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The drive to Calcutta Bungalow cast a nostalgic spell over me. I’d walked these neighborhoods countless times during my college years, shopping at the market and savoring Rose Lassi, Paneer Chops (croquettes) and Dorbesh (Bengali sweet).
As I entered the mansion’s grand beige-hued facade with Corinthian pillars, I felt like a wayward soul who had returned home after ten years, rather than a mere guest.
Each corner of this heritage B&B captured the essence of a bygone era through a meticulous arrangement of antics. It set the stage for an authentic experience of Old Calcutta’s vintage charm.
Allow me to take you on a virtual journey through the vibrant interiors of this heritage stay in Kolkata, now the talk of the town for its Instagram-worthy ambiance, delectable Bengali cuisine, and warm North Kolkata hospitality. Let’s begin?
Contents
5 Best Parts Of My Stay At Calcutta Bungalow
#1. The Irresistible Charm Of The 98-Year-Old Building
My frequent trips to my grandma’s 3-storey building in Sovabazar (a neighborhood in North Kolkata), had unknowingly made me an admirer of heritage houses in the olden part of the city. While the house I speak of was demolished recently, Calcutta Bungalow stands tall, an embodiment of an ancient architecture when houses were more than four-walled accommodations.
Stepping into its timeless charm, a sweet scent of sandalwood greeted me at the vibrant reception, the Baithakkhana. Adorned in vintage decor, the space featured antique iron chairs, a round-edged wooden cane couch, a dressing table arranged with Santhal dolls (an indigenous tribe of West Bengal), and brass Pan Danis (betel leaf box). Each curio was thoughtfully sourced, taking me on a nostalgic journey down memory lane.
Restored under the experienced supervision of the owner, Mr. Iftekhar Ahsan, and brought to life through the artistic strokes of Mr. Akhil Ranjan Sarkar (conservation architect), and Swarup Dutta (scenographer), Calcutta Bungalow offered surprises at every turn. Each corner unveiled a vintage tableau frozen in time, as if sketched on an eternal canvas.
The natural light streaming from the open sky above the courtyard added to the drama. It enhanced the intricate weave of earthy tones created by the amalgamation of wood, brick, colored glass, wrought iron, and antique decor. A brilliant play of colors worked its magic in the corridors, transforming the ambiance with a seamless shift from subdued cool hues to lucid warm tones.
The current owners have tried their best to retain the old classical architecture while strengthening the mansion structurally — replacing wooden beams with iron ones, repairing windows with matching colored frames, to ordering newly customized bakelite switches from Delhi. Certain curios like wooden alarm boxes that originally belonged to the mansion are meticulously preserved and kept on display.
Calcutta Bungalow’s open courtyards offered a slice of sky, allowing its guests to bask in the ever-changing moods of the city. Sitting at the bench, gazing up at a starlit sky, in the backdrop of old Bollywood melodies from their rooftop cafe, the ambiance seemed magical — almost like a well-scripted scene from a period film.
#2. Warm North Kolkata Hospitality
The B&B’s ensemble of young staff members seemed to resonate with the cheerful ambiance of the property. Their warm welcome and constant attentiveness exuded an amusing heartiness, which set the B&B a class apart from other hotels in Kolkata.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that simple beverages like tea, coffee, coconut water and lime soda were complementary and I could request them as many times as I pleased. 🙂
During my stay, I met a young attendant, Manoranjan from Siliguri, West Bengal, who played old Bengali melodies that complemented the classical setup of the property. He and Mr. Mohammed Ayub Khan (Operation Manager) went the extra mile to assure my comfort. He even stayed up late till 11 pm (post work hours) to ensure I returned safely after visiting my friend who stayed nearby!
#3. Innovative Food Menu
Adding a twist to famed Bengali delicacies, Calcutta Bungalow’s in-house restaurant, Baro Mashe Tero Porbon, offers a gastronomic experience that lingers on the palate. Their ingredients are freshly procured and passionately whipped up by Chef Alamgir and his team of culinary experts. What’s more, is that the restaurant is open to customization of their menu as per the food preferences of their guests, including vegans.
