The Soul of Calcutta: 03-Day Private Kolkata Tour, Kolkata

About this activity

This relaxed, 3-day customizable itinerary captures the authentic soul of Kolkata by blending its iconic heritage with historic local transit.

Day 1: Dives into old North Kolkata's culture. Witness the vibrant morning chaos of the Mullick Ghat Flower Market under Howrah Bridge, visit Tagore’s ancestral home, and see artisans sculpting clay idols in Kumartuli. Finish with classic adda over coffee and cutlets at the legendary Indian Coffee House on College Street Book Market.

Day 2: Explore the colonial heart, starting at the Mother House and the historic South Park Street Cemetery. After touring the grand Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial, experience a tram ride. Enjoy famous street food during a private sunset river cruise at Prinsep Ghat.

Day 3: Focuses on spirituality and history, featuring a scenic river ferry boat ride between the majestic Dakshineswar Kali Temple and the serene Belur Math. Stroll through the mosaic-filled Jain Temple and historic St. John’s Church.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: Hindi, English, Bangla
Operated by: Tour de Kolkata

Ages: Adults (10–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled Water
Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee
Included: Snacks, Local Food Tasting and Bengali Sweets
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Tourist Guide
Included: Parking Fees

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Meals

Itinerary

Day 1 · Cultural Roots, Intellectual Hubs & North Kolkata Artistry

Malik Ghat Flower Market

30 min

Early Morning: Flowers & The Great Steel Bridge.

Start your day to witness a sensory explosion at Asia's largest flower market. Watch hundreds of vendors trading brilliant seas of orange and yellow marigold garlands right at the river’s edge.
Howrah Bridge

15 min

Walk up to get a striking, close-up vantage point of the massive cantilevers of the iconic Howrah Bridge.
Jorasanko Thakur Bari

one hour Admission included

Visit the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Now a museum, this beautiful brick-red mansion offers an intimate glimpse into the Bengal Renaissance and Tagore's life, poetry, and art.
Stop 4

30 min

Head over to the artistic labyrinth of lanes in Kumartuli. Walk past open workshops to watch master craftsmen painstakingly shape beautiful, massive deities out of clay and straw entirely by hand.
Stop 5

30 min

Take a short cab ride to this privately owned, stunning 19th-century neoclassical mansion. Marvel at the elaborate marble floors, massive antique chandeliers, and a fascinating, eclectic collection of European paintings and sculptures. (CLOSED ON TUESDAYS & THURSDAY)
College Street (Boi Para)

30 min

Travel to College Street, the world’s largest second-hand book market. Browse miles of makeshift wooden stalls overflowing with rare classics and academic texts
Stop 7

30 min Admission included

Head upstairs into the legendary Indian Coffee House. Sit beneath the high ceilings and soak in the timeless atmosphere of Adda—the passionate, intellectual conversations of students and artists over traditional hot coffee and delicious Cutlets, Pakodas, Fish Fry or Vegetable Mughlai Parathas.

Day 2 · Central Heritage, Imperial Grandeur & Riverfront Sunset

Mother House

Passing by

Begin your relaxed journey at the Mother House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity. Pay your respects at Mother Teresa’s quiet tomb and view her preserved living quarters in a serene, contemplative atmosphere.
South Park Street Cemetery

30 min Admission included

Head to this 18th-century cemetery. Stroll through the moss-covered, shaded pathways lined with grand Gothic and Indo-Saracenic tombs, offering a remarkably quiet oasis right in the heart of the city.
Indian Museum (Jadu Ghar)

one hour Admission included

Drive down to the oldest and largest museum in India. Take a leisurely walk through its grand galleries, marveling at the ancient Bharhut stupa railings, Egyptian mummies, and magnificent antique sculptures.
New Market

one hour

Walk over to the historic New Market area. For lunch, try iconic local Mughlai street snacks like a crispy, flaky Kathi Roll ( Nizam's is right nearby, where the roll was invented). Spend some time wandering through the sprawling bazaar, taking in the chaotic energy and old-world architecture.
St. Paul's Cathedral

