Elgin Fairlawn, Heritage hotel in Sudder Street, Kolkata, India
Elgin Fairlawn is a white colonial mansion with arched windows, verandas furnished with wooden pieces, and wrought-iron railings facing Kolkata's streets. The building combines modern conveniences with preserved historical features and landscaped gardens for guests to enjoy.
The building was constructed in 1783 during Warren Hastings' administration and converted into a hotel in 1936. During World War II, it functioned as a Canadian Air Force facility for military personnel.
The hotel has served as a gathering place for artists and filmmakers, where actor Shashi Kapoor met his future wife Jennifer Kendal. Their story remains part of the hotel's living memory through a room that bears his name.
The hotel is centrally located in Kolkata and easily accessible from major attractions in the city. Its distinctive white exterior makes it easy to identify, and visitors can walk through the grounds to experience the gardens and architecture.
French writer Dominique Lapierre conducted research here in 1985 for his novel 'City of Joy'. The book was later adapted into a film that introduced the location to readers and cinema audiences around the world.
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