For those who have preference of
- observing and enjoying Durga Puja far from the crowd and hassle of pandal hopping
- in a completely homely atmosphere
- with a bonus rural touch
- and comfort of a resort with AC rooms and good Bengali food
- yet not far away from the city
- and most important easy to reach
here is a place we visited on 2019 Nobomi.
Name of the place:
Sundargram
Location:
Rajendrapur, West Bengal
Google Plus Code:
FMX3+RV Booking
Booking can be done by requesting a slot through their website
http://sundargram.com/ or calling them or emailing them. They respond back over email with the bank account number to make the transfer and confirm the booking, they have menu / package recommendations but can be customized for general day bookings, less though for special occasions like Durga Puja. We had first visited this place during our Trip to Taki last year
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...sh-border.html and we had planned to make a proper visit sometime in the future. This year while browsing options for a Nabami plan bumped across their website and the special Durga Puja plan from Panchami to Doshomi, decided to give it a go for Nabami
Reaching the Place
It is a resort just 1 hr / 32 KM drive from Science City via Basanti Highway, just after Ghatakpukur. Driving through Basanti Highway is usually daily affair for me considering my office in the Bantala IT Park inside the Leather Complex. Just be careful of the bus and truck drivers whose hands are always itching for overtakes on a single lane highway. Also note there are a couple of speed cams too and a handful of them still work. Nevertheless follow Google Map directions diligently and all will be well. The detour from Basanti Highway on the route to this place immediately changes the scenery from congested highway to serene nature all around. We reached here around 12 noon
The place
There is a parking lot outside the building just on the approach but if you visit on a no rush day you get to park inside too. The place is not that wide but its indeed long way inside till the end
Entering the resort you get to see the narrow pavement going across the length which is the walkway for all.
![Durga Puja Diaries : A guide to the city with a soul, Kolkata-fb_img_1572090738005.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/travelogues/1927199d1688430407t-durga-puja-diaries-guide-city-soul-kolkata-fb_img_1572090738005.jpg)
After the initial officer rooms, on the left you have the fields wide open outside the boundary.
On the right series of hut like cottage houses, surprisingly they are fully air conditioned with Bed and Bath inside.
Its their family Puja so some of their relatives are around and usual guests who have booked rooms. For us who had signed up only for the Puja Special day package it included welcome drinks-snacks and lunch and evening tea. But yes one common AC room was given to all the families to share, sit and lie down in round robin manner. If you want to relax better, book a room.
Next to the stand alone huts / cottages in a center stage where the grand puja is being held and people surrounding it in devotion while the rituals are performed. It is like the center of attraction is literally at the center of the place.
Further south there is a pond for fishing and further its the dining area nicely integrated with the theme with the kitchen at the side.
Food was decent be it in quality, taste or quantity. Remember this place has a homely atmosphere so on one side you might get even surprise items appearing in the menu (for good) and on the other side sometimes you may have to ask for things a little just like you do at home, but its good experience none the less.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day here leaving finally post lunch around 4-30 pm. A recommended visit especially during the Pujas.
![Durga Puja Diaries : A guide to the city with a soul, Kolkata-fb_img_1572090792750.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/travelogues/1927198d1688430407t-durga-puja-diaries-guide-city-soul-kolkata-fb_img_1572090792750.jpg)