Explore Kolkata’s heritage with a tram museum tour and underwater metro ride. Discover history and modernity in a 4-hour journey.
Explore Kolkata’s heritage with a tram museum tour and underwater metro ride. Discover history and modernity in a 4-hour journey.
- K.C. Das - K. C. Das is a historic sweet shop in Kolkata and serves as our meeting point. We start our walking tour here after sampling the shop’s signature sweet.
- Tipu Sultan Masjid Kolkata - Our second point of interest is the Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque, located directly opposite K. C. Das. Named after Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, this…
- K.C. Das - K. C. Das is a historic sweet shop in Kolkata and serves as our meeting point. We start our walking tour here after sampling the shop’s signature sweet.
- Tipu Sultan Masjid Kolkata - Our second point of interest is the Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque, located directly opposite K. C. Das. Named after Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, this famous mosque at 185 Dharamtalla Street is a significant architectural and cultural landmark.
- Sacred Heart Church - The third stop on our tour is the Sacred Heart Church, situated opposite the Tipu Sultan Mosque. Also known as the Portuguese Church, it was consecrated on this day. The foundation stone was laid on February 12, 1832.
According to the Archdiocese of Kolkata, the church was built by Mrs. Pascoa da Souza, a member of the prominent Portuguese Barretto family, between 1832 and 1834 behind Dharamtola Bazaar on Dhurrumtollah (Dharamtola) Street in the heart of British Calcutta. It is said that da Souza vowed to build the church after her son received a lenient sentence for seriously injuring another European man.
The church features stunning stained glass windows, Corinthian pillars, and an exceptional 14 Stations of the Cross in marble, depicting Christ’s final journey.
- Raj Bhavan - The fourth heritage site on our list is Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal, located in Kolkata. Built in 1803, it was known as Government House during the Company rule in India and the British Raj.
After the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown in 1858, it became the official residence of the Viceroy of India, moving from the Belvedere Estate. When the Indian capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, it became the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal. Since Indian independence in August 1947, it has served as the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal and is known as Raj Bhavan, a name shared with the official residences of other state governors.
We will view the building from outside.
- Smaranika Tram Museum - The Kolkata Tram Museum, “Smaranika,” is housed in a vintage tram built in 1938. This wooden-bodied, streamlined tram is still operational. One car has been converted into a cafeteria, while the other displays fascinating memorabilia on Kolkata’s trams from their early days to the present.
The museum’s collection includes photos and descriptions of the earliest trams, such as Horse-Drawn tram cars, Disinfectant Trams, Flat Wagon Trams, Omni Buses, and Watering Tram cars. Other exhibits feature old tram tickets, tram passes, pens used by tram conductors, coins, armlets, a coin exchanger machine, conductor caps, and various tram parts like pull-off springs and governor switches.
Overall, the exhibition provides a brief history of nearly 150 years of Kolkata’s trams. After exploring, visitors can enjoy a cup of hot coffee and watch a documentary on Kolkata’s trams in the cafeteria.
- Esplanade Metro Rail Station - Next, we will ride the first underwater metro rail in Asia, traveling between Esplanade and Howrah.
- Esplanade Tram Depot - Finally, we will embark on a Heritage Tram Joyride from Esplanade to Shyambazar/Gariahat and back, passing by over 25 landmark heritage sites.
- Thoburn Memorial Methodist Church - We will pass by Thoburn Memorial Methodist Church, established in 1873 by Rev. Dr. J. M. Thoburn. It is the largest Methodist Church in Calcutta and a heritage site.
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- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Guide In-person: English, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu
- All fees and/or taxes
- Tea and coffee
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Guide In-person: English, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu
- All fees and/or taxes
- Tea and coffee
- Private transportation
- Private transportation
The Calcutta Tramway is a remarkable piece of urban transport history, holding the distinction of being India’s oldest operational tram system since 1902. It blends colonial charm with contemporary utility, weaving through the lively streets of Kolkata, a city rich in culture and heritage. Its vintage appeal is unmatched, providing a window into…
The Calcutta Tramway is a remarkable piece of urban transport history, holding the distinction of being India’s oldest operational tram system since 1902. It blends colonial charm with contemporary utility, weaving through the lively streets of Kolkata, a city rich in culture and heritage. Its vintage appeal is unmatched, providing a window into Kolkata’s past while serving as a vital mode of transport for many. Amidst the hustle of cars and buses, the tram maintains a nostalgic charm with its quaint, rattling carriages and bell-ringing conductors. This enduring symbol represents Kolkata’s resilience and tradition, making it a beloved part of the city’s identity.
This tour also offers a view of the Underwater Metro Train.
Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible. The maximum number of stairs at any given point is 10; otherwise, escalators and lifts are available.
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with pick-up occurring about 45 minutes before the tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.