Writers' Building Kolkata
Iconic 18th-century British East India Company administrative building, now West Bengal's government seat, blending history and architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Writers' Building Kolkata
Best Time
Best views & atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 18th-century British East India Company administrative building, now West Bengal's government seat, blending history and architecture.
"A historical gem wrapped in bureaucracy, older than the US constitution!"
📸 Capture the Grandeur
Focus on the stunning architecture during daylight. Early mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
📜 Respectful Visits
Remember it's a government building. Maintain decorum and avoid disruptive behavior.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colonial Architecture
Exterior
Admire the grand red-bricked facade, a blend of French Renaissance and Greco-Roman styles with imposing Corinthian columns.
B.B.D. Bagh Tribute
Exterior
See the spot commemorating the 1930 revolutionary act by Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh, a pivotal moment in India's freedom struggle.
Lal Dighi Waterfront
Adjacent to the building
The building overlooks Lal Dighi, a historic water body that adds to the serene yet significant ambiance of the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Its Dual Nature
Respectful Exploration is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Grandeur
Focus on the stunning architecture during daylight. Early mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
📜 Respectful Visits
Remember it's a government building. Maintain decorum and avoid disruptive behavior.
🚶♂️ Explore the Vicinity
Combine your visit with nearby historical sites like Currency Building and Hong Kong House.
☔ Rainy Day Charm
The building has a unique charm during monsoons; the rain adds to its vintage feel.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Grandeur
Focus on the stunning architecture during daylight. Early mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
📜 Respectful Visits
Remember it's a government building. Maintain decorum and avoid disruptive behavior.
🚶♂️ Explore the Vicinity
Combine your visit with nearby historical sites like Currency Building and Hong Kong House.
☔ Rainy Day Charm
The building has a unique charm during monsoons; the rain adds to its vintage feel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Writers' Building is a historically significant and architecturally stunning landmark in Kolkata, often praised for its grandeur and colonial charm. While its role as a functioning government office limits interior access, its exterior and the surrounding heritage area offer a rich glimpse into India's past. Some visitors are intrigued by local ghost stories associated with the building.
"The iconic Writer’s Building — Kolkata’s grand old office — has been watching history unfold since 1777, making it older than the United States of America’s constitution! Originally built by the British East India Company to house junior clerks (or “writers”), this red-bricked giant evolved from a mere workplace into the epicenter of Bengal’s political drama.
Architecturally, it’s a stunning blend of French Renaissance and Greco-Roman influences, complete with massive Corinthian columns, arched windows, and statues of Greek gods silently judging the bureaucrats inside. But don’t be fooled by its regal exterior — this place has seen enough action to put a Bollywood thriller to shame.
Most famous is the Chittaranjan Das-led revolution of 1930, when three young freedom fighters — Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh — stormed the building, assassinated Colonel N.S. Simpson (a ruthless British officer), and fought till their last breath. The spot, now marked as "B.B.D. Bagh," stands as a tribute to their bravery.
Today, the Writer’s Building is the seat of the West Bengal state government, though its corridors echo with both political power and the occasional ghost story! Yes, some believe the spirits of former clerks still linger, probably waiting for overdue paperwork.
Verdict: A historical gem wrapped in bureaucracy. Pro tip — visit during daylight - with the appropriate permissions - for the best view, unless you enjoy ghostly whispers of unfinished files! 🏛️📜👻"
Rajdeep Dutta
"The Writers’ Building, located in the capital city of Kolkata, is a secretariat building of State Government of West Bengal. It is one of the many heritage buildings situated in Kolkata that brings out the essence of the British East India Company era. Stretched across Lal Dighi, a local water body in the B.B.D Bagh area of Kolkata, it has served as the office of Chief Minister of West Bengal up until 2013."
ER KHAN ABDUL GOFUR
"Went to the heart of Kolkata after a long time but it always feels great to visit this historical place to see those historical monuments of our city of KOLKATA.
Writer's building now 99% Non operational as the state administration now shifted and controlled from Nabanna, I can see renovation work going on inside the building but that is in very slow pace.. Now only a few departments have their partial operations in Writer's building ( I saw some people came to visit the PWD department)..
Hope , our pride Writer's building will become operational like before very soon and make the Iconic Dalhousie area again super busy 🤞"
Souraj Kundu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Writers' Building is centrally located in the B.B.D. Bagh area of Kolkata. You can easily reach it by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or public bus. The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk, from where it's a short walk.
Parking can be challenging in the B.B.D. Bagh area due to its busy nature. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or public transport. If driving, look for designated parking areas or paid lots nearby.
