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.
Parking
Free parking
Parking garage
Accessible parking
Restaurant
Breakfast in the room
Snack bar
Kid meals
Fruits
Pets allowed
Non-smoking rooms
Services
Room service
Meeting/banquet facilities
24-hour front desk
Airport shuttle
Business centre
Babysitting/child services
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Ironing service
Express check-in/check-out
Valet parking
Car hire
Fax/photocopying
Luggage storage
Private check-in/check-out
Trouser press
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Take a look at these facilities:
Garden
Outdoors
Terrace
Outdoor pool
Sun terrace
Outdoor pool (all year)
Outdoor furniture
Outdoor fireplace
Things to do
Fishing
General
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Air conditioning
Designated smoking area
Activities
Games room
Spa and wellness centre
Massage
Billiards
Cycling
Evening entertainment
Spa facilities
Foot bath
Spa/wellness packages
Themed dinner nights
Cooking class
Live music/performance
Internet
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Services and conveniences
Lockers
Daily housekeeping
For the kids
Kids club
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Auditory guidance
Pool and wellness
Pool bar
Shallow end
Sun umbrellas
Transport
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Outdoor
Picnic area
Things to do, ways to relax
Swimming pool
Safety & security
24-hour security
Key access
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Reception services
Invoice provided
Parking
Parking
Free parking
Parking garage
Accessible parking
Food & Drink
Restaurant
Breakfast in the room
Snack bar
Kid meals
Fruits
Access
Pets allowed
Non-smoking rooms
Services
Room service
Meeting/banquet facilities
24-hour front desk
Airport shuttle
Business centre
Babysitting/child services
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Ironing service
Express check-in/check-out
Valet parking
Car hire
Fax/photocopying
Luggage storage
Private check-in/check-out
Trouser press
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Take a look at these facilities:
Garden
Outdoors
Terrace
Outdoor pool
Sun terrace
Outdoor pool (all year)
Outdoor furniture
Outdoor fireplace
Things to do
Fishing
General
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Air conditioning
Designated smoking area
Activities
Games room
Spa and wellness centre
Massage
Billiards
Cycling
Evening entertainment
Spa facilities
Foot bath
Spa/wellness packages
Themed dinner nights
Cooking class
Live music/performance
Internet
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Services and conveniences
Lockers
Daily housekeeping
For the kids
Kids club
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Auditory guidance
Pool and wellness
Pool bar
Shallow end
Sun umbrellas
Transport
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Outdoor
Picnic area
Things to do, ways to relax
Swimming pool
Safety & security
24-hour security
Key access
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Reception services
Invoice provided
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.
Heritage museum dedicated to Queen Victoria with exhibits of Indian culture from the 18th century. (100-minute drive)
Cultural and historical museum founded in 1814, with exhibits from all over India. (90-minute drive)
Colonial Era citadel built in 1696. (90-minute drive)
The nearest airport to The Rajbari Bawali is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), which is a 2-hour drive away.
The closest railway to The Rajbari Bawali is Komagata Maru Budge Budge, which requires a 38-minute car transfer to reach.