Kolkata

City of joy

Starting from its humble origins as a village on the banks of the mighty Hooghly (as the Ganges is called here), to its rise as one of the most important cities in the world, Kolkata (or Calcutta, as it is still referred to by many), was the capital of the British East India Company.

The British legacy is evident in the grand Victorian Gothic buildings, impressive churches and wide boulevards. Kolkata is also the centre of the awesome Bengali art and culture.

"I never cease to marvel at all the throbbing ingredients of life in Calcutta." - Dominique Lapierre

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Kolkata

Day 1, KOLKATA

Arrive in Kolkata, where you are met and transferred to the Fairlawn Hotel, a charming relic of the Raj. This old fashioned Calcutta institution has been run for more than 50 years by Mr & Mrs Smith. It is a rambling place filled with memorabilia, family heirlooms, paintings, well stocked book shelves and sitting rooms. Afternoon tea is of course included. Guests are encouraged to eat together in a sociable atmosphere.

Stay at Fairlawn Hotel for two nights

Day 2, KOLKATA

Today you can enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Kolkata. At the southern end of Kolkata's huge central park, the Maidan, is the Victoria Memorial. The portraits and paintings in this huge marble museum tell the story of the British Raj in India. Nearby is the imposing St. Paul's Cathedral, the first Church of England cathedral to be built in the British Empire.

The Kali Temple, also known as Kalighat, is an important centre of Hindu pilgrimage. The ornate Digambar Jain temple, built by a jeweller in 1867, has richly decorated interiors in European baroque and Italian styles. The Indian Museum is one of the largest and most impressive museums in India, with a superb archaeology and sculpture department.

Day 3, ONWARDS FROM KOLKATA

Today your tour ends after breakfast. From Kolkata you could, for instance, travel north to Kurseong & Darjeeling or south to Orissa.

Finally, if you would like to spend time on The Emerald Isles, then you should take a flight from Kolkata to Port Blair, the entry point for a stay on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Virtually unexplored and unknown to the outside world, this idyllic tropical paradise has recently opened up to foreign visitors, offering a most exotic and relaxing holiday on its beautiful palm fringed beaches and turquoise blue waters.

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Tailor-made Suggestions

Ideas to personalize this sample itinerary:

There are plenty of ways to change this sample itinerary, either to extend your stay or experience different areas in more detail.

A down-town standard hotel

Located on Sudder Street at the heart of Kolkata, Lytton Hotel is one the best mid-range hotels in the city.

Stay in a large Victorian house

Located in busy Shakespeare Sarani, close to the Esplanade, The Astor is a peaceful retreat from the busy life of the city.

Kolkata's top accommodation

The Oberoi Grand is elegant, with regal old-world charm. It ranks as one of the best hotels in India.

Fact Finder for this Tour

Highlights
  • Visit Kolkata's colonial monuments
  • Stay in a family-run guesthouse, a charming relic of the Raj
Duration

Departure

Daily from Kolkata
Not advisable in May and June (due to uncomfortable heat)

Price

From 189 USD per person - based on 2 people sharing

Inclusions
  • Accommodation on twin share basis at selected hotel
  • Stay on bed & breakfast basis
  • English-speaking local guide for tour of Kolkata
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with private chauffeur
  • All transfers as per the itinerary
Tour price excludes
  • International flights
  • Entrance fees to historical monuments