tour

This tour is perfect for a quick, all-encompassing snapshot of Kolkata. At just $53.92, it offers hotel transfers, visits to Mother House, and highlights like Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge. The tour is very flexible—you can decide what to see, and the guide will help shape the day accordingly. It’s ideal if you’re limited on time but want to hit the major sights. Reviewers like that it includes local sweets and street food, giving it a taste of Kolkata’s everyday life. Bottom line: Excellent for budget-conscious travelers who want a personalized, quick overview.

6. Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata

Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata

For a spiritual escape, this full-day trip takes you to Ganga Sagar, where the Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal. The tour includes temple visits, boat rides, and the confluence bath, making it a meaningful journey for pilgrims and curious travelers alike. It’s a longer day (about 10 hours) at $100 per person, focusing on religious rituals and scenic views. The tour’s uniqueness lies in the combination of spiritual tradition and sightseeing, with stops at landmarks like the Kapil Muni Temple and Sagar Light House. Reviews note the comfort of private transport and the enriching experience. Bottom line: Well-suited for spiritual seekers and those interested in environmental sites.

7. Kolkata: Full-Day City Tour for an immersive experience

Kolkata: Full-Day City Tour for an immersive experience

This tour packs in major landmarks like the Mausoleum of Job Charnock, St. John’s Church, and Victoria Memorial, with a focus on history and architecture. The highlight is the scenic boat ride over the Ganges, offering a different perspective of the city. It’s hosted by a tourism-approved company, ensuring quality. At $117, it’s on the higher side, but the inclusion of private transport and expert narration makes it worthwhile. It’s perfect for travelers who want an in-depth, guided exploration. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the well-paced itinerary. Bottom line: Best for history enthusiasts who want a thorough look at Kolkata’s colonial and cultural layers.

8. Monument Full Day Trip Including Mother House, Victoria Memorial With Lunch

Monument Full Day Trip Including Mother House, Victoria Memorial With Lunch

This private tour offers maximum flexibility to choose sites based on your interests, including temples, markets, and colonial mansions. It includes lunch, which makes it an excellent value for a full day out. For around $86, you get hotel transfers, admission tickets, and a knowledgeable guide. The itinerary highlights Victoria Memorial and Mother House, but you can customize your day to include other sites. Travelers appreciate the personalized service and the ability to skip less interesting stops. Bottom line: Great for those wanting a flexible, all-in-one sightseeing day with local cuisine.

9. Kolkata: Full-Day Spirituality & Temples Tour

Kolkata: Full-Day Spirituality & Temples Tour

This tour focuses on Kolkata’s spiritual side, visiting major religious sites like Kalighat Temple and Belur Math. It’s an 8-hour experience that combines temple visits, cultural insights, and a ferry ride across the Ganges. The tour is suitable for spiritual travelers and those interested in religion and tradition. Rated 4.4 from 18 reviews, it offers a balance of devotional sights and local culture. The focus on spiritual traditions makes it a unique way to connect with Kolkata’s soul. Bottom line: Ideal for culturally curious visitors seeking a serene, meaningful experience.

10. Kolkata Full-Day Street Photography Tour

Kolkata Full-Day Street Photography Tour

Photographers and visual storytellers will love this tour’s focus on capturing Kolkata’s chaos, colors, and character. It visits markets, streets, and neighborhoods like Malik Ghat and Sudder Street, with plenty of time for taking photos. The guide helps you find the perfect moments, making this perfect for amateurs and professionals alike. At $55, it’s a budget-friendly way to see the city through a camera lens. Reviewers say you get to see “the city of joy in its rawest form,” which is exactly what street photography is about. Bottom line: Best for creative travelers looking to document Kolkata’s lively streets.

11. Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour

Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour

If you want to see Kolkata through the lens, this specialized photography tour offers visits to flower markets, busy streets, and Victoria Memorial with plenty of time for photo stops. The guide’s focus on getting great shots makes it stand out. At $85, it’s slightly more than the previous, emphasizing the quality of your photography experience. Reviewers note the “stellar sights” and the chance to capture the city’s true vibrancy. It’s great for those who want a personalized photo adventure rather than just sightseeing. Bottom line: Perfect if you value visual storytelling.

12. Customized Full Day Tour of Kolkata With City Transportation

Customized Full Day Tour of Kolkata With City Transportation

This highly flexible tour lets you design your own day. You choose whether to visit temples, markets, or colonial sites, and the guide and driver help you get there with your own transportation or theirs. It’s ideal for travelers with specific interests or those who prefer to explore at their own pace. For $71.85, it offers the largest customizability with the convenience of private transport. Reviews mention how well it suits personal preferences and allows you to skip sites that don’t appeal. Bottom line: Best for independent travelers who want a completely tailored experience.

13. Kolkata Full Day Private Tour on Bike or Car

Kolkata Full Day Private Tour on Bike or Car

For a more active day, this tour offers the choice of exploring Kolkata by bicycle or car. It hits key spots like Mother House, South Park Street Cemetery, and Jorasanko Thakur Bari, with a focus on local neighborhoods. The 6–7 hour trip is perfect for those who want a more intimate, physical experience. The guide’s knowledge about the sites and the city’s storytelling skills make it a memorable ride. At $68.83, it provides excellent value, especially for those who prefer cycling or a more in-depth look at Kolkata’s streets. Reviewers praise the guide’s friendliness and knowledge. Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers and those curious about local architecture and history.

How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Kolkata

Selecting the best tour depends on your priorities. If you want a personalized experience with a flexible itinerary, Tours #1, #3, and #12 are excellent choices. For spiritual or cultural interests, Tours #6 and #9 offer dedicated routes. Photography enthusiasts should consider Tours #10 and #11 for their focus on capturing Kolkata’s visual vibrancy. Budget travelers will find Tours #5 and #4 provide great value, while those wanting to immerse in heritage may prefer Tours #2 or #7. Remember to check review ratings and consider the sites you’re most interested in.

When booking, think about your fitness level—some tours involve walking or boat rides—and the best time of day to see certain markets or landmarks. Early mornings are ideal for Malik Ghat Flower Market, and afternoons work well for temples and heritage sites. Planning ahead ensures you get the most out of your Kolkata adventure.

Final Thoughts

Kolkata’s full-day tours offer a rich variety of experiences—whether you’re after cultural insight, spiritual discovery, or street photography. For a personalized day, the Kolkata Full Day Sightseeing Including Mother House, Kumortuli and Flower Market ranks high, with its flexible itinerary and excellent reviews. If you’re pressed for time but want a broad overview, Tours #2 and #8 strike a good balance. For those interested in artisanal crafts or religious sites, Tours #4 and #9 are top choices.

Whatever your interests, booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. With such a range of options, you’re sure to find a Kolkata full-day tour that fits your style and makes your trip unforgettable.