18/11/2023
Uttara Gangopadhyay explores unusual B&B
in Kolkata, replete with quirky characters and settings right out of a Wes Anderson movie
Travel.CNN.Com
How many mother and son duos do you know who backpack together through South Asia then open a bed and breakfast establishment in their home city? From their travels, Santasree and Devdan Chaudhuri began to believe that there were potentially hundreds of travelers like them (tourists, volunteering social workers, students) who are looking for clean, comfortable and reasonably priced accommodation that would also help them gain some insight into the local lifestyle. In this case sleepy, socialist leaning Kolkata -- a city where you're prone to meet all sorts of savants.
A B&B by travelers for travelers
Many hurdles later, the Chaudhuris managed to get Bodhi Tree, their boutique guest house in Kolkata, officially recognized as a B&B under the Government of India's tourism department. Located in a quiet neighborhood in a southern part of Kolkata, it is the only recognized B&B not only in Kolkata, but the entire eastern region of the country.
A short, convenient walk from the Rabindra Sarovar station of the metro railway (Kolkata's version of MRT), the Bodhi Tree can connect you with the city center easily. What's more important is the unique experience of their moderately spacious double bedrooms, each of which introduces some aspect of Indian art. For example, Bengal art rules the theme in the Kalachakra room while you get a taste of Rajasthani art in the Vajrayana room.
Nothing can be more energizing than a turn at the cool, mini-garden attached at the back of the house -- Uruvela – complete with a benign Buddha statue, a bonsai peepul tree and a small library -- at the end of a chaotic and tiring day
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