Local Buzz
In Kolkata, one is never far from a historical building, a grand mansion, or a revered temple.
Colonial Connection
The 18th-century 1 Fort William, built over 70 hectares on the eastern bank of River Hooghly, houses the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command. Located between two of its gates is 2 Prinsep Ghat, the oldest recreational spot in Kolkata, featuring the Palladian porch. Across a vast lake from Fort William, in the area known as 3 BBD Bagh, stand prominent English buildings. The ornate red-brick GraecoRoman 4 Writers’ Building was the first three-storeyed structure in Kolkata. It was meant as a dwelling for junior officers, aka ‘writers’ of the company. The 5 Calcutta High Court was set up in 1862 in a magnificent neo-Gothic building. Built in Doric style and intended for social gatherings, the 6 Town Hall dates back to 1813.
Palaces & Mansions
Historic North Kolkata boasts numerous mansions and rajbaris, built by influential locals. The 7 Marble Palace is a 19th-century mansion built by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a wealthy Bengali merchant. The neoclassical structure houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and antique furniture. The grand 8 Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the ancestral home-turnedmuseum of India’s most renowned literary figure and the first non-European Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. Built in 1803, 9 Raj Bhavan was once the official residence of the Viceroy of India, and now that of the Governor of West Bengal.
Cultural Fusion
Kolkata is the only city in India to have a Chinatown. The 10 Old Chinatown in Tiretti Bazaar is where Chinese migrants settled in the late 18th century. It’s a fascinating place to visit to gorge on delicious Chinese food. Located in the chaotic 11 Burrabazar, the 12 Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth is the oldest church in Kolkata—and the city’s link to the Armenian community. Kolkata’s Jewish connection can be explored through its five synagogues, of which 13 Maghen David Synagogue is a prominent one. Another mustvisit spot is the 300-year-old potters’ quarter of Kumartuli, where 150 families make a living by sculpting idols of Goddess Durga.