The Rajbari Bawali, a heritage family-owned property that has now been turned into a luxe heritage resort, is about an hour-and-a-half drive’s from the city. What welcomes you is the years of history and culture nestled within this palatial space. From typical Bengali fanfare to exotic meals, boat rides, swimming, chilling with resident animals, or just strolling around the property and finding a nook to read, the space promises some great unwinding, Rajbari style. The Telegraph stayed for a day at this colonial property, and here’s how we spent it.
What: The Rajbari Bawali
Where: Village and P.O. North Bawali, 24 Parganas, South
For reservations: Call on 9073312000
The main building also houses the dining area, which has a long table with chairs lined all around. A lamp-shade style chandelier hangs in the centre, and sanded walls with various photos and paintings cover up the walls. This also opens up into another dining hall at the back.
The long corridors with pillars line the entire periphery of balconies on all three sides, on both upper and lower levels. With chairs and couches at each step, this is a good lounging spot for guests outside their rooms.
The rooms are all done up in an old-world style. We loved the mahogany poster beds with mosquito nets around them. The doors, the side tables and even the windows have all been restored from the olden days. White is the central theme of these rooms. Paintings, artefacts, and sculptures of varying kinds adorn the rooms.
The Zamindari-style thali is a special one, a major attraction even for non-resident guests. We loved the table set up with banana leaves, candles and earthen cookware by the poolside.
The afternoon tea on the Ganges is a must-experience. Staff from the property accompany guests to the nearby river bank and set up an afternoon tea meal on the boat. We loved sipping on our chai in the middle of the river.
We enjoyed the lovely breakfast buffet at the baithak overlooking the pond. From Bengali to South Indian, English as well as American, there was a range of breakfast options.
(L-R) grilled chicken with veggies and mashed potatoes, Thali
The Rajbari Bawali maybe deeply rooted in Bengali heritage, but the menu is a promising mix of flavours from across the globe. We particularly loved this grilled chicken with veggies and mashed potatoes.
The thali is a multiple-course indulgence with dishes such as dal, rice, aloo chorchori, salad, dalna, salad, chicken curry, fish curry, and prawns. Desserts such as rosogolla, mishti doi and sandesh offer the perfect sweet ending.
A special candle-lit dinner was set up in the main lounge and is a great idea for date night.