Kolkata Church Walk: Convergence of Different Faiths

  • 0
ID: GYG255887-442837
Category:
Country: India

Duration: 03:00 hours


Description

Trace the rich history of faith convergence and religious settlement in Kolkata on this 3-hour guided walking tour. Visit and admire charming churches and synagogues, and learn all about them and Kolkata's history with your private English-speaking guide.
Explore the confluence of different faiths from around the world in Kolkata, the City of Joy. Take a guided 3-hour walking tour in a group of no more than 12 people, and find out about centuries of the city's rich history, culture, and architecture as you visit various places of worship.

Begin your tour at St. John's Church at 8 AM and then walk to the breathtakingly beautiful Magen David and Neveh Shalome Synagogues, the biggest and first synagogues in Kolkata respectively. Trace the history of Baghdadi Jews in India at Neveh Shalome, swoon at the buildings' interiors, and interact with the local informative keepers, who all happen to be of the Islamic faith.

Once you're done, follow your guide to the Armenian Church of Holy Nazareth, the center of the Armenian community in India. Explore the beautiful architecture of a church that is believed to be the oldest in India, find out more about the Armenian community, and discover the oldest known grave in the graveyard.

Next up is the Holy Rosary Cathedral, also known as the Portuguese Church. Founded in 1690 with the influx of the Portuguese community in the city, this church bears testament to the Portuguese and their history in Kolkata. Listen to your guide's informative commentary, full of interesting facts and details about the church.

After the Portuguese Church, pay a visit to the Beth El Synagogue, the third Jewish synagogue in the city. Although this synagogue no longer runs services, you'll be mesmerized by the exceptionally well-maintained interiors of this place. Get lost in the surroundings with your guide as you learn further about the architecture and history of the synagogue.

Finally, head toward your last stop, St. Andrews Church. Explore the only Scottish church in Kolkata, one of the heritage sites of the city, before bidding goodbye to your guide. The tour concludes here at St. Andrews Church.

Highlights

  • Discover the intriguing confluence of different faiths in Kolkata by visiting their houses of worship
  • See astonishingly beautiful Jewish synagogues from the inside, and hear stories about them from their local Muslim keepers
  • Journey through the rich history of Armenians in India at the oldest Armenian church in Kolkata
  • Find out about Kolkata's history before the time of the British at the Portuguese Church
  • Visit St. Andrews Church, the only Scottish church in Kolkata

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Photography is subject to the rules and regulations of all the places visited
All required protective equipment is provided
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You must fill out a travel information form
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
St. John's Church. Address: 2/2, Council House Street, Opp Dewars Garage, Lal Dighi, BBD Bagh, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001, India.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.