The first burials at this historic cemetery (entry with/without camera ₹50/25) began in 1768, with its clusters of imposing pagoda-, pyramid- and obelisk-shaped tombs reflecting the same British penchant for the Gothic and neoclassical in death that characterized their buildings in life.
As one of central Kolkata’s most peaceful and overlooked spaces, it is a refuge for much flora and fauna, with 65 species of plant, including Buddha trees, jasmine and bottlebrush, their roots gradually inching their way into the brick tombs. Meanwhile mongooses, chipmunks and birds make the most of the cemetery's protection. The grandest monument is that of Sir William Jones, who founded the Asiatic Society.
