Mesmerising Kolkata Private Customised Day Tour
Description
It is YOUR holiday. So our tours are never "One size fits all" but rather a customised PRIVATE tour with experiences which we will craft uniquely for you after consulting based on your tastes & preferences. We shall meet you in time, take you to the attractions, regale you with wonderful stories, great food, mesmerizing sights, sounds and the true vibe of Kolkata. Possibly these are the reasons why guests have given us the "Hall of Fame" and Certificate of Excellence 6 years in a row! The list of places is indicative only and locations mentioned herein are suggestions to help you plan your tour. Savour from a choice of traditional sights like the Victoria Memorial, Maidan, Howrah Bridge, New Market, Kumartully Idols, Ganges, Mother House, Raj Heritage sites, Marble Palace,Black Town mansions, Belur Math & Dakshineswar Kali Temples, Cathedrals, Synagouges, Jain Temple, Nakhoda Masjid, books in College Street,India Coffee House, Flower Market, etc. from a host of possibilities.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Be enthralled by the riot of vibrant colours, be humbled by the daily existential struggle of stake holders who embrace life with dignity and remember to smile, get informed on the ecology of a way of life and facets of real India. Possibly Asia's biggest flower market, sure to leave an impression in you. Please understand that all locations mentioned are suggestions or pointers that are named to help you plan your tour. These are definitely not obligatory and you can opt to cut, prune, add or modify after consulting with us based on your taste and preferences. This is a PRIVATE tour and so does not need to be a "one size fits all" situation. You have options. Why have we done this? Simply because, it is YOUR holiday. Lastly, but most importantly, it is not possible to cover everything in a day tour. It takes more than a day. The list of places is indicative only. Apart from rough time estimates, we have to factor in commuting time (which will vary depending on transport means and local conditions on a given day), the time spent on a particular location, etc. Get in touch with us and we help you to arrive at a plan custom made for you, sans obligations.
How can you leave our city without visiting a icon that defines us since 1943? Try to count the rivets and give up! Marvel at the sheer traffic on the bridge using myriad modes of conveyance including the surging pedestrian traffic that come in to the city to everyday. Please understand that all locations mentioned are suggestions or pointers that are named to help you plan your tour. These are definitely not obligatory and you can opt to cut, prune, add or modify after consulting with us based on your taste and preferences. This is a PRIVATE tour and so does not need to be a "one size fits all" situation. You have options. Why have we done this? Simply because, it is YOUR holiday. Lastly, but most importantly, it is not possible to cover everything in a day tour. It takes more than a day. The list of places is indicative only. Apart from rough time estimates, we have to factor in commuting time (which will vary depending on transport means and local conditions on a given day), the time spent on a particular location, etc. Get in touch with us and we help you to arrive at a plan custom made for you, sans obligations.
The City of Calcutta came up on the banks of the Ganges and here she is called the Hooghly River. Rest a bit here and soak in everything around you. The flowing river and it's tides, the Howrah Station on the other bank, people performing rituals and worshiping the river. Men, women and children bathing, urchins scavenging for valuables, priests and Sadhus meditating, daily chores of common people, temples, mud wrestling arenas and gymnasiums and so many stories about the river or built around it. Please understand that all locations mentioned are suggestions or pointers that are named to help you plan your tour. These are definitely not obligatory and you can opt to cut, prune, add or modify after consulting with us based on your taste and preferences. This is a PRIVATE tour and so does not need to be a "one size fits all" situation. You have options. Why have we done this? Simply because, it is YOUR holiday. Lastly, but most importantly, it is not possible to cover everything in a day tour. It takes more than a day. The list of places is indicative only. Apart from rough time estimates, we have to factor in commuting time (which will vary depending on transport means and local conditions on a given day), the time spent on a particular location, etc. Get in touch with us and we help you to arrive at a plan custom made for you, sans obligations.
