• The European settlement along the bank of River Hooghly is less widely known, but it is evident with architectural structures of their mansions, bungalows, churches, towers and cemeteries. The arrival of Vasco da Gama paved the way for Europeans to reach and trade in India. The Portuguese, the Dutch, the Danes, the French, and of course, the British started arriving after a century. The suitable navigation through the water of the Ganges made their arrival smoother. The Portuguese arrived first and settled in Bandel, followed by the Dutch in Chinsurah, the Danes in Serampore and the French in Chandannagar; the presence of Germans and the Austrians at Rishra and Halisahar has no remains, though. Exploring these towns in suburban Kolkata is a fantastic experience in itself. 
• Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays to avoid since museums remain closed.

Kolkata, West Bengal, India