Walking is a great way to explore the B.B.D. Bagh area, which is home to several other historical buildings like the Currency Building and Central Telegraph Office.
Yes, exterior photography is generally allowed and encouraged. Many visitors capture its stunning colonial architecture. 
Absolutely! It's well-connected by various modes of public transport, including buses and the metro. Chandni Chowk metro station is the closest option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to view the exterior of the Writers' Building. It's a government office, and access to the interior is restricted.
Generally, interior access is limited to government officials and employees. Special permissions might be required for guided tours or specific visits, which are not always readily available to the public.
As it's a functioning government office, there are no specific 'visiting hours' for the public to enter. However, the exterior can be viewed during daylight hours.
There is no entry fee to see the Writers' Building from the outside.
Arranging a formal tour can be difficult as it's a working government building. It's best to inquire with local tourism authorities or heritage groups for any available organized tours.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Built in 1777, it was originally the office for junior clerks ('writers') of the British East India Company. It has since served as a major administrative hub and witnessed significant historical events, including the 1930 revolutionary act.
There are local legends and ghost stories associated with the Writers' Building, with some believing spirits of former clerks linger.
It features a blend of French Renaissance and Greco-Roman influences, characterized by its red brick facade, Corinthian columns, and arched windows.
B.B.D. Bagh (Benoy-Badal-Dinesh Bagh) is named after the three freedom fighters who stormed the Writers' Building in 1930. It's a significant historical landmark.
The area, also known as Dalhousie Square, is rich in heritage buildings. Nearby attractions include the Currency Building, General Post Office, and St. Andrew's Church.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire facade offers great photographic opportunities. Capturing it from across Lal Dighi provides a wider perspective. Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in and around government buildings and sensitive areas in Kolkata. It's best to avoid bringing drones to prevent any issues.
Daylight hours are ideal. Early mornings can offer fewer crowds and softer light, while late afternoons provide a warm glow.
While exterior photography is allowed, be mindful of security personnel and avoid photographing any sensitive government activities if you happen to gain limited access.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the full grandeur of the building's facade. A standard zoom lens will also work well for details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it part of a larger heritage walk in the B.B.D. Bagh area, which includes other historical buildings that might be more accessible or engaging for younger visitors. Pack snacks and water, as the area can get warm, and ensure comfortable walking shoes for exploring the vicinity.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles, from wide shots capturing the entire building against the sky to close-ups of architectural details. The adjacent Lal Dighi water body provides a reflective surface that can add an interesting dimension to your shots, especially during monsoon seasons.
Remember to be respectful of the building's status as a working government office. 🏛️ History Buffs
While direct access to historical archives within the building might be impossible, exploring the exterior and the surrounding B.B.D. Bagh area offers a tangible connection to the past. Reading up on the building's history before your visit will greatly enhance your appreciation of its significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The building's history is punctuated by significant events, most notably the daring 1930 raid by freedom fighters Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh, who assassinated a British official within its walls. This act of defiance, commemorated by the B.B.D. Bagh area, cemented the Writers' Building's place in the annals of India's freedom struggle. Today, it continues to serve as the secretariat for the West Bengal government, though much of its administrative functions have shifted to Nabanna.
Despite its current administrative role, the Writers' Building retains an aura of its historical significance. Visitors often speak of its grandeur and the echoes of the past that seem to resonate within its corridors. While interior access is restricted, the exterior itself tells a compelling story of colonial ambition, political upheaval, and the enduring spirit of a nation.
Architectural Grandeur and Modern Role
Architecturally, the building has undergone several extensions and modifications since its inception, reflecting the changing needs and growing influence of the British East India Company. Statues of Greek gods adorn its exterior, adding to its classical aesthetic. This grandeur, however, now houses the practicalities of modern governance. While renovation work is ongoing, the building still partially operates as a government office, with some departments maintaining a presence.
The juxtaposition of its historical architecture with its current function as a government secretariat is fascinating. It serves as a constant reminder of Kolkata's rich past and its evolving present. The building's presence significantly contributes to the heritage landscape of the B.B.D. Bagh area, making it a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture.
The Ghostly Whispers and Local Lore
+1One popular narrative revolves around the revolutionary events of 1930, suggesting that the spirits of the freedom fighters or those affected by the incident might still inhabit the building. While these stories add a layer of mystique, they are largely anecdotal and contribute to the building's enigmatic reputation. Reviewers sometimes humorously refer to 'ghostly whispers of unfinished files,' adding a lighthearted touch to the spooky legends.
Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, these stories are an integral part of the Writers' Building's folklore. They add to the intrigue and make a visit to the area a more captivating experience, blending historical facts with local legends and popular culture narratives.
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