There are some travel moments that carry so much weight, love, and history that they stay with you forever. Our trip to Kolkata was exactly that.
Over our six family trips to India, we have had some pretty epic adventures, but this one was deeply personal. We were on a special mission – one that connected three generations of our family, traced a historic 1969 overland journey from London to India, and fulfilled a promise made to my uncle.
Here is the story of how we retraced my dad’s journey, followed his daily diaries, and visited Mother House – the home of Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.
The 1969 London to Kolkata Overland Journey
In 1969, my dad and his brother, my Uncle Gordon, set off on the ultimate overland adventure. They bought a little Ford Anglia van and drove all the way from London across Europe and Asia, ending their epic journey in Kolkata, India.
My dad passed away when I was young, but his passion for travel, learning, and exploring the world continues to inspire me and the love of travel I share with my family today. Stories and memories like this are so special to read and learn about – they keep that shared spark for adventure alive!
Arriving in Kolkata
Reading through my dad’s daily diary entries from that trip from London to Kolkata gives me goosebumps every single time:
“As we arrived in Kolkata, a heavy electrical rainstorm welcomed us… We have been from London to Kolkata, used 340 gallons at an average of 38. Health is good, wealth is not, happiness is great!”
During their time in Kolkata in 1969, my dad and Uncle Gordon actually met Mother Teresa and the Sisters of Charity.
On a Mission of Our Own
Before we left New Zealand for this trip, my Uncle Gordon gave us a book written about Mother Teresa with photos and their notes from their 1969 journey.
He asked us if we would carry it all the way back to Kolkata, retrace their footsteps, visit the sisters, and get the book signed for him.
It was a mission we couldn’t wait to complete!
Finding Mother House in the Bustling City
Before heading out for our morning adventure, we hopped on a video call from our hotel room to ring Uncle Gordon back home. The boys, Oscar and Harry, were so excited to show him the book and tell him that today was the day we were heading out to complete our task!
Kolkata’s streets are a vibrant, bustling maze, and trying to imagine what the city looked like when my dad and uncle drove their Ford Anglia van through the streets 50 years ago was incredible. Some of the yellow Ambassador taxis trundling alongside us felt like they might have been around back in 1969!
We took an Uber to A.J.C. Bose Road in Kolkata, and honestly, if you didn’t know what you were looking for, you could easily walk right past it. Tucked behind a simple, unassuming wall is a small doorway with a modest sign reading: Missionaries of Charity.
Inside the Peaceful Sanctuary of the Missionaries of Charity
Stepping through those modest wooden doors from the roaring, horn-honking Kolkata traffic into Mother House felt like stepping into an oasis of absolute calm and peace.
Mother House has served as the world headquarters and residential quarters for the Missionaries of Charity since 1953, serving as home to Mother Teresa and her sisters for decades.
When we arrived, we met two of the sisters at the courtyard entrance. They gently informed us that only Mother Teresa’s tomb was open to the public that day. But when I explained our story – how my dad and uncle had driven here in 1969, met Mother Teresa, and how we were here following my late dad’s diaries and Uncle Gordon’s wish – their faces lit up with warmth.
“Come on in,” they smiled.
Retracing the 1969 Photos & Exploring Mother House
Walking through those inner doors was a surreal moment. Standing in the central courtyard, we pulled out the old black-and-white photos in the book that my Uncle Gordon had given us.
Right in front of us was the exact stairwell from the photos in the old book! Even the historic water pump/well tucked just behind the stairs was still there in the courtyard.
Standing in the exact spot where my dad and uncle stood over 50 years ago, holding those vintage photos from the book up against the modern-day stairwell, brought tears to my eyes. (I am absolutely tearing up on the video!).
Inside the Mother House
Upstairs from the courtyard is Mother Teresa’s bedroom, preserved exactly as it was when she lived and worked there from 1950 until her passing in 1997. Inside, you can see her simple bed, her wooden desk where she wrote her letters and managed documents, and her humble personal items.
(Note: Filming and photography are strictly prohibited inside her private room and chapel to maintain respect and privacy).
Downstairs, the complex houses Mother Teresa’s tomb – a large, serene white marble tomb inscribed with the words: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
The atmosphere around the tomb is deeply prayerful, quiet, and peaceful.
Completing the Mission for Uncle Gordon
After spending time exploring the museum display detailing the humanitarian work, medical relief, and social aid the sisters provide worldwide, we waited quietly in the courtyard to meet with the sisters.
I showed them the book Uncle Gordon had given us, along with his handwritten notes and the old photos of my dad. They were so touched by the story of a family connection spanning over five decades.
One of the lovely sisters took the book and carefully wrote a special blessing inside the cover for Uncle Gordon:
“Signed at Mother Teresa’s House, Kolkata, India. 4th of June 2022. God bless you.”
— From the Sisters, Harry, and Oscar.
Holding that signed book in the peaceful courtyard, surrounded by my husband Gavin and our two boys, felt like bringing a beautiful family story full circle. It was a heartfelt tribute to my dad’s memory and a special gift to bring back home to Uncle Gordon.
Visitor Information for Mother House, Kolkata
If you are planning to visit Mother House (Sri Mother Teresa’s Mother House) in Kolkata, here are the key details to know:
- Address: 54A, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016.
- What to See: Mother Teresa’s Tomb, her preserved bedroom/desk, and the adjacent museum display showcasing her life’s work and personal effects.
- Opening Hours: Generally open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Thursdays.
- Entry Fee: Free admission (donations to the Missionaries of Charity are welcome).
- Etiquette: Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered). Maintain quiet inside the chapel and tomb area. Photography is permitted in the courtyard and museum but strictly forbidden in the chapel and Mother Teresa’s bedroom.
Visiting the Mother House in Kolkata
Completing our special task at Mother House was easily one of the most meaningful days we’ve ever spent in India.
If you ever find yourself in Kolkata, take the time to step inside this humble sanctuary – it is a powerful reminder of love, devotion, and selfless service to others.
Want to watch our full journey? You can watch our video of this special day on our YouTube channel: KOLKATA, INDIA: A SPECIAL TASK (IN MY FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS).
Where to Stay in Kolkata
Choosing a place to stay in Kolkata is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. But there is a huge range of accommodation available.
- Budget-Mid-Range: Hotel Golden
We stayed here which was great for our family in a room with two large double beds. - Budget-Mid-Range: Treebo Globe International
A 3* mid-budget hotel not far from Kalighat Kali Temple with comfortable, clean basic rooms. - Luxury: The Oberoi Grand
The hotel is an attraction in itself and an icon of the city as it’s the second oldest hotel.
Read More India Inspiration
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- India Tourist e-Visa: Our Step-By-Step Guide.
- 10 Things To Do In Kochi & Kerala.
- Best Tourist SIM Card For India.
- What To Wear In India.
- 10 Tips To Avoid Delhi Belly In India.
- 4-Day Kochi & Kerala Itinerary.
- Travelling India By Bus: Intercity, Tourist & Sleeper Buses.
- 10 Iconic Things To Do In Kolkata.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Tailored travel insurance (including for those who have already left home) – MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD TRAVEL INSURANCE BEFORE TRAVELING TO KOLKATA, INDIA!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
