Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge: Our most recommended tours and activities

Kolkata: A Sea of Faces and A Thousand Places

Kolkata: A Sea of Faces and A Thousand Places

Get a proper orientation of Kolkata and feel like a local with this unique tour that follows a story which is titled, 'A Sea of Faces and A Thousand Places'. The locations selected are based on the tour storyline, and the guide plays the role of a narrator. Start your day in the center of the city, Esplanade and meet your guide outside Smaranika Tram Museum. Dive into the heart of this bustling city's life and observe a spectrum of activities amidst imperialistic mansions, modern skyscrapers and lush bold greenery. Next, step into the captivating era of Victorian Kolkata and learn about the birth of this vibrant metropolis in Dalhousie Square. See imperial neo-classical architecture, stroll through intricate grid patterns, and discover timeless tales from heritage landmarks. We stop at an energetic street food alley, a bustling hub of culinary delights. Indulge in a tea break surrounded by stalls serving up delicious and hygienic local fare. Here, you'll have the opportunity to sample the city's favorite dishes, each with its own unique story and flavor profile. Next, we embark on a local bus adventure, traversing the lively streets and cross the iconic Howrah Bridge to reach a ferry point along the ancient and holy river Ganga. Boarding the ferry, we embark on a journey through time itself, sailing along the sacred waters to reach the oldest part of the city. As the wind whispers tales of bygone eras, you'll find yourself transported to a realm where history comes alive. Discover Charming Old North Kolkata. Unveil the area's pre-megapolis essence, explore ancient occupations, old lifestyles, and spiritual threads. Visit a potter's colony named Kumortuli, a secret gym built for revolutionary fighters and an old aristocratic mansion. Our adventure continues with a classic cab ride in the iconic yellow taxi, whisking us away to the vibrant heart of revolution: College Street. Here, amidst the thrum of students and intellectuals, you'll feel the pulse of freedom echoing through the very streets. Immerse yourself in the spirit of liberation as we delve into the stories of the brilliant minds who ignited the flames of liberty in Kolkata. From the luminaries of the Bengal Renaissance to the fearless fighters who dared to dream of independence, every corner of College Street resonates with the legacy of those who shaped history. Our journey culminates at the legendary Indian Coffee House, the oldest cafe in India, where generations of thinkers and visionaries have gathered to share ideas and ideals. Here, amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the buzz of stimulating conversation, we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment in time. Join us as we raise a cup to the past, present, and future of Kolkata, a city where every street corner is steeped in history and possibility.

Kolkata: Full-Day Private City Tour with a Local

Kolkata: Full-Day Private City Tour with a Local

Discover the highlights of Kolkata on this private sightseeing tour with a local English-speaking guide. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned sedan or SUV (allotted depending on the number of passengers) and explore famous landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Kalighat. Get a complete insight into locals' lives by also visiting lesser-known areas, such as the flower market and Belur Math. Start at a time convenient for you with pickup from your hotel. Setting out early is recommended to avoid rush-hour traffic. First, make your way to the Mullick Ghat Flower Market and watch a mass of people at Asia's largest flower market. Then, admire the Victoria Memorial's galleries, statues, and gardens. Continue to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the first Anglican Church in the eastern world, whose unusual “Indo-Gothic” design has survived a series of massive earthquakes. Next, head to Princep Ghat to marvel at the views of the Vidyasagar Setu Bridge. From there, visit the fascinating Dakshineshwar Kali Temple on the banks of the River Hooghly, and learn about the significance of this deity to the Bengalis. After exploring the temple, board a ferry to Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, which preaches the unity of all religions. Pay homage to Mother Teresa at the Missionaries of Charity's Mother House, where she lived for over two decades. Finally, capture images of the famous Howrah Bridge as a wonderful memory of your day in Kolkata. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back to your hotel.

Kolkata Morning Culture Tour- Chasing The Sun

Kolkata Morning Culture Tour- Chasing The Sun

This is a one of a kind tour that follows a story titled, "Chasing The Sun". An experience to witness this vibrant city coming to life as the sun rises over its bustling streets. We'll begin our journey in the early hours of the morning, watching as Kolkata awakens from its slumber. From the serene banks of the Hooghly River to the bustling markets and vibrant neighborhoods, you'll witness the city's rich culture and heritage unfold before your eyes. A special visit to a historic food joint for a delicious traditional breakfast and sweets. Meet your guide at the entrance of Victoria Memorial. The day begins with a fascinating glimpse into Kolkata's morning hustle. On one side, we'll witness the city's industrious spirit in South Kolkata as we stroll past locals engaging in their morning jog amidst sprawling greenery and the majestic Victoria Memorial providing a striking backdrop. On the flip side, we'll dive into the vibrant chaos of the flower market under the colossal Howrah Bridge where trade intertwines seamlessly with religious rituals at a nearby ghat. Get to visit to an Indian wrestling ring. Next, we peek into the heart of Bengali living. In Kolkata, the word "para" means a locality or neighborhood which holds significant meaning. Your para defines more than just your address; it molds your entire mindset. Our journey takes us deep into the heart of a 300-year-old North Kolkata para, where we'll immerse ourselves in the daily rituals and culture of its residents. Prepare for a unique experience as we visit a 200-year-old eatery, indulging in an authentic breakfast dish that's been savored for generations (vegan friendly) After breakfast, we dive into Central and East Kolkata's urban labyrinth, bustling with vibrant markets and a myriad of colors. Our journey explores cosmopolitan neighborhoods and bustling markets, including the oldest Chinatown of India, a marketplace renowned for its spices and vegetables and a visit to Kolkata's grandest mosque. Get ready for an enchanting mix of cultures and experiences in this dynamic part of the city—a haven for street photographers. Finally, after a day of chasing the sun, we find solace at Mother Teresa's house, pausing for reflection amidst the city's chaos. Please note we use public transport for commuting.

