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If your soul’s been itching for a break, and your calendar whispers “weekend getaway nearby”, it might be time to swap high-rise chaos for heritage charm. Lucky for those in and around Kolkata, some truly majestic escapes are waiting just a few hours away. Think palatial mansions, faded frescoes, slow mornings with cha, and the sweet illusion of living like a zamindar — without the responsibility of running an estate, of course. So, ready to explore some heritage getaways near Kolkata that let you soak in royal vibes, stories of the past, and a touch of old Bengal elegance? Let’s dive in.
Bawali Rajbari
Tucked away in the peaceful lanes of Budge Budge, Bawali Rajbari is your gateway to reliving the grandeur of Bengal's Zamindari past. Just about 1.5 hours from Kolkata, this 300-year-old palace in South 24 Parganas feels like it has been lifted straight out of a Satyajit Ray period film. Once abandoned and almost forgotten, the ancestral home of the Mondal family was revived by Ajay Rawla, who poured life back into its Greco-Roman pillars and red oxide floors. With regal rooms like the Zamindari Suite and Notun Bari, each corner oozes character, offering a slice of Bengali aristocratic life.
Whether you're walking through its serene courtyard or sipping cha by antique furnishings, every moment here feels like a scene from your grandparents’ nostalgia. The library, billiards room, and cultural evenings complete the immersive escape. The dining experience? Let’s just say a thali of shorshe ilish and kosha mangsho hits differently when served under vintage chandeliers. Surrounded by village life and drenched in history, this heritage gateway near Kolkata balances peace, legacy, and a dash of royal indulgence.
Where: Bowali Rajbari, The, North, Bawali, Kolkata, Raypur, West Bengal
2. Itachuna Rajbari
Built in 1766, Itachuna Rajbari in Hooghly district stands proudly as a reminder of Maratha warriors who found a new home in Bengal. Familiarly called Bargee Danga, this palace-turned-heritage homestay is where red bricks meet regal dreams. About 2.5 hours from Kolkata, this hidden gem invites travellers to embrace history – not just observe it. With 14 spacious rooms decked in antique decor, you’re in for more than just a weekend nap.
What makes this spot extra intriguing is its film connection – think Lootera vibes, quite literally! With whispers of ghost tales floating through its long hallways and spiritual aartis echoing by dusk, this palace ticks both spooky and serene. The blend of Maratha arches with Bengali courtyards gives the architecture a rare identity, making it an Instagrammer’s delight. Stroll through its gardens or sit with chai under mango trees – this is where you unplug, unwind, and unscroll.
Where: Itachuna, West Bengal
3. Elgin Fairlawn
Located right off the ever-busy Sudder Street, Elgin Fairlawn is a colonial-era retreat that hides in plain sight. Built in 1783, this heritage hotel has seen Kolkata change around it. From World War II barracks to the go-to spot for legends like Shashi Kapoor and Günter Grass, this place is steeped in stories. Think old wooden staircases, walls adorned with portraits, and an atmosphere where every creak of the floorboard feels like history whispering.
Situated minutes from the Indian Museum and Park Street, this spot isn’t just about staying in; it’s about staying with Kolkata’s soul. Don’t expect high-tech buttons or sleek interiors. Instead, enjoy the charm of louvred windows, imperial dining and breakfast under bougainvillaea. With the Elgin group taking over in 2018, the old-world elegance has been carefully retained, while minor comforts have been added. This is not a palace, but it feels like the city’s living room.
Where: 13A, Sudder St, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, Esplanade, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal
4. The Corner Courtyard
On the bustling lanes of Sarat Bose Road stands The Corner Courtyard, where a 1904 zamindari house now plays host to quirky stays and food that deserves its own blog. Each of the seven rooms tells its own story, splashed with colour and character — from Calcutta nostalgia to colonial elegance. It’s less about grandiosity and more about experience. Expect salvaged tiles, vintage trunks, and a decor style that feels more personal diary than hotel brochure. But the real joy? Dining in its central courtyard under an open sky, munching on Mediterranean pizza or classic kosha mangsho. There's also a classic Land Rover to take you around the city in style, because why not mix royal feels with retro wheels? With its careful restoration and warm ambience, this hotel is where comfort, creativity and culture hold hands.
Where: 92, Sarat Bose Rd, Hazra, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal
5. Bari Kothi
If you're the kind of traveller who enjoys unravelling forgotten tales, Bari Kothi in Azimganj, Murshidabad is your kind of escape. Perched by the Bhagirathi River and about 4 hours from Kolkata, this Sheherwali mansion from the 18th century has been lovingly brought back to life by Darshan and Lipika Dudhoria. Once home to a dynasty of textile merchants, its revival wasn’t just architectural — it involved over 150 local artisans and stories buried in silence. With rooms like the Maharaja Suite and Sheesh Mahal glistening in restored splendour, the hotel brings royal narratives to life. Enjoy live Baul music, heritage walks, and authentic vegetarian cuisine as you absorb the pulse of Murshidabad. The property’s standout feature? Its community-first approach to restoration, which means you’re not just visiting history — you’re supporting it.
