Kolkata and the Historic Trading Centres of Colonial East India

Arrive in Dubai and connect onto the Emirates flight to Kolkata. On arrival in Kolkata you will be met and driven south of the city to the small village of Bawali for a three night stay at Rajbari Bawali. An 18th century palace built for the Zamindars of Bengal, after independence in 1947 the Zamindars lost much of their historic wealth and as a result Rajbari Bawali fell into disrepair. Recently the property has undergone a period of sympathetic restoration that not only reflects the building’s heritage and history but also its atmosphere and character. There are 30 lovely rooms, a charming main courtyard, a spa and outdoor swimming pool. (B)
Accommodation in Bawali: Rajbari Bawali

Over the next two days you are at leisure to enjoy Rajbari Bawali and the neighbouring village. Rajbari Bawali is set in the heart of Bawali and there are few better places from which to experience rural Bengali life. There are a number of optional activities that you may wish to include during your visit – taking part in evening aarti prayers, enjoying a boat ride on the Hooghly, spending time learning about life in the village and the countryside of West Bengal or mastering authentic Bengali food with a cookery lesson. Alternatively relax by the pool and take advantage of the calming spa facilities. (B)
Accommodation in Bawali: Rajbari Bawali

This morning leave Bawali and drive north past Kolkata to the town of Chandernagore. A former French colony that remained in the possession of France until 1950, Chandernagore has a lovely setting on the banks of the Hooghly River and the churches, convents and buildings here are reminiscent of the colonial French era. Visit the 18th century missionary church and Dupleix’s House, owned by the Governor-General of French India, Joseph François Dupleix. In the afternoon, time permitting, visit the historic Dutch town of Chinsura then continue to the Danish colony of Serampore for a two night stay. (B)
Accommodation in Serampore: Denmark Tavern by The Park

The Danish settlement of Serampore lines the west bank of the Hooghly and was originally known as Frederiknagore, after the Danish monarch. Sold to the East India Company in 1845 Serampore developed into an important missionary town and printing centre. With your guide, today explore the town’s churches, temples and government buildings then head to the library of Serampore College that houses a rare collection of Sanskrit, Tibetan and Pali manuscripts. (B)
Accommodation in Serampore: Denmark Tavern by The Park

After breakfast leave Serampore and follow the Hooghly River north towards Azimganj. En-route stop to see the battlefield of Plassey where the East India Company, under the command of Robert Clive, defeated the Nawab of Bengal thereby laying the foundations of the British Raj in India. Continue on to Azimganj where you will stay for the next three nights at Bari Kothi – a recently restored grand 18th century residence and now a small heritage hotel. Later this afternoon take a heritage walk of Azimganj to see some of the town’s palaces and temples. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Azimganj: Bari Kothi

Today visit Murshidabad. Capital of the Nawabs of Bengal and historic British trading centre, Murshidabad is an enchanting town of abandoned mosques, riverside mansions, grand tombs and crumbling palaces. Enjoy a heritage walk that includes the imposing Hazarduari Palace, neighbouring Imambara, 17th century Jahankosha Canon, the 200 year old palace of wealthy financier Jagat Seth, Katra Mosque, Khoshbagh gardens and Kathgola, the home of a rich Jain merchant. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Azimganj: Bari Kothi

This morning visit the fascinating terracotta temples at Baranagar then continue on to Cossimbazar which was once a Dutch colony and busy inland river port throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. During the early days of its existence, the English, Dutch and French all had factories in Cossimbazar and the town soon developed a reputation for silk, hosiery and ivory. A highlight is the palatial Cossimbazar Rajbari, still owned by the family which built it, and which today also houses an interesting museum. Return to the hotel in the afternoon where the rest of the day will be at leisure. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Azimganj: Bari Kothi

This morning you will be met and taken to Azimganj Railway Station in good time to catch the train to Kolkata. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel which will be your base for the next three nights. The intellectual capital of the country, origin of the Indian independence movement and birthplace of many of India’s most famous writers, poets, artists and scientists, Kolkata is a city renowned for its art, literature and culture. Kolkata was also a major trading centre and capital of the British Raj for over a century. (B)
Accommodation in Kolkata: The Elgin Fairlawn
Upgrade option: Oberoi Grand Hotel

You have the next two days to explore Kolkata with your guide. As one of the greatest and most distinguished cities of south Asia, there is plenty to see and do. Highlights include the excellent Indian Museum which covers everything from archaeology and zoology to anthropology and botany, the impressive white marble Victoria Memorial  and the Kali Temple at Kalighat. There are also a number of important Raj-era buildings including St John's Church, the Writers Building, the domed General Post Office and South Park Cemetery. (B)
Accommodation in Kolkata: The Elgin Fairlawn
Upgrade option: Oberoi Grand Hotel