British Raj Walk in Kolkata

Kolkata was a jewel in the crown of the East India Company and then the British Empire. In this shared group walk, we will trace back our steps to the colonial era and visit some prominent landmarks that defined this great city’s history. We will start our walk from Writers Building and visit the mausoleum of Charnock the founder of British Kolkata, St John’s Church, the majestic Governor’s House, Eliot’s Park and end this walking tour at the iconic Victoria Memorial.

1. 1

   Writers' Building

   30 min

   8AM- Shared walk starts from Writers Building. Our first destination is the Writer’s building, which had a very humble beginning. Built in 1777, it was meant for the lower bureaucracy of East India Company. Today this Greco-Roman masterpiece is the seat of the West Bengal state government. Our guide will narrate to you all the landmark events which took place in India’s freedom struggle with the Writers Building as the backdrop. Since this is a working office, we will see it from outside.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   30 min

   We will walk to the Mausoleum of Job Charnock the founder of modern Kolkata. In 1690 Charnock bought the villages of Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata from Bengal subedar Azim Usman and over time Kolkata became the capital of East India Company. A recent High Court ruling has discredited him as the founder of Kolkata after looking at evidence of the existence of the city in earlier times!

3. 3

   St. John's Church

   45 min

   Our next destination is St John’s Church, which was built in 1787 by architect James Agg. This majestic stone and brick structure became the principal Cathedral of Calcutta in 1815. A highlight of his Church is the “Last Supper” painting on its walls.

4. 4

   Raj Bhavan

   45 min

   - The Governor’s House is a remarkable building which was built for Marquess of Wellesley who came to Kolkata as the Governor General of East India Company in 1798 and found his rented accommodation unsuitable! Built in 1803 by the famous English architect Charles Wyatt, the Governor’s House follows a Neoclassical style with distinct Baroque overtones. The building became the residence of the Viceroy of India after the Crown took over the reins of India from East India Company. Today it serves as the office and residence of the Governor of the state of West Bengal and hence we will see it from outside.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   30 min

   We walk to the legendary Victoria Memorial built by George Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston and Viceroy of India. Dedicated to Queen Victoria, this architectural gem built in marble is a great place to experience the essence of Victorian-era set in the middle of the hustle and bustle of modern Kolkata. 1230PM Walk ends at Victoria Memorial

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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