Kolkata 3-uur durende rondleiding door Kumortuli - The Goddess Beckons
Beschrijving
Tour werkt voor zowel niet-fotografen als fotografen. Geliefd bij fotografen. Geen fancy camera's nodig. Als je verbaasd bent over de ongelooflijk mooie idolen die je ziet tijdens de Bengaalse festivals zoals Durga Puja en Kali Puja en je altijd al een kijkje achter de schermen wilde hebben, dan zul je deze tour geweldig vinden. Deze tour neemt je mee naar de traditionele pottenbakkerswijk in het noorden van de stad. Deze buurt levert niet alleen goden en godinnen aan de stad, maar veel van hun creaties worden geëxporteerd. Het is genoemd als een van de zeven wonderen van Calcutta en dus als je in de stad bent, kun je het zeker niet missen. Beschikbaar het hele jaar op enkele weken na. Neem contact met ons op! LET OP: Tenzij er een geplande tour is, is de minimumvereiste voor de tour 2 personen. Als u een enkele reiziger bent, stuur ons dan een bericht. PS Stuur ons een bericht als de genoemde starttijden niet voor u werken. Misschien kunnen we plannen volgens uw gemak.
Rondreisopties
Reisroute
We zullen het grootste deel van onze tijd doorbrengen in de buurt van de ambachtslieden en de rivier de ghat en zien hoe de ambachtslieden de wereldberoemde idolen maken.
Hoogtepunten
Wat is inbegrepen
Ophaallocaties en -tijden
Alle andere stadshotels, BnB's en privéwoningen. De ophaaltijden zijn afhankelijk van de afstand. Ongeveer 30 minuten voor aanvang van de tour voor locaties binnen de stadsgrenzen. Houd er rekening mee dat, tenzij er een geplande afhaling is, de minimumvereiste voor afhaling 2 personen is. PS Stuur ons een bericht als de genoemde starttijden niet voor u werken. Misschien kunnen we plannen volgens uw gemak.
Beoordelingen van reizigers
Belangrijke informatie
- Hulpdieren toegestaan
- Opties voor openbaar vervoer zijn in de buurt aanwezig
- Geschikt voor alle condities
- Niet geschikt voor zuigelingen.
Beoordelingen(26)
In the absence of being able to find a guide in Calcutta I thankfully came across Manjit. Over several days I joined him on different tours - it was a fantastic way to see the city. I met some great people - fellow travellers and photographers. Whilst it is a photography tour it's very relaxed in the sense you don't need to be a photographer. More keen to see and experience local life. Manjit knows everyone and as such we were welcomed warmly. He also ensures exclusive access. I found that Manjit covered history. architecture, art, culture, craft and many more topics. I wish there was a Manjit in every city I visited. His fine art quality prints are available to buy and make very special gifts/memories to bring home.
Really enjoyed our walk around the sculptor’s village learning about the process of making the deities. Manjit was an excellent host, had great stories and insights to share about all things Kolkata. I can highly recommend this experience. It was a great way to start our first trip to India
I can’t imagine a better tour than one of those offered by Calcutta Photo Tours. This particular tour takes you to a unique neighborhood in Kolkata, Kumortuli. You will wander through the small lanes and into the studios of amazing ceramic artists. India has no shortage of religious festivals and these artists create all of the statues needed for those holidays. As a lifelong resident Manjit, the owner, knows the neighborhood and the artist residents are his friends. If you’re a photographer, his knowledge and friendships will give you access to areas you would otherwise not be welcome. He is a talented photographer himself, so he knows what interests people in the field. He will give you as much, or as little, guidance as you like. If you’re a woman, traveling on your own, you may have concerns about your safety in Kolkata. I assure you Manjit works hard to make you feel secure and well cared for. This is a fascinating city; for photographers it’s a dream destination.
We were three with Manjit this morning. We had just arrived for first visit in Kolkata. The other woman was repeating this walk with Manjit for the third time having fallen in love with the city when she first explored with him some years ago. Manjit is big fun, knowledgeable and in love with the city and this neighborhood himself and his affection is contagious. Now we too have fallen in love. He made us with his excellent renditions of the tales of the gods. He has affectionate relationships with the artisans so we were welcome and got to see things up close. He’s an excellent and passionate photographer so lots of opportunities for wonderful photos but evetif you’re not into that/ I just had my phone and loved snapping/ the tour is great. Highly recommend
This review is long overdue. I was in Kolkata during the Puja festival and reached out to Manjit for a spot on the Kolkata 3-Hour Tour of Kumortuli. I must say, it was a great experience! Manjit was booked solid for the season but he said he would contact me if something opened up. The night before the tour, I believe he had a cancelation and he reached out. Location was in Kumartoli, in Kolkata, where the artisans build beautiful idols from clay and hay. A group of us joined Manjit for the tour and the 3-3.5 hours were filled with history, learning, arts, awe and a deep respect for all the work the artisans do every year. Manjit was very knowledgeable about the way the process works and even threw in snippets of history and kept us entertained throughout the tour. There were a lot of photo opportunities throughout the tour and it was a lot of fun. Too bad my SD card got corrupted when I got back but the memories of the tour and the sights will stay imprinted on my mind forever. Will definitely try to connect with Manjit and Calcutta Photo Tours the next time I am visiting - this time for the Flower Market. - Sachin B.
