The Rajbari Bawali
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The Rajbari Bawali, Nodakhali, West Bengal
An urban getaway from Kolkata
The Rajbari Bawali

In the verdant country around Kolkata, just 60 minutes from the bustling Alipore area is Rajbari Bawali in the 24 Parganas where despite a mobile phone in every villager’s hand, time seems to have stalled, the pace seems slower and nature. Bawali is famous for its nurseries that house a wide variety of ornamental and landscape plants.

Perfectly Rare

The Rajbari springs a surprise at every step. The conservation story takes your breath away as you stand in the middle of the courtyard looking up at the wide stairway...

Know Your Host

Ajay Rawla is a third generation Punjabi living in Bengal and loves to call himself a ‘Bongjabi’. An environmentalist with an eye for architecture and aesthetics, a keen mind, hunger to learn more, and bring alive the lost and untold stories of our past. From constructing the nationally...

A 300-year-old palace belonging to the Zamindars, Rajbari will be a delightful itinerary on your visit to the erstwhile Capital of India during the British Raj. Here, among the slowly crumbling temples and generous ‘pukurs’ (small fish ponds) Rajbari Bawali, invites you to experience the tradition, culture and cuisines of the Zamindars of Bengal.

Set on an estate that sits between two fish ponds, The Rajbari has been aesthetically restored. It offers 47 spacious rooms and suites with high ceilings, antique restored furniture, four poster beds and beautiful local fabrics. A pool, spa, library, conference room and private dining rooms are a part of the facilities. A major highlight is the cuisine that combines the flavors of Bengal and from around the world served in multiple food and beverages areas.

Dining

Between Thakur Dalan for private dining, a bar on the first floor opposite the imposing façade, The Pavilion, a recent addition with the Tea Terrace, and a number of al fresco dining options, Rajbari makes a very powerful statement with its cuisine. When travellers from nearby towns, including Kolkata flock to a place for a meal, weekend stays and small celebrations, it speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of Rajbari’s cuisine, which ranges from pure local to Indian and a selection of international cuisines as well.

Rajbari weaves into your stay elements of Bengal's history, local culture, folklore, cuisine and day to day life outside the city.  For those keen to explore,  there are references to a tragic exodus of a group of Sikhs from Budge Budge – a river port nearby, the gurudwara Komagatamaru (named after the Japanese ship), which stands as a testament to human spirit, and a settlement of Chinese immigrants around the Ahchi temple. Every evening begins with the ‘sondhya arti’ at dusk to the roll of drums and chants. It continues with various performances like dances by a local troupe, singing by the wandering Bauls and a display of the energetic Bengal drums. Walks in Rajbari’s lanes in the morning or early afternoon are a great way to see life in small town Bengal. A late afternoon cruise on country made boats on the Hooghly to catch sunsets and visits to local textiles are not to be missed.

Rajbari is also ideal for events and has been used for small engagements, movie shoots and photography. The ambience, service and cuisine coupled with the fact that Kolkata is close by, ensures easy access and good organization capability. A two bed Spa, is ideal for lazy, restful afternoons while the pool is the best place to unwind.

Perfect For

Leisure, independent travelers and small groups, The Rajbari is versatile and has something to offer for all age groups. A sprawling property, The Rajbari can be an artist’s retreat, a staycation, a celebration as well as a place to discover Bengal.

Operational status

The Rajbari is open throughout the year and offers different experiences in different seasons.

The story of restoration of The Rajbari, Bawali has resulted in Bawali not being the same today and is known better even to those in close proximity and is visibly thriving, with local initiatives for restoration springing around the estate.

Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting and designing a flowback into the groundwater is in place. This enriches the natural waterbodies which make sites like the Pavilion & Lawns the most luxurious spots adjoining the natural waterbodies and green cover.

Local Community Engagement: The hotel takes in and trains local ladies and young men in hospitality and services, showcases regional folk art and everyday traditions of Bengal by curating region specific experiences.

Sensitive Destination Discovery: The experiences and activities offered are tuned to allow one to immerse in the destination that is just outside Kolkata, and gives an insight in to rural Bengal.

Heritage Preservation: The heritage preservation story of The Rajbari is a personal story of commitment for Ajay Rawla and his years of painstaking work. He has created an experience that is a retreat as well as a reflection of Bengal and its many sentiments. This has led to other restoration projects in the area.

Human Touch: The Rajbari trains and upskills locals in hospitality.

The RARE Sustainability Quotient is a self-audit tool that is used by our hotel partners to measure, document and assess their planet and people friendly practices and is based on the RARE Touchstones.

Safe Garbage Disposal Water Conservation Local Community Engagement Sensitive Destination Discovery Heritage Preservation The Human Touch
RARE Tip
Best for a long stays if you are planning to write. The rooms of The Rajbari offer privacy and space. For explorers, it is ideal to combine The Rajbari with Glenburn Penthouse in Kolkata and Bari Kothi in Murshidabad for a well-rounded Bengal story.
Facilities
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Reviews and Location
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Good for couples, Good for family outing, Good for day basis stay.
by SouravS296 on 03/27/2024

This property is excellent Place for weekend destination. Near to kolkata( Budge Budge Engineering College) . The essense of heritage is every where. We had been into the property for seven to eight...

Average experience in Room stay
by Coastal13357281224 on 03/18/2024

Missing of Television and Lights are very less I the room . A Almirah is also missing in room no 107 … There are no exhaust in Washroom and ventilation comes inside the room. Behaviour of staff was...

Worst Customer Service
by Mobile45249465801 on 03/18/2024

I recently had the unfortunate experience of dealing with the utter incompetence and lack of professionalism at Bawali Rajbari Resort. After confirming a room and lunch booking, I repeatedly asked...

Nearest Airport : Kolkata - 50 km
Nearest Railway Station : Howrah - 40 Km

Cancellation Policy:
Terms & Conditions:

Written Booking request to be followed by confirmation on non guaratnteed basis followed by reservation guarantee once full payment / credit card details are received.  Verbal bookings: Tentative hold

Within 7 days of booking full payment to be made. Payment must come in 7 days prior at the most without which rooms are subject to release. Last Min booking : Immediate payment