Bari Kothi
Bari Kothi Heritage Hotel, Jainpatty, Azimganj, West Bengal, India
Bari Kothi Heritage Hotel, located in Jainpatty, Azimganj, West Bengal, India, embodies the essence of living history in rural Bengal.
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The Venue
Located on the eastern bank of the Ganges river, Murshidabad is a captivating historical town in West Bengal, India, approximately six hours away from Kolkata. Stepping into this town feels like entering a bygone era, where magnificent buildings of various sizes adorn the landscape, captivating visitors with their rich history. During the 18th century, Murshidabad thrived as a prosperous cosmopolitan city, housing affluent banking and merchant families from different parts of the Indian subcontinent and Eurasia, including the Armenians. It also served as a significant hub for European companies like the British East India Company, conducting business and operating factories in its vicinity.
Bari Kothi, nestled in this intriguing setting, is an ideal destination for Indophiles and individuals intrigued by history, architecture, and captivating tales from the past. The hotel offers a ground-floor room specifically designed for differently-abled individuals or those with difficulty climbing stairs. It warmly welcomes children, providing them with a unique opportunity to delve into the region's rich history and spark their curiosity. Young ones can also enjoy engaging activities like hand-picking vegetables and witnessing their transformation into delicious meals.
Who is hosting?
The current owners of Bari Kothi are Darshan and Lipika Dudhoria, a brother-sister duo. During the mid-1900s, many Sheherwali families, including the Dudhorias, who belonged to a merchant community, relocated from Murshidabad to Kolkata. Their flourishing silk business also led them away from Murshidabad, resulting in Bari Kothi and similar properties remaining unoccupied and falling into disrepair for 50 years.
In 2015, Darshan and Lipika took the responsibility of reviving the splendor of their ancestral home, with the intention of passing it on to the next generation. They enlisted the expertise of a Canadian architect and restoration specialist, who was brought to Murshidabad to restore the palace to its former glory. A team comprising over 100 personnel diligently worked on the restoration of Bari Kothi, transforming it into the region's first self-sustaining heritage hotel. This ambitious project was fondly referred to as "Project Priceless."
Darshan, possessing an enchanting storytelling ability, will captivate you with tales that abound within every nook and corner of the Kothi. Each corner of this magnificent property holds a story waiting to be heard.
Aesthetics & Philosophy
Bari Kothi, constructed in the late 1700s by the Dudhoria family, reflects a captivating blend of Greek, Roman, and French architectural influences. The Dudhorias, hailing from the Sheherwali merchant community, embarked on a journey from Rajasthan to Bengal, establishing successful businesses and amassing considerable wealth through their astute commercial acumen.
After undergoing extensive restoration and renovation, this magnificent mansion was unveiled in 2018 as a heritage hotel. Stepping onto the property feels akin to entering a meticulously designed film set of a bygone era. Every corner is adorned with vibrant colors and luxurious fabrics, offering a glimpse into the opulent lives of the merchants who once called this mansion their home. The corridors meander through purpose-built rooms and chowks (courtyards) adorned with exquisite glasswork and intricately patterned tiles. The guest suites exude lavishness, featuring ornate furniture, exquisite fabrics, checkered tiles, and beautifully decorated windows.
Within the premises, guests can indulge in leisurely activities in various spaces such as the library, music room, open courtyards, and lounging areas like Janana Chowk, Gaddi Ghar, Halwai Khana, and Gulabi Chawara. Additionally, a riverside café provides a serene setting for relaxation and enjoyment.
Accommodation
Bari Kothi presents a selection of 15 rooms, encompassing three distinct categories: Heritage Suites, Royal Heritage Suites, and Maharaja Heritage Suites. Each room is adorned with period furniture, with some pieces and artifacts boasting a history of over a century.
The Heritage Suites, the base category, exude a traditional ambiance with antique decor and furnishings. The Royal Heritage Suites, on the other hand, feature 250-year-old antique furniture, grand ceilings, and opulent fabrics, all designed around the theme of jewelry and the lifestyle of Bari Kothi's former residents.
For the ultimate indulgence, the three Maharaja Heritage Suites embody unparalleled luxury. These suites are meticulously appointed with hand-picked fittings, intricately carved archways, and traditional furniture. Some suites even offer the added luxury of a sunken bath.
Dining at Bari Kothi is a culinary journey that celebrates the finest vegetarian cuisine, blending flavors from both eastern and western regions of India. Traditional Rajasthani dishes, prepared using ingredients like gram flour, lentils, and pulses, are also a highlight. The region's abundant supply of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices from Bengal are creatively combined to create unique savory and sweet delicacies.
One cannot miss the allure of the local mangoes, which have a rich history in Murshidabad. It is said that the orchards of Murshidabad once grew around 200 varieties of mangoes. At Bari Kothi, these delightful mangoes are not only enjoyed as they are but also transformed into delectable desserts, sherbets, jams, chutneys, and preserves.
To start the mornings off right, guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast on the riverbank. Bari Kothi offers three main dining areas for guests to savor their meals. Naubat Khana, inspired by Mughal aesthetics, features hand-painted floral motifs. Zareen Mahal provides an atmospheric dining experience with golden hues, while Durbar Hall, the former royal dining room, showcases a magnificent 18-seater dining table and a 250-year-old chandelier that has witnessed esteemed guests ranging from Nawabs to British officials.
Experience
Bari Kothi presents a plethora of enticing options to explore and indulge in, ensuring that guests are spoiled for choice. Specially curated experiences await, ranging from heritage walks around the town to admire magnificent structures like the impressive Hazarduari Palace and Footi Mosque, to enjoying afternoon tea while gazing at the tranquil river. Boat cruises on the Ganges offer a serene and scenic adventure, while immersive craft experiences beckon at the Tantipara weavers village and Islampore, renowned for its sericulture.
A standout experience at Bari Kothi is the unforgettable 'Lunch-On-Ganges' signature experience. Guests can relish delectable cuisine while sailing in a country boat, with the iconic Hazarduari Palace and its thousand doors providing a breathtaking backdrop.
Each evening at Bari Kothi is dedicated to showcasing the heritage, culture, and lifestyle of the region. This may involve captivating storytelling sessions in one of the courtyards or mesmerizing performances of folk dance and music. Signature evenings at Bari Kothi feature lost dance forms like the 500-year-old Rai Beshi, as well as well-known forms like Baul and Fakiri.
The location of Bari Kothi, nestled on the banks of the river, offers a haven for bird enthusiasts. Guests can delight in spotting a variety of bird species, including the vibrant red avadavat, graceful barn swallow, striking Loten's sunbird, charming red turtle dove, elegant olive-backed pipit, lively Bengal bush lark, melodious blackheaded oriole, delightful small green bee-eater, and vibrant coppersmith barbet, among others.
Bari Kothi is open throughout the year, welcoming guests to immerse themselves in its enchanting ambiance and experiences.
Conscious Travel
Bari Kothi, a remarkable heritage hotel, embraces sustainability, community involvement, and heritage preservation. It prioritizes environmental responsibility by reducing single-use plastic, conserving water and energy, and practicing light footprint tourism. The hotel actively engages the local community, empowers local farmers, and promotes the region's intangible heritage through captivating folk performances. Bari Kothi's restoration work follows the principles of sustainable development and inclusivity, making it a beacon of responsible tourism and cultural preservation.
