It’s that soft-shouldered time of year in Kolkata, when the rain takes its toll and goes away, leaving the sun scattered and unforgiving. Passing through the tree-lined avenues of Fairley Place, we reach the BBD Bagh railway crossing. Across the railway tracks is the ferry wharf, which is a narrow ledge between departure and return. The river glows in the waning orange of evening, with Howrah Bridge looming like a steely guardian of the city.
As we wait, a ferry stops at the pier. We step onto the ship. Upon boarding the ship, the city retreats.
In the middle of the Ganges, the real marvel waits – the Nautilus, a two-story passenger cruise, 70 by 13 feet wide, 24,000 square feet long, anchored deep in the invisible bed of the river. Supported by the turns of tides and currents, it rotates, almost imperceptibly, a full 360 degrees. Through its glass belly and open deck on the second floor, the city spills out onto the far banks of the river. Before us is the length and breadth of the SBI headquarters, the huge football-like radar on top of the new secretariat, the GPO, the white dome of the Eastern Railway headquarters and the Howrah Bridge, where countless cars pass by every second.
Nautilus is the brainchild of Ayan Banerjee. Ayaan, a sea captain, knows the world of shipping and navigation like the palm of his hand. Telling us about the idea behind the project, he explains, “Everyone in Kolkata loves to party. All over India, if there’s anything on a boat, you have to book the whole boat or go to a place where there is ticketing. I wanted to find a way for people to come near the water and enjoy the water. I could have done it anywhere in India but I wanted to do something for my city. I would have made more money in Goa. But since I love to party, I want other people to be able to party and enjoy the atmosphere there. They don’t have this concept anywhere else in India.”
He says, “The ship used to be a banquet vessel. I cataloged it. We didn’t touch the structure. Everything you see here – all my staff came together and came up with ideas for the interior decoration,” says Ayan.
Explaining the name he says, “Nautilus has two meanings. In Jules Verne’s novel.” 20,000 leagues under the seaCaptain Nemo’s fictional ship is called the Nautilus. Secondly, the Nautilus shell is claimed to have the golden ratio, making it one of the most beautiful in the world.
Recalling his experience at sea, the captain recalls, “The biggest ship I have ever flown is five times the size of the Nautilus, which is only 72 meters long. The entire ship runs on diesel, including the electrical connections that power the bars, nightclubs and upper decks. This has been my dream project for my city.”
Inside Nautilus Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Nautilus was inaugurated on September 26, 2025, during Durga Puja. The one-of-a-kind concept features a nightclub and hookah bar on the first floor, while the upper deck features a large open air lounge with cabana-style seating.
In the near future, the owner plans to introduce a live seafood counter “like you would see in Singapore,” he says, where guests can choose their fish, crab, or lobster, and have it prepared fresh on the counter.
Nautilus Bar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Food and Beverages
The bar and food menu includes Indian, Continental, Chinese, Italian and fusion cuisine. From festive Don Julio shots to GH Mums, customary martinis, margaritas, gimlets and an array of liqueurs, the offerings are neither ostentatious nor basic, but manage to encapsulate both. The menu includes Kolkata favorites like Lobster, River Fresh bhetki in fish Kalia Or Dab Chingrilove love in Kasaundhi (mustard), pizza, pasta, Thai curry to baked roshogula, Japanese cheesecake and darshan for dessert and much more. Although not experimental in the food and drink menu, the dishes are comfortably familiar and tailored to suit the eclectic tastes of Kolkata – indulgent and without pretension.
The menu has options like Thai curry, lobster and pizza. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
On special occasions like Bhai Phonta, Diwali or Durga Puja, curated thalis priced between ₹1,300-₹1,500 are prepared by the chefs on board.
Asked about the safety of guests returning from the ferry after consuming alcohol, Ayan assured that measures were being taken. “The boats that ferry guests to and from the ship will soon be covered with nets and several bouncers will be deployed on the ship,” he says. The yacht is reserved exclusively for patrons of the Nautilus, he added.
In a city where nostalgia is often more important than novelty, Nautilus offers a slice of novelty that doesn’t separate itself from heritage. This brings Kolkata’s relationship with its river full circle: once the artery of trade and empire, the Ganges has now become a stage for leisure, light and belonging.
BBD Bagh Kolkata, located in Fairlee Place 1, priced at around Rs. 1,800 – 2,000. No cover charge. For reservations call +91 9147762462
