What this tour is about: Old Calcutta was divided into a White Town and a Black Town. The White Town was centred around Lal Dighi, a water tank which provided drinking water to the town. The area around the tank (earlier called Dalhousie Square, now renamed B B D Bagh) is the oldest square in the city. Some of the city’s earliest and grandest buildings are located in this square. These beautiful buildings are still in use, providing a glimpse of Calcutta’s living British heritage. A walk through this area tells the story of the growth of Calcutta, from its early years to modern days.

How it works: We’ll start the walk from the Great Eastern Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in India. From here, we go on a leisurely walk, seeing among other things, the following city landmarks:

• Raj Bhavan, or Government House, initiated by Lord Wellesley who famously said “India should be governed from a Palace, not a counting house”. This is now the residence of the Governor of Bengal
• St John’s Church, which houses the grave of Job Charnock (founder of British Calcutta), and the Black Hole Memorial (a controversial episode in Calcutta’s history)
• Lal Dighi, the water tank that provided drinking water, but was also a popular promenade
• The General Post Office, with its grand dome and Corinthian pillars
• Writer’s Building, which originally served as the offices of the clerks of the East India Company, but now houses the Secretariat of West Bengal
• St. Andrew’s Kirk, a beautiful Scottish Kirk

From here, going past the Old Currency Building, we will finish the walk again at the Great Eastern Hotel.

Optional extension: At the end of the walk, we can arrange for a guided tour through the Great Eastern Hotel, followed by their excellent High Tea. Established in 1840, the Great Eastern Hotel is a part of Calcutta's colonial heritage, hosting many world leaders and dignitaries.

Please let us know in advance if you wish to book this optional extension (available only in the afternoon). Please note, the walk will be conducted by hotel staff, and you can pay the hotel directly for the High Tea (approximately Rs 750 per person, tour of hotel available only via prior booking with us)

Prior reservation is mandatory. Email deepa@magictoursofindia.com or WhatsApp wa.me/+919867707414.