Thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality. We really appreciate it. It's an amazing property and really enjoyed the stay. Mr. Ismile was very helpful indeed. Warm Regards (WhatsApp)

Dr. Subho and Chandrima, Director Academics, DPS Society

We discovered the place "Choupahari Resort" sheer by chance while doing some online research. We are regulars to Shantiniketan in the recent years and wanted to experience a new place. My wife spoke to the owner Mr. Kushal and was very much impressed with his candid approach as well as the details provided online and decided to take a try. From our arrival we were impressed with the serenity of the place and the natural setting around. The room was nicely set up with impressive wooden furnitures and an amazing painting by Mr. Kushal himself we were told. His artistic touch was apparent all around. The way he planned the walkway with trees and the glasshouse which was supposed to be his painting studio, now designed for the relaxation of the guests speaks about his attachment with the place. What impressed us the most was the genuine effort of the staff members led by Mr. Ismail , the ever ready friend to provide us the necessary support. Just to emphasize his approach, he came down from his home at 7 am today morning just to ensure that we get two hot cups of tea and leave the place without any hassle. This resort is run by the people recruited from the local villages and they serve with smile. Two things I should mention, one is the proximity to the jungle and the option of a long walk along the pathway inside followed by the visit to the picturesque Santhal village. My wife and me walked through the Sal tree forest with the beautiful music of the birds around and the sound of the falling leaves. Kushal Babu may consider promoting this experience, even provide a companion to help identify the trees and the birds as an available option. And as a Bong I must end by mentioning the good food provided in home. Though we didn't experiment much and also had our customary lunch at Barishal Kitchen, the morning Luchi (indian bread) and the dinner with mutton kosha (spicy local dish) will be one of many reasons to take us back to the place again. We wish that the place will continue to build upon it's unique existence around the nature and flourish. Expect us back soon. Amlan Mukherjee CEO & Managing Director Unilever Nepal Ltd

Amlan Mukherjee CEO & Managing Director Unilever Nepal Ltd

It is located in a beautiful and a deserted place , approximately 10 km away from Shantinekatan, where you will only hear the birds sing in the quiet wilderness of the Choupahari forest. It is far from the human noise pollution and a treat to the ears. It is situated on the edge of the Choupahari forest and , a short period stay would certainly rejuvenate your tired soul . It was conceptualized and built by an artist owner , Mr Kushal Ghosh, whose artistic qualities abound the entire property, which is very unusual and different what you normally get for a "Home Stay " . Located in Daronda village, after turning to the left on reaching the Bonovilla bus stop. It is a kilometer drive from that point , till you reach a decorated gate of this lovely property on the right . However, in the absence of the owner , who lives in Kolkata mostly , the property is managed by his relative ,who is the Manager , Mr Majumdar . It is obvious that it would lack the professionalism of a hotel , in managing the business and the property itself. It serves pure Bengali food with the finest ingredients possible and, has a caring staff , waiting to serve you with a smile . You need to inform them before hand what you wish to eat, so that they can prepare the meal with all the love and care. The rooms are really large and decorated with good furniture with an artistic approach. It is worth a visit to enjoy a quiet stay near Kolkata.

B K Nundee, Swinhoe Street, Kolkata -700019.

A late plan to visit Shantiniketan over the Poushmela weekend meant frantic hotel hunting online, offline. Since we had a car with us, we decided to go for Choupahari - situated a few kms before the Sreeniketan crossing (apx 14 km from Shantiniketan University) - and we were very happy with our choice. It is a relatively new accomodation, just 4 aesthetically done up rooms with a double bed + a couch that can be extended out to sleep 2 -perfect for a family of 4. The rooms - named after bees, wasps and grasshoppers 😀 - also have large windows and a sitting space outside. Our room had a small kitchenette kind of place, with a sink and a coffee maker - teabags/coffee sachets were not adequate though. We reached late afternoon and were greeted with tea and heaped plates of rice and prawn papads.We had informed them in advance for dinner - and were treated to a tasty, homely meal, desserts and all. The linen in the rooms was very good, the crockery very pretty, the decor a beautiful blend of tribal, modern and colonial. The smiling staff and the very helpful owner Kushal were the cherry on the cake. The ''adda " lounge - very inviting - went unsampled this time, as did the walk in the jungles behind the property. It is a place one can just put up their feet, let down their hair and enjoy. Definitely will try to revisit!

