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The Rajbari Bawali is a beautiful heritage hotel, set in a rural village of Bawali on the outskirts of Calcutta. This 350-year-old palatial property of winding steps and colonnaded corridors was once the residence of the zamindars of this region – the Mandals. Today, after a long process of restoration and conservation by Kolkata businessman Ajay Rawal, it once again celebrates its 18th-century grandeur and welcome new set of guests who arrive here after a 90 minutes' drive from Calcutta.
Housed within the neoclassical palace with lofty verandas, Rajbari Bawali has just 30 rooms spread over two levels. In the rooms, floors are marble or bone-white painted cement with four poster-beds, many dressed in frilly layers of fabric, antique wooden chairs, coffee tables and Venetian mirrors. French doors open out onto verandas overlooking into a garden in the central courtyard. Public spaces are decorated with old musical instruments, carved lions and Louis XVI chairs.
Dining at Rajbari Bawali is a highlight where chefs have consolidated nearly 500 authentic Bengali recipes. For lunch we recommend you try Bengali Thali, a wonderful mix of flavours. Then take a leisurely birdwatching walk around the village. Back at the hotel, cool down in one of two large ponds dotted with carved wooden divans covered with embroidered Indian textiles. But if walking was too much of work then visit the tranquil Mantra Spa, a nice way to end your East India tour.
Amenities
Location The Rajbari Bawali is located in Bawali, just over an hour from the centre of Calcutta.
Getting there Fly into Calcutta's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. From there, The Rajbari Bawali is a 2-hour drive.
When to go Calcutta has three main seasons- Summer, Monsoon, and Winter. Summer, during March-May, is hot and humid with temperature touching 38-40°C. Monsoon starts in June and lasts till September, October. Winter starts in November and stays till February and weather is very pleasant. Best time to visit Calcutta is October-March.
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