#4. Dedicated Adda Zones (gathering spaces)
Addas are a warm gathering of like-minded people and a cornerstone of Bengali social life. Traditionally, old Bengali houses featured porches or courtyards with ornate seating areas specifically designed for evening addas. These sessions invited people to discuss music, art, football, cricket, and current politics over cups of tea and snacks.
Keeping the tradition alive, Calcutta Bungalow’s rooftop cafe, open courtyards, and common parlors invite the old and the young to engage in such adda sessions. In fact, one such parlor is called the Addakhana or the Adda zone.
In the evening, as I sat at the reception, listening to the tales of restoration from the Operation Manager Mr. Ayub Khan, ‘Ei Sundor Sornali Sondhe’ (an old Bengali melody about a golden evening) played in the backdrop. It made me wonder if these moments could be replayed and enjoyed in a timeless loop.
#5. Unique Collection Of Antiques
Calcutta Bungalow is a photographer’s paradise. Each piece of antique decor had a story to tell. From where they were sourced, the era they belonged to, and how they seamlessly married into the charm of this heritage B&B. A day was not enough to capture their tales.
A couple of antique tools and memorabilia that adorned the walls of Notunbazar (dining area), entrapped me in a nostalgic reverie. Old newspaper clippings of Margo soap advertisements, a framed Boroline cream cutout, and colorful miniature models of the traditional Bengali Bajarer Thole (carry bag used for purchasing vegetables) reminded me of a time when life rolled on simpler terms.
Another decor item was a unique fusion of a kuruni (grater) and boti (cutting blade). My mom used a similar one for grating coconut and you could fold the grater and use the cutting blade to peel and chop vegetables. In today’s world of modern culinary ware, these traditional tools are often forgotten in lofts or sold for pennies as relics of the past.
Did You Know?
Calcutta Bungalow was once the grand townhouse of the Majumdar family in North Kolkata. However, owing to lack of maintenance, the 1926 vintage property lay in despair with bare walls, cracked windows, and broken frames. It took 3 painstaking years for Mr. Ahsan and his dedicated team of restoration experts to restore and beautify the property to its current grandeur.
The Rooms At Calcutta Bungalow
The B&B has a total of 6 rooms, each depicting a different locality in Kolkata and representing a certain profession. The Boipara room, for instance, refers to the neighborhood inhabited by the booksellers’ community whose numerous stalls dot Kolkata’s College Street. The other rooms include Patuapara (artisan community), Jatrapara (folk theatre artists’ community), Mochipara (cobbler community), Sahibpara (localities inhabited by the British during colonial rule in India), and Darzipara (the tailors’ community).
I was hosted in the premium Boipara room at Calcutta Bungalow. Here are the details about it:
Boipara Room
A visual spectacle, the Boipara room featured an illustrious tapestry of local elements, crafting a cinematic representation of every Kolkata college goer’s memories.
As I entered, the unique floor constructed with memorial paving stones caught my eye. A chandelier hung low above an antique table, creating an aristocratic seating area brimming with elegance.
A faint bibliosmia emanated from a bookshelf above the workstation, stacked with old hardbound books — probably hand-me-downs purchased from the book-lined footpaths of Boipara itself. An old Remington typewriter, still in working condition, gave me the liberty to strike its keys and bask in the ambiance of a professional writer.
Framed hardcovers of renowned Bengali books adorned the yellow walls of the room, complemented by large wooden framed mirrors. In the centre, a vintage king-sized bed beneath a shimmering chandelier, demanded the spotlight. Together, they added an artistic touch that evoked old-world charm.
An exposed brick wall before it with large bay windows, an LED TV and a customized Whirlpool AC seamlessly melded heritage with modern comforts.
