Little Europe in Bengal - Chandannagar

In the early 17th century, India’s opulence and riches, starting from the varied spices to its silk, to pottery and jewelry attracted the Europeans to establish outposts nestled in the little towns by river Ganges within the 80 km stretch from Kolkata. The first European colony to obtain permission to set up trading outposts in Bandel was the Portuguese followed by the Dutch in Chinsurah, Danish in Serampore, French in Chandannagar and finally the British in Kolkata. Exploring the colonial heritage of Bengal is a once in a lifetime kind of experience that traces its roots to legacies that have withstood the ravages of time, and a day excursion trips at each of these pre-colonial cities stooped in history digs deep highlighting the growth and the downfall of the European colonization in the subcontinent, which taking local know-how and innovative travel ideas is handcrafted by our local experts.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   1 hour

   After early breakfast proceed to Bansberia (55Kms) to see the 2 unique temples of Bengal Terracotta architecture. The Ananta Basudeva and Hanseshwari Temple lie adjacent to each other. Ananta Basudeva Temple is an octagonal in shape built-in 1679 built by Raja Rameswar Dutta. Sculptured inscriptions from Mahabharata, Ramayana and Krishnalila can be found on the walls.

2. 2

   Hooghly Imambara

   1 hour

   From Bansberia drive to Hooghly (6.5Kms) to see the Imambara constructed by Haji Mohd. Mohsin in 1861. This prayer hall of Shia Muslims is beautiful evidence of Islamic Architecture.

3. 3

   Chinsurah

   1 hour

   Chinsurah was once a Dutch colony. Visit Octagonal Dutch Church, Residence of Dutch General which is now Mohsin College, Armenian Church, Chinsurah Court.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   1 hour

   Chandernagore was a French Colony and still carry the touch of the bygone days in the Museum, Institute De Chandernagore; St. Joseph Convent, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Hotel de Paris (Presently City Civil Court), and The Strand. *Note: Closed on Thursday, Saturday & govt. holidays

5. 5

   Stop 5

   1 hour

   The last point in the day would be Serampore. This Danish Colony was previously known as Fredericknagore. The most important evidence of Danish Settlement is Carey’s College built by Sir William Carey in 1819, now known as Serampore College. Other architectural sites are the College of Textile Technology, Roman Catholic Church, Danish Governor’s Palace (Presently City Civil Court).

• 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

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