WEEKEND GETAWAYS
Kolkata is a melting pot of culture and diversity. Though the colonial era is long gone, it has left behind various monuments and traces of the British presence. Many modern constructions embody elements of classical charm coupled with world class service which remind us of a past replete with luxury and magnificence. Here are the hotels which prove to be such luxury destinations situated just a hop, skip and a jump away from Kolkata.
Ffort Raichak is one of the first symbols of luxury in West Bengal. Renowned for its hospitality and legendary fort style architecture (though the building itself isn’t more than 10 years old), the Ffort Raichak on the Ganges is a great place to unwind and rejuvenate. Equipped with world class facilities such as a spa, sports bar and lounge, health clubs and restaurants providing a delectable assortment of food, Ffort Raichak is nothing short of a paradise set on the banks of the Ganges. You can enjoy the sunset on the Ganges while on a river cruise organized by The Ffort Raichak. If it’s a luxury holiday you’re looking for, this is the place for you!
How to get there: The Ffort is located at Raichak, Kolkata, and West Bengal. Located 50 kilometres to the South and just a 90 minute drive through undulated greens from Kolkata. You can also take a flight to Kolkata as Raichak is situated 70 kilometres from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
Tariff: The rooms at The Ffort Raichak range between Rs. 8,700-9,700* per night for double occupancy.
Book Your Stay at Ffort Raichak
Glenburn is highly recommended for travellers of all types. Situated in Darjeeling, Glenburn Tea Estate is a small jewel in the hills. The hotel has a limited amount of rooms and the beautiful interiors are sure to leave you spellbound. It is flanked by pine forests and tea gardens on all sides proving to be a quiet and lush space for you to kick back and relax. And if you’re lucky, you may even sight the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas directly from your window. Glenburn Tea Estate embodies colonial elegance and leaves you feeling like the British ‘sahabs’ who would run away from Kolkata to Darjeeling looking for cooler climes, much like you.
How to get there: There are many flights available from Kolkata to Bagdogra, after which it’s advisable to take a bus or a cab to Darjeeling. Trains travel till Jalpaiguri after which you can take the toy train that starts from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri and rides through the alpine forests in style.
Tariff: Glenburn charges Rs. 33,000 per room for double occupancy and Rs. 20,000 per room for a single occupant.
Book Your Stay at Glenburn Tea Estate
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An unlikely tourist destination, Vivanta is one of the many luxurious hotels by the Taj group that allows you to soak in the local culture and verdant surroundings. Vivanta facilitates all its guests with world class services and a chance to experience what the seven sisters have to offer. The hotel is constructed in a modern yet grand style, and leaves no chance to make the guests feel like royals.
How to get there: The best way to reach Guwahati is by flight. There are many direct flights that operate from Kolkata.
Tariff: They have packages and rooms available within the range of Rs.5,500 per night for basic suites and Rs.60,500 per night for a Luxury suite.
Book Your Stay at Vivanta by Taj
You won’t have to venture far to access this little haven. ITC Sonar is an example of how contemporary styles are amalgamated with the classic historical elegance of Kolkata. The hotel is situated just minutes away from the city centre and is surrounded by verdant environs and plenty of sunshine. It has an excellent repertoire of providing the best cuisine and fine dining restaurants in the city. This business hotel allows travellers to take a step back and relax whilst staying within city limits.
How to get there: ITC Sonar is a 15-minute drive from the city centre and is located just opposite Science city on JBS Haldane Avenue.
Tariff: Room rates at ITC Sonar range from Rs.8000 per night for Basic Suites and Rs.13,000 per night onwards for Luxury suites.
Nestled in a quiet avenue within the hustle and bustle of the city, Elgin Silver Oaks offers a pleasurable stay. Its central location allows you to explore the town of Kalimpong without much hassle. The hotel is perched on the side of a hill, which lends it splendid views of the Himalayas. The Elgin Silver Oaks has a certain old world charm that permeates through the architecture and the décor, that makes you want to keep coming back to this little piece of heaven.
How to get there: Kalimpong is easily accessible from Bagdogra as direct flights are available. You can also take a train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri after which you can drive to Kalimpong.