Balcony
The next day, waking up to the scent of petrichor, I hung around on the balcony with a cup of Darjeeling Tea, admiring a light drizzle that interrupted my morning routine. The neighborhood around Calcutta Bungalow was a vibrant one. Bright red and green bungalows, almost as old as this B&B, lined the newly paved tar road. Watching the leisurely strolls of men returning from the market reminded me of my childhood, when life was relished at a slower pace.
Washroom
I admire accommodations that add a creative touch to their washrooms, elevating them from being mere necessities to a space for rejuvenation. Calcutta Bungalow’s washroom exemplified this beautifully. It featured a beautiful wooden showcase with traditional Bengali dolls. Kama Ayurveda toiletries in recycled plastic containers adorned the broad washbasin, offering luxury while adhering to sustainability. The washroom also provided a partitioned bathing area and a ceiling fan to beat the heat.
Other Amenities
Calcutta Bungalow catered heritage in a modern bowl. While every nook and corner of the room was intricately woven with old Calcutta antiquities, it maintained international hospitality standards. A couple of thoughtful amenities in the room included a steam iron box, universal power sockets and multi-pin phone chargers, a hair dryer, a yoga mat, a laundry basket, wooden clothes hanging racks, a digital alarm clock, a mini-fridge, a wardrobe with sensor lights, and soft sole flip flops.
TWT Sustainability Trivia: To minimize plastic usage within their property, Calcutta Bungalow offers pure RO water in glass bottles that are placed in each room and their restaurant. They also encourage the use of paper bags to carry your essentials, which are available at their souvenir shop at a minimum price. All beverages like juices and coconut water were served with reusable steel straws. Further, they host their staff at a walking distance from the B&B to reduce air pollution and fuel wastage, an appreciable initiative from the property owners.
Food & Drinks At Calcutta Bungalow
Before I delve into my gastronomic experience, let me tell you about Calcutta Bungalow’s restaurant, Baro Mashe Tero Porbon. The rooftop cafe is highly popular among Bengalis who love an aesthetic dining ambiance.
With gusty winds and the aroma of Champa flowers in the air and strings of sholar balls (Indian cork decor) dancing under fairy lights, the cafe offered a culinary extravaganza in a magical environment.
Veg Thali:
Their renowned thali was laid out in ornate earthenware and featured a delectable spread of twelve Bengali delicacies:
Tetul’er Shorbot (Tamarind Drink) – The refreshing Tetul’er shorbot had a slight resemblance to the popular summer drink Aam Panna prepared with raw mangoes. With a creative blend of sweet tamarind and Indian spices, it intrigued curiosity on my palate, setting the stage for a much anticipated culinary journey.
Mochar Malai Chop – Coated with a light, crispy batter and bursting with flavors inside, each bite offered an occasional mild crunch of banana flowers. However, it was the innovative addition of mildly sweetened Malai (clotted cream) that elevated this dish into a masterpiece.
While I was apprehensive about how the malai would blend with the savory mocha stuffing, it surprisingly melded to create a slight lathering texture and subtle sweetness. This was far from your ordinary mochar chop (banana flower croquette).
Luchi With Narkel Diye Cholar Dal – A classic combination that is irreplaceable in a traditional Bengali thali. Puffed luchis (deep-fried Indian flatbread) accompanied by a sweet-savory chickpea lentils curry, sprinkled with a warm tropical flavor of coconuts, created a finger-licking dish that stirred up nostalgic memories of my childhood.
Steamed Rice With Shona Moong Dal And Jhuri Aloo Bhaja – Shoestring potato fries added the perfect crunch to an otherwise homely Bengali staple that roughly translates into comfort food.
Shukto – The mix-veg slightly bitter stew was beautifully creamy with mild bitterness. Continuing my childhood habit, I stealthily picked up the Boris (sun-dried lentil fryums) and kept them aside to savor at the end of my meal.
