Culturally way ahead of its time Bengal still stands tall at the crossroads of urbanization and preservation of its heritage. While the world around couldn’t get any faster, Kolkata still remains a city that’s hanging on to its heritage, willingly letting go of possibilities that will detach it from their roots. Green-shuttered windows, fine cornices, wrought-iron grills, a quintessential courtyard is all my formative years witnessed in Kolkata where I resided in a rented 150-year-old house of a prosperous neighbourhood called Bhowanipur. Stamped with colonial buildings, some so frail that Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has stuck a board ‘বিপদজনক বাড়ি’ (dangerous building), this locality is right in the centre of an incredible marriage between the old and the new – 30 minutes to the right you will find the exotic Victiorian architecture and the same time to the left will leave you with the growing suburbs. Kolkata is a living culture. Next time you decide to visit this heritage city, you might want to bathe in its colonialism as well as its ‘Bangaliana’. So, here’s a list of the heritage properties in West Bengal that will leave you with a taste of the past, with some properties costing as low as INR 3,000/night!
1. BARI KOTHI
In the historic heart of Murshidabad, the magnificent “Bari Kothi“—meaning “Palace of the Elder”—invites you to step back into a bygone era of unparalleled grandeur. Built in the late 1700s, this meticulously restored ancestral home of the Dudhoria family is a visual masterpiece, showcasing a truly eclectic architectural blend of Greek, Roman, and French influences. Beyond its luxurious suites, the property boasts an array of captivating spaces, including a well-stocked library for quiet contemplation, a charming music room, and iconic areas such as the shimmering Sheesh Mahal, the regal Durbar Hall, the serene Janana Chowk, the traditional Gaddi Ghar, the functional Halwai Khana, and the picturesque Gulabi Chawara. This heritage property offers a unique opportunity to experience the opulence and lifestyle of 18th-century Bengal’s elite merchant families.
Booking a stay at Bari Kothi is more than just reserving a room, it’s an immersive dive into living history.
Location: Murshidabad
Tariff: INR 15,730/night onwards (excluding tax)
2. CALCUTTA BUNGALOW
For those seeking authentic experiences beyond conventional hotels, Calcutta Bungalow offers an unforgettable cultural immersion. A meticulously restored townhouse that lies in the heart of North Kolkata that was known as “Black Town” by the British, each of its uniquely designed rooms pays tribute to the vibrant professions and trades of the old neighborhood, bringing Kolkata’s rich cultural tapestry to life. From the Mochipara room, celebrating cobblers with authentic tools, to Jatrapara honoring folk theatre, Darzipara with its nod to tailors, Patuapara showcasing traditional art, Boipara a haven for bibliophiles with its stacked shelves, and Sahibpara evoking the Victorian era with buggy lights and vintage photographs of old Calcutta – every corner tells a story.
An ideal choice for travelers who appreciate boutique hotels with character, seek unique accommodation, and desire a profound connection to the destination they’re exploring, guests here benefit from a prime location that often feature curated walking tours that delve deeper into the surrounding alleys and traditions.
Location: Kolkata
Tariff: INR 5,000/night onwards (excluding tax)
3. GLENBURN PENTHOUSE
Park Street that famously beats as the city’s vibrant core discreetly keeps The Glenburn Penthouse – an exquisite haven where sophisticated charm of Parisian interior design marries the serene palette of pastel pinks, celadon greens, soft yellows, pristine whites, and gentle blues. Every wall tells a story, adorned with curated art collections vividly reflecting Kolkata’s rich ancestral pages and the intrepid journeys of early travelers. With its luxurious fine carpets, cool marble floors, and elegantly designed hallways, the Penthouse offers a subtle yet profound reminder of the opulent British Raj era.
Location: Kolkata
Tariff: INR 19,000/night onwards (excluding tax)
4. RAAKJUTIR
Step into a living tribute to the Bengal Renaissance at Raajkutir, a truly distinctive heritage property near Salt Lake Stadium. This exquisite 33-room boutique hotel masterfully blends Indo-Saracenic architectural elements with classic Bengali design, evoking the grandeur of a traditional Rajbari. Why should you book your stay here? Because Raajkutir offers an immersive cultural experience unlike any other. Imagine waking up to views of an open courtyard, reminiscent of a bygone era’s ceremonial hall, complete with a beautiful palanquin. Dine in a restaurant graced by hand-pulled pakhas (fans), and witness the charm of a horse carriage, all meticulously designed to transport you to a period of rich heritage and refined living. This isn’t just accommodation; it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Bengali history and aesthetics, promising unique experiences and a stay filled with elegance and authentic charm. For travelers seeking more than just a room, Raajkutir provides a luxurious escape that resonates with the cultural richness of Kolkata.
