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Writers' Building

Writers' Building: Our most recommended tours and activities

Kolkata: Guided Heritage Walking Tour

1. Kolkata: Guided Heritage Walking Tour

Embark on a journey to capture the essence of Kolkata as you explore on foot some of the most iconic and prominent landmarks of the city’s Colonial heritage. Choose from flexible options of a private tour or a shared tour to meet other travelers with optional hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour's first stop is the Writer's building, built in 1777. Once used for the lower bureaucracy of the East India Company, today this stunning Greco-Roman masterpiece is the seat of the West Bengal state government. Next, walk to the Mausoleum of Job Charnock, who in 1690 bought the villages of Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata and over time transformed the region into the capital of East India Company. At the site, learn about how in recent times, a High Court ruling has discredited him as the founder of the city. Continue to St John’s Church, a majestic stone building from 1787, which became the principal cathedral of the region in 1815. Marvel at a painting of the Last Supper on its walls. Follow your guide to the Governor’s House, built for the Marquess of Wellesley who came to Kolkata as the Governor General of East India Company in 1798. Admire its Neoclassical style with distinct Baroque overtones as you learn about how the Crown gained rule over India during the Colonial era. Finally, visit the legendary Victoria Memorial, an architectural gem built from marble. Here you can really experience the essence of the Victorian era, set in the middle of the hustle and bustle of modern Kolkata.

Kolkata: Full-Day City Tour for an immersive experience

2. 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. 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 cruise 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.

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What people are saying about Writers' Building

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 12 reviews

We really enjoyed our tour with Anirban. The time just flew by. We got some tea at the beginning of the tour then walked around lots of the British colonial buildings in ‘white town’. Anirban was great company and very knowledgeable. We also got to ride in a yellow taxi to see the Victoria memorial which was beautiful! Highly recommend this tour.

Great tour - especially as I’m from the UK. The guide was tremendously knowledgable. The Victoria Memorial tour was a real treat. A must for anyone with a fascination with the British experience in India.

Excellent trip. Our guide was knowledgeable friendly and kind. We really enjoyed all the interest points and we were well looked after. Thank you.

Since the tour was private, we were able to influence the course at any time. Our guide Abhishek was very nice and always friendly. Recommended.

The tour was very informative. We enjoyed it a lot. Thank you!