Bari Kothi

About this hotel

In the late 1700s, Bari Kothi, initially the residence of Rai Bahadur Budh Sing Dudhoria, earned its name, “Palace of the Elder,” in the late 1800s. A key figure in the Shehrwali community, Rai Bahadur’s legacy endured. After a half-century lockdown, this historical gem, situated four hours from Kolkata on the banks of the Ganges, underwent a magical five-year transformation into East India’s premier Grand Heritage Hotel.
Spearheaded by siblings Darshan Dudhoria and Lipika Dudhoria, the restoration enlisted Canadian architect Dr. Samar Chandra, evolving into a pioneering zero-waste project. Operating on adaptive reuse principles, Bari Kothi is now wholly managed by the local community.

Darshan Dudhoria, a former lawyer turned heritage entrepreneur and philanthropist, aims to redefine heritage tourism in Bengal. Overseeing operations is Lipika Dudhoria, bringing her expertise to Bari Kothi. Together, this dynamic brother-sister duo has birthed Bengal’s inaugural restored, rustic heritage hotel. Beyond preservation, their endeavor champions sustainable and conscious tourism in rural Bengal, seamlessly integrating the local community across all operational facets. The unique narrative they’ve crafted not only preserves history but also fosters a profound connection between visitors and the rich cultural heritage of the region.
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