Location: Kolkata
Tariff: INR 7,000/night onwards (excluding tax)
5. THE ELGIN FAIRLAWN
Dating back to 1783, The Elgin Fairlawn, sitting amidst a verdant garden at the corner of Madge Lane and Sudder Street, offers an immediate journey to a 200-year-old era. This is a potpourri of the colonial past that is represented by the presence of colonial memorabilia and décor along with modern comforts.
Location: Kolkata
Tariff: INR 6,500/night onwards (excluding tax)
6. THE RAJBARI BAWALI
Located an hour and a half from Kolkata, The Rajbari Bawali, a meticulously restored 300-year-old boutique heritage property that exhibits opulence, style and grace of the Bengal Zamindars and offers an unparalleled blend of authentic history and luxurious comfort.
Location: Nodakhali, South 24 Parganas
Tariff: INR 6,500/night onwards (excluding tax)
7. MANABARI GREENS
A sprawling 25-acre of green grassland in the Dooars of North Bengal, surrounded by tea estates, Manabari Greens is a boutique plantation style eco resort that emanates a grand rustic tone of pre-independence era. Blooming flowers, glowing fireflies, a stroll through the private woodland and adjacent tea gardens, this place is rustic ambiance reminiscent of the colonial past. If you desire to disconnect from the urban rush and immerse yourself in a serene environment that promises deep relaxation, natural beauty, and a touch of historical elegance – Manabari Greens is an unparalleled choice.
Location: Dooars
Tariff: INR 2,500/night onwards (excluding tax)
8. JHARGRAM RAJ BARI
A captivating heritage property renowned as the backdrop for iconic Bengali films like Sannyashi Raja, Tintorettor-Jishu, and Durgeshgorer Guptadhan. This isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an enthralling blend of grand history, splendid accommodations, and fascinating scenic beauty. As the enduring residence of the Malla Dev Royal family, the Rajbari’s architecture is a distinctive fusion of Muslim and Gothic styles, offering a visual feast for architecture enthusiasts.
Location: Jhargram
Tariff: INR 2,350/night onwards (excluding tax)
9. BALAKHANA HOUSE
This sprawling 16-acre property is anchored by a magnificent early 19th-century villa with French origins, dating back to the 1780s. Its walls whisper tales of an Italian doctor’s vision and a British indigo planter’s legacy, still known as “Neelkuthi” for its historic ties to indigo. Guests are invited to experience an exceptional retreat amidst orchards, active farmlands, and verdant gardens, providing a rare opportunity to connect with Bengal’s colonial past and rural charm. Consider booking this estate for a restorative getaway that offers both historical immersion and the refreshing calm of the countryside, making it a perfect weekend escape.
Location: Maheshganj, Nadia
Tariff: INR 5,000/night onwards (excluding tax)
10. MAKAIBARI BUNAGALOW
Imagine waking to the crisp mountain air, the scent of fresh tea leaves wafting through your window, and panoramic vistas of rolling tea gardens stretching to the horizon. Makaibari Bungalow offers this and more. Designed as a tribute to the timeless aesthetics of a traditional tea planter’s abode, every detail exudes elegance and authenticity. The use of solid wood for ceilings, flooring, and doors creates a warm, inviting ambiance, while intricate detailing and globally curated artifacts within its interiors are a testament to the impeccable taste of Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director of the Luxmi Group. This is not just a stay; it’s an exclusive experience allowing guests to live within the legacy of one of Darjeeling’s most celebrated tea estates, offering a unique blend of heritage charm and unparalleled comfort. It’s the perfect sanctuary for those seeking tranquility, cultural immersion, and a direct connection to the world of fine tea.
