OT Wedding Wednesday: The Best Heritage Hotels In Kolkata To Host Your Wedding

The city of Kolkata is steeped in history and culture. It is dotted with heritage places which are a testament to its rich past. Staying in one of them is an immersive experience that can transport you to a bygone era. These gorgeous heritage properties in and around Kolkata are also perfect for hosting the wedding of your dreams. From the regal architecture to the antique furnishings, every detail of the mansions exudes an air of elegance, providing the perfect setting for a memorable wedding.The Rajbari BawaliLocated just an hour's drive from Kolkata, this zamindari house, which is over 250 years old, had been neglected and fallen into decay. However, a restoration project has brought it back to its former glory with antique furniture from Bengal and Southeast Asian artifacts that blend together seamlessly. The property features 29 well-decorated rooms, two ponds, a swimming pool, a billiards room located in the dungeon, a library, a spa, and several dining options. This heritage property is a popular destination for filmmakers and photographers. Check out the long corridor with Corinthian pillars which was featured in Chokher Bali starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. At night, the corridor is lit up with mellow, yellow lights and looks spectacular. The Chokher Bali room is filled with antiques and artifacts, making it an ideal location for an extravagant royal wedding. Read more about it here.Address: The North Rajbari, Bawali, Raypur, West Bengal 743384Bari Kothi Bari Kothi, located just four hours from Kolkata, sits by the River Ganges. It underwent restoration with the assistance of Canadian restoration specialist and architect Dr. Samar Chandra. Operating based on the principles of UN Sustainable Development Goals and Adaptive Reuse, Bari Kothi is entirely managed by the rural community of Azimganj. It features 15 luxurious heritage suites, including Heritage, Royal Heritage, and Maharaja Heritage categories. The Royal Heritage Suites open to Sheesh Mahal views and are furnished with 250-year-old antique furniture, high ceilings, and rich fabrics. The Maharaja Suite exudes an aura of old-world charm with high-wood beamed ceilings, antiques, intricately carved archways, and traditional furniture. Guests can enjoy a boat ride at sunset on the Ganges or visit an organic farm. The cuisine offered at Bari Kothi is unique and is called Sheherwali. A must-have experience for guests is the Sheherwali-influenced High Tea.Address: Jainpatty, Jiaganj Azimganj, Azimganj, West Bengal 742122Shobhabazar Rajbari The historic Shobhabazar Rajbari offers a royal vibe, having hosted distinguished figures like Sir Robert Clive and Warren Hastings. Founded in the 1730s by Raja Naba Krishna Deb, one of old Kolkata’s prominent zamindars, the palatial building is adorned with arched pillars and spacious courtyards. The house features a large open courtyard at its centre with a clear view of the thakur dalan. A wedding here would include vintage settings such as chandeliers, and antique memorabilia. The Durga Puja at this rajbari is a centuries-old tradition in Kolkata, and a major attraction. Address: Raja Nabakrishna St, Raja Nabakrishna Street, Sovabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700004Itachuna RajbariLocated about an hour's drive from Kolkata, the Itachuna Rajbari in Hooghly is a stunning heritage property that offers a perfect royal setting for a spectacular wedding. Dating back to in 1766, a section of the Rajbari has been transformed into a boutique heritage hotel, which is a delightful place to stay or host events. The rooms at the rajbari are connected to an open garden terrace adorned with antique furnishings and a beautiful fountain. This place is ideal if you are considering a small guest list.Address: Itachuna Hoogly District, Kolkata (Calcutta) 712147 IndiaThe Elgin FairlawnOozing genteel colonial charm and creaking with atmosphere, this iconic heritage hotel is housed inside a building built in 1783 and sits in Sudder Street. Step inside, and it's all antiques and soft furnishings. This place has housed every kind of celebrity, from Nobel laureate Gunter Grass and musician Sting to playwright Tom Stoppard and actor Patrick Swayze. Room 17 is known as "The Shashi Kapoor Room," in honour of the actor who was a frequent visitor. The property offers different banquet halls for weddings and special occasion. Keep it small and intimate as the place can host up to 100 guests. Address: 13A, Sudder St, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, Esplanade, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016RaajkutirIf you're looking for a blend of classic and contemporary, then make sure to book Raajkutir. Built on 13 acres by Ambuja Neotia, this place is a masterpiece that pays homage to a bygone era. Raajkutir offers indoor and outdoor banquet halls and facilities for exhibitions and celebrations such as weddings, private parties and corporate events. It has 33 meticulously designed rooms with curated vintage decor. The architecture of Raajkutir showcases the grandeur of historic Bengal, featuring cast-iron balconies, patios, and crests, while offering modern amenities such as an all-day diner, a spa, a gym, a pool, an artisans gallery, and a shopping arcade. Moreover, the all-day dining space, known as East India Room, celebrates Bengal's diverse culinary influences, including Jewish, British, Portuguese, and Anglo-Indian cuisines.Address: 89C, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Sarani, Phool Bagan, KankurgachiCossimbazar RajbariIf you're willing to drive approximately six hours from Kolkata to your venue in the historic city of Murshidabad, consider this magnificent colonnaded place for your nuptials. Established by the Roy family in the 1700s, it's located along the Ganges. Originally built as a palace, it underwent renovations, including the addition of new buildings, temples, offices, gardens, and even tennis courts. The rooms showcase a blend of European and Indian architectural influences with paintings, chandeliers, dressing tables, and Victorian-era furniture, providing an ideal setting for luxurious stays and wedding ceremonies. The dining room boasts a grand 20-foot dining table. The bedrooms are categorised into king suites, deluxe queen suites, and executive suites. You will be surrounded by traditional high four-poster beds, clothes racks, old-fashioned dressing tables, along with modern props like air conditioning and round-the-clock front desk service. You can't get a more atmospheric venue for your wedding than this. Read more about it here.Address: Ideal Heights Cirros, Ideal Heights, 154, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Rd, Sealdah, Raja Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700009