5.0 · 623 reviews
Travel09303164582
February 2024
Booked this private tour for myself, an amateur photographer, and my wife who carries the lenses and loves culture and history. I used on the day a Canon 90D with an Extreme Pro super-fast SD card and stayed with my 18-55mm kit lens most of the time. We met Manjit at the hotel and spent a few minutes going over what we would be seeing, what we hoped to see and running through camera settings. Manjit did suggest a couple of camera setting tweaks that I might like to try, very useful and very knowledgeable. As we went round Manjit also suggested better angles where needed. The tour was exactly as described, with a never-ending supply of subjects to point the camera at, with Manjit seeming to know everyone we passed (and all wanting to chat or offer us food or drinks), as well as loads of information on Kolkata. The biggest plus for us (apart from the most amazing opportunity to capture real life images) was that we didn’t have to worry about where we were (or how to get back), if we could point a camera at that person on not, or if we were staying safe as Manjit was the perfect guide. He also has a great personality – warm and funny, and reads people and situations really well. After three and half hours we were exhausted and very pleased that Manjit had arranged a car to collect us at the start and finish of the tour. We cannot thank Manjit enough for the best tour we have ever taken and for some superb and memorable images and all at a reasonable price.
TomandPads
February 2024
We booked 2 tours with Manjit during our stay in Kolkata and would highly recommend. Manjit is knowledgeable but it never feels like a lecture - we take an independent tour in most cities we visit and Manjit is one of our favourite guides, we would happily have signed up to a daily tour. We booked the European History tour and Cultural Kaleidoscope tour. Both excellent, our personal preference was cultural tour
Luca102023
February 2024
Meeting Manjit and doing the Culture kaleidoscope tour with him was non only a pleasure to meet the man but also very interesting and enriching ! He made us discover very unusual cultural aspects of Kolkata but also merging with the locals in many different part of the old city. Realizing how people wake up and get ready for their day routine. Highly recommended and next time we will try different tours !
Medha K
January 2024
Truly amazing experience - Manjit is a gifted storyteller and makes you wish your history classes in grade school were taught this way. He mixes historical context with humor and personal anecdotes from his lived experience that make this tour one you won't forget! This tour focused on how Kolkata is the amalgamation of the different immigrant cultures that settled here. It goes over a brief history of British colonization too but mostly focuses on the immigrant cultures and how they coexisted. If you’re a history and/or religion nerd like me, you’ll love it. Our group was all foreign 20-something year olds. and everyone had a great time.
Sevendestination
January 2024
Dive into Kolkata's diverse culture with the Culture Kaleidoscope Tour—blending history, art, and local life. An enriching experience in every way!
Getaway48470287681
January 2024
I was coming to Kolkata for some office meeting and my wife want to see Kolkata. Kolkata was one place that she always wanted to go to ….there was a strong pull …. Why we really can’t put my finger on the reason. So when the opportunity came we had to make the most of it … started online research and the results really didn’t excite me …. Both my wife and me were certain we didn’t want a typical “tourist” trip and then my wife checked out Calcutta Photos website and voila it felt like that’s what we were looking for .. a prompt response from Manjit and his sense of humour …we didn’t lose a minute to confirm our reservations… Then the walk today .. the Cultural Confluence…. It was nothing that we had thought of … Manjit’s connection with each of the passersby, his knowledge of the history, the passion in his voice and the 3 hours we spent with him was like a movie … the various communities resident in Calcutta …. not a moment where we felt ohhh when is this ending … anyone who wants to see and know the real Calcutta it has to be Manjit showing it to u … cheers we will be back soon to enjoy another similar tour with Manjit.
vbmam
January 2024
Manjit is a lovely guide. It is more like having a walk around the area by a knowledgeable friend than being shown around by a tour guide. Everything was done at our pace. Cannot recommend this tour, and others provided by Manjit, highly enough.
Furh06
January 2024
This is a great tour of a lesser explored area of Kolkata with the added bonus of having an expert photographer providing tips and tricks. You will really enjoy getting to see all of the different cultures that make up Kolkata. Manjit is an excellent and knowledgeable guide with a great sense of humor! I can't wait to enjoy my next tour with Calcutta Photo Tours!
