This resort was in my list for last couple of years, finally made it to spend a weekend here. To be very honest this is a perfect place for a weekend stay be it for a couple or family holiday. This place is very well connected to Kolkata.
I went by car and took almost 2hrs to reach. The resort is situated on the bank of river Hooghly. There are building I,II and private cottages. Tariff is little bit on higher side. After reaching there welcome drink was served. Then I went to my room. It was on 3rd floor view room with a small balcony. I must say the view from the balcony was amazing. Room was very cozy along with mini fridge, attached bath, geyser, flat screen TV, and all modern amenities.
The resort was almost sold out since it was weekend and winter is also on the way to hit Kolkata. There is also a swimming pool, free parking, a open lawn. Nice ambiance and lots of open spaces. Scenic beauty is also very amazing. The picturesque view of lunch ghat, Ganges will sooth your eyes. Swimming pool is accessible to all but with proper swimming costume. If you are not carrying your costume, not to worry, the resort can provide you on paying Rs.50/- for men and Rs.80/- for women.
Entire property is divided into 3 categories. Building I, II and private cottages. Private cottages are more expensive with separate swimming pool, bar etc. Check their website for tariff and other facilities. They have a proper restaurant. Different cuisines are available for lunch and dinner and food is really delicious. The room I took was provided 1 bottle of mineral water, tea/coffee maker and with complementary breakfast but sad part is they did not provide any toiletries.
After a cooling time I went to the pool and spent almost 2 hrs there. Pool is very well maintained and water is clear. Then went to the restaurant for lunch. I ordered Bengali cuisine...plain rice dal, alu posto, chicken. All the items were cooked well and very tasty. After a 2 hrs road journey, spending time in pool, tasty lunch made me feeling very sleepy. When I woke up in the afternoon I came to the balcony and was surprised to see the nature color palate, It was dusk, the sun was setting spreading different colors. This view was really relaxing and enjoyable. I sat on the balcony for quiet some time and watched the sun set. Took some quick photos. I have noticed they have built some pagodas near the river bank and corner or the resort,also some chairs were there. reached the resort around 8pm and decided to sit and spend some time at the river bank. Actually there is no specific activities to do here, all you can do is to relax, read books, watch sunset, take your drinks and spend private times.
Then I went to the nearby areas to roam around for sometime. The famous Diamond Harbour picnic spot is hardly 10 minutes far from here and can be reached through a toto. The place is very congested and all transports like local toto, rickshaw are available always. There are one side which is headed towards picnic spot and another one is headed towards railway station and Kolkata. Finally I reached the resort around 8pm and decided to take a glass of wine and spend some time at the river bank. You can get all type of drinks from their restaurant, but price is little bit on higher side from market. With this I had ordered some dry chilli chicken and crispy baby corn. Though nothing was visible in river as it was night time but it was feeling great to sit there, after some time a group of singers came and started singing songs with their guitar. It was around 9.30 pm and I had to return to room as I had to order for dinner. They take dinner order till 10pm. I ordered chinese cuisine....hot and sour soup and chicken noodles. They served the food in room. Their room service is quiet good.
I had planned to witness the sun rise this morning and woke up on time but when I came to the balcony I realized that rooms are not east facing so the wish for sunrise cant be fulfilled. But yes...the sky was very mesmerizing and texture was about something to remember for lifetime. Some small dingi boats were seen on the river. There was a birthday party in the resort, so I have seen some workers started to decorate the lawn from early morning.
I took a quick bath and went to the main hall in the building II for breakfast. The spread was really good I must say. South Indian, Western, North Indian, live counters all were available. I took masala dosa, egg poch and coffee. After breakfast I went to the river bank and sat for some time, It was already 11am and time to check out so I quickly packed my luggage and went to the reception to pay bills. Around 11.30 I started for Kolkata.
So my experience in Punyalakshmi Resort was excellent in terms of room, service, food etc. I will recommend this place to others also.
How to reach: By car via Joka-Amtala. Road is smooth. Free parking is available.
By Train: Nearest railway station is Diamond Harbour. From there toto is available upto resort gate.
Room tariff: 3500/-+Tax. Other options are also available
Lunch: Actual at their restaurant
Dinner: Actual at their restaurant