Heritage homes to iconic pandals: Discover Durga Puja one step at a time
This Pujo, do not just admire Kolkata’s glittering streets. Step into the festival itself. Imagine hopping from heritage homes to iconic pandals, capturing their artistry, tasting local street food, and listening to stories passed down through generations. Whether you love photography, history, or simply exploring the city like a local, these curated pandal hopping tours let you experience the magic up close. Grab your camera, walking shoes, fuel your curiosity and set out!
If capturing the spirit of Pujo excites you, join Calcutta Instagrammers for a photo walk on Shashti (Sunday). Sammya Brata Mullick, founder and chief-curator of the group, says, “We are hosting the Pujo photo walk after seven years and plan to focus not just on the history, but on frame-worthy shots. Participants will get an exclusive chance to have their photographs reviewed during the walk.”
Bus tours let visitors explore the grandeur of Pujo without long walks, offering a comfy experience with meals and expert guidance. “We assign guides for each bus to acquaint guests with the history of pandals & Bonedi bari Pujos,” says Niladri Roy, co-founder, Travel Amigo. Sourav Taran of City Tour Kolkata adds, “We are covering ten Bonedi Bari Pujos on Saptami & Nabami from 9am to 5pm with a full day of guided history, breakfast, and buffet lunch.”
With impending rains, tour organisers are taking precautions. Niladri says, “We will take precautions before getting off from the bus at any of the destinations.” Bindu MS adds, “We’ve planned flexible routes and ensured transport is on standby since otherwise we’re exploring through a walk.” Soham says, “We will provide umbrellas, transparent raincoats, and have marked areas for less waterlogging and shaded spots.”
Pandals:
A glimpse of Dum Dum Park Bharat Chakra this year (Pic: Anindya Saha)
Step into Kolkata’s PujoPic: Sammya Brata Mullick
Frame the festive spiritIf capturing the spirit of Pujo excites you, join Calcutta Instagrammers for a photo walk on Shashti (Sunday). Sammya Brata Mullick, founder and chief-curator of the group, says, “We are hosting the Pujo photo walk after seven years and plan to focus not just on the history, but on frame-worthy shots. Participants will get an exclusive chance to have their photographs reviewed during the walk.”
Kashi Bose Lane Pujo this year
Pujo on wheelsBus tours let visitors explore the grandeur of Pujo without long walks, offering a comfy experience with meals and expert guidance. “We assign guides for each bus to acquaint guests with the history of pandals & Bonedi bari Pujos,” says Niladri Roy, co-founder, Travel Amigo. Sourav Taran of City Tour Kolkata adds, “We are covering ten Bonedi Bari Pujos on Saptami & Nabami from 9am to 5pm with a full day of guided history, breakfast, and buffet lunch.”
Ahiritola Sarbojanin Puja this year
Be rain readyWith impending rains, tour organisers are taking precautions. Niladri says, “We will take precautions before getting off from the bus at any of the destinations.” Bindu MS adds, “We’ve planned flexible routes and ensured transport is on standby since otherwise we’re exploring through a walk.” Soham says, “We will provide umbrellas, transparent raincoats, and have marked areas for less waterlogging and shaded spots.”
Some tour operators host Sindoor Khela walks too!
Must-visitsPandals:
- Ekdalia Evergreen
- Hindustan Park
- Tridhara Sammilani
- Singhi Park
- Suruchi Sangha
- Maddox Square
- Kashi Bose Lane
- Bagbazar Sarbojanin
- FD Block
- Tala Pratyay
- Sovabazar Rajbari
- Shibkrishna Daw Bari
- Nabakrishna Daw Bari
- Khelat Ghosh Bari
- Chhatu Babu Latu Babur Bari
We make sure our guests have time to listen to the stories behind each of the Pujos and let the vibe of a pandal sink in before moving on to the next. Trying street food is an essential part of the walk
Despite the unpredictable weather we expect more people to join in. Many NRIs and foreigners have already signed up
end of article
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