Heritage Home Stays at Amadpur, Burdwan — Local services in West Bengal

If I can I would give a negative rating. Visited during Durga Puja this year (2024). Booked for 3 days, but we are almost forced out at Vijaya Dashami night. Extreme rude behaviour of the owner & all the family members. They treated us like we were uninvited & trespassing their property. After Ashtami Anjali, they didn't even offer Prasad! Still we thought they were busy with all the hectic schedules of Puja. But we are their guests! Even after asking many times the timing of "Baran" they said, after all the family members we can perform the rituals. We were agreeing with it too. Me & my husband were sitting in the Durga Dalan, after taking "permission" from an aged person sitting in the Durga Dalan. After the women of the family appeared for the Baran ritual, we were still sitting confused whether the ritual will be performed right now or there are any other formalities. Suddenly a healthy woman began to speak in a very rude voice that these chairs belong to them, we can't sit here. Literally they throw us out of the Durga Dalan. Then a man came claiming he is the manager and said "again" we can't perform the ritual right now. After the family members, we can only perform. We have to wait. This is a thousand times we are hearing this from morning onwards. They didn't even share all the details of the Puja, when & how the Anjali or Baran or everything will be performed. What is their rule of performing a particular ritual. Then my husband told everything to the man who claimed himself as a "manager" (we didn't see him before that day) & the owner through whom we made our booking to this heritage homestay. He listened to everything & said previous year something had happened during Baran some guests did "অসভ্যতা" he particularly mentioned this word, as if we did the same! We felt too much insults & decided to move out right away. Then a man of our age, came & said we can perform the Baran but "selfie sticks & photography not allowed" during Baran. The family members were taking their own selfies & photography during Baran, & this is our new experience right, we were guests here & we were celebrating Durga Puja not in a hostel that we can't take our own pictures! How could he treat us like that? I don't know, maybe this particular family treats everyone like this! We informed them that we were moving right away, at 9:30 PM at night. Our car was at home, it took almost 2 hours for our car to reach that rural place of Burdwan. We were in our room. Meanwhile from the owner, no apology nothing. He sent his caretaker to comfort us! Then we paid all the food bills including the dinner which was ordered at the early hour of the day, but we refused to have it. The owner didn't show minimum courtesy or anything towards us. When we were leaving, all the family members were present outside the building. They saw we were leaving at 11:30 PM of night. Still they don't care. The insult they did with us, I wish no one else should go there & face the same. The guest attender, the maid servant masi, everyone was so polite, so kind. But the owners are very rude with no courtesy, generosity or minimum hospitality. If they don't want any outsiders in the Puja, they should not take 9000/- per day for staying, excluding food bill & treat the guests like slaves. Even no bhog Prasad was served during the Puja. Still we thought it was ok, that's their rule. But the way they treated us, it's unprofessional & extremely lacking in...

Staying at Amadpore Badi during Kali Pujo was an unforgettable experience that immersed me in Bengal’s living heritage. The heritage home had a timeless quality, as if history itself breathed through its walls. The courtyard was adorned with traditional decorations, and oil lamps illuminated the space with a golden glow, creating a captivating atmosphere that blended seamlessly with the spirit of the festival. What made this stay truly remarkable, however, were the interactions with the caretakers, who brought the history of the place to life in the most personal way.

One evening, as we gathered under the veranda, one of the caretakers shared stories about his family, who had been serving at Chaudhuri Badi for three generations. He spoke with pride about his grandfather’s involvement in conducting the first Kali Pujo on the property and how the rituals had remained unchanged over the decades. He described the meticulous process of preparing for the festival—how every year, they gather rare flowers from the surrounding fields and craft handmade decorations, ensuring that the essence of the Pujo is preserved. These stories were not just about rituals; they were about a way of life passed down through time, a living testament to the deep-rooted traditions that continue to thrive here.

Having traveled to places abroad, I’ve experienced different cultures, but nothing compares to the richness of what we have in India. There’s a depth here that goes beyond tourism—a feeling of connection, where every story and tradition becomes part of your own journey. Amadpore badi isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a window into the soul of Bengal, where history is not merely observed but felt,...

If you're looking to spend a couple of days in an erstwhile Jamidar bari, in close proximity to the verdancy & old world rustic charm of rural Bengal, look no further.

A lot of content about this property & surroundings, dotted with many old temples, are available online & will be shared by the owners, so we wouldn't be reiterating the same here.

This heritage homestay ticks all the boxes on great hospitality - Shiladitya Chaudhari (the owner) is an extremely affable host. We unfortunately didn't get to meet him / his family. But, he was reachable whenever required & kept checking with us regarding our stay. The staff are very hospitable & courteous; starting with Sathi (the newbie manager), Laxmi Di, Srikanto Da, Basudeb Da (ever-present for running any errands), Horo Da & Gouri Di (amazing cooks). They truly reflect the ethos & values of the owners. Food is gobsmackingly good!! And that's an understatement. Property is very well maintained and has a nice blend of antique old furniture with modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

Best time to be here is during Kali Pujo, Dol Jatra & Ras Purnima. But, if you can't make it during these times, off season might also offer a disguised advantage to enjoy the bucolic tranquility of the countryside to the fullest. To summarise, this should be in anyone's bucket list for weekend travels from...