Tariff: Rooms are available at Rs.6000 per nightfor a single occupant and Rs.10,000 per night for double occupancy.
Book Your Stay at Elgin Silver Oaks
Imagine being surrounded by tea estates, alpine forests, being at one with nature. That’s what Mayfair Hill Resort has in store for all guests, along with great service and a taste of fine luxury. Mayfair Hill resort spans over a hill and has been often compared to a living museum. The colonial style of the property paired with Darjeeling’s touristic value makes it one of the best weekend getaway options from Kolkata.
How to get there: The hotel is not far from the city center, and is easily accessible by car. However the most enjoyable mode of transportation would be the toy train from New Jalpaiguri, which weaves through miles of tea plantations and lets you experience the change in temperature as you gain altitude.
Tariff: Rooms at the Mayfair Hill Resort are available for Rs.12,000 per night for a single occupant and Rs.18,000 per night for double occupancy. They offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast and more.
Book Your Stay at Mayfair Hill Resort
Iora is a heritage hotel located in Kaziranga. Not only is the hotel considered a prime luxury property but its proximity to the national park makes it a viable option for those who are wildlife enthusiasts. The food at Iora is mouth-watering and attracts ample tourists every year. If you’re looking for a long weekend getaway from the hullabaloo of the city, go to a retreat in Iora.
How to get there: The nearest airport to Kaziranga is Jorhat (two hours away). Alternatively, you can take the scenic drive up to Kaziranga, 1,139 kilometres from Kolkata via NH27.
Tariff: The room rates at Iora Start from Rs.5000 per night for basic suites.
Book Your Stay at Iora-The Retreat
The Oberoi Grand is one of the best luxury hotels in India. Everything from the tasteful décor to the efficient staff speaks of grandeur and class. The hotel boasts of the colonial style of architecture that Kolkata is all too familiar with, with the perks of modern day amenities such as a swimming pool, fully equipped gym, bar and restaurant serving delectable cuisine. After the hustle and bustle of a city like Kolkata, retiring in Oberoi Grand will provide you with an unparalleled level of satisfaction.
How to get there: The Oberoi Grand is located on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Kolkata, but manages to cut down on the din of the surrounding areas for the benefit of their guests.
Tariff: The room rates range between Rs.10,000 per night for basic suites and Rs.15,000 per night for Luxury Suites.
Book Your Stay at The Oberoi Grand
Situated a short walk away from the city centre of Gangtok, The Elgin Nor –Khill is a heritage luxury hotel that was built by the Chogyal (The ruler of Sikkim) around 1932 and served as a royal guesthouse for many years after. Retaining the cultural splendour and resplendence of the royalty, The Elgin Nor-Khill makes you feel at home as soon you walk into the hotel. It has played host to dignitaries like the US Ambassador and Crown Prince of Sikkim, writers Dominique Lapierre and Mark Tully, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Hollywood celebrities Shirley MacLean and Michael Douglas. If you consider yourself a connoisseur of luxury hotels, then The Elgin Nor-Khill should be the next on your list of weekend getaways.
How to get there: There are plenty of flights which directly connect Kolkata to Gangtok or you could drive on the scenic route up to Gangtok which is 671 kilometres away via NH12.
Tariff: The Elgin Nor-Khill provides suites and deluxe suites in the range of Rs.9000 per night for basic suites and Rs.15,000 per night for Luxury suites which are non inclusive of taxes .
Book Your Stay at Elgin Nor-Khill
The Lalit hotel is a unique amalgamation of Edwardian, Victorian and Contemporary architecture in a modern day setting. It was previously a point of rendezvous for British officers and now serves as a business class hotel with world-class service and great customer satisfaction through many years.
How to get there: The hotel is centrally located on Old Court House Street in Kolkata, just a few minutes away from popular tourist attractions such as the Millenium Park, St. John’s Church and the iconic Howrah Bridge.
Tariff: The rooms at the Lalit are available from Rs.6,500 per night for basic suites.
Book Your Stay at Lalit Great Eastern Hotel
If you’re looking for a memorable luxurious getaway from Kolkata to pamper yourself and your loved ones, these are the hotels to go to in search of a taste of the good life.
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