Wondering what to do in Kolkata? Ditch that stale preplanned travel agency itinerary for an authentic tour of the city with Calcutta Walks. Strap on your favorite pair of comfortable walking shoes, you’re about to embark on a guided trek through one of the largest cities in India.

The young upstart enterprise is tackling the West Bengal capital city, long steeped in both Indian and British history, with four explorers from various backgrounds in life. CalWalks (as it is affectionately referred) offers a bevy of traditionally styled historical walks alongside some rather quirky themed adventures. Themed walks explore the historic buildings and avenues of Kolkata or the confluence of cultures in a walk through a local bazar; Go on a religious exploration into the sourcing, crafting and livelihood of Hindu idol makers or tour the European areas of what was once the capital of the British Empire in India.

Unlike other city walks throughout India, CalWalks isn’t focused solely on the heritage aspect of their city. Locals as well as traveling tourists will find the East Kolkata Wetlands Walk, Birdwatcher’s Walk, Photographer’s Walk, and Food Lover’s Walk a fresh alternative to the more conventional tours. And for those looking for the “real India”, Calcutta Walks offers planned walks in a category they dub, Offbeat Tours. Visit a Bengal weavers village to see first hand where some of the muslin cloth famous to this area is produced. Creep into a side of Kolkata, the rest of India refers to as the ‘Dead city’, exploring the British, Scottish, Armenian, Jewish, Greek, Chinese, and War cemeteries which line Park Street. Learn to cook Bengali food with a walk through a local market before heading off to a cooking demonstration, either by a regular housewife or by the owners of the finest restaurants of the city.

Victoria Memorial Walk with CalWalks

Regular half day and full day city tours last for up to 4 hours and more than 6 hours respectively. Costs vary based on length of walk, package type and additional customization. Can’t walk for that long or just don’t feel like it? Take a motorbike or cycle tour through the city. Customized coach and car tours are also available.

Feeling tired from all this activity? Calcutta Walks has partnered with artists to hoteliers to retired professionals, even past princesses, to offer authentic overnight homestays. Continue your day away from the commercial side of India by spending the night in a typical Indian household. Wake up to a traditional Bengali breakfast and a new way of looking at India.