KOLKATA
Unpeel the layers of this amazing city with a choice of touring of Central Kolkata with a walking tour or North Kolkata and modern art.
Central Kolkata and Walking Tour
Immerse yourself in city life with an early morning visit to the vibrant flower market, one of Asia’s largest. Wind through the mountains of marigolds and jasmine and watch as people buy flowers for temple offerings and prayers. Stroll down to the river to witness a traditional Akhara (subject to timing). Step inside and watch men of all ages practice a traditional form of wrestling known as kushti or pehlwani.
Follow in the footsteps of the British Raj with a walking tour of colonial Kolkata. See Dalhousie Square, now known as B.B.D. Bagh, in the political heart of the city. Admire the colonial buildings, including the prominent Writers’ Building the former HQ of the East India Company, and step inside St John’s Church with its painting of The Last Supper, with the city’s residents dressed as the apostles. In the gardens discover the monument built by Lord Curzon to the Black Hole of Calcutta.
Enjoy Bengali hospitality in the home of Bomti Iyengar, a charming art collector and bon vivant who lives in a great heritage building. Join him for lunch and share fascinating stories, surrounded by his eclectic art collection.
Later, experience the serenity of the Victoria Memorial with a stroll through the splendid gardens. Admire the domed white marble hall built in memory of Queen Victoria and discover Victorian memorabilia and British Raj-era paintings. End the day in the Maidan, the city’s largest urban park and the "lungs of Kolkata”, watching as people come together over a game of cricket.
North Kolkata and Modern Art
Start your morning driving to North Calcutta, passing several universities and academic institutions and stop off at the Marble Palace, one of the more unusual Bengali mansions of this area. Built by a wealthy Bengali merchant, Raja Rajendra Mullick, in 1835, still today some family members reside here. With a Neoclassical style, this fascinating and ornate home, houses an eclectic mix of statues, porcelain, Belgian glass chandeliers and English, Dutch and Italian paintings.
Continue on to the home of the multi-talented poet, novelist, musician, painter and playwright, the famous Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. His grandfather Dwarkanath Tagore built this grand mansion in the 18th century, and the museum showcases the life of the family in 19th century, and their involvement in the Bengali Renaissance.
Head into the artisan hub of Kumartuli or the Potters’ Market. Wander the winding lanes and watch as idols of Hindu gods and goddesses are created out of river clay, bamboo and straw before being painted and elaborately dressed for the city’s numerous festivals.
Enjoy Bengali hospitality in the home of Bompti Iyengar, a charming art collector and bon vivant who lives in a great heritage building. Join him in his home for lunch and share fascinating stories, surrounded by his eclectic art collection.
Discover a more serene side of Kolkata with a visit to CIMA, the Centre for International Modern Art and admire the latest exhibition before joining Hindu devotees from around the world at Birla Mandir. Built by the Indian industrialist Birla family, the white marble structure features intricate details, including stone engravings that depict scenes from the holy Bhagavad Gita text.
Meals: Breakfast &am; Lunch
Accommodation: The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel / Premier Room
