Kolkata Heritage Circuit
Journey through the 'City of Joy,' exploring its grand colonial architecture, rich cultural history, and vibrant intellectual legacy.
Circuit Overview
From the seat of the British Raj to the heart of the Bengal Renaissance, Kolkata's streets are living museums of history.
The Kolkata Heritage Circuit is a deep dive into the soul of a city that was once the capital of British India. This tour takes you through magnificent colonial-era buildings like the Victoria Memorial and the Writers' Building, past historic academic institutions, and into the narrow, winding lanes of North Kolkata, where every corner tells a story.
Experience the city's intellectual pulse at the College Street book market, witness the artistic process at Kumartuli's idol-making workshops, and savor the culinary heritage that ranges from street food to fine dining. This circuit is an exploration of the art, culture, and history that defines Kolkata.
Circuit Highlights
- Marvel at the grandeur of the Victoria Memorial and its museum
- Explore the bustling Dalhousie Square (B.B.D. Bagh), the old colonial administrative heart
- Take a heritage walk through the lanes of North Kolkata
- Ride the iconic Kolkata tram, one of the oldest in Asia
- Visit the home of Rabindranath Tagore at Jorasanko Thakur Bari
Circuit Route
Follow the scenic route connecting the major destinations of this circuit.
Dalhousie Square
College Street
Shyambazar
Park Street
Alipore
Key Destinations
An iconic marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, now a museum with a vast collection from the colonial period.
Suggested Stay: 2-3 hours
A massive cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River, one of the most famous symbols of Kolkata.
Suggested Stay: 1 hour
The ancestral home of the Tagore family, including Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Suggested Stay: 2-3 hours
The traditional potters' quarter where idols for Durga Puja and other festivals are sculpted.
Suggested Stay: 1-2 hours
Suggested Itineraries
Colonial Kolkata
Start at B.B.D. Bagh (Dalhousie). Visit Writers' Building, GPO, St. John's Church. Afternoon at Victoria Memorial. Evening at Park Street.
Cultural Kolkata
Morning walk in North Kolkata, visiting Jorasanko Thakur Bari. Explore College Street book market and Indian Coffee House. End with a visit to Kumartuli.
Practical Information
Getting There
- Kolkata is a major international gateway with an airport and two major railway stations.
Best Time to Visit
- Oct-Mar offers pleasant weather for walking tours.
- Sep-Oct for the Durga Puja festival experience.
Getting Around
- Kolkata Metro is efficient for north-south travel.
- Yellow Taxis, app-cabs, buses, and trams are abundant.
- Walking is best for exploring specific neighborhoods.
Accommodation
- Full range from luxury heritage hotels to budget guesthouses.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Light cottons for most of the year, a light jacket for winter.
Travel Tips
- Try the street food, but choose clean, busy stalls.
- Be mindful of traffic when crossing streets.
- Bargain at street markets like New Market.
Experience Gallery
