Kolkata or Calcutta is regarded as the cultural capital of India and is often known as the "City of Joy". Five Nobel Prize winners have been associated with Kolkata: Sir Ronald Ross (1902, Medicine), Rabindranath Tagore (1913, Literature; first Asian to win the Nobel Prize), C V Raman (1930, Physics), Mother Teresa (1979, Peace), Amartya Sen (1998, Economics). Victoria Memorial, built between 1906 and 1921, is the finest and most prominent building and art museum of Calcutta. It is also home to one of humanity's greatest servants, the late Mother Teresa. Stroll along the Hooghly river with breathtaking views of the iconic Howrah Bridge, the largest cantilever bridge in the world and possibly the busiest. Enjoy a walking tour of the city with experienced guides from the department of tourism.

Kolkata (Calcutta), is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly, and has a population of 4.6 million. It served as the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911. Once the centre of modern education, science, culture and politics in India, Kolkata witnessed economic stagnation in the years following India's independence in 1947. It has seen a resurgence since 2000 and is a popular destination today. Established in 1814, the Indian Museum is the oldest museum in Asia and houses vast collection. The Victoria Memorial, one of the major tourist attractions in Kolkata, has a museum documenting the city's history. The National Library of India is India's leading public library. Academy of Fine Arts and other art galleries hold regular art exhibitions.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant.

Chrome Hotel is located at the heart of the city and is a convenient staying option for both leisure and corporate travelers. The hotel’s luxurious rectilinear ‘Block of Swiss Cheese’ presence, is composed of white blocks housing rooms, against randomly punctuated colorful lights, that envelope the grey exposed concrete and create a strong presence in a fantastic location. The Chrome’s attitude is shaped by the increasing sophistication of today’s traveler and is guided by their experiences, vision and ideas. This has enabled the Chrome to deliver a unique hospitality experience, that achieves new levels of guest loyalty.

Overnight at Chrome Hotel.

Private guided tour of Kolkata (Calcutta). Kolkata formerly called Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Kolkata is the cultural capital of India and the commercial capital of Eastern India. It is located in eastern India on the east bank of the Hooghly River. Noted, for its revolutionary history, ranging from the Indian struggle for independence to the leftist and trade union movements. Kolkata was the launch pad of the Bengal Renaissance era of the 19th Century. Kolkata has long been known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage. As the former capital of India, Kolkata was the birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought. Kolkatans tend to have a special appreciation for art and literature; its tradition of welcoming new talent has made it a City of Furious Creative Energy. For these reasons, Kolkata has often been dubbed as the Cultural Capital of India or the Literary Capital of India.

Overnight at Chrome Hotel.

The walk meanders a bit, from Esplanade and the Ochterlony Monument to the Town Hall, almost due west of the Esplanade. Then to the High Court, up to Metcalfe Hall, further up Strand Road, then into Koilaghat Street, to the Magistrates’ Court, past GPO and than into Clive Street (now Netaji Subhash Road), a look in at the Eastern railways headquarters, and further up the road into the heartland of corporate India as it was till about the 1950s. From there on, one can saunter back down Old Court House Street, which has been described earlier, to Esplanade once again.

The city of Calcutta is what it is largely because of its position on the banks of the river Hoogly, which meets the Bay of Bengal about a hundred kilometers downstream of the metropolis. This walk takes one along the east bank of the river, which has seen the city as it developed over the last three hundred years or so. It should be kept in mind, however, that in the 17th century the river flowed 40 to 50 yards east of its present course. Since about the end of the 18th century, the river started shifting its course westwards. Some of the landmarks as seen in the old aquatints, therefore, appear more inland today than they originally were.

Overnight at Chrome Hotel.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).