safar1107 india (TripAdvisor)

It is now more than a week since our stay in this resort which was our abode for just 2 nights but still when I close my eyes I have the feeling of being immersed in the pure pristine beauty of surrounding nature. While booking this property for our planned family get-together in the eve of Christmas we started being in love with the Choupahari Resort by virtual visualization as described in the website and few reviews; and when the time came to step-in I was bit skeptical if in case I am bearing too high expectations of the resort. Finally, when I entered it was just as beautiful as I dreamt it to be and to add to its beauty was the great hospitality of Mr. Kushal and his team. The kids took full advantage of the sprawling campus and had heart full content of playing around. As soon as we entered our spacious rooms we were thoroughly impressed with glass doors that gave unhindered view of the garden full of the tall trees and the chirpy birds flying around. The furnishings are tastefully done with a soft touch of rural and traditional décor and having all the comforts of modern days. The most unique thing that we experienced was the ‘Glass House’, a large room fully built of transparent glasses that helped us do all sort of family entertainments while being soaked in nature. Only an ardent lover of nature and art can think of creating this space that gives peace of mind without being bothered of getting bites of mosquitoes and flies. The meals were just like home-cooked food, menus as extravagant as typical of any Bengali ceremony and served with genuine warmth and generosity. Another great experience for us was the walk along the forest trails and the nearby Santhal village; the entire setting reminded me about the well-known movie by Satyajit Ray named ‘Aranye Din Ratri’. The feeling was very different from staying in commercial high-end resorts, it felt like to be visiting ancestral or family property. At the end, we wished if we could have the chance to stay for few more days and bidding it bye was like leaving behind something that truly touched our heart. The family get-together planned in this resort was enjoyed by all of us and for this we are grateful to Mr. Kushal and his friendly staff for making our stay so wonderful and special. When I think of advising some feedbacks the only suggestion that comes to my mind- just let it to be as it is.

Gargi2014 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (TripAdvisor)

We stayed at Choupahari with some friends for two nights. This is a out-of-the world place. Each room is designed with artistic decor; there is a glass room with a magnificient view for musical performance or just Adda, a lush forest with Sonajhuri trees in the backyard and Santhal villages near by.The food is excellent and the hospitality superb. If you want to get away from the city and relax in a tranquil place,please visit this resort. There are only four rooms so please try to book well in advance

esgee5366 Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (TripAdvisor)

A visit to the Choupahari resort, 16 kms from Santiniketan, turned out to be a really joyful experience. Large sunlit patios, pebbled paths and walks coupled with aesthetic interiors lent a feel good air. There was even a glasshouse decorated with paintings created by Kushal brata who runs the resort. The glasshouse, replete with a projector et al is used for viewing movies, musical soirees and the like. It was a refreshing break from the dust and stones indeed. As Samaira put it, " Super like, awesome...?"

Farzana Quader, Publishing Consultant (Facebook)

Wonderful experience. It is a out of the world place - hospitality, food, ambiance.......Thank you Choupahari.

Subhendu Guha, ex-Chairman, United Solar Ovonic

This is a boutique resort designed and built by a veteran engineer/architect/artist who also takes a keen interest and actively participates in its operation and maintenance. A thorough gentleman and an exceptional human being, he is assisted by his more assertive and no-nonsense brother in running the resort. The resort in itself is a fabulous, little place set amidst rows of trees at Daronda village near Bolpur with a forest close by and the river Ajay (alongside several beautiful villages with acres of green farms) being a 5 min drive from it. The rooms are spacious, well designed, beautifully decorated and well furnished. There is a glass house inside the resort with paintings, an aesthetically designed seating area and arrangements for a projector to watch a movie on its curtained wall. The dining area is a large veranda beside an open kitchen and the food served is delicious Bengali cuisine with hearty portions. The quiet and the greenery are its key attractions and I would not hesitate to rate this as one of the best boutique resorts in this part of the world provided its maintenance and guest-friendly operations can be assured in the future. We did run in to a few operational hassles at the outset but were soon disarmed by the hospitality, courteousness and friendliness of the owner, his wife (both of whom happened to be there at the time of our visit) and most of the small number of staff.

