Kolkata, or Calcutta as it once was is a city of beautiful architecture, fascinating history, great cuisine, friendly people and the Kolkata boutique hotels are not to be missed. How does one even begin to describe a city as overflowing with history, heritage and sensory experiences as Kolkata? By describing the wondrous sights and architecture that can be explored along its streets and hidden paths? By detailing its storied history and significance in the Indian psyche? By listing off the city’s many must-eats and must-tries? Kolkata is surely a city that must be experienced wholly by sight, sound, scent, taste and touch for one to truly understand. For a historic and vibrant sojourn, one must travel to Kolkata. Choose one of the distinct boutique hotels in Kolkata to base your travels and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Filled with culture and British colonial architecture, Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Shedding the name is a reclamation of the city’s Bengali heritage, though Kolkata came into prominence under the rule of the British Empire during which it was the headquarters of the mighty East India Trading Company and also the capital of the British Territories. This fascinating story is easily explored from the Secret Retreats carefully selected boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

To explore the city’s colonial past, visit one of India’s most distinguished buildings, the Victoria Memorial, built to commemorate Queen Victoria, and enjoy the views of this beautiful and majestic building from your room at our luxury hotel in Kolkata, the Glenburn Penthouse. Other sites to see include the Kolkata Botanical gardens or Mother Teresa’s Motherhouse. Sporting enthusiasts will surely enjoy playing golf on one of the world’s oldest courses at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club.

A stay in Kolkata’s boutique hotels immerses you in luxury and refinement, you will feel like royalty. To dip into the city’s Indian heritage, visit the Indian Museum, the Asutosh Museum of Indian Art, Kali Temple and Tagore’s House - a colourful architectural gem. Shop for bankura (clay) horse statues, saris from Shantiniketan, leather goods, and other traditional handicrafts in the New Market area warmly guided by your new found friends from your boutique hotel and home in Kolkata. Trade helped Kolkata prosper and the city’s many markets are a playground for visitors who love a good haggle.

Known as “the City of Joy,” celebrations here take on a vibrancy worthy of note, even in a nation known for riotous celebration and sensory overload as India. Celebrating culture, love and soulfulness, Kolkata harmoniously blends history and modernity in a charming mélange.