CALCUTTA BUNGALOW & THE CORNER COURTYARD

FROM THE SUNSET years of the British Raj to the abolishment of zamindari in 1951, the in Kolkata became increasingly difficult to maintain on dwindling incomes. The time also signalled the rise of the Bengali (gentlefolk), who bridged the gap between zamindari excess and the European-influenced, heightened Bengali aesthetics. Enter the city townhouse, a residence pared down in size, but still maintaining architectural and artistic remnants from the larger mansions. With young entrepreneurs taking over these buildings in recent years, you can expect sangria evenings, sourdough masterclasses, and curated walks in bustling neighbourhoods. If you’re in Kolkata for work, you can get a crash course in heritage by checking into either of these two B&Bs.