These Places in India Take you Back to the Raj Era

It has been 69 years since the British left India and everything has unmistakenly changed. However, there are some places in the country which still bear that authentic Colonial charm which can take you right back to the Raj Era.

Here are some of these places.

Kolkata

Kolkata was the most important place during the British as the city served as the capital. Therefore, several British architectures in the city which function till date. One of the most prominent Colonial buildings in Kolkata is Fort Williams. Named after King William III, Fort Williams was the first British building in Kolkata. The Indian Army now owns Fort William, and civilian entry to the building is restricted.

Another prominent British building in Kolkata is the Victoria Memorial. The exemplary building was commissioned by Lord Curzon, then Viceroy of India, as a commemoration to Queen Victoria’s demise in 1901. The building has a beautifully proportioned white marble exterior which gives it a unique character. Writer’s building is also a reminiscent of the British Raj. It was the office of writers during the British rule.

Darjeeling

Nestled in the arms of the Himalayas, Darjeeling was the favourite summer retreat for British officers and also the Central Government of India (before New Delhi was built in 1911) therefore several boarding houses were constructed during the Raj era. The picturesque town still holds the Colonial nostalgia as British buildings are hot attractions for tourists till date. Darjeeling is also popular for British-style schools including St. Paul’s, St. Joseph’s, Mount Hermon, and Loreto Convent.

St. Andrew’s Church is another fine reminiscent of the British Raj. Built in 1843 under the supervision of Captain Bishop, the church is situated on the Mall road, a promenade which overlooks the entire town. Interestingly, there’s one more British establishment near the Mall road, and it’s the Windamere Hotel – the best British Colonial hotel in India. Originally known as “Ada Villa”, Windamere Hotel was established in the 19th century as a boarding house for English and Scottish tea planters, and other British Raj types working in the local area.

An authentic Colonial hotel which still functions at its best, is Windamere Hotel.  It has been highly preserved and not renovated – the hotel has been able to retain the exquisite old world charm till date. So, the next time you want to book a hotel in Darjeeling, book Windamere Hotel.

Mumbai

Mumbai is another city which is home to several remnants of the Raj era. One of the most prominent colonial structures in the city is the Town Hall which is situated in Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort.

Town hall has also been considered to be one of the last remnants of the Victorian Bombay. The colonial structure is very popular for housing over 8,00,000 antique volumes in the library.

Another prominent colonial structure in Mumbai is the St Thomas Cathedral which has been considered as the oldest British-era building standing in the city. St Thomas Cathedral was also the first Anglican church in Mumbai.