A long weekend is coming up and for the people of Kolkata, it could mean only one things - a getaway. Not that they need a reason to run away from the madness of the city. With Republic Day less than two days away, Zee Zest has curated a list of some of the most tempting weekend getaways in and around Kolkata, stays that range from luxury to heritage to simple. Check it out.
1. Raajkutir, Kankurgachi
A reminder of the Great Bengal Renaissance, Raja Kutir by IHCL SeleQtions, right in the heart of the city, offers a large slice of Colonial Kolkata where the 33 rooms, set across nearly 14 acre of land takes you to a different mind-space. Designed to look like a traditional Bengali ‘Rajbari’, the architecture and layout are typical of the era - sculptures of lions that represented royalty, and old Banyan tree, the idol of Durga, brass lamps to welcome you etc, works of Bengal School of Arts all over, among others. In short what you get here are glimpses of a Bengal that has pretty much disappeared from its current map.
The rooms are also designed accordingly with services such as high tea, cocktails that are reminiscent of vintage concoctions in British clubs and so on. Te hotel blends classic and contemporary in the most seamless fashion as it caters to the needs of the modern day travellers and yet gives them an experience that is hard to come by.
Where: Kankurgachi, Kolkata
For rates and reservations, call: 03340844848
2. Fortune Park Panchwati, Howrah
A stunning property located on Kona Expressway, Fortune Park Panchwati is for those who want to experience luxury but do not want to venture too far from the city. Designed with a hint of the classic, this resort offers lavish rooms and what makes it really special is that they take extra care to cater to their female solo travellers, something that gives this hotel a serious edge. Indulge in the food, relax by the pool or just walk around, exploring the property or introspecting - Fortune Park Panchwati lets you be in your space and yet makes sure every comfort is right there for you.
Where: Kona Expressway, Howrah
For rates and reservations, call: 03371044444
3. Vedic Village, Newtown
Once a hidden gem and now one of the most popular resorts in Kolkata, Vedic Village takes you into rural Bengal, giving you a taste of living amid farmlands and yet bang in the middle of luxury. Spread across 18 acres of fertile land, this resort is all about the lakes, coconut groves, flora and fauna and the utter peace of nature. Whether you book yourself into a villa or a premium room, Vedic Village will treat you with utmost care and attention. And don’t forget their spa - it’s where you go to cleanse your body before heading back to the grind. But if you don’t want it all quiet, the resort also has activities lined up for you, be it zorbing or trying your hand at kayaking.
Where: Newtown, Kolkata
For rates and reservations, call: +919830025900
4. Bari Kothi, Murshidabad
Bari Kothi has been the home for one of the most notable men in the region, Rai Bahadur Budh Singh Dudhoria and thus royal is what you’ll feel when you walk in. Get a taste of rustic luxury at this gorgeous property as you are pampered with authentic rural Bengal experiences, customised services, delicious food and above all, modern-day comforts and luxuries. The Bari Kothi was built in the late 1700s and the name, which means ‘palace of the elder’, was coined in the late 1800s since it was the house of the elder (bari) brother, Rai Bahadur Budh Sing Dudhoria, a significant member of the Shehrwali community. The building was restored by renowned specialist, Dr Samar Chandra, and the end goal was to restore the innate soul of the structure and to make the building self-sustainable. That’s how one of the first rustic luxury heritage hotels of Murshidabad was born.
Where: Azimganj, Murshidabad
For rates and reservations, call: +919051200800
5. Nihar On The Ganges, Sodepur
Run away to a 100-year-old mansion and sink into the comforts of traditionally designed rooms, comfort and yummy food. This mansion, standing tall on the banks of the Ganges, once belonged to Roy Bahadur Radhakanta Deb , the grandson of Raja Nabakrishna Deb of Shovabazar. Radhakanta Deb (1784 - 1867) was a scholar and an orthodox conservative social reformer. He promoted English education among the Hindus and had a marked interest in agri-horticulture. Therefore this garden property Deb is witness to the presence of many contemporary distinguished personalities of the nineteenth century. The record says that this property once had a beautiful waterbody with lots of fish in it.
During the late 19th century this property was purchased by a British couple with a child. A few years before independence this property was acquired by our ancestors. The open barbecue and dining area was once the changing room for the ladies of the family after taking bath at the Niharika Ghat attached with this property. Idols of Radha-Gobinda made of black stone (Kashti Pathar) were the family deity of our ancestors. This heritage house is surrounded by history. One can go sightseeing to nearby Baro Mandir Ghat, Peneti Garden House of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore (Gobinda Home), Anukul Thakur Satsang ashram, Dakat Kalibari near Mahotsav Tala Ghat also known as Chaitanya Ghat marked by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's footsteps, Kathiababa Ashram, Panihati Rasmancha, ISKCON temple the place where Sri Ramkrishna visited along with Swami Vivekananda, Girish Ghosh, Srimo and many other places of historical interest.
Where: Panihati, Sodepur
For rates and reservations, calls: +919836077202
6. JSG Homestay, Jayanti
If luxury is not what you need or want, JSG Homestay in Jayanti Hills captures the essence of the place really well. Nestled amid the gorgeous greenery of the surrounding areas of Jayanti Hills, which is more about experience than luxury, this one of the most recommended accommodation options in the area. Often called the ‘Queen of Dooars’, Jayanti is about 30km from Alipurduar in Jalpaiguri. It lines the famous Buxa Reserve Forest and despite being a favourite tourist spot in West Bengal at present, it still retains the beauty of the forests. Cross your fingers that you find a room, and if you do, just hit the road.
Where: Jayanti Hills, Alipurduar, West Bengal
Call: 07384885556