Ms. Lipika Dudhoria, co-owner of Bari Kothi, who innovates guest experiences shares that “Bari Kothi aims to makes its guests explore and engage in Murshidabad basis their interest and that is the USP of our project. All we do for our guests is to ensure that the experience is completely local. We like to hear the word ‘genuine’ and ‘authentic’ from our guests, says Lipika
In this world of technology and gadgets, what keep us connected to our roots are the age-old stories that were passed down from one generation to the other. Keeping this tradition of oral storytelling alive, Bari Kothi hosts a special session for our guests to connect with the intangible significance of the place, architecture and objects both emotionally and intellectually.
Sunset watching is considered romantic and calm but the experience enhances when you are waterside! At Bari Kothi, either leisurely stroll along the 100 feet long Ghat while sipping a cocktail and enjoying the soft pastel skies or go for a boat ride - laying on comfortable cushions and watching the sun dip in the river. Both being utterly Instagram-able!
Do you know the best way to fill the gap between lunch and dinner is a hot cup of tea served in our unique riverside seating! Bari Kothi offers its guests a selection of over 10 of the finest teas, and a delectable selection of traditional Sheherwali nibbles. The sound of flute in the background coupled with the visuals of hustle bustle of the local community in their everyday life just enhances the overall experience!
The 5-course grand sheherwali meal that we serve has always been an authenticity of ours. But, from where we source our ingredients and how we cater the meal is a story in its own. At Bari kothi, we like to include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables into our daily meals to make it more fresh and healthy. There are farms and gardens in our property where we grow different seasonal fruits, vegetables for our kitchen. We also source largely from local venders, where we meet our ends to support the local farmers and support the local ecosystem. Going completely local helps us to reduce our food miles and our carbon footprints. We make our guests visit the farms and pick their desired vegetables, after which we include that vegetable into their meals and create an experience loved by all.
West Bengal is an abode of culture and folk heritage and to understand the society and its people, one must witness unique cultural evenings hosted at Bari Kothi. Performances such as Baul & Fakiri music (minstrels’ singing songs & poems about love and devotion), Raibeshe Dance (unique martial arts dance), etc. give a chance to the guests to mingle, converse, and enjoy music in a communal setting.
“Learning about the history and culture of a place makes us a more open-minded, tolerant and understanding individual” – anonymous. Following this belief, we host special guided sightseeing tour of Murshidabad region wherein a guest not only knows the historical significance of the place but also know some of the untold local stories behind it. From the 250-year old Charbangla terracotta temples, Palace of 1000 doors (Hazarduari) to the unfinished mosques and local markets; we cover everything!
Bari Kothi besides conserving its heritage preserves the cultural heritage of the surrounding. An early morning storytelling walk down the lanes will take one to 200 years back. The magnificent Jain Temples and other Havelis like Nowlakha Kothi, Rajbari, Singhi Kothi, Marble Palace narrates the opulence and glory of the era.
Murshidabad has always been world famous for its fine quality of silks and muslins. Since, textiles play an important role in history of Murshidabad, it is important to visit & interact with locals at Tantipara (weaver’s village) & Islampore (important area for sericulture). You also get a chance to weave your initials on a silk fabric you buy from them!
While we say, that you have to experience our whole property, we say it wholeheartedly. The beautiful flower pots that you see all around Bari Kothi, are constructed by our very own potter. You can feel this experience not only visually, but also creatively. We have beautiful pottery sessions, where you can enjoy the fullest and make your own craft.
Yoga is not just a practice for us, it is a lifestyle now! Bari Kothi hosts early morning rejuvenating sessions for all our guests to have a healthy mind, body, and soul while they are vacationing. This 1 hour session, near the river side or in an open courtyard is hosted by expert yoga trainers.
Murshidabad is famous for its art and craft which is not widely known to many. Hence we thought of giving an opportunity to the local artists to share their expertise and an opportunity to our guests to learn & create something new and desi. Workshops such as pottery making, shola art, kantha stitching, and block printing are offered in-house.
The clear night sky over Azimganj, Murshidabad provides a perfect opportunity to spot the stars and the moon with our naked eye and also through our Telescope. The magical experience of seeing the moon through our telescopic setup at mid-night and then further take pictures is a magnificent adventure all together.
