Calcutta

Calcutta was the capital of the British East India Company and then the British Raj before power shifted west to New Delhi in 1911. It is also India's longest continually operating port city, dating to the 19th century. During the 20th century, Calcutta became a kind of shorthand reference to India's impoverished urban residents, and indeed, in 1950, Mother Teresa founded her organization Missionaries of Charity here, for which the city is perhaps best known today outside of India.

Renamed Kolkatta by the Indian government after independence in 1947, today it is the capital of the state of West Bengal and one of the world's emerging mega-cities - a frantic, giant metropolis that nonetheless has its gentle side. Culturally, Calcutta has inspired numerous artists, writers and scholars, sparking what some have called a "Bengali Renaissance"; among such notables was Rabindranath Tagore, winner of the Noble Prize in Literature (1913) and writer of the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Calcutta Polo Club

Dine at the Calcutta Polo Club, the oldest private polo club in the world. If they are available, dine with the Maharaja of Burdwan and his wife, who are friends of Remote Lands, while watching a polo match. On occasion, we can arrange for guests to have cocktails and dinner at the Maharaja's home, joined by leading members of Kolkatta society.

Colonial Calcutta

Have a privately guided tour focusing on the city's elegant (and sometimes crumbling) old colonial architecture, including the National Library of India, the stately 19th-century Marble Palace, the Indian Museum, the General Post Office, and the grand Victoria Memorial. At the latter, Remote Lands can on occasion arrange a private curator-led tour of areas not normally accessible to the public.

Mother House

Visit Mother House, the final resting place for Mother Teresa as well as the headquarters for her order, the Missionaries of Charity. Formed in 1950, the hall serves as both a museum and mausoleum, with her grave located on the ground floor. On occasion, Remote Lands can arrange for guests to have a private mass with resident sisters of Mother House (donation required).

Tollygunge Club

Go riding or play golf or tennis at the Tollygunge Club, an exclusive country club whose history dates back almost 225 years.

India Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.

Multi-Country Specialists

India Goes Well With

Maldives

Nepal

Bhutan

Sri Lanka

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

Calcutta Canyon: A Wild West World in Bengal

Author: Sugato Mukherjee

Four hours outside of Calcutta is a strange Wild West world of Gongoni Danga, red earth and green scrub with a demon cave backstory.

Read Article

Making Gods: Exploring Calcutta’s Kumartuli District

Author: Annapurna Mellor

Annapurna Mellor travels to Kumartuli district Calcutta, a place where they make gods from scratch. From straw to the finished product, this journey takes us to the genesis of India’s spiritual sculptures.

Read Article

Himalayas: Visit the Roof of the World after COVID

Author: Travelogues

In Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and beyond, the unique landscapes and cultures of the Himalayas are a paradise for travelers looking for peace — from the wildlife and mountains to the history and spirituality.

Read Article