Location: Kurseong
Tariff: INR 60,000 for 10 guests/night (excluding tax)
11. COCHRANE PLACE
Perched on a ridge overlooking the renowned tea estates of Makaibari, Castleton and Amboomtia, in the “Land of the white orchids” – Kurseong, Cochrane Place’s very fabric tells a story, rebuilt with local stone, robust log, and elegant cast iron, complemented by exquisite wooden paneling and a curated collection of antique artifacts. The result is a wonderfully warm and cozy ambiance, perfect for unwinding. For travelers who appreciate heritage hotels, this property is a gem. The careful restoration using authentic materials like stone, log, and cast iron, combined with wooden paneling and genuine antiques, creates an old-world charm that transports guests to a bygone era. Cochrane Place stands out for its Anglo-Indian cuisine served at Chai Country. This distinct culinary heritage, blending British and Indian flavors, offers a delightful departure from typical hotel fare, promising a memorable dining experience with scenic dining backdrops.
Location: Kurseong
Tariff: INR 4,500/night onwards (excluding tax)
12. THE IVY HOUSE
From the moment you pass through its ivy-laden gate, you’re transported to an era of understated elegance. An 80-year-old building that’s located in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Ballygunge neighbourhood where each detail is a carefully curated nod to history and local aesthetics, ornate wooden doors with lion-head knockers, a serene private courtyard shaded by an ancient mango tree, and interiors graced with large poster beds, gleaming mother-of-pearl almirahs, and vintage Portuguese floor tiles – The Ivy House is an exemplary delight. The entire ambiance is exquisitely themed around the vibrant flowers of Bengal, creating a visual and sensory feast.
Location: Kolkata
Tariff: INR 5,500/night onwards (excluding tax)
Contact: +91-8777090903, reservation@ivyhousekolkata.com
13. LALBARI
This extraordinary heritage bungalow, over a century old, exists as a perfectly preserved time capsule, providing a striking contrast to the towering modern structures surrounding it. Its prime location in Bhawanipur, a neighborhood celebrated for its historic architecture and seamless integration of new and old, makes LalBari a standout. An immersive cultural stay that allows you to reconnect with Kolkata’s rich past while enjoying the convenience of being centrally located.
P.S. – This heritage property has seen the likes of guests such as Ravi Shankar, Indira Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi himself.
Location: Kolkata
Tariff: INR 3,800 for 2 persons/night (excluding tax)
Contact: +91-9051768171
14. ITACHUNA RAJBARI
Also known as Bargee Danga, Itachuna Rajbari’s name has been derived from Bargee that was given to Maratha looters by the Bengalis, who used to attack Bengal to collect Chauth, which was one-fourth of the tax to be paid by the Nawab of Bengal, Orissa and Bihar. Not just stay, it offers immersive experiences like the evening aarti or sandhya aaroti (in Bengali) – a tradition followed by almost all Bengali families, rural music programmes and other events. The rooms are named after familial relationships such as Ginni Maa, Boro Maa, Mejo Maa, Kaka Babu, Pishe Moshai and many more!
Location: Itachuna
Tariff: INR 3,000/night onwards (excluding tax)
15. MAHISHADOL RAJBARI
Located in East Midnapur district of West Bengal, around 2.5 hours from Kolkata, Mahishadol Rajbari is one of the few former palaces of Bengal that has maintained its charm. Painted a royal white while the insignias have been brushed golden, this piece of history dates back to the 16th century when the current palace ‘Geokhali’ was known as ‘Jibonkhali’. The palace was founded by Janardhan Upadhya, a high-ranking personnel in the Emperor Akbar’s Army who was ruling over most of the provinces of India then. The palace witnessed generations of reign, when finally, Rani Janaki Devi, wife of Raja Anadalal took over the reign of the palace (1170 – 1804) post his demise.
With five distinct accommodation types – Diptimoyee, Nandini Kakkho, Kalyani Kakkho, Pritimoyee, and Totini Kokkha – each stay promises a blend of comfort and authentic regal charm.
Location: East Midnapur
Tariff: Starting INR 3,200/night onwards (excluding tax)
16. GLENBURN TEA ESTATE
A fine vintage villa overlooking the might Kanchenjunga range – that’s Glenburn Tea Estate for you! Cradled in the peaks of Darjeeling, the stunning estate that was started by a Scottish Tea Company in 1859 changed finally until the ownership was passed onto one of India’s pioneering tea planting families – The Prakashes, also known as the Chaiwala family.
