Written by: Atreyee Chowdhury
Raichak
This place with a peppy name is located in the 24 South Paragnas district of South Kolkata. It is in fact a city here with a luxurious five-star hotel to be proud of. Raichak is a very beautiful and clean place in sharp contrast to the other places in Kolkata, which disappoint in cleanliness sometimes.
This wonderful riverside venue was in recluse until Raddisson group of hotels came up with the splendid idea of converting the old fort here into a state of art five-star hotel called the Fort Radisson.
Orientation
It’s located on the banks of the river Hooghly (a tributary of the River Ganga) and falls on the outskirts of Kolkata. Diamond harbour, one of the very famous harbours of India is just 5 KM’s away from Raichak.
Weather
The weather here is like that of Kolkata. It’s quite hot during summers, rain heavily during the rainy season and freezes (not to the point to forming ice) during winters. Summers are during March, April and early May. It’s followed close on heels by the rainy season, which lasts till early October.
Best times to visit
Anywhere between Septembers to May should be great. But the presence of a five star hotel makes it a good place throughout the year (with ample facilities to cope up for anything).
Getting there / Route Information
Kolkata- 60 kilometers
Diamond Harbour – 5 kilometers
By Bus
Several air-conditioned luxury private buses ply regularly to Raichak from Kolkata. Other buses from Dharamtala may cost you Rs.40 only. Buses from Behala too, make frequent trips to Raichak.
By Train
There aren’t any ways through rails to Raichik. Kolkata’s Howrah and Shalimar are the nearest railway station that connects to various cities of India.
Road Quality
The roads are good. The views of the city ‘Kolkata’ along can be an interesting and insightful experience.
Pictures of Raichak
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Major attractions
Fort Radisson
This five star hotel in an unexpected place can raise eyebrows. Be good with money to relish all the luxuries offered.
The river
It is a natural beauty. Treat your eyes walking along the riverside.
Do’s
Do take a ferry from Raichak to Howrah and Midnapur and cruise through the waters.
Events
Parties and events in the hotel naturally are of good standards and a unique fun-filled experience.
Night life
Feel lucky if you have tourists along who are the ‘night’ types. The hotel has a good place to chill-out during nights.
Shopping
This place isn’t quite for the shopaholics. Few interesting shops do exist (if you can count on those as ‘shopping’).
Vital Tourist Information
Things to carry
Nothing specifically required. Water for the travel can help you from stopping in between.
Hotel availability
Fort Radisson Tel: (091-3174 275444)
Accomodation ranges from Rs.4000-Rs.12000 per night.
Hotel Raichak Tel: (091-3324551491)
Accomodation comes at a reasonable Rs.500- Rs300 for Air conditioned rooms.
Contact in case of contingency
Sub Inspector of Police, 24 Paragnas South district – 2479-3333.
Kakdwip Hospital, 24 south Paragnas – 953210- 255040.
“Kolkata, which disappoint in cleanliness sometimes.” ????? Sometimes????????????
Looks like the 5-star hotel is the only place of attraction here!!!!!!!