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Local Expert Tips
(11)Traveller Tips
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(9)If you're looking for cafes in Kolkata, you can visit this chic cafe on Lake Terrace Road, Ballygunge, called Potboiler Coffee House. I went there on my 29th birthday and really enjoyed the Mexican bean salad. The portion was quite good, too! After our meal, we explored the neighborhood lanes, which are ideal for lazy afternoon or evening strolls. You'll find many small tea stalls and snack shops lining the lanes to fuel up during your walk. Since it's a residential neighborhood, it's perfectly safe for couples and solo wanderers.
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On a fine winter afternoon, we enjoyed a delicious seafood lunch at Cafe Ekante. Located in Eco Park, this eatery not only provides delicious food but also offers excellent views. The highlight for me was its stunning lakefront location, which helped us admire the sunset over the water while enjoying our food.
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I went to Darjeeling for my honeymoon and fell in love with the warm ambiance of the hill station. From the bustling Mall Road, where you can find lovely winter accessories, home decor, and antique items at reasonable prices, to the excellent eateries in the area, there's much to enjoy in Darjeeling. Some must-try restaurants in town include Kunga Restaurant, which serves delicious Tibetan food, Glenary's, which is ideal for breakfast with a view, and Keventer's, another breakfast spot known for its lovely views and delectable cold cuts. All these eateries are located in Chauk Bazaar near Mall Road and are great for couples, solo travelers, and families. Even the small roadside shops sell juicy dumplings to die for! Darjeeling is surely a top destination for both nature lovers and foodies.
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If you're looking for a family-friendly nature retreat in Shantiniketan, book a stay at Raktokorobi Karugram. This property is surrounded by greenery and has its own pond. I spent most of my time strolling the scenic walkways while observing birds and insects. The restaurant here is also top-notch, serving traditional Bengali food in a rustic setting. Do remember to carry an insect repellent spray and rub some mosquito repellent ointment on your skin as the remote natural location attracts bugs. This property is best enjoyed in winter when the weather's cool and dry. While the resort itself is in a secluded location, it's within a 15-minute driving distance of many attractions, including Amar Kutir, the ideal place to shop for local handicrafts, and Surul Rajbari, a historical landmark.
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What I like about Mandarmoni is that the beach is clean and there are fewer people around. If you're seeking a serene beachside stay near Kolkata, this village is a perfect choice. It usually takes around four hours to reach the destination by car from Kolkata, and the drive is quite smooth. While driving to Mandarmoni, make sure to stop at Kolaghat to have lunch at Sher-E-Punjab Hotel. If you're looking for upscale and family-friendly accommodation in Mandamani, book Hotel Sonar Bangla Mandarmoni for your stay. This property comes with a beautiful lawn where my family and I spent time enjoying snacks, playing outdoor games, and simply soaking in the ocean breeze. We also loved the stretch of clean and secluded beach in front of the hotel, which gave out a private-beach-like vibe.
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This picture is from a treetop restaurant in Agonda, only 2.2 km (1.3 mi) from this property. The restaurant is called Treetop Tava and features beautiful views of a lagoon and the Arabian Sea. It is also ideal for a romantic dinner, as the place offers stunning sunset views too! The rustic ambience is another thing I liked about the restaurant. The highlight of my lunch was this spicy and flavourful dish - kingfish fry in Goan masala. Goa is famous for its kingfish, which is quite expensive here (at least in popular eateries). The price depends on the season, too. This plate cost us 700 INR (8.48 USD). The fish is cut into thin slices, slathered with Goan spices, and deep-fried. We paired it with the popular (and my favorite) Goan drink, Cabo, punched with fresh pineapple juice.
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This picture was taken on Agonda Beach, South Goa, and my face surely gives away how happy the place made me.
This is by far the cleanest and most serene beach I've been to and the water is clear, too! Lovely resorts line the area (I stayed at Forget Me Not Resort), which is quite secluded. I enjoyed some stunning sunsets on this beach while sitting on the soft sand. Since the area also has a lot of greenery, you will be greeted with cool breezes even during summer.
