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.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $90.
Larger groups pay less per person.
Out at sunset: the 2:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:04 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 12.
Tour Options
Hotel pick up drop
Pickup included
Without pick up drop
No pick up and drop service
Pickup included
Itinerary
Writers' Building
Admission included30 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.
Admission included30 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!
St. John's Church
Admission included45 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.
Raj Bhavan
Admission included45 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.
Admission included30 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
What's included
Included
Light refreshments
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Snacks
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
Pickup Locations & Times
All hotels in Kolkata
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5
3
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
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How it compares in Kolkata
Starting price $75 is close to the typical $75 for tours of similar length in Kolkata
Excurgo comparison of 195 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does British Raj Walk in Kolkata take?
British Raj Walk in Kolkata lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does British Raj Walk in Kolkata cost?
Prices start at $75 per person for this Kolkata experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $90. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does British Raj Walk in Kolkata run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.
How much does British Raj Walk in Kolkata cost for children?
Children aged 6–12 pay from $65, adults from $75.
Can I cancel British Raj Walk in Kolkata for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. All hotels in Kolkata Pickup points include Taj Bengal, Kolkata, The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata.
What languages is British Raj Walk in Kolkata offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is British Raj Walk in Kolkata worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 3 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by 5 Senses Walks.
Reviews(3)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
H
hc22018
October 25, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful history in the City of Joy
Wow! There was a cyclone in Kolkata this day. Our Guide, Bratati conducted the walk anyhow. We only had this day in the city and I was keen to learn about the British history of the city. Despite the torrential rain Bratati was superb. She explained things so well and told many great stories about the history and the buildings. In the end the rain flooded the streets! So we had to abandon the tour for safety. But Bratati did so well to fit in lots of interesting information and she was so calm and resilient. Highly recommend this company and hope to return on a sunny day! Thank you Bratati 🙏😍
S
sueharolds
March 6, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Colonial history brought alive
The British Raj walk was a exhilarating experience with Abhishek. He was punctual and very well read about the colonial history of Kolkata. We visited the famous Writer's building and then proceeded to memorial of founder of the city. Abhishek also took us to the oldest museum of India and explained about the collection very well. Victoria memorial was the highlight of the walk.
1 people found this helpful
P
pkmurar
December 26, 2019 · via Tripadvisor
Awesome culture walk
The British raj walk in Kolkata is a fantastic way of exploring Kolkata. Sauvik took us to all the prominent landmarks like the Writers building, Victoria memorial, Museum, Charnock memorial and St John's church. He told us interesting stories about each of these monuments and how they shaped modern Kolkata. The food was also fantastic. I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone who has 3 hours in Kolkata.
