Still Miss Tram Rides in Kolkata? We’ve Found a Hidden Gem of a Ride to the Past

What if we told you there’s a place in Kolkata where you can sip chai inside a real vintage tram? Bengalis are so obsessed with their trams that they have literally dedicated a museum to them. This hidden gem in Kolkata is dedicated to preserving the old-world charm and history of Kolkata’s iconic tram culture. And the best part is that this place has an affordable, quirky cafe that will provide a full-on aesthetic and vintage backdrop for creative profile pictures, right here in Kolkata. This cosy little spot is where time stands still, but on wheels and feels like an old Bengali film set. Ready to step inside?

The Soul Tracks of Kolkata

Kolkata’s love affair with trams goes back more than 150 years. The story began in 1873, when the city welcomed its first horse-drawn tramcar trotting along a 3.9 km route from Sealdah to Armenian Ghat. Though the initial venture was short-lived, it laid the rails for what would become Asia's oldest operating electric tram network. By 1902, Kolkata had taken a significant leap into modernity, becoming the first Asian city to introduce electric trams, with a route starting from Esplanade to Kidderpore. Steam-powered carriages preceded the electric car by a decade, in 1882, but electricity revolutionised the industry. Trams soon became more than a mode of transport; they were icons of Kolkata's slow, poetic lifestyle.

Fast forward to the post-independence era, and the Calcutta Tramways Company continued to be run from London until 1968. At its peak in the 1960s, Kolkata had a daily fleet of 459 trams in operation. But with urbanisation came congestion, and the tracks began to disappear, route by route. Still, the tram survived, stubbornly and sentimentally, until today, when only a single heritage route remains active. But what some may see as a relic, the city has turned into a tribute. A story, frozen in time, waiting to be explored.

Smaranika Tram Cafe & Museum – A Journey in Every Sip

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Now, imagine walking down Esplanade East, the air thick with the scent of roasting peanuts and old pages. Just beyond Maidan, you spot a 1938 tramcar parked with purpose. Welcome to Smaranika Tram Cafe & Museum — the only one of its kind in India, and quite possibly, the world. Opened in 2014 and housed in a lovingly restored, air-conditioned tram, Smaranika (meaning "remembrance") is more than just a pit stop. The front coach serves as a quaint café, offering pocket-friendly snacks and beverages such as chai, coffee, and sandwiches, while the rear coach acts as a small but thoughtfully curated museum. And the vibe? Think old-world Calcutta charm meets Pinterest stationery design.

Walk into the museum and you’re greeted with vintage ticket punchers, conductor caps, old newspaper clippings, and even a 1931 tram model that once made a cameo in a Byomkesh Bakshi film. Tickets are themed like the ones used decades ago and handed out by staff dressed as conductors – a small touch that goes a long way. And if you’re worried about pricing, relax. Entry to the café is free, and access to the museum costs just Rs. 20. 

The entire place exudes the kind of energy that makes you want to sketch, journal, or sit in silence. If Instagrammable corners and nostalgic vibes are your thing, you might not want to leave. Open from 1 PM to 8 PM daily (except Thursdays), it’s easily accessible via the Esplanade Metro Station or any local bus heading towards the Maidan area. 

The Last Stop? Or the Start of a New Journey?

For those who grew up hearing tram bells during school runs or simply passing through the winding lanes of Dharmtala, this place is more than a café — it's a bridge to the past. Smaranika doesn’t just serve snacks, it serves up stories, memories, and perhaps a bit of longing for simpler times. If you ever find yourself missing the slow pace of Kolkata’s bygone days or wondering what it felt like to travel when time was not a commodity, you might want to make your way to this little gem. If your heart still skips a beat at the sound of a tram bell, Smaranika Tram Cafe & Museum is waiting with an open carriage and a warm cup of chai.

Where: 6, Esplanade East, Maidan, Esplanade, Bow Barracks, Kolkata, West Bengal 700069

When: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Entry Fee: Rs. 20