🏨 The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer Activity

The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer

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From $124.00

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Price varies by group size

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Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration: 3 hours

Departs: Kolkata, Kolkata

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

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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.

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Bottled water

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

Round-trip private transfer

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

What's Not Included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Traveler Information

INFANT: Age: 0 - 4
CHILD: Age: 5 - 11
ADULT: Age: 12 - 99

Additional Info

Face masks required for guides in public areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Regular temperature checks for staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised

Face masks required for guides in public areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Regular temperature checks for staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

What To Expect

BBD Bagh

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St Andrews Church

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

General Post Office

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.

60 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Town Hall

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.

60 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer Activity - Kolkata Travel Guide

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