Puja getaways that blend tradition and modernity: Glenburn Penthouse & The Rajbari, Bawali

Durga Puja is the most popular festival to be celebrated in West Bengal. 

The grandeur of the festival can be experienced across the state as thousands of people gather around magnificent pandals with huge idols of Goddess Durga and family and friends revel in traditional Bengali food. 

While in Kolkata during the festival, you can stay at the following two properties from the RARE India collection as you take part in the vibrant Durga Puja celebrations.
 

Glenburn Penthouse, Kolkata: Overlooking the magnificent Victoria Memorial, Glenburn Penthouse is a discrete and elegant residence nestled in the heart of historic Kolkata. 

It is a haven of quiet luxury above the bustling streets of the city.

Visitors are bedazzled with the exquisite collection of antique Bengal colonial furniture, artworks, tropical plants and cool marble floors that add to its colonial charm. 

Each of the nine spacious suites reflect the historical theme of the hotel filled with interesting stories and maps out the journeys taken by early travellers. 

Exposing the visitors to the diverse cuisines of the city, the menu is curated to combine a blend of Colonial, Bengali, Anglo-Indian and Kolkata street food-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist using fresh local ingredients. 

Key experiences in the city include personalised historical and cultural walks that take you to unique places, interactions with local people, dining in their homes and connecting with the fabric that makes up this vibrant but often misunderstood city. 

Glenburn Penthouse is a part of the RARE Community of boutique hotels that believe in conscious luxury.
 

The Rajbari, Bawali: The Rajbari is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece located in the outskirts of Kolkata in the 24 Parganas region of Bengal. 

Dating back over 250 years, the mansion reflects the opulence, style and grace of the Zamindars of Bengal while showcasing the landscape of mofussil India. 

Each of the 30 rooms and suites has been carefully planned to recreate an authentic heritage experience whilst providing the utmost modern-day comfort and luxury. 

The traditional Bengali hand-crafted wooden four-poster bed along with custom-designed and hand-printed highly quality cotton and linens are the main features of the rooms that add to the distinctive style of the Rajbari Bawali. 

The Mantra Spa set amidst the lush green foliage adjacent to the pool offers a range of therapies using a blend of natural oils and locally sourced herbs to induce a fresh and calming environment. 

An authentic Bengali experience isn’t complete unless you experience the diverse culinary delights of the city. 

Immerse yourself in the city through a country boat ride on the mighty Hooghly River, a rustic rural walk and cycling excursions. 

The Rajbari Bawali is a part of the RARE Community of boutique hotels that believe in conscious luxury.