Imagine stepping into a bygone era, where the grandeur of old Bengal envelops you in its embrace. Just a few hours away from Kolkata, nestled amidst a tranquil village setting, lies the Itachuna Rajbari—a majestic 250-year-old palace that offers a perfect escape for a one-night stay. If you’re looking for an exciting family trip or a getaway with friends, Itachuna Rajbari promises to be a memorable retreat full of history, royal indulgence, and peaceful nature.
Zamindari Rajbaris: The New Trend in Bengal Tourism
In recent years, zamindari rajbaris have gained immense popularity as vacation spots, offering travelers a royal stay coupled with a deep dive into Bengal’s history:
- Heritage Restoration: Many rajbaris, once abandoned, are now restored to their former glory and turned into heritage hotels.
- Cultural Appeal: These palaces serve as living museums, with each corner steeped in stories of the past, allowing guests to experience Bengal’s aristocratic history firsthand.
- Rural Getaway: Rajbaris like Itachuna offer a serene break from city life, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature, culture, and history in a peaceful village setting.
Stepping Into History: The Grandeur of Itachuna
The Itachuna Rajbari was built in the early 18th century by the Kundu family, originally from Maharashtra, who became wealthy zamindars in Bengal. The Marathas were called “Bargees” by Bengalis. Originally known as “Bargee Durga” (Palace of the Bargees), this was built by Sri Safallya Narayan Kundu in 1766 AD. The palace is a magnificent blend of Bengali and Maratha architectural styles, featuring expansive courtyards, towering columns, and intricately designed wooden balconies.
As you explore, you’ll discover the grand Thakur Dalan, a beautifully maintained space where religious rituals once took place, and the Durga Dalan, the heart of the family’s Durga Puja celebrations. The Rajbari is filled with antique furniture, age-old paintings, and artifacts, each telling stories of the royal life that once thrived here.
Accessibility Tip: While the Rajbari is enchanting, the steep staircases and lack of elevators make it less accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. However, ground-floor rooms are available for those who prefer to avoid stairs.
How to Reach Itachuna Rajbari
Itachuna Rajbari is around 80 km from Kolkata, making it easily accessible for a short trip. Here’s how you can get there:
- By Car: The most convenient way is to drive or hire a private taxi. The journey takes about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.
- By Train: For a more rustic experience, take a local train from Howrah to Khanyan or Gurap stations. From there, a short 20-minute ride via auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw will bring you to the Rajbari gates.
Best Option for Families: Driving offers the most comfort, especially for those traveling with kids or elderly family members. Read up our blog on planning a kid-friendly itinerary, and get the best of your trip.
Booking Your Stay at the Rajbari
To truly immerse yourself in the royal experience, an overnight stay is now mandated by the authorities. You can book your stay via the Itachuna Rajbari’s official website. Make sure to book early, as the Rajbari is quite popular, especially on weekends.
Room Options
The palace’s regal experience heightens with 15 themed rooms, uniquely named after the original residents of those rooms. Apart from the rooms of the palace, there are 4 cottages near the pond, within the premises. There are 3 categories of rooms:
Premium: These were historically resided by the womenfolk of the family; and are named thus: Thakuma, Boro Maa, Mejo Maa, Choto Maa, Boro Boudi, Choto Boudi, Ginni Maa etc. These are the most luxurious rooms, with antique furniture, high ceilings, and a regal four-poster bed. The starting range of this category is ₹4000 per night.
Standard: Originally occupied by the menfolk of the family, there are 4 rooms of this category, like Borda, Jethamoshai and so on. These are cozier but lavish rooms, with ornate furnishings from the past and modern amenities of the present. These rooms start from ₹3000 per night.
Cottage: These are the modern additions to the Rajbari, to accommodate its growing popularity amidst tourists and explorers. These are 4 aesthetic rural cottages named after flowers growing at the gate of each cottage – Aparajita, Kanaklata, Jhumkolata, and Madhubilata. These cottages are priced at ₹3000 per night.
