• K.C. Das - K. C. Das is a historic sweet shop in Kolkata and serves as our meeting point. The walking tour begins here after sampling the shop’s signature sweet.
• Tipu Sultan Masjid Kolkata - This is the second point of interest, located directly opposite K. C. Das. The Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque, also known as Tipu Sultan Masjid, is a renowned mosque in Kolkata, India, named after Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. Situated at 185 Dharamtalla Street, the mosque is a testament to architectural and cultural heritage.
• Sacred Heart Church - The third point of interest on our tour is opposite the Tipu Sultan’s Mosque.

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located on Lenin Sarani in central Kolkata and commonly referred to as Sacred Heart Church or Portuguese Church, was consecrated on this day. The foundation stone was laid on February 12, 1832.

According to the Archdiocese of Kolkata’s website, the church was “built by Mrs. Pascoa da Souza, a member of the prominent Portuguese family, the Barrettos…between 1832 and 1834 behind Dharamtola Bazaar on Dhurrumtollah (Dharamtola) Street at the center of British Calcutta.” It is said that da Souza vowed to build the church after her son received a less severe sentence than she had feared for seriously injuring another European man.

The church features stunning stained glass windows, is supported by Corinthian pillars, and most notably, has an exceptional 14 stations of the Cross in marble, depicting Christ’s final journey.

• Raj Bhavan - The fourth heritage site on our list is Raj Bhavan. Raj Bhavan is the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal, located in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. Constructed in 1803, it was known as Government House during the Company rule in India and the British Raj.

After the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown in 1858, it became the official residence of the Viceroy of India, moving here from the Belvedere Estate. With the relocation of the Indian capital from then Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, it became the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal. Since Indian independence in August 1947, it has served as the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal and is known as the Raj Bhavan, a name it shares with the official residences of other states’ governors.

We will view the building from outside.

• Smaranika Tram Museum - The Kolkata Tram Museum “Smaranika” is housed within a vintage tram built in 1938. Interestingly, this wooden-bodied streamlined tram is still operational. One car is a modified cafeteria, while the other displays fascinating memorabilia on trams in Kolkata from the early days to the present.

The current collection at the Kolkata Tram Museum includes photos and write-ups of the earliest trams like Horse-Drawn tram cars, Disinfectant Trams, Flat Wagon Trams, Omni Bus, Watering Tram cars, and more. Other exhibits include Old Tram Tickets, Tram Passes, pens used by tram conductors, coins, armlets, Coin Exchanger Machine, conductor caps, and various tram parts like Pull-Off Springs, Governor Switch, and more.

Overall, the exhibition provides a brief overview of the nearly 150-year history of Kolkata’s trams. After exploring, visitors can enjoy a cup of hot coffee and watch a documentary on Kolkata’s trams in the cafeteria, spending a few peaceful moments.

• Esplanade Metro Rail Station - Next, we will ride the first underwater metro rail in Asia, traveling between Esplanade and Howrah.
• Esplanade Tram Terminus - Finally, we will embark on the Heritage Tram Joyride from Esplanade to Shyambazar/Gariahat and back, passing by over 25 landmark heritage sites during the journey.
• Thoburn Memorial Methodist Church - We will pass by Thoburn Memorial Methodist Church, established in 1873 by Revd. Dr. J. M. Thoburn. It is the largest Methodist Church in Calcutta and a heritage site.

• Guide In-person: English, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu
• Carbonated beverages
• Bottled water
• Tea and coffee
• Snacks

• Private transportation

The Calcutta Tramway is a remarkable piece of urban transport history, holding the distinction of being India’s oldest operational tram system since 1902. It blends colonial charm with contemporary utility, weaving through the lively streets of Kolkata, a city rich in culture and heritage. Its vintage appeal is unmatched, providing a window into Kolkata’s past while serving as a vital mode of transport for many. Amidst the hustle of cars and buses, the tram maintains a nostalgic charm with its quaint, rattling carriages and bell-ringing conductors. This enduring symbol represents Kolkata’s resilience and tradition, making it a beloved part of the city’s identity.

This tour also offers a view of the Underwater Metro Train.

Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible. The maximum number of stairs at any given point is 10; otherwise, escalators and lifts are available.

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with pick-up occurring about 45 minutes before the tour.

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