Pay your respects to the power and resolve of a diminutive, single woman who had more determination than an entire army put together and brought about changes in the lives of so many people not just in Kolkata but globally. Be humbled by her life and be comforted by her saintly blessings. Please understand that all locations mentioned are suggestions or pointers that are named to help you plan your tour. These are definitely not obligatory and you can opt to cut, prune, add or modify after consulting with us based on your taste and preferences. This is a PRIVATE tour and so does not need to be a "one size fits all" situation. You have options. Why have we done this? Simply because, it is YOUR holiday. Lastly, but most importantly, it is not possible to cover everything in a day tour. It takes more than a day. The list of places is indicative only. Apart from rough time estimates, we have to factor in commuting time (which will vary depending on transport means and local conditions on a given day), the time spent on a particular location, etc. Get in touch with us and we help you to arrive at a plan custom made for you, sans obligations.
Clay idol wonders
The Victoria Memorial is both to be admired for its view of the facades from the sprawling lawns sprinkled with water bodies and statues of prominent personalities as well as for a tour inside. The tour will take you to further wisdom on the colonial rule, the growth of the city and India in the British times. The Memorial today is a major sponsor and flag bearer of our Art, Culture and Social Commentary. Please understand that all locations mentioned are suggestions or pointers that are named to help you plan your tour. These are definitely not obligatory and you can opt to cut, prune, add or modify after consulting with us based on your taste and preferences. This is a PRIVATE tour and so does not need to be a "one size fits all" situation. You have options. Why have we done this? Simply because, it is YOUR holiday. Lastly, but most importantly, it is not possible to cover everything in a day tour. It takes more than a day. The list of places is indicative only. Apart from rough time estimates, we have to factor in commuting time (which will vary depending on transport means and local conditions on a given day), the time spent on a particular location, etc. Get in touch with us and we help you to arrive at a plan custom made for you, sans obligations.
The Jorasanko Thakurbari, once the abode of generations of luminaries who excelled in various disciplines over generations and were significant contributors to Bengal and Indian Renaissance, today houses a Museum and University. The sons of the house have among them, Asia's First Nobel Laureate, The Kabiguru (The Guru of Poetry) Rabindranath Thakur (Tagore). Poet (Nobel Laureate), Author, Dramatist, Singer, Painter, Educationalist (founder of Asia's first open air School and University at Shantiniketan), Humanist & Philosopher, Tagore along with other illustrious members of his family, gave a lot to India. A museum built in the Mansion gives you glimpses of his life and times. Please understand that all locations mentioned are suggestions or pointers that are named to help you plan your tour. These are definitely not obligatory and you can opt to cut, prune, add or modify after consulting with us based on your taste and preferences. This is a PRIVATE tour and so does not need to be a "one size fits all" situation. You have options. Why have we done this? Simply because, it is YOUR holiday. Lastly, but most importantly, it is not possible to cover everything in a day tour. It takes more than a day. The list of places is indicative only. Apart from rough time estimates, we have to factor in commuting time (which will vary depending on transport means and local conditions on a given day), the time spent on a particular location, etc. Get in touch with us and we help you to arrive at a plan custom made for you, sans obligations.
The Cemetery was one of the earliest non-church cemeteries in the world, and probably the largest Christian cemetery outside Europe and America in the 19th century. Opened in 1767 on what was previously a marshy area, the cemetery was in use until about 1830 and is now a heritage site.The memorials are almost all architecturally imposing and replete with classical details and sculptures. Among the interesting professions mentioned in the epitaphs are: breeder of cattle, jail-keeper, silversmith, schoolteacher, architect, translator, livery, printer, head tide-waiter, park superintendent, cooper, postmaster and surgeon. Founder of the Asiatic Society, Sir William Jones, Henry Derozio of the Yong Bengal Movement and Charles "Hindoo" Stewart are one of the many eminent people you can learn about during a visit here. Please understand that all locations mentioned are suggestions or pointers that are named to help you plan your tour. These are definitely not obligatory and you can opt to cut, prune, add or modify after consulting with us based on your taste and preferences. This is a PRIVATE tour and so does not need to be a "one size fits all" situation. You have options. Why have we done this? Simply because, it is YOUR holiday. Lastly, but most importantly, it is not possible to cover everything in a day tour. It takes more than a day. The list of places is indicative only. Apart from rough time estimates, we have to factor in commuting time (which will vary depending on transport means and local conditions on a given day), the time spent on a particular location, etc. Get in touch with us and we help you to arrive at a plan custom made for you, sans obligations.
