Day trip from Kolkata for a Slice of Europe
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12h
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About this experience
This Chandan Nagar tour from Kolkata is about Bengal under the Nawabs witnessing a tectonic shift 100 years after the arrival of Vasco Da Gama in India. It became a playground for the imperial players between 17th and 20th century. In this day trip from Kolkata, we will relive the legacy of the Nawab and French at Chandannagar, the Portuguese at Bandel and the Danish at Serampore.
Available options
Morning
Duration: 11 hours<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Lunch
Detailed itinerary
1
Dupleix Palace is a great place to begin to get an idea of the French legacy of Chandanpur. Today Dupleix Palace is a museum and on display are cannons used in the the Carnatic wars, artifacts and furniture of French governor generals and numerous other relics.
2
We visit a beautiful mansion which is partly submerged in the Hooghly river. Patal Bari literally means the underground house. Two striking features of this Mansion are the beautifully carved wooden sunshades and water outlets. During its hey days important visitors to Chandan Nagar used to grace this home, Rabindranath Tagore the national poet and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar to name a couple.
3
The Strand has the best collection of colonial buildings. The highlight of Stand is the Durgacharan Rakshit Ghat an incredibly beautiful pavilion adorned with imposing columns and arresting stucco work built in honor of Durgacharan, a recipient of the Legion d’honneur of France. Built in 1920s in honor of Durgacharan Rakshit,. The elegant looking pavilion consists of slender columns with decorative stucco works consisting of elephant’s head and floral design.
4
This is a two storied church with twin towers and a magnificent statue of Jesus. Built in 1884 , the highlights of this church are the beautiful stained glasses, and coloured reliefs of Jesus carrying the cross on the walls.
5
The Church was built in 1660 and is dedicated to Nostra Senhora di Rozario, popularly known as Our Lady of the Rosary. Violet blossoms among the vintage tombstones add a picturesque look to the surroundings. The most moving statue in the complex is that of Mother of Sorrows in marble sitting with the body of dead Jesus on her lap. It is a tear jerker
6
The Rajbari is a grand mansion of the Goswami family, the richest in the history of Serampore. They were invited by King of Gaur to settle in Bengal and build a business on very favorable terms. Built in 1820, this mansion used to be the most opulent residence in the neighborhood.
7
In the 19th century, Serampore was famous for great educational institutions. William Carey founded the Serampore College which was the first University in Bengal. Samachar Darpan, the first Bengali newspaper was published on 23 May 1818 from a Baptist Mission Press located here.
8
In the 19th century, Serampore was famous for great educational institutions. William Carey founded the Serampore College which was the first University in Bengal. Samachar Darpan, the first Bengali newspaper was published on 23 May 1818 from a Baptist Mission Press located here.
What's not included
Drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
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Tripadvisor
4.6
9 reviews
5★
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
About Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and intellectual legacy. It is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, offering a unique experience to its visitors.
Top Attractions
Victoria Memorial
A stunning white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, the Victoria Memorial is a symbol of Kolkata's colonial past. It houses a museum with a rich collection of artifacts.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
INR 20-100
Howrah Bridge
One of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world, the Howrah Bridge offers stunning views of the Hooghly River and the city skyline.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Indian Museum
The largest and oldest museum in India, the Indian Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, fossils, and rare coins.
Museum
2-3 hours
INR 20-50
Belur Math
A serene and spiritual destination, Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. It is known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
Religious/Architecture
2-3 hours
Free
Eden Gardens
One of the largest and oldest cricket stadiums in India, Eden Gardens is a must-visit for cricket enthusiasts. It is also a beautiful park with lush greenery and a peaceful ambiance.
Nature
1-2 hours
INR 10-100 (depending on the event)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rasgulla
A popular Bengali sweet made from chenna (fresh cheese curds) and soaked in sugar syrup. It is soft, spongy, and has a distinct flavor.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Rolla
A sweet roll made from chenna, similar to rasgulla but rolled into a cylindrical shape and coated with coconut shavings. It is a popular sweet during festivals.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Sandesh
A sweet made from chenna and flavored with various ingredients like pistachios, coconut, or rose water. It is a popular sweet in Bengal and comes in various shapes and sizes.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Machher Jhol
A traditional Bengali fish curry made with fresh fish, potatoes, and a variety of spices. It is usually served with rice and is a staple in Bengali cuisine.
Main Course
Contains fish
Popular Activities
Boat safaris in the Sundarbans
Trekking in the Eastern Himalayas
Parasailing at the Ganges River
Spa treatments at luxury hotels
Yoga and meditation classes
Strolling through the gardens of Belur Math
Visiting the museums and art galleries
Attending classical music and dance performances
Best Time to Visit
October to February
This is the best time to visit Kolkata as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The city hosts several festivals during this period, including the famous Durga Puja.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Bengali
- Widely spoken: English, Hindi
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and among the educated population
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Kolkata is generally safe for travelers, but it is advisable to exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, so it is important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable transportation services
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
Getting there
By air
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport • 17 km from city center
By train
Howrah Junction, Sealdah Station
By bus
Esplanade Bus Terminus, Karunamoyee Bus Terminus
Getting around
Public transport
The Kolkata Metro is the oldest underground metro system in India. It is efficient and covers most parts of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Ola
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Park Street
New Market
Ballygunge
Chowringhee
Day trips
Sundarbans National Park
100 km from Kolkata • Full day to overnight
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans National Park is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger.
Dakshineswar Temple
20 km from Kolkata • Half day
A famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, the Dakshineswar Temple is known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance.
Shantiniketan
160 km from Kolkata • Full day
A small town known for its rich cultural heritage and as the former home of the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique architecture, art, and music.
Festivals
Durga Puja • September/October (dates vary each year)
Kolkata International Film Festival • November/December (dates vary each year)
Christmas • December 25
Pro tips
- Visit the Victoria Memorial early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful gardens
- Try the local street food, such as puchka (pani puri) and jhalmuri (spicy puffed rice), for an authentic culinary experience
- Explore the city's vibrant nightlife in areas like Park Street and New Market, but be cautious of your surroundings and belongings
- Use the metro for efficient and affordable transportation, especially during peak hours
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals, such as Durga Puja
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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