After the success of my first tour with Manjit at the Flowers’ market, I decided to book a second one. In this case, “The Goddess Beckons Tour” which allows you to get behind the scenes of the potters’ quarter in Calcutta. It was an incredible experience, particularly because I would have missed it without Manjit’s help. No wonder why it is considered one of the seven wonders of Calcutta! Again, three hours of good fun and culture exploring this area of the city and plenty of opportunities to get some pictures which are far from being ordinary. Manjit knows his way around the quarter and potters greet him warmly which allows for a far better experience. Black and white does great justice to the feeling of the tour. You won’t regret if you join this one (or any of the others). Thank you friend 🙏🏼
Going around during the Durga Puja time is a festive atmosphere in this area. Unfortunately I couldn’t really witness any statue being made.
Thank you so much for joining The Goddess Beckons Tour and for sharing your feedback. I’m truly sorry that the experience didn’t feel perfect for you. Durga Puja time is indeed magical and, as you mentioned, the area is filled with a festive atmosphere. In the weeks leading up to the festival the artisans are busy sculpting the clay images of the Goddess, but by the days just before Puja (which was the time when you took the tour) the focus shifts to finishing touches, painting and installing the idols. During your visit we were able to see many idols in clay, some being painted and others having their eyes drawn — a rare and sacred moment — but not the full sculpting process, which happens earlier in the season. This tour is designed as a photography-focused experience, created especially for people who want to explore, pause, and photograph these moments at their own pace. For guests who aren’t keen on photography, like you, especially during the very busy festival days, it may feel less tailored to their interests. We always do our best to guide visitors through this traditional neighbourhood at a comfortable pace, but the lanes can get crowded and warm at this time of year, which can be challenging, particularly if walking is difficult. I deeply appreciate your comments because they help future guests choose the timing and type of experience that suits them best — whether it’s seeing the sculpting weeks before Puja, the vibrant festival atmosphere closer to the celebrations, or a non-photography-oriented visit. Tip for future guests: if you’re especially interested in watching the idols being sculpted, or if you’d prefer a non-photography walk, please reach out before booking — I’m always happy to recommend the best timing or an alternative experience. Thank you again for taking the time to write. I wish you both wonderful travels ahead! Warm regards, Manjit
We had a mega good and exciting day with Manjit. We learned a lot about the area “Kumartuli” especially because Manjit was good at telling and showing details in the individual workshops. Will definitely recommend this tour as it is a unique opportunity for an insight into another world.
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed exploring Kumartuli and its hidden workshops with me — it’s always a joy to share this unique world with curious travellers like you.
Manjit is a fantastic guide! As a local who has travelled worldwide with an impressive list of accomplishments, he has a natural ability to connect across our cultures and has a great sense of humor, which made the tour feel personal and impactful as a cultural exchange. With deep relationships in the community, he also made thoughtful introductions treated us to tea and snacks to fuel our tour, which felt more like an invitation into someone's home than sightseeing through a neighborhood. We're really glad we hired him and didn't explore our own -- we would have missed the insights and unique humanity and stories brought to life through the tour. Highly recommend any tour with Manjit and checking out his website to view his amazing photos -- especially if you're not a local and you're looking for personal insight, connection to place, and humor that transcends across culture -- book a tour with Manjit. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you so much for this generous review! It was a real pleasure to share my city, stories and favourite stops with you. I’m delighted you felt welcomed into the community rather than just sightseeing — that’s exactly the experience I hope every guest has. Your kind words mean a lot.
Wonderful opportunity to see Kolkata up close and capture amazing street photography images! My guide was super knowledgeable and helpful in finding hidden gems that a visitor probably wouldn’t find on their own. A great way to spend a morning in Kolkata!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m delighted you enjoyed exploring Calcutta’s hidden corners and capturing street photography with me — it’s always a pleasure to help visitors discover those little gems only locals know.