The only downside is that the beach gets dark and isolated after sunset, unlike the vibrant beaches of North Goa. So, it's ideal for spending leisurely hours on sunny mornings and afternoons. Most beachside resorts here also have loungers facing the sea, so you can even chill there with a cocktail in hand.
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If you visit Palolem Beach, you must hop on the ferry to the secluded Butterfly Beach. The ferry ride cost us INR 1,500 (18.09 USD) per head, after some bargaining, and the experience was worth every penny. There is a guide on board who helps you spot interestingly shaped rocks in the middle of the sea; one was actually shaped like a monkey! You can also spot some dolphins playing in the water if you're lucky. The ferry stops at Butterfly Beach, giving you enough time to click photos and enjoy the beach. Prepare to get a little wet while climbing up or down the ferry and dress accordingly.
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If you're a group of four or two couples on a vacation, you can stay at this Airbnb right across the street from Celine's Kitchen in the French Quarter to explore the charming neighborhood better. This snug and clean two-floor rental comes with a bedroom and an ensuite on each floor, along with balconies attached to each bedroom. In-room amenities include air-conditioning, fresh bedding, toiletries, and a minibar stocked with chips, snacks, and two bottles of beer. Moreover, the Airbnb is only a two-minute walk from the Promenade!
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Looking for a vegetarian restaurant by the beach? Stop by Cafe Udupi Ruchi, which is only a 10-minute walk from this hotel and is located right on the Promenade. My friends and I absolutely loved the South Indian cuisine served here, such as warm and crispy dosas. Another must-try item is the strong and flavorful filter coffee. The cafe offers both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned seating.
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Promenade Beach might not be the best spot for swimming, but it's definitely a place to visit if you enjoy long walks by the sea and watching the sunrise in a tranquil setting. The pedestrian-only seaside promenade is clean and pollution-free, ideal for some early-morning jogging. There are plenty of shops and restaurants lining the promenade, from waffle joints to multi-cuisine eateries. Try some soft serve by the beach or visit it on a full moon to be mesmerized by the views. Some beachfront restaurants include Escape In and Udupi Ruchi Cafe.
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If you wish to swim in the sea while in Pondicherry, take a ferry to Paradise Beach. The beach has clean sand and medium-sized waves, and you can even access a private beach area for an extra cost. Make sure to carry towels and a change of clothes if you wish to swim here. There are separate showers for men and women at the beach, as well as shacks selling juice, coconut water, fresh sweet corn, and more.
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One of the best experiences in Mumbai for me was watching the sunset at Marine Drive. Simply find yourself a spot on the promenade, buy some 'cutting chai' from a local vendor, and gaze at the sun slowly melting into the sea while the cool breeze plays with your hair. The area is also excelling for walking hand in hand with your partner. When hungry, stop by Pizza By The Bay to relish some gourmet pizzas while admiring sea views.
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If you like a laid-back atmosphere, visit the pet-friendly Doolally Taproom - Andheri. This brewpub is an excellent spot to have a carefree time with friends and fur babies (who need not be on a leash). While here, make sure to try the Alphonso Mead to enjoy a fresh and fruity flavor, and pair it with the crispy house fries that come with four different dips!
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While Juhu Beach is popular for its bustling evening scene, it's also an excellent place to have a morning jog with your four-legged friend, followed by a street-food breakfast. Me and my partner visited the beach early morning to take advantage of the tranquil atmosphere. We sipped on some milk tea, had a beach photoshoot, and enjoyed lip-smacking 'vada pav' and 'pav bhaji' from the local vendors. The filter coffee at one of the shops run by a Tamil vendor was also delicious!
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Watching the sunrise on Juhu Beach is a beautiful experience to try in Mumbai. You will find tea vendors selling milk tea on the beach, so buy a cup and give a fresh start to your morning. Moreover, the beach is pet-friendly, so you can bring your fur babies along on a leash!
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Grab a bottle of chilled beer at the historic Leopold Cafe while in Colaba. The quaint interiors of the cafe exude an old-world charm that reflects the city's rich heritage. It is also a great spot to sit back and relax when you're tired after shopping in Colaba. If you're hungry, order the delectable 'keema pav' and get lost in the rich flavors!
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