Doi Potol – With baby-pointed guards cooked in a creamy, mildly sweet and spicy gravy, this dish was absolutely delicious. The slow unveiling of flavors in my mouth kept me craving for more.
Murshidabadi Paneer Malai Dom – Paneer was the show stealer. Soft melt-in-the-mouth chunks mildly sautéed and cooked in a creamy malai base captivated my senses, enwrapping my palate in pure ecstasy.
Papad Ar Aamshotto’r Chutney – It had been ages since I’d dipped masala papad in a mango pulp chutney, and this time, it tasted heavenly. Glossy and viscous with a generous helping of dates and cashews, the chutney was deliciously united with the salty crunch of the papad.
Daab’er Payesh – This was my first time tasting tender coconut payasam (milk pudding). And I wouldn’t be lying if I told you that this elixir was truly divine.
Roshogolla Ar Shondesh – These desserts marked a sweet conclusion to an epic culinary adventure, leaving me way too full to embark on my afternoon plans.
Breakfast At Notunbazar:
Breakfast was an elegant affair at Notunbazar (the dining hall), decorated with vases of Rojonigondha flowers and vintage pendulum lamps creating an inviting ambiance. These are some of the dishes I relished:
Daber Jol (Tender Coconut Water) – To preserve its natural allure, a small tender coconut was presented with a straw, a refreshing alternative to serving its water in a mundane glass.
Watermelon Juice – Freshly prepared, the watermelon juice was pulpy and refreshing, making for a healthy breakfast shot.
Luchi & Alur Dom – Luchi and Alur Dom used to be our typical Sunday breakfast at home. Popping a freshly fried Luchi at Calcutta Bungalow instantly took me back to those mornings, remembering how my dad and I would always compete for the first puffed Luchi. The Alur Dom was finger-licking good — rich and flavorful, just like the one you get to savor in Bengali wedding ceremonies.
Fresh fruits – Thinly sliced mangoes, apples, bananas, and sweet lime arranged like a bouquet provided the perfect balance to my indulgence.
Sondesh and Rasgulla – A Bengali breakfast is incomplete without sweets, in fact, no meal of ours truly is. Delving into these sweet delights left me feeling satiated and blissfully content ready to go about my morning ventures.
Activities & Services At Calcutta Bungalow
Heritage Walks
Calcutta Bungalow offers 6 varieties of heritage walks, which offer an insightful journey into the narrow lanes of North Kolkata and its local eateries serving delectable Kolkata street food. Experts from Mr. Iftekhar Ahsan’s heritage walk company, Calcutta Walks, accompany you on this trip. It is offered as a complimentary benefit to guests staying at the heritage property.
Shopping At Calcutta Collectibles
Calcutta Bungalow boasts a charming souvenir shop called the Calcutta Collectibles. Here, you can find rare Bengal artifacts, pottery, miniature decor items, Kantha stitch scarves, handwoven applique work Kanthas (bed covers), and many more. So, if an intriguing decor item caught your fancy during your stay in one of their heritage rooms, there’s a chance that it’s up for sale at this gift shop.
Shonibarer Adda
Calcutta Bungalow organizes a Saturday get-together that features music, story-telling, and more for all who wish to attend. Keep an eye out on their Instagram handle to know when the next adda session will be planned.
Photoshoots
Plan your pre-wedding photoshoots at Calcutta Bungalow, offering picturesque vintage backdrops. Refer to their website for tariff details.
Library
Calcutta Bungalow boasts a stunning collection of fiction and non-fiction books neatly stacked at the Notunbazar dining area. I found classics like Shantaram, The Secret Life Of Bees, and many more. You can grab your favorite book and settle down in any of their vintage couches that grace the common areas.
Bicycles On Hire
You can explore the neighborhood and surrounding areas on one of the many bicycles available in the courtyard near the reception.
Indoor Games
Spend your leisure hours indulging in indoor games such as Ludo and Chess, which are sure to bring back fond memories of childhood.
