CalcuttaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

The East India Company's Settlement

Calcutta's history as a major city began in the late 17th century. Archaeological evidence indicates settlements existed here during the Maurya and Gupta periods, suggesting it was a trading post before colonial times. In 1690, Job Charnock, an agent of the British East India Company, arrived at Sutanuti, one of three villages (Sutanuti, Kalikata, and Gobindapur) that would form Calcutta. The Calcutta High Court ruled in 2003 that Charnock was not the sole founder, acknowledging the city's older origins. The East India Company acquired these three villages in 1690 and began developing the area as a Presidency City. Fort William was constructed in 1696 to protect British interests, becoming the center of the new settlement.

Capital of British India

From 1772 until 1911, Calcutta served as the capital of British India, a decision made by Governor General Warren Hastings. During this period, the city expanded, becoming the second most important city in the British Empire after London. The 18th and 19th centuries saw development, with the construction of buildings and educational institutions. Calcutta became a center of bureaucracy, politics, law, education, science, and the arts, and was associated with the Bengali Renaissance, a period of intellectual and cultural awakening. The city's status was impacted by the partition of Bengal in 1905, which led to protests, and the relocation of the capital to Delhi in 1911. Despite this, Calcutta remained a center for revolutionary organizations during the Indian independence movement.

• —Writers' Building — This red neoclassical building, designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777, originally housed junior clerks of the British East India Company. Its facade features columns and statues representing Justice, Commerce, Science, and Agriculture.
• —St. John's Church — Consecrated in 1787, this was one of the first public buildings erected by the East India Company and served as Calcutta's Anglican Cathedral until 1847. Its architecture is modeled on St Martin-in-the-Fields in London.
• —Shaheed Minar (Ochterlony Monument) — This 48-meter high monument, built in 1828, commemorates Major-General Sir David Ochterlony's victories in the Anglo-Nepalese War and the defense of Delhi against the Marathas. Its design combines Egyptian, Syrian, and Turkish architectural styles.
• —Victoria Memorial Hall (exterior) — A white marble building, this memorial was constructed in the early 20th century in memory of Queen Victoria, showing Indo-Saracenic revivalist architecture. Its scale and details can be seen from the surrounding gardens.
• —New Market (Hogg Market) — Opened on January 1, 1874, this Victorian Gothic market complex was designed by Richard Roskell Bayne as a shopping destination for British residents. Today, it has over 2,000 stalls selling textiles and local cheeses like Kalimpong and Bandel.
• —College Street (Boi Para) — Known as "Boi Para" or "Book Colony," this street is India's largest book market and one of the world's largest second-hand book markets. Books are sold on the pavements, offering rare volumes and new releases.
• —Kumartuli (Potters' Quarter) — This potters' quarter is where artisans craft clay idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, especially for festivals like Durga Puja. The process of idol making, from molding to painting, can be observed.
• —Kalighat Temple (exterior) — A Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, believed to be where the toes of Goddess Sati's right foot fell. The temple complex offers a view of Hindu devotion and Bengali temple architecture.

The months between October and March offer cooler, drier weather. Temperatures range from 25-32°C (77-90°F) in October, cooling to 11-15°C (52-59°F) in winter (November to February). This is peak season, with festivals like Durga Puja (September/October) and Kali Puja (during Diwali). The shoulder seasons of March and September have fewer crowds, though temperatures begin to rise.

Avoid visiting during the summer months (March to May) when temperatures can reach 30-40°C (86-104°F) with high humidity. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall and high humidity, which can affect sightseeing.

Kolkata is served by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), 17 km from the city center. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available. The city has two main railway stations, Howrah and Sealdah, connecting it to other parts of India.

Within Kolkata, public transport includes the Kolkata Metro, India's oldest metro system. Trams operate in some areas. Yellow ambassador taxis are common, and auto-rickshaws are suitable for shorter distances. Hand-pulled rickshaws are available. Walking is suitable for exploring neighborhoods like College Street or Kumartuli, but expect crowded streets. Parking in central areas is difficult, so public transport or ride-sharing is often recommended. Bargaining is common in markets like Gariahat Market.