Exploring Kolkata’s Colonial Past through cab

The British has left India 70 years ago but the structures they erected during their colonization era still stand tall and mesmerise us with their grandeur and impressive architecture. If you are really interested in exploring the best colonial architecture from the British era, Kolkata is literally the ‘treasure trove’ to you. This city was the most prominent British headquarter and served as the capital of the British colony for about 39 years. Architecture lovers have got so many ethereal colonial specimens across the city. Hire taxi service in Kolkata and explore Kolkata’s colonial past with these marvels.

1. Victoria Memorial

Your quest for exceptionally beautiful colonial architecture in Kolkata must begin with the Victoria Memorial. This edifice is a spot-on example of a neo-classical style brought to the country exclusively by the British. To be more specific, this structure is developed under the Indo-Saracenic revivalist style. Victoria Memorial is a fine blend of several architectural elements including Mughal, Egyptian, British, Islamic and even Venetian.

Commissioned by Lord Curzon, then Viceroy of India and designed by eminent British architect, William Emerson, this building was constructed of white marble brought from Rajasthan. Spreading over an area of 64 acres, this iconic landmark is surrounded by a beautifully manicured garden planned by David Prain and Lord Redesdale. The great dome topped by a rotating angel, the cornerstones, the chattris or the lion sculptures at the entrance – every piece of Victoria Memorial was built to impress you. Connect with reliable cab service in Kolkata to get the best of this and many other wonderful colonial structures in the city.

2. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Another gorgeous colonial architecture that you can spot at a stone’s throw from Victoria Memorial is the St. Paul’s Cathedral. Covered under the splendid veil of Gothic architecture style, this is one of the most beloved British structures in the city. Construction of St. Paul’s Cathedral was started in the year 1839 and it was built on top of a small church that couldn’t manage the growing European community in the town.

Upon completion of construction work in 1847, this church became the largest cathedral in Kolkata. Designed by the famous British architect, Major W.N. Forbes, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an elegant Gothic structure incorporating slender vertical piers that counterbalances the pointed arches and buttresses. Interiors of the church describes the life of St. Paul through imageries and other documents. This church holds the largest mass. Particularly during the Christmas season, St. Paul Cathedral attracts huge visitors. When you choose any of the best cab rentals in Kolkata, you will surely be suggested to drop at this cathedral.

3. Kolkata Town Hall

To get a taste of the imperial remaining of the British era, Kolkata has got plenty of places to visit and Kolkata Town Hall is one of them. This imposing building got its marvellous shape and form through the designs of architect Major General John Garstin. Erected in the year 1814, Town Hall is still a piece of wonder on the face of Kolkata. This two-story building sits over an area of 1200 square metres exuberating the pride of colonial Bengal.

Kolkata Town Hall is a captivating edifice that speaks of the glitz and glitter of the British era through its towering presence. This Roman Doric styled building was commissioned to organise social events involving the growing European community in the city. This place now takes visitors to the heritage tour through a huge lively collection of videos, working models and interactive exhibits. Kolkata Town Hall can be mistaken for the Roman Senate because of its striking similarity with that masterpiece. This place has recently undergone a massive renovation in order to maintain its true beauty.

4. Writers Building

Writer’s Building is that one iconic colonial architecture in Kolkata that can’t be missed when you are taking a heritage trip with the British structures. Although this place is best known as the main administrative office of the former State Government of West Bengal, it has played several other roles successfully over the past centuries. Book a cab service in Kolkata and go straight to Writer’s Building to explore more than what you have imagined.

The almost 250-year-old structure of the Writer’s Building is made of red brick which is very unusual than most other colonial architectures in Kolkata. Located towards the north of the BBD Bagh Area, this building offers a splendid view of Lal Dighi Lake. The entire structure measures 150 metres in length featuring a built-up area of approximately 55,000 square feet. Thanks to several renovations works; Writer’s Building still remains one of the most well-maintained heritage buildings in the town.

5. Metropolitan Building

Nestled right the buzzing business hub of the city, Esplanade, Metropolitan Building is probably the most well-known colonial landmark in the city. You can spot this huge and majestic structure along Jawaharlal Nehru Road crossing with its beguiling neo-baroque architecture. With a clock tower, domes, stained glasses and arched recessed windows, Metropolitan Building is enough to take your breath away.

Take a cab service in Kolkata and you can reach this beloved landmark in the town without any hiccup because it’s too famous to be mistaken. Formerly known as Whiteway Laidlaw, this was the very first departmental store in Kolkata during the British era. Built in 1905, Metropolitan Building stood the test of time bravely. Even a disastrous fire in 1991 could not bring it down. In a recent landmark victory, Calcutta Municipal Corporation convinced the owner of the Metropolitan Building to start rehabilitation rather than demolishing and redeveloping this magnum opus.

This article is too short to mention all those magical colonial structures in Kolkata. You will simply be amazed to see what a great number of more colonial edifices are waiting for you in the ‘City of Joy. The best you can do to visit more of them in one go is to take a reputed taxi service in Kolkata. Chiku Cab has got some amazingly reasonable deals for visitors to Kolkata. Check out with them to find out the right one for you.

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