Kolkata: Private Tour of City of Joy with Licensed Guide

Kolkata: Private Tour of City of Joy with Licensed Guide

Experience the City of Joy. Once the most richest city in Asia and the then capital of India. Enjoy the different cultures, colors, and religions. Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India's West Bengal state. Founded as an East India Company trading post, it was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911. Today it’s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries, and cultural festivals. It’s also home to Mother House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, whose tomb is on site.

Kolkata: Half-Day Morning Tour w/ Flower Market

Kolkata: Half-Day Morning Tour w/ Flower Market

Start your journey at 07:00 with a hotel pick-up, where your guide will brief you about the day's activities. You will start by visiting a flower market from where you can get a perfect picture view of the Howrah Bridge. Next, make a visit to Prinsep Ghat and enjoy a Masala Chai on the bank of the river. A small boat ride can be arranged upon request at your own cost. Later, visit Victoria Memorial, a large marble building built from 1906 to 1921 and dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. Afterwards, visit St. Paul Cathedral Church. Construction started in 1839 and is said to be the largest cathedral in Kolkata. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back off at Park Street, where you will be free to explore the city on your own.

KOLKATA FULL DAY TOUR

KOLKATA FULL DAY TOUR

Morning pick up from Kolkata City hotel. And drive to visit Mother Teresa House (Closed on Thursday) which is the organization was founded in 1950 with the sole purpose of providing selfless service to the underprivileged and the poor. It is the home of Mother Teresa and her sisters from February 1953 to the present. Then drive pass from Howrah Bridge. Which is the beautiful bridge connecting Kolkata and Howrah has become an icon of Bengal’s history, culture and tourism today. It is considered one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. Then visits St. John's Church (Closed on Sunday) which is the oldest British-era building in the city. The church contains the tomb of Jab Charnock, the founder of the city. It is a stone and brick building with a beautiful wood and marble interior. You can see a large painting of the Last Supper on the wall. It is also significant because it contains the Round Table where the Calcutta Charter was signed. After visiting the St. John’s Chruch, enjoy lunch at good restaurant. After lunch visits Marble Palace (Closed on Monday and Thursday). The exquisitely designed Marble Palace. Set amidst lush green lawns and artistic sculptures, this building is a treasure trove of antiques, including Chinese porcelain and Ruben paintings. Then visits, Victoria Memorial (Closed on Mondays). The Victoria Memorial is a huge monument made of white marble located in the heart of the city, built between 1906 and 1921. It is a memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria. Later drop at your pick up location.

Kolkata: Make Your Own Customisable Private City Tour

Kolkata: Make Your Own Customisable Private City Tour

Explore Kolkata on a personalized full-day tour that takes you to all the places you like. Start your tour at a time that suits you the most in a chauffeur-driven car picking you up from your hotel. Visit the different religious places of Kolkata and trace the history of how so many different religions and cultures became a part of this city and how they thrived over the years making Kolkata a melting pot. Or go on a tour to explore the famous monuments and tourist spots of Kolkata like the grand Victoria Memorial, Prinsep Ghat, or the famous Howrah Bridge. You can even choose to take a sunset boat ride near the Prinsep Ghat on the Hoogly River while sipping on some flavorsome masala chai. If literature is something that excites you, then you can even trace the life of the legendary poet Rabindra Nath Tagore along with a visit to the home of great freedom fighter like Subash Chandra Bose or visit the Missionaries of Charity’s Mother House, a place of pilgrimage and reverence to the great soul of Mother Teresa.

Kolkata: Full-Day City Tour for an immersive experience

Kolkata: Full-Day City Tour for an immersive experience

Begin your full-day tour of Kolkata at the Mausoleum of Job Charnock, the founder of modern Kolkata in 1690. Visit 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 the Church is the “Last Supper” painting on its walls. The next destination is the iconic Writers Building. 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. Your guide will shed light on the landmark events which took place in India’s freedom struggle with the Writers Building as the backdrop. Since this is a working office, you will see it from outside. Proceed then to the Governor’s House, a remarkable building which was built for Marquess of Wellesley in 1803 by the famous English architect Charles Wyatt. The Governor’s House follows a Neoclassical style with distinct Baroque overtones. We will be seeing this from outside. After lunch, visit 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 the Victorian Era, set in the middle of the hustle and bustle of modern Kolkata. On the last leg of the tour, take a 30 minute boat ride over the holy River Ganges and explore the City of Joy from its waters. Pass by numerous ghats and under the iconic Howrah Bridge before this magnificent experience comes to an end. This tour is organized by Five Senses Tours, a private limited company recognized by the Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). The tour has been designed to support local livelihoods by way of employment of local guides, and supporting local businesses in line with the mission of the company to ensure travel dollars stay where they are spent.

