Kolkata is a metropolis that has each watched and performed a job in India’s evolution throughout the colonial period. And it has a narrative to inform to anybody who will pay attention.
The voices of tradition and historical past echo in its monuments, its cobbled streets, its memorials and most significantly within the heritage bungalows left behind.
From divans that date again centuries to the famed Burma teak furnishings, these heritage stays maintain secrets and techniques of the previous, peeks into easier instances, and a magic of their very own.
Right here’s a listing of such heritage bungalows transformed into luxurious resorts, or left as they had been, the place you possibly can expertise an otherworldly appeal.
1. Calcutta Bungalow
Round 1790, the British had established their colonies in pockets of Kolkata, also called White City. On the opposite aspect the place Indians lived, Black City, turned ample with palaces, luxurious bungalows and extra constructed by rich Bengalis.
In the present day, Calcutta Bungalow, which stands tall on this a part of city, is an ode to the structure that prevailed throughout the time. In its present type, it’s a restored Nineteen Twenties townhouse constructed with an “historic method that concerned mixing jaggery, wooden apple pulp, fenugreek seeds in addition to betel nuts amongst different issues”.
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2. Glenburn Penthouse
Company who keep on the Glenburn Penthouse get up to palatial views of the neighbouring streets, whereas stress-free in divans made in typical Bengali model. Take pleasure in a cup of tea on the verandah overlooking Victoria Memorial, or snuggle in a Burma teak four-poster mattress, throughout your keep right here.
Even the wallpaper will remind you of bygone days, with its ‘Hindoostan’ design that was created in Paris.
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3. Raajkutir
The structure at this heritage house resembles the sprawling houses of rich landowners — the ‘Raajbaris’ are constructed round an Uthon (courtyard) with lions flanking the doorway. The outdated banyan tree, with sacred threads of the majestic rural Botthhtola, nonetheless stands tall — an emblem of welcome within the nineteenth century.
Each nook of the posh house is paying homage to olden instances, the classic artefacts, chequered marble flooring, Kota stone tiling and the artwork. As you admire these, the people Baoul singers’ chants echo within the partitions of the resort.
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4. The Elgen Fairlawn
On the junction of Madge Lane and Sudder Avenue is a constructing constructed within the 1780s by European William Ford. The home has, by way of historical past, been known as pukka, pointing to its brick building, in distinction to the coconut palm and dirt houses that prevailed in these years.
It bears mentioning that the house has handed down by way of many generations, every of which has added a particular contact. The newest proprietor was Mrs Jennifer Ann Fowler earlier than it was acquired by the Elgin Lodges & Resorts in 2018.
Located in a main spot, the 100-year-old New Market space is only a two-minute stroll from the resort. There’s at all times one thing to do at this heritage house.
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5. Chief’s Legacy Heritage Homestay
Satisfaction your self on being a visitor on the homestay that has welcomed the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Ravi Shankar, and Indira Gandhi. Constructed within the 1900s, the bungalow is the residence of former West Bengal CM Siddhartha Shankar Ray. The library is a treasure home of the minister’s favourites.
His niece Ilina Chanda, additionally the host, loves welcoming visitors and treating them to a dialog in regards to the heritage bungalow.
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6. Bawali Rajbari
On the 300-year-old heritage boutique resort, every room is designed in a approach that borrows inspiration from completely different components of Bengali structure.
While you might be right here, you possibly can select to remain within the Basic Heritage — with its 4 poster beds decked in Bengali model and teak decor; Notun Bari — a equally styled room however overlooking the pond on the property; Zamindari Suite — with its divans and unique artwork that dates again a long time; Royal Suite — with its palatial house, excessive ceilings, and luxe furnishings; or Dak Bungalow — with the lobby and kitchenette, accomplished up in Bengali model with the curved chala roofs and rosewood furnishings.
On the Piano Restaurant, gorge on a wide range of dishes of Mughal, British, Portuguese, Armenian, Jewish and Bangladeshi origins.
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7. Itachuna Rajbari
The years spanning 1742 to 1752 noticed the Marathas attacking Bengal to gather ‘Chauth’ or the tax. Whereas these assaults stopped after the assassination of Mir Habib, the Marathas settled in Bengal, starting commerce and amassing wealth. The Itachuna Rajbari was constructed by one such Maratha ancestor, Shri Safallya Narayan Kundu, belonging to the Kundu dynasty.
Evenings on the Rajbari are full of exercise. There is a guided tour round that lets vacationers expertise life at a sluggish tempo whereas attending the aarti on the temple, flute classes and bonfires at night time.
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8. Nook Courtyard
The final residents right here had been a wealthy zamindar household in 1904 earlier than the house was deserted. In the present day it has been become a heritage resort. The color scheme used within the rooms is an ode to town, with every reflecting a unique aspect of city.
As an example, crimson depicts the brick crimson buildings dotting town panorama, whereas viridian celebrates the Eden Gardens of Kolkata, the famed cricket stadium. Charcoal is impressed by the monochrome movies of Satyajit Ray, whereas cadmium matches the yellow taxis of town.
Indigo is an ode to the East India Firm, and ivory takes inspiration from the marble hues of the Victoria Memorial. To signify the crimson that town is bathed in throughout the festivities of Durga Puja, vermillion can be used.
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Sources
Take pleasure in Kolkata’s Classic Charms At These Boutique Lodges by Piyali Sen, Printed on 7 Might 2022.