RIVERSIDE REVELRY
AS MUCH AS Kolkata’s heat and dust have us yearning for the hills, the closest hill station doesn’t make a sensible weekend getaway owing to the distance. But if you’d still like a pleasant break from the city life, head to Raichak On Ganges.
The small riverside town is home to twin resorts, Ffort Raichak and Ganga Kutir, which can be quite pleasant even at this time of the year (if it’s not, there is always the pool to chill in). Designed like a fort with a fancy tale about star crossed lovers who lived there, Ffort Raichak with its Flemish and Dutch architectural inputs makes for fun getaway for children. The Anaya Spa managed by L’occitane, a swimming pool and a club ensure that there is enough to do for children and adults alike.
The fort’s neighbour, Ganga Kutir is a cluster of private cottages by the river that make for a quieter stay. With a gym, a riverside walkway, play area and two restaurants, including the private dining room and Sonar Tori, the signature Bengali cuisine restaurant, there is plenty to do here too.
But if holiday for you means a space to just be, a view of the Ganges or a pleasant riverside stroll when the evening breeze blows, can be enough for “a change of scene”. AT Raichak on Ganges, Raichak, South 24 Parganas TEL 40404040
PRICE Ffort Raichak Rs 8,999 onwards, Ganga Kutir Rs 13,049 onwards.