Kolkata (Calcutta) Trip Overview
Once the proud capital of the British Raj (rule), Kolkata today is a unique blend of ancient and new. The city is rich in cultural, literary and religious flavors. Your walking tour concentrates on what was White Town in Old Kolkata. White Town was centered on Lal Dighi, a water tank which provided drinking water to the area. It is the oldest square in the city. Some of the city’s earliest and grandest buildings are located in this square. These impressive edifices are still in use, providing a glimpse of Kolkata’s British colonial grandeur and influence. A walk through this area tells the story of the growth of this important British outpost, from its early years to modern days.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 hours
Starts: Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Private Day Trips
Explore Kolkata (Calcutta) Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India
Once the proud capital of the British Raj (rule), Kolkata today is a unique blend of ancient and new. The city is rich in cultural, literary and religious flavors. Your walking tour concentrates on what was White Town in Old Kolkata. White Town was centered on Lal Dighi, a water tank which provided drinking water to the area. It is the oldest square in the city. Some of the city’s earliest and grandest buildings are located in this square. These impressive edifices are still in use, providing a glimpse of Kolkata’s British colonial grandeur and influence. A walk through this area tells the story of the growth of this important British outpost, from its early years to modern days.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: BBD Bagh, south of Howrah Bridge also known as Lal Dighi, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700001 India
You will be transferred to the Lalit Great Eastern Hotel, where your guided walk commences. Lal Dighi, the small rectangular water tank is at the heart of Colonial Kolkata. Its British name became Dalhousie Square after Lord Dalhousie who ruled India from 1848 to 1856. Today it is named BBD Bagh after three Indian Nationalists fighting for an independent India.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: St Andrews Church, 15, B. B. D. Bagh, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700001 India
St. Andrew’s church is a simple looking white church with a tall spire, Kolkata’s first and only Scottish church. It was built in 1818, when the Scottish exercised considerable influence.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: General Post Office, Netaji Subhas Rd Fairley Place, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700001 India
Next is the Kolkata Collectorate Building which was built in 1890. Today it is the office of the Commissioner of the Presidency Division of Kolkata. Further down, the General Post Office stands out with its sparkling white color and its big dome, impossible to miss.
Then you will see the Secretariat or Writer’s Building, which is the best known building in the BBD Bagh area of Kolkata. This deep red building stretches across the northern edge of Lal Dighi. Writer’s building once was the office of the clerical and administrative staff of the famous British East India Company. It is now the West Bengal State Secretariat. The building dates back to 1777.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Town Hall, Kolkata (Calcutta) India
Next to it is the Royal Insurance Building dating back to 1905. The size and facade of the building indicate the wealth of insurance companies before Independence. During colonial times Indians were not allowed to purchase insurance. Next on our walk is Metcalfe Hall. This building draws its inspiration from traditional, ancient Greek architecture. Tall Greek pillars are the easy giveaway. Built around 1840, it was home to the Imperial Library of Calcutta, which later became the National Library of India. Currently, it houses the library of the Asiatic Society. Onward you reach the Town Hall, a public building built in 1814 for public functions. It is now managed by Kolkata Corporation and houses painting exhibitions. Having enjoyed this overview of Kolkata’s early days, you will be driven back to your hotel.
Duration: 1 hour
