Our journey affords an unrivalled opportunity to explore the rich history, diverse culture, handicrafts and lesser-known backroads and waterways of West Bengal.
In Kolkata, former Imperial capital of the British Raj, we walk in the footsteps of the Raj, taking in splendid, often crumbling palaces and mansions. In the company of our erudite local guides our stay includes an early morning walk by the Hooghly river, a distributary of the Ganges, to the city’s vibrant flower markets and clay idol maker’s precinct at Kumartulli – where the daily hum of life is tangible. We’ll also explore the “Taj of the Raj”, the Victoria Memorial, honouring Queen Victoria, the Empress of India, and surrounding Maidan, a salutary reminder of the city’s Imperial past
Our days in Kolkata offer untold insights into India’s most vibrant and compelling city - the City of Joy.
The British weren’t the only people to leave their indelible stamp on West Bengal. From Kolkata we leave the big city buzz behind, taking a day trip by car to explore the sleepy town of Serampore - the Danish settlement on the banks of the Ganges where we’ll have lunch at the beautifully restored Danish Tavern, built in 1786. We then move on to Chandernagore, the settlement established by the French, where we’ll visit magnificent colonial architecture idyllically situated along the mighty river.
Our last stop on our return to Kolkata is to the Hooghly Imambara, a massive two storeyed building which commenced construction in 1841, taking twenty years to complete. This building is situated on the banks of river Ganga and is a major religious centre for the followers of Islam – specifically Shia Muslims. It’s important to note that an Imambarah is not a mosque and is open to people of all caste, creed or religion.
We travel by train to Murshidabad, the fascinating old capital of West Bengal. Any train trip in India is an experience in itself and this one is no exception. We’ll be entertained by passing musicians, acrobats, hawkers selling trinkets & gadgets and chai wallahs deftly dispensing hot chai into small clay cups. It’s hard to picture this semi-rural settlement as one that in its heyday, matched London in size, power and opulence. As its prominence diminished after the capital moved to Calcutta, the population shrank, and creepers and Banyan trees moved in, inhabiting ancient monuments and mansions. Our home for four nights in Murshidabad is truly spectacular – believe me you won’t want to leave!
After returning to Kolkata for a night, we head to the vast Gangetic delta and the Sunderbans. Sunderban Tiger Camp is a blissful escape into the heart of nature. Situated on the edge of the Sunderban National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, of 4,268 square kilometres of mangroves and is the largest estuarine forest in the world. For three days we take in the natural wonders of this pristine environment – home to massive crocodiles, fishing cats, spotted deer and an abundance of birdlife to name just a few inhabitants. Boats drift down serene backwaters on the lookout for the prolific wildlife for which it’s famous, including the elusive Bengal tiger.
We return one last time to Kolkata for a memorable farewell dinner before our trip concludes.
This tour is accompanied by Margie Thomas in conjunction with a highly experienced local guide.