Anirban Mukherjee, Google Business

“The homestay is beautifully created, is very clean and lot of small requirements are also kept in mind while designing it. Kushal and his staff really give very personalised services for food choices, shopping tips , travel tips etc. We really enjoyed as its very peaceful and very close to nature. Only issue is that airbnb charged us much more than what the owner actually charges if the booking is done directly.”

Rita, Mumbai (review on Airbnb)

CHOWPAHARI resort in village Daronda near Santiniketan is really a home away from home. One cannot forget the finer details of the resort facilities crafted with passion. Kudos to the hospitality of the service staff.

Subrata1610, Kolkata ( review on TripAdvisor )

Enjoyed two beautiful days at Choupahari Resort with my family and relatives - though there are only four rooms (three in the ground floor and one on the first floor) but the facilities provided were beyond our expectations - Spacious rooms, beautiful peaceful surroundings, great service, a large glass house beautifully decorated for fun and activities, delicious foods in their dining and overall the courteous staff and manager delighted us. The location of the resort midway between Ilambazar and Bolpur was also convenient for us as we were travelling from Durgapur and was on our way to Shantiniketan. The forest around the resort was refreshing with plenty of pure air. We were a group of 14 including children and had booked all the rooms and the free space available all around provided us the opportunity to engage in all type of fun and activities. Highly recommended

P. Dutt, Mumbai (TripAdvisor)

“Coming from Kolkata city and spending half a day in Santiniketan which was teeming with crowds, this place is indeed an oasis of calm and seclusion , peace and quiet and a place where you can truly relax. Surrounded by forest on all sides you will have chirping birds and crickets for company and maybe also see an occasional monkey wandering around. The place is wonderfully designed with separate dining hall and a gazebo tastefully done up where you can watch movies. Kushal is a wonderful host every helpful and in fact he arranged our Santiniketan tour and organised a cab as well for us. If you are looking for peace and quiet and seclusion then look no further.”

Bekxy, review on Airbnb

A perfect blend of modern day comforts and old school charm, Choupahari and it's staff really goes the extra mile to make their guests feel at home. With excellent food & a warm, welcoming environment, Choupahari has perfected the art of providing that 'baari' vibe.

Sudipta, Aditi, Ayon and Arko Dey, Delhi

We had seen some lovely photos of this place on the internet but from the second we entered, the place completely surpassed all our expectations. Never before have we experienced so much love , care, incredible service and attention for detail in every little thing. From the beautifully designed rooms with their cozy interiors to the tree-lined canopied paths. From the delicious homely dinner with a never ending array of dishes to the morning walk through the forests to visit the adivasis. Everything was an amazing blend of nature, art, and personal care. We only wish we could stayed a little longer ! Definitely a must visit !

Balachandran Unni & Rita Balachandran, Lokhandwala, Mumbai

Absolutely a remarkable discovery indeed was this small resort in the midst of lush green nature. Being a photographer myself, I could sense the artistic appeal in Kushal's eyes. Well, no words about hospitality and service. I actually feel proud that he represents a changing India with preserved heritage of hospitality for his stay mates.

Samarendra Singh, Lanka, Varanasi, UP

We discovered Choupahari by accident ! The pictures on the site do not do justice to the charm of the place. Like every good stay, the charm arises from the warmth of the people - Kushal is a gem ! Talented, warm, helpful. Juthika and everyone here took such wonderful care ! ..... beautiful people makes for a perfect vacation. Next time, we are staying here for a longer time !

Surabhi Mishra, Delhi, with family ( guest book )

Thank you very much for the hospitality ! We were all very happy and relaxed. I definitely intend to visit again and experience the same calm and peaceful exclusivity at Choupahari Resort.

