Taj Ganga Kutir: A riverine rhapsody near Kolkata at Raichak

As I gazed upon the Ganga on its slow voyage to the sea, a picture of fulfilment after its long and tedious journey, its water aglitter under the rays of a mellow winter sun, memories of my just concluded traffic-weary journey faded away and a sense of calm enveloped me.

Thankfully, it was not blustery—as it usually is in these parts of south Bengal in winter—and it was lovely to sit by the open deck adjoining the restaurant behind me.

The tide was just coming in. Although it was not discernible from my perch, I could hear the rising water gently lapping the bank.

The far view dissolved into a muted colour palette—the horizon half hidden by the mist rising from the water and a silhouette of an anchored fishing boat against it.

I could have gazed on this painterly view for hours but for a gentle tap from an accompanying journalist friend, a reminder that we were here on work and not to indulge in reverie.

Getting there

Earlier in the day, we had started from Kolkata, travelling south, taking the popular route which goes into the heartlands of the deltaic region, where the Ganga (or Hooghly as the Ganga is called in these parts) enters the Bay of Bengal.

The crossing near the Amtala Bus Stand, infamous for its traffic snarls, was its usual self, but thankfully the road after that was fairly clear of traffic.

We soon parted ways with the road that led to the popular tourist town of Diamond Harbour, and continued our journey through the scenic countryside—scattered hamlets and roads lined by agricultural fields and ponds.

Several twists and turns, and we were at the gate of Taj Ganga Kutir Resort & Spa, Raichak.

The Place

Past a tree-laden driveway, the car dropped us at the porte cochère and left for the parking lot. It was impossible to miss the couple of vintage cars on display at one end.

We were accorded a traditional welcome with blowing of conch shells, an arati with flowers, and a necklace made of the holy tulsi plant (they ask the guest’s permission before offering it; so you are free to say no if you do not want to accept it).

The welcome drink came as a much needed refreshment for the parched throat while the mellifluous song by a Baul(Bengal’s own version of a balladeer) satiated our soul.

As we moved ahead, the familiar brick walls loomed large, a reminder of the gorgeous river-front retreat which the Ambuja Neotia group had launched in the late 1990s.

Having started its journey with a well-known hospitality brand, the increasingly popular retreat decided to go alone for a few years, till its decision to collaborate with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL).

Said Harshvardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group, “This collaboration is not about adding a new name to an existing property. It is about reinterpreting Raichak for the present moment, while being respectful of its original soul.”

“Over time, both the guest and the idea of leisure have evolved. Today’s traveller seeks calm, authenticity, and relevance — not uniform luxury. Together with Taj, we have reimagined the spaces, the flow, and the experiences to reflect this shift — making them lighter, more open, and more attuned to contemporary sensibilities,” said Neotia.

The sprawling property with its meandering paths, landscaped gardens and water bodies, and indoor and outdoor facilities, offer a perfect blend of nature and refined luxury.

Private balconies where you can sit and enjoy the riverfront, an infinity pool, signature restaurants and bars, a cigar lounge, reading corners, a fitness centre and a rejuvenating wellness spa, are some of the key features which make this serene luxury resort a destination by itself, where you will find the ultimate relaxation in an elegant setting.

Wake up to bird calls, watch the riverine life unfold with the passage of a variety of boats and ships, stroll through the flower bedecked gardens, enjoy fishing or join a pottery workshop or art camp, or simply curl up with a book at a cosy corner, look up to a canopy of stars shining above you as night falls around you, before you retire for the day with the song of the river in your ears. You will never want to look at the chronometer.

Stay

Rebranded as The Taj Ganga Kutir Resort & Spa, Raichak, the property is a combination of the former units – Ffort, Anayavasla, Mahavasla & Sundervasla.

The accommodation follows a mix of colonial and Indian ambience, featuring the best of amenities, artworks, and dainty frills. Currently, phase one of the property is operating with 110 rooms and another 45 coming up under phase two.

Apart from various categories of rooms and suits, you will find duplex blocks with their own pools, villas overlooking a lagoon, even duplexes with Jacuzzi.

Eat and drink 

Even in its earlier avatar, the resort was popular with visitors for its culinary excellence. And now under the mentorship of Chef Sujan Mukherjee, Culinary Coach and Consultant, Taj Ganga Kutir Resort & Spa, Raichak, it has evolved into a gourmet haven.

The spacious multicuisine diner Shamiana, bright by day and sparkling by night, offers a range of seating options. So whether it is just the two of you or a large group, you can always find a suitable arrangement. Locally sourced ingredients are used to prepare the dishes, from hearty breakfasts to sumptuous dinners. Or, you may opt for a delightful Bengali platter (thali) featuring a full course meal.

The more intimate House of Ming, resplendent in its Oriental finery, offers a range of Chinese and South East flavours, from delicate dim sums to signature classics.

The vibrant riverside restaurant, Machan, offers a select range of global cuisine influenced by local inspirations, breakfast to dinner.

Party

Taj Ganga Kutir Resort & Spa, Raichak is not only a retreat by the river for a holiday but can also be your destination of choice for a business meet or a grand wedding.

The multi-faceted indoor spaces can be adjusted and adapted for a range of meeting requirements and social functions while the pillar-less Royal Pavilion, with its soaring ceilings and dazzling chandeliers, offers a regal setting.

The manicured South Lawns with its river view is perfect for an outdoor function.

Day’s end

It was at the beautiful River View Lounge, known for its curation of cocktails and wines, as well as small bites, that we caught up with Indranil Ray, Cluster General Manager  - Operations & GM – Taj Ganga Kutir Resort & Spa, Raichak.

“Taj Ganga Kutir Resort & Spa, Raichak is envisioned as a chef-driven global gastronomic hub, an exceptional MICE and wedding destination, and a serene getaway for the family. Rooted in minimalistic luxury, every touchpoint is crafted with intention—here on the banks of the Ganges, where the river whispers its blessings into every experience we create,” was how Ray summed up the retreat’s ethos for us.

The sun had gone down by now, its delicate glow across the sky lost in a dark mantle, which slowly broke into a dazzling array of stars.

Guests watched the unfolding of the Ganga Arati while we started on our journey home.

(Photos: PR Team)