A walk with us through College Street, the oldest book market in the east and the seats of learning with many Colleges and the Calcutta University, The Medical College, Presidency University, Sanskrit College, Baptist Mission Students' Hall, Maha Bodhi Society, Bengal Theosophical Society and may more. Browse some books and ask for your wish list and it may be rewarded. Have unique coolants called sherbet (long before mocktails became fashionable) at the centurion Paramount shop which used to draw (and still does) celebrities from all walks of life. you have heard so much about the famous Calcutta Coffee House? It is here for your to soak in and savour. However, words do not do justice to College Street. Please understand that all locations mentioned are suggestions or pointers that are named to help you plan your tour. These are definitely not obligatory and you can opt to cut, prune, add or modify after consulting with us based on your taste and preferences. This is a PRIVATE tour and so does not need to be a "one size fits all" situation. You have options. Why have we done this? Simply because, it is YOUR holiday. Lastly, but most importantly, it is not possible to cover everything in a day tour. It takes more than a day. The list of places is indicative only. Apart from rough time estimates, we have to factor in commuting time (which will vary depending on transport means and local conditions on a given day), the time spent on a particular location, etc. Get in touch with us and we help you to arrive at a plan custom made for you, sans obligations.
See the facades of buildings that ooze out stories of the British Raj and their ascent to power, a lifestyle long lost, stories of arrogance and suffering, those of decadence and tragedies. Learn about the stories behind the stucco work on the facades of buildings in the area and not just the Writers Building (serving only as a referral point to the location only) like the Standard Life Assurance, Town Hall, High Court, GPO, Collectorate, Metcalf Hall, Currency Building, sites of the Old Fort William, Treasury Building, Viceroy's Palace, Dead Letter Office, etc. Have a Chai from a clay cup or visit the wonderful postal museum. Please understand that all locations mentioned are suggestions or pointers that are named to help you plan your tour. These are definitely not obligatory and you can opt to cut, prune, add or modify after consulting with us based on your taste and preferences. This is a PRIVATE tour and so does not need to be a "one size fits all" situation. You have options. Why have we done this? Simply because, it is YOUR holiday. Lastly, but most importantly, it is not possible to cover everything in a day tour. It takes more than a day. The list of places is indicative only. Apart from rough time estimates, we have to factor in commuting time (which will vary depending on transport means and local conditions on a given day), the time spent on a particular location, etc. Get in touch with us and we help you to arrive at a plan custom made for you, sans obligations.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(20)
Fantastic walking and driving tour of Kolkata with KC. We started early at the flower markets, enjoyed a local bread and “momlette” breakfast, and explored the city’s stunning architecture and colonial history along the way. KC was engaging, knowledgeable, and kept the experience relaxed and enjoyable throughout. Seeing artisans at work building statues for Saraswati Puja was a real highlight, and ending the tour at the Park Street cemetery—with fascinating stories shared in this peaceful green oasis—was the perfect close. Highly recommend KC, and I’ll definitely look him up again on my next visit to Kolkata.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and honest review. I’m delighted you experienced Kolkata in a way that felt both immersive and relaxed—that balance is something I consciously try to create. The flower markets, breakfast stops, and quieter corners of the city often end up being the most memorable. Kumartuli and the cemetery are indeed special in very different ways, and I’m glad they resonated with you. It would be a pleasure to explore more with you on your next visit. Warm regards, Kaushik
Kaushik is an excellent tour guide - extremely knowledgeable about many facets of India and Kolkata’s history, culture and religious traditions; warm; a good communicator; punctual; organised but also flexible. He made our party feel very comfortable. We spent almost 8 hours in his company but it flew by. Highly recommended - and take the tour as soon as you arrive, as we did, as it really helps you get your bearings.
