The Story of Bengal
- A Secret Retreats journey -
This journey has been personally designed by Darshan Dudhoria owns Bari Kothi in Murshidabad, located on the bank of the Holy Ganges, once inhabited by local Nawabi and Sheherwali families.
He shares with us his work to revive the rich heritage of Bengal.
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
Highlights of the Journey:
- fabulously restored palaces
- rich artistic culture
- vibrant live in the streets and riversides
- one of the most delectable gastronomy of India
Once upon a time, 12% of the World’s GDP came from this part of North-East India: Bengal. Merchants came from across the world and settled to access silk, muslin, chintz, indigo, jute, tea and spices produced here. 18th Century’s European battles were fought to control the rivers here, as controlling the trade of Bengal meant controlling the world. 19th century was the one of Bengal Renaissance with some distinctive architecture encompassing Greek, Roman or French features. Today Bengal is a place of many festivals, where communities and religions colive, where intellectual debate last over endless cups of chai. This is the extraordinary history of Bengal that our hosts want to share with you through this journey.
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Your Journey Day by Day
from 3,450 USD /person for 10 days / 9 nights
based on 2 person sharing the same room
Day 1 : Calcutta Airport - The Glenburn Penthouse (-/-/D)
After welcoming you on arrival at Kolkata Airport, drive to the Glenburn Penthouse in the very heart of Calcutta, a discrete, elegant residence with spectacular views over Victoria Memorial and Eden Gardens.
Upon arrival, you may have time to enjoy the home-made afternoon tea, with a selection of tea from Glenburn Tea Estate (Darjeeling and Assam).
Relax for the evening and dinner served in the dining hall.
HOTEL: Glenburn Penthouse (Calcutta Suite)
Day 2 : Calcutta (B/L/D)
Explore the city of Calcutta with a Glenburn Expert Guide, enjoy a nice historical and cultural walk through the streets of the city, local markets, museums, cemeteries, churches and river cruises. We will meet and share lunch with some local resident – an art collector and socialite, delighted to welcome visitors to his charming flat in perhaps the most interesting heritage building on historic Chowringhee. Authentic and home-cooked Bengali cuisine served up with hot cups of fresh Darjeeling tea. The experience shall get you under the skin of this amazing former capital of the British Empire, which is now a melting point of art, culture, sport and food.
Later, back to the hotel to rest and dinner will be served at the property.
Day 3 : Calcutta (B/L/D)
Today, after breakfast we will drive you for a day trip along the banks of the River Hoogly to explore some old settlements, temples, mosques and churches that tell tales of the Bengali, the Mughal, the Portuguese, the French and the Danish communities who once lived here during the 18 and 19th century: Bansberia, Chinsurah, Bandel and Chandernagore.
Back to the city to rest and dinner included at The Penthouse.
HOTEL: Glenburn Penthouse (Calcutta Suite)
Day 4 : Calcutta – Murshidabad (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will check out from the Penthouse and drive from Kolkata to Murshidabad with a lunch on the way. It will take about 6 hours to reach a city that has been forgotten but that was founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and became the Capital of Bengal and the richest and most glamourous city of India during the 18th century and famous for silk, woven saris, muslin, or terracotta temples.
You will check in for 3 nights at Bari Kothi, a restored palace full of character on the bank of the Ganges.
Sheherwali cuisine, possibly the finest vegetarian cuisine, mélange of the cuisines of the West and East of India, will be served for dinner.
HOTEL: Bari Kothi (Royal Heritage Suite)
Day 5 & 6 : Murshidabad (B/L/D)
During these 2 days, we will explore the almost-forgotten palaces, mosques, terracotta temples, artisans that constitute the opulent heritage of the lifestyle of the Nawab of Bengal and the Sheherwali community. We will start by visiting the estate to understand better the history of the family, followed by some Heritage walk, river cruise, temple visit or some documentary.
We will explore the gardens, mango grove and if you are interested the subtlety of the local vegetarian cuisine. We will visit also Museums, Palaces and local market during a sightseeing tour of Murshidabad city.
HOTEL: Bari Kothi (Royal Heritage Suite)
Day 7 : Murshidabad- Bawali (B/L/D)
After breakfast and check-out, we will take the road back towards Calcutta, and continue a bit further south to reach the timeless village of Bawali, where you still can see a group of ladies gathering to wash pots around a pond, with a monitor lizard swimming by and kids riding old bicycles to go to school. Slow pace of life of rural Bengal.
Check in at The Rajbari for 3 nights, a 250 years old Palace. That saw 170 years of grand living and was forgotten also until the passionate restoration of the ruins to reflect again the opulence, style and grace of the Zamindars of Bengal. You will be warmly welcomed in the impressive court yard before settling in your room.
Dinner will be served at the property
HOTEL: The Rajbari Bawali (Classic Heritage Room)
Day 8 & 9 : Bawali (B/L/D)
During your stay at The Rajbari, we will make ride on a local tuktuk through the country, walk through some village, learn how to cook some Bengali dishes, visit some garden, textile workshops and embroidery factory, watch classical dances, visit some temples... but most importantly we will take the time to slow down, to watch the local lifestyle of the inhabitants.
All meals will be served at the Rajbari.
HOTEL: The Rajbari Bawali (Classic Heritage Room)
Day 10 : Bawali - Airport (B/L/-)
Relax the whole morning at the property and right after lunch, a car will drive you back to the airport, depending on the time of your flight to your next destination.
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
The Story of Bengal
10 days / 9 nights
from 3,450 USD /person
based on 2 person sharing the same room
The total price includes:
9 nights at the 3 hotels
All meals mentioned in the program
All transfers and sightseeing using AC Innovas (up to 3 pax per vehicle)
All experiences as mentioned in the itinerary at each destination.
English speaking guide for the tour on Day 03 (Bansberia/Chandannagore)
Assistance during airport transfers
The total price does not include:
VISA – Most countries need a visa for India (available online). Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your departure date.
Other meals that are not included in the program.
Drinks, personal expenses.
Options and other activities not included in the program.
Any Airfare / train fare
This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Darshan and Clubside.
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