Among all India’s States with a glorious and infinite past, Bengal shines definitely among the list’s top. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to be in this state and make the most of my time out here. From experiencing modern Bengal in the metropolis called Kolkata; I have found myself among the rolling fields and never-ending horizon of rural Bengal. I have seen towns and villages coming in existence centuries before yet still thriving and have a tangible connection to their origin. Modernity has touched these towns, but it has not been able to erode away the memory or the presence of the past and its glorious tales. In this context, in this post, I would be speaking about Serampore a day trip destination from Kolkata.
Serampore of the Yore
I first heard about the town of Serampore from the annals of History. A quaint town on the Hooghly river bank, the colonial roots of this place trace their lineage to the Danish East India company. In the 17th century, Serampore burst onto the scene and was one of the most talked-about region of Bengal.
By the 18th century, Serampore was a most favored holiday and getaway destination for the Europeans and was similar to Denmark’s towns. It was a prominent place for trade commerce and a centre for art culture owing to its location by the Hooghly river. Serampore was a bright spot among the state of Bengal in those days.
Hence, I decided to sync this with the theme of Serampore a day trip destination from Kolkata and visit this place to get a first-hand feel of a slice of History.
So in this context i would recommend you to browse my journey to day trips/ weekend destinations to Baranti, Purbasthali , Bishnupur and Gongoni. There is so much to see in this state much similar to like the Northern Karnataka architectural circuit of Hampi and Badami.
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Serampore day trip destination, places to see
Serampore a day trip destination from Kolkata
I have compiled a list of places that I decided to visit as a part of my Serampore a day trip destination from Kolkata. It is not a comprehensive list, but I guess these are what interested me .There are a few more which I would recommend later down in the article that one can visit, which I did not get the opportunity to see.
St Olav Church
Built-in the year 1806, the church is one of the most prominent landmarks in Serampore. Having been awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of distinction for cultural Heritage conservation in 2016, the church has been renovated completely. However, the old glory and essence have been kept alive, even post-restoration. When I arrived , the morning mass was in progress. Keeping the importance of the ceremony in mind , I did not click any photos as it would not have been correct to do so.
Serampore Rajbari
Serampore Rajbari, which belonged to the influential Goswami family, is another must-visit. I was not granted entry into the house section that is still inhabited due to the ongoing Pandemic. However, from the exteriors, the structure did look imposing.
It is said that the Goswami’s wanted to purchase the entire Serampore from the Danish; however, they were refused despite being offering a princely sum of money.
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Kishori Lal Rajbari
Also, I tried to visit two more grand mansions; however again, the Pandemic played spoil sport. These were belonging to the family of Kishori Lal, who was wealthy influential families settled in Serampore. Serampore a day trip destination from Kolkata is all about gazing upon these relics which are still living in existence.
Serampore is on the Hooghly’s banks. Hence the river and it’s so many cemented banks played a significant role in the evolution of Serampore town.
Henry Martyn Pagoda
Finally, I visited the Henry Martyn Pagoda right on the banks to go to the Hooghly river. It is a brick-built Atachala Temple facing the south with an Tri-Khilan porch. Said to have been built in the 16th century but was deserted years later. Finally, in the 18th century, it was converted into a chapel and a congregation place known as Henry Martyn Pagoda.
Additional recommended places to visit
In addition to what I saw, I would recommend a visit to the Serampore College, the Danish cemetery and the Governor House under the ambit of Serampore a day trip destination from Kolkata . As the Pandemic eases out, I am sure these places will open up for visitors.
Danish Tavern
The other place of interest as part of Serampore a day trip destination from Kolkata is the Danish Tavern Serampore. It is a lovely place to stay or visit for a meal. Renovated very well with the renovation done on the National Museum of Denmark’s initiative and co-funded by the West Bengal government. Danish Tavern has been declared a heritage building in 2015 under the West Bengal Heritage Commission Act. There is an aura of class in every furniture and decorative piece that one comes across. I would definitely recommend a night stay at Danish Tavern, Serampore for a sense of old school European feel.
Historically speaking, the Danish Tavern Serampore was opened up in 1786 named The Danish Tavern and Hotel. It steadily gained prominence in the scheme of things during those times. It was a favorite haunt of European gentlemen who enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere by the riverside with billiards and drinks to go with it.
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What is my Blog all about ??
My blog focuses quite a bit on ancient history among other places of travel which I keep doing. The history posts comes up because there is in ancient Indian History so many monumental architectures which are created. Read through the posts on the Land of 1000 temples, Tamil Nadu or Stunning churches of Goa. I am sure a visit to them would be fascinating to just about anyone purely from an architectural magnificence prism of view. In case interested read about HAMPI here. How about some thoughts on Manikarnika Ghat, Varanansi.
My thoughts on Serampore a day trip destination from Kolkata
I went with a predetermined thought of what I would like to see. There is definitely exciting stuff for the history buff and the architecture lover. However, for the general masses, I would say a visit to the above places is sufficient. The Hooghly river flowing nearby with a cool breeze coming inland is a sight and a feel to be experienced. The Danish Tavern is an excellent place in the oncoming sunset to spend some time looking out at the Hooghly and one I am sure is transported back to the previous century.
One does not have to see a Taj Mahal or a Bishnupur each time to gaze upon History; there are enough gems like Serampore to fill one’s basket of memories and travels. What is needed is the effort to visit and to go with an open and simplistic frameset. The flowing Hooghly will definitely recognize the visitor on her banks, and Serampore will ostensibly leave a mark on you by its presence.
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Serrampore a city of hoogly…. Truly beautiful….. The great choice of background made the subject stand out. This perfectly-timed photo looks like it took a lot of patience and skill……amazing…. And well described about the place