30 min Admission included

Enjoy a slow-paced, nostalgic ride through the lush green Maidan toward the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral, known for its stunning stained-glass windows.
Victoria Memorial Hall

one hour Admission included

Right next door is the spectacular white-marble Victoria Memorial. Walk through the beautifully manicured royal gardens and admire the British-era galleries.
Prinsep Ghat

one hour Admission included

Take a short ride to the Greek-style columns of Prinsep Ghat along the banks of the Hooghly River. Board a traditional wooden country boat for a private, relaxed sunset cruise. Drift along the water as the sun dips below the horizon right under the magnificent, illuminated span of the Vidyasagar Setu.

Day 3 · Spiritual Serenity & The Historic Heart

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

one hour Admission included

Drive north to the vibrant, 19th-century Dakshineswar Temple complex. Admire the striking nine-spired main shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini and the 12 matching individual temples of Lord Shiva lining the riverfront.
Belur Math

one hour Admission included

Instead of dealing with road traffic, walk down to the temple's launch ghat and board a local ferry boat ride across the Hooghly River directly to Belur Math. This breezy, scenic crossing offers sweeping panoramic views of the river. Disembark at Belur Math, the tranquil, green headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. Explore the magnificent main temple, whose architecture uniquely integrates Hindu, Christian, and Islamic motifs to celebrate universal religious harmony.
Jain Swetamber Dadajika Temple

30 min

Take a comfortable ride back toward the central district to visit this exquisite temple complex built in 1867. Spend a relaxed hour admiring the sparkling mirror mosaics, European-style stained glass, and beautifully manicured gardens adorned with fountains.
Stop 4

30 min Admission included

Enjoy a Tram ride during the tour. Calcutta tram is the oldest tram in Asia.
St. John's Church

one hour Admission included

Conclude your sightseeing at St. John's Church, one of the earliest public buildings built by the East India Company. Take a quiet stroll through the shaded grounds to see Job Charnock's historic mausoleum and Johann Zoffany's famous painting of The Last Supper inside.
Stop 6

Passing by

Take a walk or Drive pass by the former British Colonial Town and see Lok Bhavan (Governor House), GPO, Writer's Building, Calcutta High Court and Town Hall.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Hotel O Wonderland Inn
Hotel O The Mandal Residency
Holiday Rental Rooms
Fabhotel Sonargaon
Hotel Soft Petal
Hotel O Executive Stays Akankha
Hotel O Karaya Road
Super Hotel O Bangur Kolkata Formerly The Avenue Inn
OYO Hotel Devine Chariot
Ozzy Rooms
Stay Hub Hotel
OYO 75481 Tirupati Guest House

and 2,079 more pickup points

Kolkata Airport

Howrah Railway Station

Sealdah Railway Station

Hotel/Any other preferred location within Kolkata

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting Point Clarity: Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Dress Code for Cultural Sites: As this heritage tour visits multiple spiritual and historical sites, please dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and we highly recommend wearing slip-on shoes or sandals, as footwear must be removed before entering certain temples and monuments.
Physical Pacing & Comfort: This tour features a moderate amount of walking through vibrant local markets, historic lanes, and artisan quarters to give you a true feel of the city. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are highly recommended.
Accessibility Note: Due to the historic nature of the streets, uneven pavements, this specific itinerary is unfortunately not fully wheelchair accessible or suitable for those with severe mobility restrictions.
Weather Policy: This experience runs rain or shine. Kolkata is beautiful in all seasons! In the event of heavy downpours, your guide will seamlessly adapt the schedule to focus on the city's stunning indoor heritage buildings, museums, and air-conditioned transport comfort.
Private Tour Exclusivity: This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized pace and the undivided attention of your expert local guide.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
Customization: Feel free to let us know if you wish to customize your booking—this tour can be fully customized to suit your needs.
Children under 5 years old travel for free, while children aged 5 to 9 receive a 50% discount on the tour.