Inspired by the vineyards of Europe where the entire process of picking grapes, preparing wine, resting in the barrels and relishing the fine taste of it along with local products, the Glenburn estate opened its doors to organize tours of getting the tea from the estates to the teacups.
The desire to restore the bungalow to its former glory was further flamed by Bronwyn Latif, an interior designer from Delhi who fell in love with the beauty of the vintage stay and a bond forged. The glory of the colonial style retained, The Burra Bungalow was restored in 2002, while in 2008, four more rooms were added to The Water Lily Bungalow, nestled right on top of a hill across The Burra Bungalow. From antique furniture for furnishing to Burma teak for flooring to restored old cast iron windows – everything was sourced to provide the perfect feel of the old-world colonial charm.
Location: Darjeeling
Tariff: Starting INR 51,000/ night onwards (including tax)
17. THE ELGIN SILVER OAKS
Period furniture, lithographs, shelves of mindfully handpicked publications, heritage décor wrapped in modern amenities – this is Elgin, Silver oaks, a vintage property that was once home to a British jute magnate, later sold to Frederick Deshraj, an architect and builder, finally transferring the ownership to Mr. Diamond Oberoi who then added an extra floor as a natural extension.
Location: Kalimpong
Tariff: Starting INR 13,000/ night onwards (excluding tax)
18. TULIN HERITAGE BUNGALOW
Built pre-Independence by by Late Shri Mahim Chandra Dey Sarkar as an outhouse, this property located is located in the Purulia district of West Bengal, close to Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area. Once an outhouse that has been transformed into a boutique stay, this property is perfect for a budget weekend getaway from Kolkata
Location: Purulia
Tariff: Starting INR 3,100/ night onwards (excluding tax)
19. PANCHETGARH HERITAGE RAJ BARI
Not a uber luxurious stay but one that has stood the test of time and a reminder of yesteryear rural Bengal. Located in Panchetgarh that was once a seat of the Pathans, Mughals, Marathas and British this, this property prides in the quintessential courtyard, sleep green windows and red-oxide floors rooms surrounding the courtyard. A great budget-friendly option if you want to experience a zamindari stay.
Location: Panchetgarh, Purba Midnapur
Tariff: Starting INR 1900/ person/ night onwards (including all meals),
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20. WINDAMERE HOTEL
Perhaps the one and only oldest and most traditional English Boarding House that sits on a sacred hilltop where Dorje Rinzing, a Lama who found this spot to lay his shrine. Very colonial, very heritage and a whole lot of hospitality that goes into offering a fair share of the old-world vintage charm.
Location: Darejeeling
Tariff: Starting INR / person/ night onwards (excluding tax)
21. COSSIMBAZAR PALACE OF THE ROYS (RAJBARI)
A legacy spanning over three centuries where high ceilings whisper tales of yesteryear, rooms that have witnessed royal alliances, a clock tower that’s warped in a time bubble, a temple complex where lighting the evening aarti is an unfailing ritual, manicured lawns revealing romantic shenanigans and a museum that holds dear every painting, statute, antique and period furniture with utmost care.
Intricate cornices, 30 royal rooms fitted with modern amenities spread across the residential wing of the palace, sprawling gardens and a multi-cuisine restaurant – this is one of the affordable royal residences to experience a lavish affair!
Location: Berhampur, Murshidabad
Tariff: Starting INR 6,500 / room/ night onwards (excluding tax)
22. BARADIGHI – THE BUNGALOW
Cradled in the Dooars Valley, the part of North Bengal that still promises untouched nature to the weary travellers who seek refuge from the chaotic city life. Dooars, besides being known for its wild acreage is also popular for growing the aromatic leaf – tea. With its large living quarters, vintage seaters, opulent fireplaces and a hint of old world charm seeping from every corner, Baradighi Bungalow is a luxurious beat for an exotic, unwinding holiday in the rolling tea plantation of 507 hectares !
Location: Dooars, North Bengal
Tariff: Starting INR / person/ night onwards (excluding tax)
Reliving the past through the eyes of our ancestors offers a profound connection to the events that shaped our present. Glimpsing these historical pages helps us safeguard our heritage, enabling us to pass it down to future generations, which is precisely the aim of these unique properties.
Have you started planning your staycation yet? Its time you do!
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