A Slice of The Past

Oozing charm and character, Calcutta Bungalow is a boutique hotel in Kolkata housed in a lovingly restored 1920s townhouse

- VARUNI MOHAN

In the heart of Kolkata’s historic Black Town, a gem from the past has been lovingly revived by Iftekhar Ahsan, the founder of Calcutta Bungalow. This restored 1920s townhouse, located just a half-hour drive from the airport, stands as a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage. With six impeccably designed bedrooms, this boutique hotel is a tribute to Kolkata’s golden era. Iftekhar’s deep connection to Kolkata and his quest to preserve its fading grandeur led to the birth of Calcutta Bungalow. “In spite of the lack of economic progress, Kolkata has a huge wealth of ideas to offer to the world. There is more human learning in its streets than in the most hallowed of educational institutions anywhere,” he reflects.