Colonial Monuments Tour
10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Kolkata is not a city, its an emotion. In order to get hold of the city, it becomes inevitable to reach and check-in your hotel in Dharmatal as early as possible to make the most of the first day.
Your first tourist spot will be not very far. Just hop on a yellow cab and reach the oldest museum of the country, the Indian Museum in Dharmatala. Built in 1814, this museum showcases some ancient and unique collections of antiques, armours, paintings and artefacts of cultural and historical significance.
It opens at 10:00 AM for public.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hours is bare minimum.
Mode of Transport: Any form of public vehicle.
After this, head towards the first Anglican Church in Asia, built in 1847 – St. Paul Cathedral. Just 1500 meters from the Indian Museum, St. Paul Cathedral has a striking architecture. It closes by 12:00 PM and opens again at 03:00 PM.
Time duration: 30 – 45 minutes.
Mode of Transport: Plenty of buses are available, but a walk along the Chowringee Road takes you back in time to British period.
Your 3rd tourist spot should be the iconic landmark of the city – Victoria Memorial, in close proximity. It was built in 1921 to keep alive the memory of Queen Victoria. Photographers and historians would love to spend long hours here. This is most common icon of the city.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hours.
Mode of Transport: A walk in the Maidan.
Also read: New Kolkata Itinerary
Luncheon, Fort and Ganga Ghat
03:00 PM – 07:00 PM
After covering 3 major landmarks, it will be time for lunch. One can find ample restaurants in this area. Sone of the prominent and well known outlets are – Kasturi and Koshe Kosha restaurants in Taltala. Their service is unique and offers mouth-watering Bengali delicacies.
Price range: Rs.500 – 800 for two.
After satisfying your hunger, next stop will be Fort William – one of the first structures built by the British East India Company in 1702. The fort is of immense historical importance and is now under the Indian Army. Some part of the fort is open for public. No entry fee for tourists and it closes by 05:30 PM.
Time duration: 45 – 60 minutes
Mode of Transport: Yellow cabs will drop you for Rs. 70 – 90.
Post this, time for some walk in the famous Maidan, the largest park in the city. Ideal location for photoshoots. One can view the skyline of Kolkata. It is also considered the “Lungs of Kolkata”. Tram rides, race course, statues and monuments and many other activities can be enjoyed here.
Time Duration: 30 – 45 mins
Last sightseeing stop for the day and undeniably the most beautiful location – Prinsep Ghat. Just 500 meters from Fort William, this is a popular recreational spot for localities. The river bank of the Ganga is used for boat rides, evening walks and enjoying the close-up view of Hooghly Bridge. Very popular place for film shooting with illuminated gardens and fountains. One can spend as long time as they feel like here.
That will be it for sightseeing activities. Head towards your hotel and get ready for some night life experience at Park Street area. Shopaholics can look to spend some time in the New Market area to satisfy your shopping experience.
