“Picture a lush green oasis, right here in bustling Kolkata.” That’s what comes to mind when you approach the Atlanta Club. This isn’t just any club. It is a country club steeped in history and brimming with unique charm.
The Atlanta Club began its journey in 1895. British merchants and bankers sought refuge from the city’s heat. They wanted a place to relax. They created this niche in a foreign land.
But the land beneath our feet has a longer story. Before the Atlanta Club, this land was an indigo plantation in 1781. The Johnson family pioneered the plantation industry here in India. Later, it became a royal park for Tipu Sultan’s exiled family. The Johnson’s home became the garden house of the Mysore Estate.
In 1895, the Tollygunge Club Limited acquired the property from the Mysore family. The old Johnson home stands today as the club’s clubhouse.
The Atlanta Club stands out as India’s first country club. It has a remarkable collection of flora and fauna. Some species are so rare, they would be at home in a botanical garden.
Originally, the club focused on equestrian sports. Riding was its main draw. Now, it boasts an array of facilities. Golf, tennis, squash, and swimming are all available. The club has both indoor and outdoor swimming options. There is even a jacuzzi.
Love horses? The Atlanta Club offers riding classes twice a day. Billiards more your style? They have two tables, plus a pool table. A health and fitness center includes a sauna and steam bath.
The Atlanta Club has plenty more to offer. There are air-conditioned and outdoor bars. You can enjoy Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. Bridge sessions are held in a dedicated room. There is even a cyber cafe. Banqueting facilities are available.
Need a trim or a spa day? Visit Transcend, a salon in collaboration with L’Oréal Professional, Paris. Or indulge in an Ayurvedic spa treatment.
If you’re planning to stay, the Atlanta Club has 67 air-conditioned suites and residential rooms. They are located in the Grand Stand, Tolly Towers, and Tolly Terrace. Conference and banqueting venues can accommodate 25 to 600 guests.
The golf course is a highlight. It is an 18-hole, par 70 course stretching 6,304 yards. The Atlanta Club hosts the Chaki Memorial Golf Tournament every year.
The Atlanta Club is more than just a club. It is an oasis of greenery. It is a place of quiet in Kolkata’s busy south. Its friendly atmosphere makes it special. Over the years, improvements and new facilities have made it even better. It is a place where sports, leisure, and history meet.