Maidan Tours and Activities
Often described as the lungs of Kolkata, the Maidan is the city’s largest urban green space, home to numerous cricket and soccer fields, playgrounds, the flowery Eden Gardens, and several memorials and monuments. The park is an important gathering place in Kolkata, and residents head to the Maidan for entertainment and leisure on the weekends.
The Basics
After Fort William was constructed in 1758, the jungle that used to occupy the Maidan was cleared out to give the fort’s cannons a clear line of fire. While park maintenance leaves something to be desired, a morning visit makes for some of the best people watching around, giving visitors a peek into the day-to-day lives of Kolkata residents. If you’re particularly interested in the historical side of things, join a tour and go with a guide to learn more about the Maidan’s historical relevance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Maidan is a must-visit for history buffs or anyone who enjoys people watching.
- The area is family friendly, with plenty of space for kids to run around.
- Wear sunscreen and bring bug spray; mosquitos can be an issue here, particularly around dusk.
When to Get There
The park is open 24 hours a day, though like any park in a big city, it's best avoided late at night. Come during the early evening around dusk to mingle with families on evening strolls; just beware that this is the time when mosquitoes come out in full force. During the monsoon months (July–September), the park can get flooded and muddy.
How to Get There
The Maidan is situated just east of the Hooghly River. Many of the city's major historic attractions are located in the area; the most noteworthy, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Victoria Memorial, are inside the park. For those relying on public transportation, the Princep Ghat, Park Street, and Rabindra Sadan metro stations are all right by the park, on the west, northeast, and southeast sides, respectively.
The Maidan and Sports
Besides being used as a parade ground for the British military stationed at Fort William, the park has also played an important role in the establishment of several team sports in the city. The biggest three soccer teams in Kolkata maintain a presence at the Maidan, and the now-popular sport of cricket was introduced to India with a 2-day match in the park in 1804.
Address: Just south of B.B.D. Bagh to just north of Alipore, and from the Hooghly River to J. L. Nehru Rd. and the shops of Park St., Kolkata, India
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Maidan
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Explore Kolkata- Private Day Tour with Lunch
9
Explore the main attractions of Calcutta on this all-day guided tour. First, visit Mother Teresa's house and learn more about her humanitarian efforts. Other stops include Park Street Cemetery, St. Paul's Cathedral, Victoria Memorial Hall, Howrah Bridge (which is one of the busiest bridges in the world), and more. Plus, browse some of the city’s markets.
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From
$80.00
Price varies by group size
From
$80.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Hello Kolkata - A Half Day Guided City Tour
A perfect tour for a first timer in Kolkata to get introduced to the charm of the 'City of Joy'. Explore the cultural, historical and architectural aspects in a well planned half day tour. Can be operated any day of the week and can be customized according to traveler's interests.
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From
$54.52
Price varies by group size
From
$54.52
Price varies by group size
Kolkata Special - A Half Day Guided City Tour
A perfect tour to get introduced to the charm of the 'City of Joy'. Explore the cultural, historical and architectural aspects of Kolkata in a well planned half day tour. Can be operated any day of the week and can be customized according to traveler's interests.
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From
$54.52
Price varies by group size
From
$54.52
Price varies by group size
Private Full-Day Kolkata Sightseeing with English Speaking Guide and Transports
4
Kolkata is one of the world’s most vibrant and history-filled cities, but covering all the top sights takes time and planning. Skip the hassles of arranging your own visits with this action-packed sightseeing tour, which includes all the main colonial-era heritage attractions, along with a Jain temple, the Tagore Museum, and the riverside ghats. Enjoy front-door pickup from any location in the city for added convenience.
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From
$136.30
Price varies by group size
From
$136.30
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Full Day Kolkata Tour with Mukherjee: Flower Market, Kumartuli, Mother House etc
5
Every city has its own scent. If you want to feel the fragrance of the historical city of Kolkata in a day, this tour awaits you. Planned fully according to your choice, this 8 hours will take you through journey where you will touch the Colonial and Historical landmarks and also the modern part of the City. This tour is for the people who wants little information about the sightseeing places and handouts will be provided for the information about the places. So come, take the unique opportunity of a time travel in a day.
**This tour is included with a English Speaking Driver.
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From
$80.00
Price varies by group size
From
$80.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More