Kolkata: Magic Hour Tour with Breakfast

Kolkata: Magic Hour Tour with Breakfast

Experience the magic of the early morning hours in Calcutta on a guided walking tour. Watch the city wake up as you visit local spots, enjoy a traditional breakfast, and savor the best sweets of Calcutta in the city's oldest residential neighborhood. Meander through the streets on foot and local modes of transport as the city enters the enchanting Magic Hour. Before the bustling giant city wakes up come up close and personal to Calcutta and experience it Like a Local. Stop for breakfast at a 250-year-old traditional eatery and gossip about Bengalis and Calcutta in general. Learn about the oldest parts of the city and the stories that make the city iconic. Finish your tour with a visit to the oldest residential neighborhood in Calcutta. Savor the best sweets of Calcutta and watch the city wake up as you blend in and become a local. Highlights : Mullick Ghat Flower Market Howrah Bridge Kumartuli Idol making neighborhood Traditional Local Breakfast Local Chai/ Tea Local Transport modes Stories of Calcutta No historical overdrive Tour based on experience and not on information only The tour is conducted by a 5th Generation Kolkata Local who quit his corporate job in 2016 to follow his passion of enabling travelers to fall in Love with Calcutta. The Magic Hour Tour is currently the highest ranked walking tour in Calcutta on the internet. The tour is not just a heritage walk but an anthropological experience that blends history , photography , local stories, mythology and the host's personal connections to the city.

Private Kolkata Tour with Victoria Memorial & Tonga Ride

Private Kolkata Tour with Victoria Memorial & Tonga Ride

At 9:00 AM your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby to start an enchanting tour exploring the wonders of the famous City of Joy – Kolkata. The first stop is the monumental symbol of Kolkatam, the Victoria Memorial. Designed by Sir William Emerson, the Victoria Memorial is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style. The architecture of Victoria also has elements from the Mughals that adds to the elegance of the structure. The garden especially was designed by Lord Redesdale and Sir David Prain. This special memorial was established to honor Queen Victoria. Now it's time for a fun tonga ride, which is often referred to as the heritage ride along the VIP circle area. The exclusive city tour continues with a drive around St. John’s Church. St. John’s is one of the first architectural wonders created by the British during their stay in Kolkata.  The spiritual journey continues with the visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. It was established in the year 1839. In the year 1874, St. Paul’s was consecrated. Now it's time to got to a local restaurant where you can enjoy lunch. After lunch, the next stop for the day is Howrah Bridge. The bridge connects two major cities of West Bengal, namely Howrah and Kolkata. The area around Howrah Bridge is the house of two major places – Mullik Ghat and the colorful flower market. Finally, the last stop of the day is the famous South Park Street Cemetery. In the 19th century, it was marked as one of the largest Christian cemetery outside America and Europe. 

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What people are saying about Howrah Bridge

Overall rating

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
4.3 out of 5 stars
(3 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

This was a unique presentation of the city's history. My guide Paulami was merely the narrator as Kolkata tells her story to me. I was a local for the day. I rode the bus. Took a ferry and rode in a yellow can that you can only find in Kolkata. There was a celebration that people were making figures. They use a hay frame and the mud from the river to make the goddesses. The craftsmen are so talented. I saw a side of the city I do not think I would have seen on another tour. I really enjoyed connecting with Paulami who is from the city. By the end of the tour ,Kolkata had told her story to me and I had a better understanding of the city. I had such a unique time. Highly recommend Paulami and her tour!!!'

5 out of 5 stars

Small group. Moinak, orguide was pleasant and knew a lot of history, although a few details were fudged. Varied modes of transport added to the experience. no time pressure, and the travel was well organised (eg taxi waiting for us). Be aware that you will be charged at the end for all the transport and drinks and snacks. I recommend this tour and guide.

5 out of 5 stars

It was great, highly recommended! Starting with the excellent communication, the punctual meeting early in the morning, the perfect tour, Soham knew how to convey the magic of Calcutta. When we stood on the Maidan and the sun rose, I was blown away. The really good local breakfast, tea at the right time and 100 wonderful stories make me say: Thank you!

5 out of 5 stars

This is not a Top-5-Attractions-in-Kolkata tour. We did see Howra bridge, but only because it was over the Ganga at a boat launch to an amazingly interesting, oldest in Kolkata, village of the most unusual sculpture. Our guide, Polo, walked us to many other neighborhoods, too, and showing always her great love and knowledge of her city.

5 out of 5 stars

Pal was an excellent, knowledgeable guide and we very much appreciated our time with him.