Other Amenities At Calcutta Bungalow
- Hi-speed WiFi
- LED TV with data pack, YouTube and Netflix
- Complimentary breakfast
- Complimentary heritage walk
- Complimentary beverage
- Indoor games
- Tea/coffee maker
- In-room safe deposit locker
- Multicuisine rooftop restaurant
- Airport transfers
Cleanliness At Calcutta Bungalow
The property is well-maintained by its young staff who are passionate about preserving its heritage charm. You can find them moping and dusting at odd hours of the day to ensure their guests aren’t inconvenienced by wet floors and stale air. Their cheerful greets brightened my day as they enthusiastically swept the courtyard to the rhythms of old Bollywood melodies playing at the reception.
With innumerable antique decor items, a souvenir shop, and a constant influx of foreign tourists, Bengali celebrities, and influencers, daily maintenance is quite a massive task that Mr. Ayub Khan and his team perform with remarkable diligence.
Location Of Calcutta Bungalow
Calcutta Bungalow enjoys a prime location at Fariapukur, in the quaint neighborhood of Radha Kanta Jew Street. Located just 2 minutes from Shyambazar Five Point Crossing, the heritage B&B is easily accessible via Metro Railways and buses.
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is a mere 30-minute drive from the property. Both Howrah Railway Station and Sealdah Railway Station are located at a distance of 6 km and 4.5 km respectively.
To easily locate the B&B, look for the vibrant green Ambassador car parked at its entrance. For those seeking outdoor activities near the stay, head to North Kolkata’s largest park- Deshbandhu Park, located at a 5-minute walking distance from the B&B. It features a massive public swimming pool, tennis courts, a football field, a cricket pitch, and a walking path enveloped in greenery.
TWT Tip: Don’t forget to check out renowned eateries like Golbari, Koshe Kosha, Mitra Cafe, and Arsalan during your stay. You can also shop for a variety of souvenirs, sarees, dress materials, and more at Hatibagan Market. However, remember to hone your bargaining skills before stepping into its crowded lanes.
TWT Experience Summary Of Calcutta Bungalow
At a time when heritage homes and their inmates fall prey to a fast-growing apartment culture, sepia-toned memories still linger in Calcutta Bungalow, which once witnessed the joys of oneness shared by joint families.
The heritage stay passionately chronicles these tales. Every room, every piece of furniture, and every piece of art on the wall transports you to a time when the city of joy boasted rich architecture, art, and culture.
Dining at their restaurant or experiencing their warm hospitality with complimentary heritage walks, offers a rare chance to experience the colonial grandeur of the city that was once the revered capital of British India.
Inclusivity Checklist:
✅Kid-friendly
✅LGBTQ+ friendly
✅Family-friendly
✅Couple-friendly
✅Eco-friendly
✅Vegan-friendly
✅Jain-friendly
Check-In Time: 2 pm
Check-Out time: 12 noon
Price Per Night At Calcutta Bungalow: INR 5600 to INR 8384 (exclusive of tax)
Room Booking Link: Booking.com
Location: Calcutta Bungalow
Phone Number: +91 98301 84030
Frequently Asked Questions About Calcutta Bungalow
1. Is the Calcutta Bungalow cafe open to the public?
Yes, the Calcutta Bungalow restaurant is open to the public from 12 noon to 9.30 pm.
2. What are the specialties in the Calcutta Bungalow menu?
The Calcutta Bungalow rooftop cafe offers traditional Bengali and continental cuisine. Some of its must-try vegetarian dishes include the Veg Thali (priced at INR 1499 + GST), Cream of Mushroom Soup, Pasta Salad, Potato Cheese Balls, Mushroom Sandwich, Al Fungi Pizza, and Mushroom Stroganoff.
3. Does Calcutta Bungalow allow pets?
No, pets are not allowed inside Calcutta Bungalow premises.
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