Recently Viewed
Kolkata Private Tour: Discover Cultural, Historical, and Architectural Aspects of the City
5.0
1 Rating
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning architecture of Kolkata on a private tour. Engage with locals, savor local cuisine, and discover hidden gems with a knowledgeable guide.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Malik Ghat Flower Market - Located beneath the eastern end of Howrah Bridge, this is the largest flower market in eastern India, featuring hundreds of stalls and vendors seated on the ground. Approximately 2,000 flower growers from nearby areas come to sell their flowers and garlands, with the number likely doubling during wedding and festive seasons.
- Howrah Bridge - Take a short walk on Howrah Bridge for a panoramic view of the Hooghly River. Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu since 1965, connects Kolkata with Howrah across the Hooghly River. Opened to traffic in 1943, the bridge was constructed using around 26,500 tonnes of steel and spans 705 meters, supported by two 83-meter high pillars.
- Kumartuli - This unique artisan village, dating back 400 years, is perhaps the oldest of its kind in the world. Around 250 artists work here to produce 40,000 idols annually, including 3,500 images of Durga. With over a thousand workers assisting the artisans, Kumartuli operates as a mini-industry, exporting 50 Durga idols to countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. Photography is allowed for a fee.
- College Street (Boi Para) - Known for its small and large bookstores, College Street book market is nicknamed Boi Para (Colony of Books). The tour includes a visit to the Indian Coffee House for a short break with Indian snacks and tea/coffee, with costs covered in the tour price.
- Dalhousie Square - Named in honor of Lord Dalhousie, the Governor General of India from 1847 to 1856, Dalhousie Square is surrounded by some of Kolkata’s most enduring Raj-era monuments, including the High Court, Town Hall, St. John’s Church, the magnificent GPO (General Post Office), the regal Raj Bhawan, and the Gothic-style Writer’s Building.
- Victoria Memorial Hall - One of India’s most beautiful monuments, built between 1906 and 1921 from white marble. Inspired by Lord Curzon in 1901 to honor the late Queen Empress, it houses paintings, manuscripts, and other historic objects in its Museum and Art Gallery. The visit includes only the garden entry fee.
- Indian Coffee House - A legendary Kolkata café that predates Barista and Starbucks. It has been a favorite gathering spot for writers, intellectuals, artists, and students for decades. The café features high ceilings, small square tables, murals, and paintings that evoke India’s past. Known as ‘Albert Hall’ before Independence, it was renamed ‘Indian Coffee House’ and has been a cultural hub for around 300 years.
- St. John’s Church - This stone-spired church, built in 1787, is surrounded by columns and includes a small room once used as an office by Warren Hastings, India’s first British governor-general. The tree-shaded grounds feature several interesting monuments, including the mausoleum of Job Charnock and the relocated Black Hole Memorial. The church also houses an exquisite painting of the Last Supper by 18th-century German artist Johann Zoffany.
- Tagore House - The birthplace and residence of the world-famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. Located at the junction of Chitpur Road and Vivekananda Road, it serves as the headquarters of Rabindra Bharati University, a renowned center for the study of Indian Arts. The house also features a museum dedicated to the Tagore family. Photography is not allowed inside. Closed on Mondays and National Holidays.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- English Speaking Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel Pick up & Drop
- Tea and coffee
- Parking fees
What's Not Included
- Entry fee to the museum inside Victoria Memorial Hall
- Camera fee (if any)
- Tips & Gratuities
Additional Information
~ Visit the important sites of Kolkata like Flower Market, Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square, St. John’s Church, Potter’s Colony (Kumartuli), College Street Book Market, Indian Coffee House, Tagore’s House and Victoria Memorial
~ Discover the undiscovered and celebrate the daily festival of human existence!
~ A well crafted and professionally guided private tour.
~ Get an insight to the cultural, historical and architectural aspects of the city.
~ Explore the streets, engage with locals, feel the pulse and relish the cuisine.
~ Enjoy the add-on experiences like coffee and an informal chat session with the locals at the heritage Indian Coffee House.
~ Taste some traditional Bengali sweets at an iconic sweet shop.
~ A knowledgeable guide to make your sightseeing more interesting.
- Please wear smart casuals with proper walking shoes
- Please avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless if your tour includes temple visit
Location
Malik Ghat Flower Market
, Southeast end of Howrah Bridge
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Nandini_p
Feb 28, 2024
Total immersion - Had a lovely time . Indeed was a total experience . Shomita along with the driver guided us so well through out the tour.Really enjoyed the Tagore house experience. Had a great time!
Review provided by Viator
