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Day trip to Serampore – A Danish Colony

Planning for a day trip close to Kolkata ? Well, with Durga Puja round the corner why don’t you plan for a day outing to somewhere close to Kolkata just a little away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. If you are looking for a beautiful place with rich heritage, culture surrounded by peace and tranquility then you should plan for a Day trip to Serampore.

Serampore is located around 31 km away from Kolkata and is a perfect getaway for a peaceful and beautiful day outing destination.

History of Serampore

Serampore is basically a pre colonial town located at the bank of the Hooghly river. The town was under Danish rule from the year 1755 to 1845. Back then it was popularly known as Frederiks nagore which was named after the King of Denmark Frederik the Fifth. The Europeans always wanted to find a trading hub close to this part of the Country until 1698 when they finally established their first station near Srerampore. Slowly with their business in full swing they formed a Government under Governor Colonel Ole Bie, and Serampore came under Danish Crown in 1777.

However in the later years as the Britishers increased their hold and supremacy over India they easily fought against other European powers and against the local rulers mightily. This lead to eventually losing power of the formed government.

In recent times, Srerampore is converted to a beautiful little hamlet with a mix legacy of Danish, British and Bengali tradition and culture.

How to reach

If you are coming from Kolkata for a Day trip to Serampore, its a drive of close to 30 km via Delhi Road.

However the best and the quickest way to reach from Kolkata is to take a metro to Dum Dum and take a train to get down in Barrackpore. From there take an auto to reach Dhobi Ghaat. From Dhobi Ghaat take a ferry to cross the river and reach Srerampore within 5 minutes. This would be quite a serene view for sure.

The other way is to take a direct local train from Howrah station to get down in Srerampore.

Things to do

Once you land there, take the road to your left and walk up 200 meters to reach Denmark Tavern to be the first stop.

Denmark Tavern

You would be awed with the beautiful sight of this tavern which is more than 200 years old. This beautiful tavern was set up by a British gentleman James Parr, for travelers to stay and dine in. This old tavern as renovated in 2018 and immediately created a buzz amongst the locals.

The restaurant is managed by Park Hotels and food will definitely leave a presence once you go there. You can also stay there for a weekend as well, but for that you need to have prior booking.

The tavern also have a inhouse bakery beside managed by Flury’s. The interior of the place is beautifully decorated with old amenities and things of the Danish era.

Don’t forget to go upstairs and check the view of the beautiful Hooghly river from the lobby area. The views are stunning.

Srerampore court

A short walk from the tavern behind the back would lead you to Srerampore court which is another Danish architecture. This was established in 1772 and served as the entry and exit point of Danish administrative offices. The West Bengal Heritage commission declared this as heritage building in 2006.

St Olav’s Church

Walk towards your right from the entrance of court to find St Olav’s Church. This church was built by Governor Ole Bie of Serampore in the 1800’s. It is known that the church has resemblance to the ST/ Johns Church of Kolkata. Just in front of the church you would find a heart shaped garden where old Danish Cannons are rested.

Srerampore College

Walk further down from Denmark tavern and continue following the river bank to reach to the beautiful Srerampore College. As you walk don’t forget to check another beautiful church on your way Serampore Johnnagar Baptist Church.

Srerampore college was set up by the English Baptist missionaries in 1818. Although this church was set up by the Danish, once the Britishers took control all their assets were sold to the British including this famous college. In the year 1827, this college was recognized as the first modern university in Asia. This is still a running college and the place is beautifully maintained still now.

Srerampore Rajbari

Take a toto from there to go to the famous Srermapore Rajbari also known as Goswami Rajbari. This Rajbari has been an important place in the history and culture of Srerampore. Apart from Durgapuja, festivals like KaliPuja and Dol Purinima are celebrated here in quite a grand way.

The most beautiful part of the rajbari is the Thakur Dalan area and the Natmandir. This place was also used for shooting in the famous movie of “Bhooter Bhabishyat”.

Mukherjee’s Restaurant

The newly opened Mukherjee’s restaurant has gained quite popularity is this region located close to pantaloons. If you are visiting Srerampore don’t forget to try their food specially the fish fry.

Other Notable places to visit

The Henry Martyn’s Pagoda & Mahesher Rath or Chariot.

Conclusion

Once done with you Day trip to Serampore, you can either take a train back to Howrah, or follow the normal route back to Barrackpore and subsequently to Dum Dum.

Dont forget to try the famous Dada Boudir Biryani while coming back from Barrackpore.

For other weekend trip or day trip itinerary, please check our blogs section to know more.

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As our name suggests, we operate as brothers in arms when exploring our passion for traveling, designing, and writing. At NeonBrothers, we are looking to infect a larger audience with our passions.  Check our blogs to learn about the best ways of quenching your thirst for discovering new places.

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