Kolkata , India

Magic Hour Tour

Active

(232 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

An early morning adventure to watch Calcutta wake up. Experience Calcutta like Local and not just a tourist. Try different modes of transport, Local spots and blend into Calcutta's narrative just like a Local.
This tour is not the usual Heritage walk but an Anthropological experience with the city and its people. The aim of the tour is not just for you to understand the city but to fall in Love with Calcutta and its Local fabric. The tour is conducted by Soham, the founder of Calcutta Capsule walking tours, who is considered by many as the best walking tour specialist in the world ( ref reviews).
Among highlights on the tour we visit:
Old Calcutta,
Howrah Bridge,
Flower Market,
Ganges/Ganga,
Kumartuli -Idol making village,
Local traditional Breakfast.
If you're wanting to feel the vibe of the city and develop a sense of belonging with Calcutta in just a few hours ,This tour is for you.

Available options

Magic Hour Tour

What's included

Local guide

Bottled water

Snacks

Breakfast

DSLR photography (soft copies provided after the tour)

TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee

Coffee and/or Tea

Food tasting

Detailed itinerary

Every morning, before the sun is up; as the street lamps of Calcutta go off, we start the Magic hour tour to watch Calcutta Wake up.
We hop on to the first bus of the day from the oldest neighborhood of Calcutta as the city enters the enchanting Magic Hour. Meandering through the sleepy 300 year locality in full throttle ,the next few hours are spent visiting the oldest areas of Calcutta.
Before the bustling giant city wakes up we’d have used all the iconic modes of transport, had breakfast in a century old hidden spot, gossiped about Calcutta like a Local, talked about its history, anthropology and fallen desperately in Love with the city.
The “unguided tour” as we call it starts with Chai (tea) in a bhaad (earthen cups) and finishes with traditional Bengali breakfast, the best sweets of Calcutta.
Highlights :
Oldest residential area of Calcutta
Local transport
Howrah Bridge
Flower Market
Idol Making Village
Traditional Breakfast
no Historical overdrive
Experience like a local

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

223 reviews

5★

223

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code is smart casual

Meeting point

You can reach the starting point by typing *Metro Inox* in any google maps app or inputting Destination as Metro Inox in any Cab App like Uber/Ola.

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