Thank you for such a comprehensive and generous review. I truly appreciate your noting the balance between structure and flexibility—that’s something I consciously work towards so guests can feel both guided and at ease. Spending that time together was a pleasure, and I’m glad the experience helped you connect more deeply with the city. I hope Kolkata remains a warm memory for you—and perhaps a reason to return. Best regards, Kaushik
A colleague and I were in Kolkata for the first time on business and wanted to see the city. KC was an excellent guide - informative, passionate and a great story teller. We communicated via WhatsApp before the trip and he made sure we were well prepared to meet him. He made sure the trip was tailored to our needs, helping us with public transport (a wild and fun experience), sorting access to some off the beaten track sites of special interest to us, and finding local food that was suitable for our untrained stomachs! He wasn’t fazed when we invited along two colleagues from Kolkata - and they were really pleased to see parts of their city that they had never seen before! The pricing was very clear and I believe most if not all of it goes to the charity that KC supports. There was a payment issue on my part (100% my fault) but KC was gracious and understanding - giving me time to sort it out and staying in touch throughout. All in all it was an excellent experience and I’d have no hesitation booking KC again or recommending him to others.
Kaushik was the perfect guide to accompany me on my first day in Kolkata. As a solo traveler, it was important for me to be accompanied by someone I could trust. Kaushik understood this perfectly and accompanied me to the more difficult places to reach. His knowledge of the city, its history and his desire to share them made this day a highlight of my stay in India. A big thank you Kaushik!
As a solo female traveler in India for the first time, I joined two tours with Kaushik across Kolkata and wow -- what a phenomenal experience! By far one of the absolute highlights of my time in India! Kaushik is brilliantly knowledgeable, a fantastic storyteller, immensely kind and patient, flexible in how the visit is organised, always making sure that I felt safe, had enough to eat and drink and that my questions were answered. We wandered the streets for almost 9 hours (although the tour can be shorter if you wish) and the time flew by. It felt like we could have kept on going for hours more -- and certainly Kaushik still had energy to show more. It felt like he knew the history and had stories for every single building, street and square we passed. Some of the highlights of the day for me included drinking chai, sitting in Lal Dighi/Tank Square while Kaushik told us the history of Kolkata, taking an autorickshaw through the dazzling Kolkata traffic, going to the busy flower market on the bank of the Hooghly River, seeing the Kumartuli neighborhood (where they make sculptures for religious celebrations across India) with artists sculpting before our very eyes. But even with all these extraordinary sights, the true highlight of the tour was getting to experience the intensity of the daily rush and flow of busy Kolkata streets. Kaushik took me to extremely busy and lively places that I would never have dared venture into on my own, and made me feel safe and taken care of throughout. This felt like I was experiencing true Kolkata, far from tourist hotels and deep in daily Kolkata life. Kaushik, I can't thank you enough for this experience. I will recommend your tours to anyone going to India and hope to be able to join another in the future. All the best!!
We had an amazing private walking tour of Kolkata with our 7-year-old! The tour was perfectly customized to suit our interests, starting with the vibrant flower market—a must-see for its colors and energy. Our guide KC was incredibly accommodating and added stops that we requested, like visiting a local supermarket and arranging for mehendi (henna) to be done, which was such a special experience. It was a perfect mix of culture, local flavor, and fun for our family. Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore Kolkata in a personalized and engaging way! Thank you KC!
Thank you for the wonderful support and time spent together with your family. I am delighetd to be of help and the company of a budding vlogger was an added pleasure :)))). The 7 year old is a charming person and just her company made me happy. Thank you!
Best choice we could have ever done. We visited Kolkata for a wedding and we only had 1 full day for visiting. KC customised a beautiful tour for us at very last min, taking us around and telling us lot of curiosities. it was an off the beaten track tour, as we wanted and he went beyond our expectations. Kolkata is not an easy city to visit. there is a lot do do and see and going around can be challenging if you're not from there. Having a guide like this, it made everything so smooth and so beautifully pleasant. highly recommended!
