Short trips away from the city make for a quick detox, and this homestay in Shantiniketan is just what the doctor will prescribe you for your health and heart.
It takes its name after the Chopahari jungle in Bolpur. Located half a kilometre off the main road, the Chopahari homestay stands between Bolpur and Illambazaar. A stout sprawling bungalow with a large stretch of an outhouse, the homestay is enveloped by lush greenery on all sides, and sits under the canopy of mango, teak, mahogany, neem, and jack fruit trees. The gabled roof, the small lotus pool and the calming sounds of chirping birds and insects - all add up to the rustic charm of this place.
A real treat to the senses, Choupahari homestay is a perfect place to detoxify the city hubbub from your system. There are six luxurious airy rooms - three on the ground floor and the rest on the level above. Nothing is better than cutting off communication with work and others while on a rehab getaway, but if this makes you sweat then make use of their free wi-fi to stay connected. Named after the insects of Choupahari Jungle (foring, jhni jhni, bhromor and jonaki), the rooms come equipped with intercom, satellite TV, mini fridge and a kitchenette, too.
Spend your afternoons with a book at their library or sit under the gazebo in the outhouse to listen to the bauls sing with their ektara. The simple home-style cooked Bengali food will hardly make you miss your home, but you can pick up your neglected hobby with their musical instruments or with the art supplies.