Even though we may still be far from going on the ideal holiday that we all hope to undertake in the new normal world, the relaxing of lockdown restrictions and the tentative announcement by the central government that hotels and restaurants can open from June 8 has got everyone excited. Although the hospitality sector is keen to see business, they are also working out the new rules of safety, hygiene and distancing norms before opening up.
Homestay or resort owners we spoke to said they will only open to a limited number of guests and follow all relevant protocols including thermal checking, frequent sanitisation, distancing norms, keeping interaction between staff and guests to the minimum, and ensuring staff follow all mandatory precautions like wearing masks and gloves. A few have mentioned that they will prefer guests who self-drive.
As the central and state governments, as well as local administrations, keep tweaking rules to adjust with the circumstances demanded by the spread or containment of the pandemic, most owners are yet to decide on the date of opening of their properties. They have also advised that guests hoping to go on a driving holiday have to be aware of all the rules that apply for intra- and inter-district travel. So before planning, check with the property to find out about their opening date and the protocols (for instance, if any medical certificate is required). Few lists of weekend gateways near Kolkata.
Baithakkhana Amadpur
Head to the almost 400-year-old mansion of the former zamindar family, now converted to a heritage homestay named Baithakkhana Amadpur. Set back from the small town of Amadpur (near Memari in Purba Bardhaman district), it is a single building sitting pretty on the bank of a huge lake, which is hemmed by mango orchards and other trees. While away your time in the spacious rooms fronted by equally large verandas. Wooden rafters, louvred windows, and period furniture reflect the ambience of old Bengali urban homes. Watch the cormorants and other birds flitting across the lake. There is a small ‘ghat’ leading to the water where you can enjoy the breezy evening hours. Do not forget to ask the cook to rustle up a typical Bengali meal for you, especially his signature dishes made with ‘posto’ (poppy seeds). According to owner Shiladitya Chaudhuri, they plan to open to small family groups and with 60 per cent occupancy.
Approximate distance from Kolkata and driving time (normal traffic): 100km and two hours.
Balakhana Maheshganj
Built in the late 18th century, this sprawling estate (in Maheshganj, near Krishnagar, in Nadia district) with its French-style house fronted by a pretty garden and surrounded by acres of lightly wooded grounds, was originally built as a residence of an Indigo planter. Bought by the Palchoudhuri family (a well-established Bengali merchant family) in 1875, they have retained the old world charm of the house. Access to the heritage homestay lies through a long driveway that sequesters the estate from the surrounding area. The large rooms filled with period furniture lie to one side of a long veranda approached by a wide marble staircase. Spend your time in the company of nature, watch the birds at their baths, take long walks around the building, sit with a book or simply swing away. With vegetables, milk and fruits from their own garden, you are assured of healthy meals. According to the present owner Ranodhir Palchoudhuri, the estate already has its own set of strict rules and will follow all essential protocols when they open.
Approximate distance from Kolkata and driving time (normal traffic): 120km and 3.5 hours.
Eco Adventure Resort:
Kolkata to Khairabera distance 323.8 km
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