Yes, it was a bit off the beaten track tour and that is why it was fun for me too! Thank yoiu for providing me with this opportunity to sdhare my city with you in this unique manner! All of you were a delightful company and your kind recommendations are really appreciated. Have a great year ahead.
If you’re looking for a guide in Kolkata who offers more than just sightseeing, look no further than Kaushik Chatterjee. This guide isn’t in the business of tourism for livelihood—he’s well-read, well-settled, and does this purely to engage his intellect and share his passion for Bengal’s rich heritage. What makes the experience exceptional is the intellectual depth he brings to every interaction. Our custom-designed trip was an unforgettable journey through Kolkata’s layers of history and culture. We explored the city in the iconic Ambassador taxi, rode the metro, commuted on a ferry, and walked nearly 20,000 steps in a single day. Every moment felt like stepping into a live history book. Kolkata, as he presented it, is a city where history breathes through every corner. He unraveled the British Raj era in ways I’d never imagined—explaining not just the buildings but the context behind them. He showed me the hotel where Mahatma Gandhi stayed, first Rosgolla was made and the spot where Subhas Chandra Bose enjoyed his favorite sharbat. He took me to mausoleums and memorials, each with its own intricate tale. We even discussed the history of the “good British” and the “bad British,” and the city’s deep-rooted connections with Jewish, Scottish, Danish, and Armenians. I asked him about the people of Kolkata—the diversity of the crowd, the caste dynamics, the unparalleled importance of Durga Puja, and the city’s art and culture. He shared vivid, accurate accounts that I later verified and found surprisingly on point. From the legacy of Bengal’s eminent personalities to the story of Job Charnock (the founder of Kolkata) and the evolution of Bengal from the 1600s to today, he seamlessly brought centuries of history to life. One of the most remarkable moments was when he spoke about Sutanuti, one of the three villages that formed the foundation of Kolkata. It's rare to meet someone who can weave personal and historical narratives so effortlessly. Through every part of this journey, he encouraged me to ask questions. No query was too small or too challenging, and his answers were always thoughtful and enlightening. I came away with a deeper understanding of Kolkata’s art, culture, and history, and a newfound appreciation for its vibrant present. This wasn’t just a tour; it was an intellectual adventure. If you’re seeking a guide who will enrich your mind as much as your experience, this is the one to choose.
Thank you for the kind words and a detailed review. It is not always that one finds a guest serious enough to soak in the facts, stories and anecdotes, cross check and fall in love with my city. Guests like you are a pleasure to share things with. You are a wonderful company doctor, and I absolutely look forward to your company again sooner with the added charm of your family! here's wishing us some more tete a tete over the famous Calcutta Chais. Think this will be a short breakl until we meet again.
Fantastic tour of Kolkata - heritage and cultural tour was a great way to get to know the city. We did a 3 hour private tour, by car and foot. KC is so knowledgeable and easy to understand. He made the buildings come to life with history, gave us a local tea experience, and walked us through the flower market (a highlight!) He arrived promptly and gave us options for the type of tour we wanted. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much for writing this review! It is through genuine reviews like this that future travellers get reassured of choosing what best suits them. I was happy to customise your tour as I always believe that one size does not fit all. To arrive promptly is what we always endeavour and our concern for your safety and wellbeing is paramount. I am also thankful for your agreeing that it is important to understand that our "dos and donts" , few as they may be, are important both for your safety as well as respecting the local cultures and sensibilities. Look forward to showing you more of my city some other day should you visit this part of the world again!
Can’t begin to express how wonderful our day in Kolkata was thanks to Kolkata Story Tours and our guide Kaushik. We learned so much, including many lesser known details that would be missed by many guides, in addition to experiencing an insiders look of the city. Kaushik truly took us on a journey through Kolkata’s history through storytelling and was focused on our comfort and interest at all times.
