Kolkata
Kolkata, once the capital of the Raj, now welcomes luxury travelers with a poetic mix of colonial grandeur and contemporary indulgence. Begin at the iconic Oberoi Grand on Chowringhee, where marble corridors lead to a palm-framed pool and butler-drawn baths. Step outside to explore the sweeping Maidan, then glide in a chauffeured car to the Victoria Memorial, its white dome glowing over manicured gardens at sunset.
Reserve a private cruise on the Hooghly River, sipping Darjeeling tea as the Howrah Bridge shimmers in evening light. Dine at heritage clubs like the Bengal Club or Tollygunge Club, pairing kosha mangsho with fine wine. In South Kolkata, browse bespoke boutiques in Ballygunge and explore the stately mansions of North Kolkata’s Shyambazar, where fading stucco hides stories of zamindars and revolutionaries.
Art lovers should linger at the Indian Museum and the Academy of Fine Arts before catching an experimental play at Nandikar or a classical concert at Rabindra Sadan. For spiritual calm, visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple by limousine, followed by a serene boat ride to Belur Math. End your nights at rooftop lounges overlooking Park Street, where jazz, soft lights, and craft cocktails rewrite the city’s midnight script, proving that Kolkata’s soul is as luxurious as it is timeless.