Choupahari ! What a place!
It’s been a long time since I went on a getaway with my parents as my dad has been unwell and long travel is not allowed for him. I remember travelling all my life with them and I have this urge to travel in me because travel has helped me achieve a lot. My parents have always been supportive of me travelling. So I was looking for a getaway where I can take my parents and get some family time. While surfing, I found the Choupahari Boutique Homestay. As it wasn’t in Kolkata, I had to book a room with them for a day. We boarded a train from Howrah station that goes to Bolpur and then hired an auto which took us to Choupahari. This place is just a 3-hour drive from Kolkata. It was a pretty comfortable journey. We instantaneously fell in love with this place – love at first sight it was! This homestay is in the midst of greenery. The rooms are well decorated, spacious and kept absolutely spotless, which I loved. They were well-lit and had a thoughtful and great use of sunlight. We loved the ambience and peace that prevailed at Choupahari. Surrounded by nature, this place is close to what we can call heaven.
Tucked away under the canopy of scented mango, teak, mahogany, neem, and jack fruit trees is situated the Choupahari Homestay. Located midway between Bolpur and Illambazar and half a kilometre off of the main road, this is a pristine homestay in the vicinity of Santiniketan. Lying in close ties with nature, and imbibing the authentic essence of Kolkata, Choupahari renders a sense of rejuvenation to both the body and soul. With large common leisure spaces including a gazebo, a small library and a multi-activity adda zone, they coalesce the best of earthiness with basic modern amenities.
They have six rooms with three on the ground floor and the rest on the first floor. Every room is spacious with large windows that let in ample air and natural light. Tastefully arranged, the rooms are minimalistic and are adorned with pieces of art such as exquisite paintings and artefacts. Aligning with the earthy theme, the colour schemes in rooms vary between warm browns to reds and cool greens to aqua blues. Each room is named after the insects found in the jungle such as Foring (dragonfly), Jhni jhni (cricket), Bhromor (beetle) and Jonaki (firefly) and so on. Amenities such as intercom, satellite TV, free WiFi, mini-fridge and a kitchenette are available in every room alongside geysers in bathrooms.
Choupahari accommodates a variety of recreation facilities including practising music with the harmonium and tampura and indulging in painting for the artistically inclined. Upon request, they also arrange a live music performance by the local Baul artists.
Choupahari caters to simple Bengali meals. The guild of adept chefs uses the aged authentic recipes of the state. A typical meal consists of Basmati rice, two vegetarian sides, one fish dish, and one meat dish which is served on terracotta plates and bowls, and banana leaves. Breakfast is complimentary at the stay. They do not offer room service considering the distance between the rooms and the kitchen, and the hygiene factor, but are open to it for aged people and ones with serious ailments. Alcohol is not permitted within the premises.
The food was delectable beyond words and we devoured to our heart’s content. Every staff member was extremely courteous and catered to all our needs at Choupahari.
This place is a perfect getaway to relax, unwind and rejuvenate yourself. The resort has all the needed amenities for your perfect stay. My parents and I had a great time at the resort. Would undoubtedly recommend.
There are two types of rooms – A.C. DELUXE QUEENs (Four in number. All except one are on the ground floor) and A.C. DELUXE KINGs (Two in number with mezzanine on the first floor). The tariff for each unit of Queen is INR 5500 and King is INR 6,000 only which includes complimentary breakfast. But it will not be served on the first day as check-in time is 12:30 PM and their kitchen gets ready for dishing out lunch by that time.
Choupahari costs about Rs. 5500 – 6000 for a couple. For an extra adult in the same room, they charge 1,500 per night. They have 6 rooms in total and they remain fully booked during 60% time of the year.
They also have a driver’s dormitory which can be availed by paying Rs. 700 for each. The above tariff may not be valid during festive days, New Year and long weekends. They reserve the right to change the tariff as per requirement.
Their address: Choupahari Home-stay Boutique resort – Village – Daronda, PS – Illambazar, District – Birbhum (near Santiniketan) 731 236, West Bengal, India.
Hours for US EST 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Monday – Sunday Text or Call. +1 484 505 6891
Hours for India 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Monday – Sunday Text or Call. +91 98311 40670
Email: hello@choupahari.com
