The property that later became The Rajbari Bawali heritage resort began its story as the ancestral home of the Mondal zamindars. For their courage and loyal service, the Mondals were rewarded with 300,000 acres (121,405.80 hectares) of land in what is now present-day Bengal. Although their power and wealth declined over the years, The Rajbari Bawali remained their best-held property.

True restoration of the property would not begin until 2010 when the now-owner, Ajay Rawla, first discovered the palace. After getting permission from all the surviving owners, he commissioned local artisans and craftsmen to rebuild the palace as faithfully as possible to its original architecture. Likewise, the furniture and fineries from other similar buildings from the palace's time were salvaged and restored, and are now also used in the resort.

Design and Architecture

Painstakingly restored with the involvement of local craftsmen and artisans, The Rajbari Bawali is a fine example of how one man's passion for preserving culture and heritage can bring about positive impacts. Ajay Rawla sent locals to be trained by the Aga Khan Foundation to learn about lost techniques of lime water construction. Similarly, he also had another group train in traditional brickmaking using special molds found in Qila Nizamat Murshidabad.

For other materials, the resort rescued and reused marble, wood, and even fabrics from other neglected buildings. Today, the resort is known for reviving and showcasing the lost craftsmanship of the Bengalis.

Included in The Rajbari Bawali's selection of suites and rooms are accessible options, perfect for travelers with mobility or vision assistance needs. These rooms have wheelchair-friendly bathrooms, as well as visual aids and auditory guidance.

Rajbari Bawali's signature restaurant Piano Room will take guests on a culinary adventure through their diverse menu and cuisines. Diners who love Indian flavors can broaden their horizons with the Mughal and Bangladeshi fare, while those who are looking for foreign selections can savor the British, Portuguese, and Armenian delights.

The Rajbari Bawali is a fantastic choice for your destination wedding. Its location, an idyllic village conveniently outside the Kolkata metropolis, provides a picturesque and romantic getaway perfect for a dreamy wedding. Some of the venues where you can hold your ceremony are:

Thakur Dalan: Boasts historic architecture and an opulent atmosphere

Bagan Bari: Garden setting surrounded by nature

Pavilion: Open venue next to a large pond

Cultural Experiences

Rajbari Bawali heartily encourages guests to immerse themselves in the rich culture India has cultivated. Take home the flavors of West Bengal by signing up for a cooking class or try your hand at traditional handicrafts with a pottery lesson.

Indians love their holidays and religious festivals, particularly Durga Puja for the Bengali people. Other important holidays are Doljatra and Kali Puja. Experience these festivities at the Rajbari.

Other Celebrations

Rajbari Bawali has plenty of small or scaled-down venues you can book for private celebrations such as a birthday or an anniversary. Make sure to collaborate with the staff and management if you'd like to make special arrangements such as folk performances.