Staying in Ginni Maa: Our Experience of the Royals
While every room comes with its own charm, we were mesmerized by the room we had the opportunity to stay in. Ginni Maa came with an outer salon or lounge, and a big room attached to it, with dedicated sitting and sleeping areas. The huge poster bed with rich silk upholstery made us get in touch with our inner royals!
The Royal Feast: A Culinary Delight
No stay at a Rajbari is complete without a royal feast, and Itachuna doesn’t disappoint. For us, food is an integral part of the cultural experience, and here, you can enjoy a traditional Bengali thali that includes:
- Rice, dal, and shukto (a medley of vegetables).
- Various fish curries, including Ilish (Hilsa) and Chitol (Indian Featherback).
- Mutton delicacies like Kosha Mangsho for meat lovers.
- Local desserts like Mishti Doi and Rosogolla.
For dinner, we would highly recommend tasting the rich Chicken Maharani. You’ll thank us later!
Occasionally, you can request a Maratha-style meal, paying homage to the Kundu family’s origins. Meals are served in a grand dining hall that enhances the royal experience.
Important Tip: Meals must be pre-booked, so make sure to request your preferred dining option in advance to enjoy freshly prepared dishes.
Things to Do in Itachuna: A Royal Experience Awaits
Itachuna Rajbari offers a variety of activities for guests, ensuring your stay is both relaxing and engaging. Here are some of the highlights:
- Bonfire Evenings: Gather around a bonfire under the starry sky, swapping stories and soaking in the serene atmosphere.
- Fishing: Opt for the rural style of fishing in the heritage pond, and enjoy being close to nature, under the shade of aged trees.
- Village Walks: Take a leisurely stroll through the nearby village, interact with locals, and experience rural Bengal up close.
- Cultural Performances: On weekends, enjoy traditional folk performances like Baul music or Jatra theater arranged by the Rajbari.
- Nature Trails: Lose yourself within nature with a refreshing walk around the Rajbari’s lush grounds, spotting exotic birds and enjoying the fresh air.
- Sandhya Arati: The palace’s iconic Radhamadhab statue has been worshipped since time immemorial, and the evening worship is accompanied with drums, cymbals, incense, and pomp and show.
Perfect for Kids and Families: The wide-open spaces, cultural activities, and nature walks make this an ideal destination for children to explore, learn, and have fun in a unique setting.
Nearby Attractions: If You Have Time for More Exploration
While the Rajbari website comes with its own set of suggestions to do some sightseeing, we have a few more to add from our experience. If you have some extra time on your hands, there are several interesting places around Itachuna Rajbari worth visiting:
- Deulti Village: A charming village about 2.5 hours away, famous for the house of renowned Bengali novelist Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.
- Bandel Church: One of Bengal’s oldest churches just 40 minutes away, a historic landmark that’s worth the hour-long drive from the Rajbari.
- Antpur Terracotta Temples: Located just 30 minutes away, these temples are a must-see for anyone interested in Bengal’s terracotta artistry.
Budget for Your Itachuna Rajbari Trip
Planning a royal retreat doesn’t have to break the bank!
A trip to Itachuna Rajbari is surprisingly affordable, especially for families or groups. Room rates vary depending on the type of room you choose, ranging from ₹3500 to ₹6500 per night. The larger rooms, like Thakuma’s Room, are ideal for families, while couples can opt for the cozy Chhoto Boudi’s Room.
Meals, including the royal Bengali feast, cost around ₹600-₹1000 per person, depending on the menu you select. Transportation, whether by car or train, is also reasonably priced, with a hired car costing around ₹3000-₹4000 for a round trip.
All in all, you can expect a comfortable and memorable stay for ₹8000-₹12,000, making it a value-for-money heritage getaway.
Immerse in the Incredible Itachuna!
In just 24 hours, Itachuna Rajbari gives you the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring its architectural beauty, enjoying a traditional Bengali feast, or strolling through the nearby village, this one-night royal retreat will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Walk on the corridoors and hum the tunes of Tagore…
Happy Travels!