Sourav Roychowdhuri ,Salt Lake City, Kolkata (WhatsApp message)

Choupahari Resort is a perfect amalgamation of elegance and simplicity. Situated on the Bolpur -Ilambazar stretch, the property is nested in a quiet nook in the lap of nature. A red gravel path, bordered with gardens, water bodies, a cute gazebo on one side and a large red stone statue of the Gautama Buddha on the other, lead us to the building that houses the guest. The aura of an old world charm with the conveniences of modern day amenities and wi-fi makes it a perfect destination for all age groups. Large well- appointed rooms with sit outs adds to the attraction. I spent some part of the morning watching a woodpecker at work, few red crested busy bulbuls, and a bunch of orioles fleeting in and out of the thick canopy of trees. The food is homely and the hospitality warm. We were served by friendly staff, and all our requests addressed with a smile. The in- house driver’s accommodation with meals is a big plus point for tourists. The center of attraction is a large sun-room. Adorned with beautiful paintings and artifacts, the place is perfect for a get together. One can catch a movie at night on a giant screen that they roll down for their guests. The back door of the property opens into the Choupahari forest, after which the resort is named. Meandering red soil paths through Sonajhuri and Eucalyptus trees, lead to nearby Santhal hamlets. The owners are very mindful of guest comfort and personally interact to provide the best possible service. It was a very pleasant experience and would love to come back again.

Madhumita R (review on TripAdvisor)

Choupahari is an excellent resort of this class. It's a brand new property and is kept extremely clean. The property has incredible natural beauty, set under a mixed canopy of mango, teak, mahogany, neem, and jack fruit trees. It's a perfect getaway to relax and reinvigorate. The complimentary breakfast of luchi and aloor dom served in the spacious breakfast area brings back lots of my childhood memories. The rooms are quite large with wide glass windows, the view from the room is spectacular. A nice feature of the resort is the glass attrium with a big projector. it's an amazing experience to watch old Bengali movies under full moon sky. I highly recommend this place for locals and foreigners. I would probably choose this resort again next time as I have experience warm welcomes of the staff, excellent service and pleasantness of the crew, and above all, just the place it is.

ASHIS B (review on TripAdvisor)

Well - where do I begin ! First of all, I must say it's a gem hidden in nature serendipitously ! Kushal is an artist and his vision is superlative in every detail - from decor to ambience, attention to detail - embedded in nature with modern amenities. Simply said it's a fine blend of sophistication with a unique stint of artistic flavour. The hospitality of Jyoti and Fatik is simply outstanding. Overall our experience is superb and I will highly recommend this to everyone I know.

Sobhan, Banani, Poulomi Mukherji, New York, USA (Visitor's Book)

We travel a lot, to different places in the world and it is really difficult to surprise us. This place exceeded our expectations and we had a very lovely stay. Every detail seems to have a special touch. Rudra and all the team Fatik and Jyoti - all do great job.

Indre Rutkaushdite and Prasant Saha, New Delhi (Visitor's Book)

We came in a group of nine - the resort was ours - enjoyed thoroughly the freshness and ambiance, especially the hospitality of the serving members. Enjoyed so much that, I wrote my comments in the space for name.

Dr. Anasua Chattopadhyay and extended family, Kolkata (Visitor's Book)

I had the privilege to be invited to the pre launch of Choupahari, a boutique resort in Santiniketan about 3 hrs drive from Kolkata. I caught my breath at the sight of the elegantly beautiful building that stood before us. We were shown into our rooms, which was another superb experience. Spacious well appointed rooms welcomed us. Each room had almost a wall sized glass window that brought the forest inside the room. After shower we headed towards the "adda zone" for a Bengali lunch. The resort is in the lap of few acres of orchard. Tropical fruit trees co- live with sal, mahogany and neem trees. Another major attraction of the resort is a glass house in the midst of the wilderness. We sat inside protected from all crawling and flying critters, and watched busy birds flying around. It could well be a birder's paradise. As evening gave way to the silent fall of darkness the forest came alive in another way. Hundreds of fireflies emerged from nowhere and flew all over the place in a frenzy. Its a few months and I still have goosebumps as I relive those moments. The staff will need some more training, but given their attitude I am hoping it will not be difficult. I do not know whether the proprietors will continue to call this a resort. Their hospitality and warmth coupled with comfortable to the point lavish staying can easily fit into my idea of a home away from home.

Anamika Sengupta - Homemaker