Kolkata is one of India’s most underrated cities. Its skyline may be low-slung, thanks to the marshy ground on which it stands, but both halves of the city – the old center of colonial power, the White Town, and the Black Town, the area where the locals were allowed to live – are filled with an inviting mix of grand palaces, many of which are picturesquely decaying, and small neighbourhoods where local life goes on much as it has for centuries. Part of the city’s charm is its multicultural character, with mosques, churches, synagogues and temples – Hindu, Jain and Chinese – all nestled together in comfortable proximity.
The Glenburn Penthouse is a nine-bedroom hotel in the heart of Calcutta. The chic city sister hotel of Glenburn Tea Estate, enjoy traditional Bengali food by the rooftop pool. This luxurious boutique hotel boasts views overlooking the Victoria Memorial.
The Glenburn Penthouse in the center of Calcutta is ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the city, yet prefer a smaller, boutique hotel. With only nine rooms, it is clear to see the attention to detail that has gone into creating a homely yet luxurious feel.
Developed by the same owners at the enchanting Glenburn Tea Estate in Darjeeling, The Glenburn Penthouse is a mix of old and new. Each room has a colonial theme; the large four-poster beds and other antique furnishings blending in with the bold fabrics and sleek and modern finish. The main highlight of the hotel has to be the rooftop which boasts a pool and the perfect spot to enjoy some Bengali cuisine. Overlooking the Victoria Memorial, it offers a romantic setting after a day of sightseeing.
• Explore the art galleries in the magnificent Victoria Memorial or stroll among the statues scattered about its acres of beautiful gardens.
• Catch a cricket match at the Eden Gardens arena, set in the huge grassy expanse of The Maidan, known as ‘The lungs of Kolkata’.
• Enjoy afternoon tea with Mr ‘Bomti’ – this interesting art collector and old-world socialite welcomes visitors to his salon in the historic Chowringhee neighborhood.
• Cruise along the River Hooghly, past sacred Ghats and flower markets, synagogues and churches and under the towering arches of the Howrah and Vidyasagar Setu bridges.
• Shop for embroidered textiles and batik fabrics in the Weavers Studio; Bengali jewelry and ceramics in the Potter’s Market or fruit and spices in one of many street bazaars.
