Travel: The charms of colonial Calcutta

Which is the best view of the iconic Victoria Memorial — a large marble building that was built between 1906 and 1921 and dedicated to the memory of British Empress Victoria — in central Kolkata?

On a whirlwind trip to my hometown, I saw the landmark in all its glory from the Glenburn Penthouse as the mellow winter sunset and the evening was spread against an overcast Kolkata sky.

The ninth floor of Kanak Towers — a colonial building in the business district of central Kolkata on the Russell Street-Park Street area and where the Glenburn Penthouse is housed — offers a majestic view of Victoria Memorial and Kolkata Maidan, the lungs of the City of Joy.

An experiential getaway

The Glenburn Penthouse is a discreet and elegant experiential getaway that is tucked away amid the hustle and bustle of central Kolkata, which seldom sleeps.

The boutique property, which is spread across three floors (7th-9th), exudes stunning landmark views and is a treasure trove of antique Bengal furniture and art as an ode to its colonial past.

Hindoostan wallpaper adorns the drawing and dining rooms that depict scenes of rural India from a bygone era.

The balcony and tea veranda overlooking Victoria Memorial are perfect for outdoor dining, and where breakfast and afternoon tea is served.

The Infinity swimming pool on the ninth floor is the perfect setting for a leisurely dip and relaxation.

The terraces, which have vintage fans, white wicker furniture, tropical plants, and marble floors, are used for the better part of the year.

Brand Glenburn

Husna-Tara Prakash, who has powered the Glenburn brand of tea-and-hospitality, is the guiding force behind the stylish boutique penthouse since October 2018.

The exquisite property’s expert guides conduct historical and academic tours of Kolkata. Husna-Tara says, “Our philosophy is to create intimate havens of sophisticated luxury where visitors can deepen their understanding of local culture, history and cuisine as we indulge our special guests.”

The rooms — four Grand Bengal and five Calcutta Suites — offer breathtaking views of a city steeped in her colonial past.

Grand Bengal Suites are known by their distinctive names: