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For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni
For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni 

Things to do in India

Kolkata’s Grande Dame

When it comes to hotels in Kolkata, for most people, it’s only the Oberoi Grand…

By Mr Mayan Dhawan
General Manager at The Oberoi Grand

In the past we’ve been described as ‘the mothership hotel’ and in many ways this rings true. We offer a Grand Tour during which you learn about the hotel’s fascinating history (every corner has a story to tell) starting from when Colonel Grand won this plot in a lottery in the late 1800s up to its establishment as an icon in Kolkata’s landscape – the key ingredients being the central location, old-world charm and legendary Oberoi service.

The original grandeur remains intact so much so that it has been rated a heritage building and therefore cannot undergo any structural changes, although we have managed to add a water bottling plant. Rooms and suites have been thoughtfully designed for both business and leisure (we entertain a lot of heads of state) with Burmese teak wood, four-poster beds and meticulously designed furniture. Private balconies overlook the courtyards, gardens and the palm-shaded swimming pool –the fact that you wake up to birds chirping is a luxury especially in this frenetic city.

Unique activities include wine tasting with our sommelier introducing India’s phenomenal wines such as a beautiful white Sangiovese from Maratha to sparkling wine from House of Chandon located in the foothills of Nashik. Our Spice Route Tour involves our chefs journeying you through the complex flavours of Bengali cuisine. Then during the holidays, we open our kitchen up to all the kids who can entertain themselves baking cupcakes and cookies. I honestly enjoy the chaos.

There’s so much to talk about when it comes to Bengali food from succulent rasgullas loaded with sugar and calories to dishes such as the delicious kosha mangsho (lamb curry) served with deep fried puffed luchi bread. My personal favourite is hilsa fish marinated in kasundi mustard and smoked over charcoal, only available at the Oberoi Grand. Threesixtythree, our all-day dining restaurant offers everything from Indian food to Japanese. Baan Thai serves speciality thai cuisine boasting accolades from Condenast and BBC. Follow this up with a martini and gonhoraj lemon crisp at the bar, the most fashionable spot in the city. The best way of working it off? Exploring the city on foot of course. Don’t worry, our spa has plenty of ayurvedic treatments to rejuvenate you after.

Categories

  • History
  • Places to stay

Alfred & Mr Mayan Dhawan

Mayan began his journey with The Oberoi Group as a management trainee. After graduating, he started his first assignment as a restaurant manager at The Trident and then The Oberoi, Mumbai where he eventually headed up the food and beverage operations. He has since worked at Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah and HS The Oberoi Zahra, a luxury Nile cruiser as Boat Manager. Since 2021 he has been at the helm of The Oberoi Grand and loves the challenges he faces every day. That and cars, chocolate and reading books.

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