The Club Culture had always been a part of the heritage of the country from the Victorian times. And Kolkata is no exception when it comes to elite clubs. With some of the most popular clubs in the city, the club culture is very much evident in the city lifestyle even if the days of the past are long gone. One such popular and elite club in Kolkata is the Tollygunge Club. The Tollygunge Club Kolkata is a private club that offers a sophisticated experience to its members as well as guests. Yes, to be a part of the club or to even enter the club you need to be a member or an invitee. And once you get an opportunity to visit here you would be transported to the old colonial era.
Even though the club is much Indianized today as per standards, a specific elite colonial feel is still present here. This is a popular club for the elite section of the society and also a popular choice when it comes to hosting different occasions and events like weddings. With sports clubs, sports facilities, restaurants it is an all in one location for entertainment. And as the name suggests the Club stands true to its name of being a club. It further provides a nice ambiance for its members and guests which they enjoy. Keep on reading this article as here I will mention everything that you probably need to know about the Tollygunge Club. This will be a helpful read for you if you are trying to know more about this elite club in the city of joy.
Tollygunge Club Kolkata
Location: 120, Deshpran Sasmal Road, Tollygunge Golf Club, Tollygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal
Location on Map :
Timings: 5 am to 11 pm on all days from Tuesday to Sunday. Monday is closed
How to reach
By air
If you are travelling by air then the nearest airport to reach the Tollygunge Club is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. From the airport the Tolly Club is 27 km away. You can reach the club from the airport in about 57 minutes. There are buses available from the airport to reach the club or else you can opt for cabs or yellow taxis as well to reach the club from the airport.
By train
If you are travelling by train the nearest railway station to reach the club is the Sealdah Station. From the Sealdah station the club is located at a distance of 10.7 km away. You can easily reach there in about 35 minutes. And the Howrah station is yet another major railway station to reach this club. It is located at a distance of 12.7 km from the Tolly Club. It will take you around 42 minutes to reach the club from the station. Multiple buses are available from the railway stations that you can opt for to reach the club. Or else you can also take a yellow taxi or a cab as well to reach the club conveniently.
In terms of local railway stations the nearest railway station is the Tollygunge railway station. The distance of the station from the club is 1.4 km away. It would take about 5 minutes to reach the club from the station. You can even walk for 15 minutes to reach the Tollygunge Club Kolkata as well.
By road
You can travel to this club from anywhere within the city via the multiple city buses available. And if you are travelling from anywhere nearby then you can opt for auto rickshaws as well to reach there. Other than that a convenient option to reach here would be by taking a yellow taxi or hiring a cab to reach the club. Also you can drive through your own vehicle as well from any parts of the city to reach the location.
By metro
It would be extremely convenient to reach this location by metro. The nearest metro station to reach here is the Uttam Kumar Metro Station which is located at a distance of 450 meters only. It would take only 1 minute to reach the Tollygunge Club Kolkata from there. Or else you can walk for about 5 minutes as well from the metro station to reach the club.
Overview of Tollygunge Club
The Tollygunge Club Kolkata is one of the top 20 clubs in the world and one of the popular clubs too. It is an old club house that is almost 220 years old. Located in Southern Kolkata the Club was founded in 1895. At first this location was mostly like a meeting ground for British Merchants. One of the first Country Clubs, the Tollygunge Club has very well created its niche. The club began as an equestrian institution that provided all sorts of equestrian sports. From facilities like Golf, Indoor Squash, Tennis, Outdoor Swimming, Riding the club offers a lot. Not just that it also houses a well equipped gym, a billiards room, a bridge room, a library, unisex salon, pro shop and herbal ayurvedic centre.
Other than sports the members and guests can enjoy a lot of other things at the Tollygunge Club Kolkata as well from open air theatre to dance and music there is a lot to explore here. It doesn’t end here as there are restaurants. Pastry shop, supermarket and lawns inside the premises as well. For a comfortable stay the Club also offers 67 well furnished rooms that include air conditioned suites and residential rooms for the members and guests. They have
- Suites Rs. 4600- Rs. 7500
- Tolly Towers Junior Suites Rs. 4025- Rs. 6250
- Tolly Terrace Standard Room Rs. 3450- Rs. 5000
- Grand Stand Cottage Rs. 4600- Rs. 7500
What’s more?
Also there are facilities like banquets where the members can arrange any events. The Tollygunge Club wedding cost would depend on the number of people. Amidst the busy area of Tollygunge this Club offers a peaceful ambiance amidst greenery. There is enough parking space available here so if you are travelling by your own vehicle then it would not be a hassle at all. However keep in mind that it is a strictly private club and to enter here you would need an active Tollygunge Club Membership. Also the members can invite guests here as well. So basically the club is only open for the members and the guests.
To seek membership there are however a few criteria. Currently the entry fee costs Rs. 8 lakhs. After the entry there is a yearly fee of Rs. 14, 400 which amounts to Rs. 1200 per month. And to be a member you must know at least two people who are active members here. They need to propose your name further for the membership. And the main part is that it is indeed tough to get a membership here because of the rush and popularity. You can only get a membership if they are currently taking members. Also at present the waiting time to get a membership here is 12 to 15 years. Yes! It is that long and there is that much rush here.
History of Tollygunge Club
Sir William Cruikshank established the Tollygunge Club or the Tolly Club in 1895. The main aim behind the construction of this club was to promote all manners of sports. However, originally the grounds of this club belonged to the Johnson family in 1781. They were one of the pioneers of the indigo plantations during that time. Later during the time of exile of Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan this location became his royal park. The house in which the Johnsons used to stay became the Garden House of the new estate of Mysore. In 1805 however the Tollygunge Club Private Limited acquired the entire property. Furthermore the old Johnson house thus became the popular clubhouse that is there at the moment.
Restaurants at Tollygunge Club
Both AC and Non AC restaurants are available within the premises of the Tollygunge Club Kolkata. There is Belvedere Dining Hall which is an AC restaurant serving continental. Then there is Wills Lounge which is another AC restaurant that serves Snacks and Beverages. And finally there is 1895 which is an AC restaurant serving delicious Indian and Chinese cuisines.
Furthermore there are Non AC restaurants here as well. First there is the 9th Shamiana which is a restaurant that serves breakfast and beverages to the golfers here. Then there is the 18th Shamiana which is another restaurant serving cuisines like Indian, Chinese, South Indian, Continental meals along with snacks and beverages. And there is South Verandah which is yet another restaurant here that serves different cuisines, snacks and beverages.
Wrapping Up!
So that was all about the Tolly Club in Kolkata and you will have to figure out if you can manage a visit there. The nearest best option to visit here is as a guest as the queue is really long to manage a membership. But if you ever get an opportunity to visit the location then it is a must visit spot. You will get to experience a different world as you visit this club in Kolkata. So let me know if this particular article on the Tollygunge Club is helpful for you in gathering all the information about this location.
