• Job Charnock’s Mausoleum - 8AM- Hotel Pick up

We will start at 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 Kokata 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 - We will 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 his Church is the “Last Supper” painting on its walls.
• Writers’ Building - Our next destination is the iconic Writers 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. We will see this building from outside.
• Raj Bhavan - 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.
• Shaheed Minar - The Shaheed Minar was built in 1848 with a blend of Egyptian, Syrian and Turkish design styles. Originally it was called the Ochterlony Monument and was built to honour Major General Sir David Ochterlony’s triumph against the Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1825. Today this monument commemorates the sacrifice of Indian freedom fighters.
• Indian Museum (Jadu Ghar) - We visit India’s largest and oldest Museum. The Indian Museum was built by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1814 with Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist as the founder curator. It has a magnificent collection of relics, ornaments, fossils, skeletons, antiques, armors and paintings of different eras.
• Victoria Memorial Hall - After lunch, we 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 Victorian-era set in the middle of the hustle and bustle of modern Kolkata.
• Howrah Bridge - We take a boat ride over the holy River Ganges and over the next 30 minutes we explore the City of Joy from its waters. We pass through the iconic Howrah Bridge before this magnificent experience of Kolkata comes to an end.

8PM- Drop back to hotel

• Hotel pickup and drop-off service included
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges covered
• Lunch provided
• Transportation via private car

• Drinks

The City of Joy Experience is a day tour that allows guests to explore why Kolkata is known as the City of Joy. The journey begins at the Mausoleum of Job Charnock, the founder of British Kolkata, and includes visits to St. John’s Church, the iconic Writers’ Building, the magnificent Governor’s House, Shahid Minar, India’s oldest museum, and the legendary Victoria Memorial. The tour concludes with a picturesque 30-minute boat ride on the River Ganges.

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 is designed to support local livelihoods by employing local guides and supporting local businesses, aligning with the company’s mission to ensure travel dollars benefit the local community.

• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.