Where: Jainpatty, Azimganj, West Bengal
6. Maheshganj Estate (Balakhana)
A French-style mansion nestled in the sleepy town of Maheshganj, Balakhana Estate is what happens when Indo-French history meets Bengali warmth. Once a Neel Kothi or indigo plantation house, it now doubles as a relaxed heritage homestay owned by the Palchoudhuri family. Just four hours from Kolkata, you’ll find 17 acres of tranquillity complete with orchards, vintage games and verandas made for storytelling.The building, with its colonial arches and antique furniture, whispers tales of bygone eras while giving you enough modern comfort to stretch out and unwind. Boat rides on the Jalangi River, homely Bengali meals, and crackling fireplaces in winter make this stay less hotel, more homely haveli. If you’re lucky, Ronodhir Palchoudhuri himself might share anecdotes that turn dinner into a history lesson — the fun kind.
Where: Nabadwip Ghat Road, Maheshganj, West Bengal
7. The Denmark Tavern (Serampore)
A riverside retreat that once echoed with Danish whispers, The Denmark Tavern in Serampore is more than just a stay—it’s a quiet journey through colonial time. Built in 1786 during the Danish colonial era, this two-storey beauty was the brainchild of James Parr, a British innkeeper who wanted to create a restful stop for European traders sailing down the Hooghly. With wide verandas and old-world charm intact, the tavern has been lovingly restored and now functions as a boutique hotel, about an hour’s drive from Kolkata.
The setting, right by the Hooghly River, adds a cinematic calm—perfect for those who want a weekend getaway nearby their location without actually venturing too far. Imagine sipping your chai on a veranda that once served Danish officers! The rooms maintain their vintage aesthetic but offer all modern comforts, from air conditioning to Wi-Fi, making it a relaxed blend of heritage and convenience.Today, the space is more than just a hotel. With a multi-cuisine restaurant and stunning riverside views, it invites guests to slow down and live like zamindars of another time. The history lives on, not in a museum, but in the walls and whispers of this timeless retreat.
Where: Serampore Police Line N.N Roy Street , LP 39, 2/1, Serampore, West Bengal
8. Nihar On The Ganges
Nestled on the edge of the Ganges in Khardaha, Nihar On The Ganges is that quiet escape you didn’t know you needed. Just about 18 km from Kolkata Airport, this heritage home feels like it belongs to another century—because it does. Once the ancestral mansion of Roy Bahadur Radhakanta Deb, a descendant of the iconic Shovabazar Rajbari lineage, the property has transformed into a weekend retreat with soul.
With sweeping river views, Ganga-facing rooms, and even a rooftop café, Nihar carries the vibe of a peaceful zamindari life. Here, you wake up to the sound of temple bells and the soft ripple of river water—ekdum shaant and serene. The mansion’s architecture hasn’t lost its vintage grace, and the in-house team ensures you’re well looked after, from food to comfort to service. This place is also a favourite for small weddings and heritage-themed events, adding a layer of timeless romance. If you’re searching for heritage gateways near Kolkata, Nihar makes for an easy and nostalgic break from city life—think old Bengali opulence meets today’s comfort.
Where: Sukchar, Jaiprakash Nagar, Panihati, Kolkata, Khardaha, West Bengal
9. Calcutta Bungalow
Tucked inside the narrow lanes of Shyambazar, Calcutta Bungalow is a love letter to Kolkata’s past. This 1920s restored townhouse takes you straight back to North Kolkata’s heritage-filled days, complete with tall ceilings, vintage tiles, and rooms named after iconic neighbourhoods like Burrabazar and Kalighat. It’s a stay, yes—but also a crash course in the cultural soul of the city.
The bungalow is a fine mix of old Calcutta nostalgia and modern creature comforts. Each of its six rooms is themed, with décor and stories that highlight the personality of different parts of the city. You get Wi-Fi and comfy beds, but also quirky lamps, period furniture, and a rooftop restaurant that serves a delicious mix of Indian and international fare.What makes this spot one of the most talked-about heritage stays in Kolkata is its deeply personal vibe. Once the residence of the Majumdar family, the space now welcomes curious travellers, nostalgic locals, and history buffs. If you're looking for a heritage hotel in Kolkata that lets you live inside the city’s timeline, this one’s worth bookmarking.
Where: 5, Radha Kanta Jew St, Fariapukur, Shyam Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal
10. The Glenburn Penthouse
Perched atop Kanak Towers in the heart of the city, The Glenburn Penthouse is where colonial luxury meets modern elegance. Think antique four-poster beds, hand-embroidered sheets, and views that sweep across landmarks like the Victoria Memorial. It's not just a hotel—it’s a beautifully curated experience that celebrates both Bengal’s royal past and today’s tasteful comfort. The penthouse features nine expansive suites that offer plenty of room to live, work, and unwind. The decor leans into classic Bengal colonial style, with vintage artworks, wooden floors, and serene marble bathrooms.
You’ll also find warm little touches, like Glenburn’s signature tea prints and sunlight-drenched reading corners. And then there’s the rooftop. With an infinity pool overlooking Kolkata’s heritage skyline, it’s easily one of the city’s most peaceful spots for an afternoon chai or sundowner cocktail. The penthouse is also a stone’s throw away from major attractions like Eden Gardens and New Market, making it ideal for travellers who want to explore but return to a royal retreat. If you've ever dreamt of living like a modern-day zamindar in the heart of Kolkata, Glenburn offers the ambience to match.
Where: Kanak Towers, 7A, Russel St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal