Awesome tour, this is the tour to do when you want an in-depth experience into Kumortoli. Manjit has been doing this tour for such a long time, that he has personal connections with a lot of the artists, which makes it extra special.

During my recent trip to Calcutta for Durga Puja I was lucky enough to experience all the tours on offer under the glorious guidance of Manjit. Manjit's love of his city, it's people and various enclaves poured from him during these yours. He guides with enthusiasm and care, going out of his way to ensure your experience is a good one; willing to assist and support in any way he can. His tours are not only informative but allow you to really see the communities you visit, not always feeling like the obvious tourist. I would recommend that you don't miss an opportunity to take a tour or 2 or more with Manjit. You won't regret it.

My first trip to Calcutta was an unforgettable experience, even having traveled extensively throughout my life. In the hustle and bustle of the city, it's easy to overlook its soulful essence. Manjit, a lifelong local resident, guided us through the hidden gems, weaving a beautiful tapestry of the city's stories and communities. With his deep-rooted knowledge and personal touch, he effortlessly led us to places where people of diverse religions came together in celebration. He showcased the city's iconic architecture, tracing its evolution, and walked us through streets where locals warmly greeted him, introducing us to their customs, food, and significant, off-the-beaten-path places. Manjit is not just a tour guide; he is a curator of cultural experiences. His infectious joy and laughter made the journey unforgettable. I highly recommend exploring this enchanting city through Manjit's eyes, ears, heart and soul. I did all of these tours and loved each and every one, but visiting the flower market and Kurmatoli just prior to Durgā Puja was a stunning experience. Manjit pointed out great photo opportunities along the way so I have beautiful visual memories of my time here. Thank you Manjit 🙏

WOW 🤩- Manjit was the ultimate tour guide! His passion, enthusiasm, knowledge and sense of fun made our tour of Kolkata a once in a lifetime experience! Through mastery storytelling, sharing his personal experiences, detailed and fun expert knowledge and his deep connection with the city of joy, we felt included and welcomed from the first 30 minutes. His guidance enabled us to feel an emotional connection to his community - regardless of their social or religious standing 🙏 Highly recommend booking with Manjit to ensure you maximise your time in this magical city ❤️ 💜

Highly recommended! The tour distinguishes itself for being genuine and insightful, not a ‘main street’ activity - well researched!

Having done several tours already with Calcutta Photo Tours, I asked Manjit to suggest another, and this was one that he recommended. I would have never been to a place like this without Manjits help, and am eternally grateful that he made that recommendation. Not only were the photo opportunities fabulous, but I learnt so much about how the whole process involved with the idols, and the work that goes into them, that I gained a new level of understanding of these icons and now, whenever I see one, I have a much greater appreciation of them. Manjit timed this tour to be done at just the right time, and provided a great commentary on what we were seeing and answered all my (ignorant!) questions. Highly recommended to get a different view of Kolkata and to see how creating such colour and vibrance happens. (I did this tour pre-COVID but the system won't let me enter the date)

I loved this tour!! Again, I am not a photographer but the places that Manjit takes you to allows even the worst amateur photographer to snap a great photo. Visually spectacular and just so interesting to learn about how the status are made. Will go in this tour again when I return to Calcutta.

We didn’t book for this one but the organizer -Majeet was so good that we went for it. Amazing place! The best time to visit is either before Durga Puja or before Diwali. It’s beautiful how every other shop is filled with so many hand made statues, some small and some huge. It was a beautiful experience. Loved it ! :)

This tour focuses traditional crafts and industries in Kolkata - and there are such interesting links to religious festivals and how the community designs and manages large scale celebratory events. It reminds you that people used to do things with their HANDS - and many still do. Something to think about in this age of disposable plastics. The artistry and industry in display are compelling. Another great way to gain insights into the culture of this complex country and this compelling city - my favourite in India. Recommended. I did this tour preCOVID but the system won't let me enter the date.

I have been to Kumortuli three times now. Endlessly fascinating and I can't get enough of this incredible community. As well as the artisans, there is splendid food (thanks, Manjit); a close-up look at the river and the ghats. This is a brilliant excursion.

Kumortuli tour by Calcutta Photo Tours is an unforgettable cultural experience and a "must-do" in Kolkata. Manjit from Calcutta Photo Tours has incredible knowledge in photography and the local culture.

A totally engaging and culturally rich experience combined with fresh, warm and enthusiastic leadership. Manjit has thought deeply about timing and content and the tour unfolds at the optimal pace. This is a working community of artists and Manjit has established good and respectful relations here. Whatever questions you have Manjit will have a thoughtful response. It is so interesting to see the work in progress at different times of the year and all the shapes and sizes of these exquisite sculptured gods . Absolutely recommended

The trivia Manjit shared with me through the trip and his insights made my experience really special. It was a surreal experience to walk to the lanes where the Gods and Goddesses are sculpted.. the conditions the artisans live in and yet the beauty of their work is just amazing!

This was one of my favorite tours with Manjit. Photographer or not, this walk has something for everyone and will leave you inspired. I was able to go right before a festival so I got to see the idols before they were carried away. Manjit has an answer for every question and a story for every street corner. Local artists would greet us with smiles and pride as they allow us to stroll among their bustling studios. It was an absolute pleasure to be lead through the winding streets by someone who truly understands the depth and importance of their culture. This tour celebrates the beautiful traditions of old that thrive in today’s new. Highly recommended.

I have done this tour twice. It is, without doubt, the best tour I have done in India (yes - in 30 years of travelling to India). Watch as the Divine appears with such devotion and skill by the artisans. Manjit is like a local - so many friendly smiles and chats as you explore this heavenly place. I cannot recommend this highly enough. Just do it! It is a photographers wonderland!

Det var en sann glede å være med Manjit gjennom det unike Kumortuli. Alle som besøker Kolata bør sette av tid til å oppleve dette unike området, hvor kunstnere skaper de vakreste figurer av leire i små avlukker i trange gatesmug. Opplevelsen hadde ikke vært den samme uten Manjit. Han kjenner "alle" og gjør at man blir godt mottatt overalt. Han er svært kunnskapsrik og har utallige historier å fortelle. Å bevege seg gjennom området i skumringen gjorde besøket ekstra effektfullt. Gjennom hans lokalkunnskap fikk vi muligheten til å komme svært tett på lokalsamfunnet. Dette var en opplevelse vi ikke ville vært foruten.