Anindo_R
December 2023
Manjit offered a truly wonderful tour of one of Kolkata's most fascinating neighborhoods. He was very knowledgable and entertaining, and provided vivid histories of the development of the city and the different cultures and communities we saw on the tour. The tour was punctuated with some delicious food stops. Manjit is clearly a highly experienced tour guide and also has a strong love of photography, which he spreads through sharing tips and tricks and pointing out interesting subjects throughout the tour. I cannot recommend this tour enough!
suchi233
December 2023
It was a fabulous experience. Manjit took us to places where we’ve never been before and it was a revelation. He also had lots of anecdotes to share with us including the delicious treats he helped us experience. Highly recommend!
Jacqueline_W
November 2023
This was a great tour. The guide was knowledgeable, grew up in the area. Highly recommend it. Didn’t need any great level of fitness so suitable for anyone
Explore60181296889
November 2023
The Kaleidoscope tour was just brilliant. So much information to absorb, and so many opportunities to take interesting pictures. Calcutta is an atmospheric city, beautifully presented by Manjit.
semraya
November 2023
A huge shout out to Manjit our tour guide who took the time to show us the real calcutta with his lively and engaging anecdotes, passionate story telling and calm reassuring nature. It was such an eye opening adventure and life changing experience that I will forever treasure. From the stories of heritage to the cultural influence and rituals, Manjit explained it all and brought us closer to experiencing the calcutta life.
ShuvoR18
August 2023
I would have never seen this side of Kolkata if I did not take the trip with Calcutta Photo Tours. Manjit, the tour guide, is a great storyteller. His stories are interesting, engaging, and insightful, all with lots of anecdotes. The walk itself is not strenuous, perhaps 2-3 km over 3 say hours. But within that, you walk through several centuries of history, visit houses of worship of many faith, mingle with locals, and witness many walks of life. Whether a history buff or into photography, you want to take this tour. 100% WORTH IT. Highly recommend.
luciebE1243KE
June 2023
We joined the cultural tour of Kolkata and I must say it was very nice. We got loads of information about the city and life there, some historical fact and saw many places in which you can take amazing pictures. Manjit was very friendly and knowledgeable about his city. Was pleasure joining him on this adventure.
Nisha2014
June 2023
No words would do justice to the experience. Ram is a treasure trove of knowledge. Kept us all engaged. After 2 days i am still in the historic bylanes of Kolkata. I will not write much as one has to go slow in life to be a part of this experience. The 'Chosen Ones' will get to be a part of this. Thanks Ramanuj ❤️ God Bless 🌹
alanr03
June 2023
We had a wonderful time with Manjit. He has a great photographer's eye, which I really appreciated. We learned a lot about the neighborhoods too. Even our teenage daughter had a great time so I think this is a tour for everyone! I will definitely book a tour with Manjit again!
Ian_N
June 2023
Great way to see the diversity of Kolkata! Manjit was an amazing guide and an expert on this fascinating convergence of cultures, along with its history. Amazing photo walk for taking photos too! I highly recommend.
sarbarib
May 2023
This was the second walk we did with Calcutta Photo Tours in 4 days, so that fact by itself should speak volumes about the quality of Calcutta Photo Tours’ walks! I had spent 7 years in Kolkata finishing high school and college and still saw a side of the city I didn’t know existed. We started at Bow Barracks and learned about the Anglo-Indian community, before moving on to the Parsis, the Chinese, the Baghdadi Jews, as well as many other people not native to Kolkata, ending up at the Beth-El Synagogue. Along the way we sampled lots of delicious food too which was definitely a plus! Did I mention the friendly milkman delivering fresh milk to the residents of the area? Manjit tells the story of Kolkata and it’s people in a very engaging way and I cannot recommend this walk enough. Book it - you won’t be sorry!
dg3113
April 2023
I really enjoyed the tour and got some really good photos, but this is a great way to spend a morning even without a camera. This isn't another generic, cookie-cutter tour of Kolkata attractions. Manjit shows you fascinating parts of the city you probably wouldn't find otherwise. He also provides a ton of history and context, and best of all, he seems to know all of the locals along the way, adding a terrific human dimension. Highly recommended.

Subscribe to our newsletter

© 2024 TourMega™. All Rights Reserved.
Home Login Sign up