The story of Maheshgunj starts with Savi.Savi was an Italian physician married to a French, who made a lot of money treating some nobility in Pandicherry.He came over to Bengal and acquired an indigo plantation near Krishnanagar.At that time,Indigo plantation was a very lucrative proposition. Indian indigo was supposed to be the best in the world. To manage the estate, he brought seven of his familymen to India.Construction of this building started in 1873 and ended in 1878.The basic structure of the building has remained unchanged through all these years..
During the late nineteenth century,atrocities related to indigo farming created a bad reputation and the administration had to clamp down .Also the advent of chemical dyes,and their low prices led to the decline of indigo farming.The building along the land was sold of to the Palchoudhuries,who were large landowners of Nadia,in 1883.
Maheshgunj estate is 121 kns from Kolkata. The property now consists of 20 acres of land with the bungalow. Fruits and flowering trees dot the gardens.Sound of birds during the day and crickets during nighttime are the only sounds around you.It has 5 airconditioned high ceilinged rooms studded with antique furniture.One of the rooms has a high four poster bed one has to climb thru a small wooden step. This is supposed to date back to the 18th century.The roof has had major reconstruction to prevent water seepage,bathrooms added .
The two thousand square foot long verandah is the highlight of the building.With comfortable wooden chairs and marble topped tables,it is the place to relax and enjoy the garden view with a steaming hot cup of tea served in style.
Breakfast is included in the package,along with lunch and dinner is served in the large dining room with long tables and hanging lamps created by the owner.Food is overseen by Kalpana, the lady of the house.Delicious and homely this is another highlight of the place.
There is a billiard room and table tennis if you are interested.The drawing room has a working fireplace which is lighted up during winter evenings. Dinner is early ,at 8 30 pm,as staff have to leave for their residences outside. The place does not have a liquor license,so you have to carry your tipple.
The Bhagirathi River is 15 mts walking distance. Across the river is Mayapur.Nabadwip is half an hour distance. One can also visit Purbasthsli,where migratory birds congregate during winter.
Even if you do not visit these places,you can just sit down on the long verandah with a book in hand,and have a great adda in the evening with friends ,or do nothing,just chill.
The owner takes you to a nature walk,where he shows the different flowers and trees in the morning and brings out your appetite before breakfast.
Best time to visit is between November and February,when.one can enjoy the sun in the verandah.Tariff is Rs 5000 per day during October to March.Rs 1000 extra for AC.Breakfast is included in the package,so is tea.Lunch and dinner is 500rs each.Drver food and accommodation is 800 rs a day.Do book in advance for weekends.This was my second visit and I enjoyed it thiroughly. I am sure you also will.
Memories and musings 