I have always loved the journey that starts from Science City in Kolkata, where I board a bus to reach a place called Godkhali near Gosaba. A boat ride from Godkhali takes me to the rural village of Satjelia, where I have stayed the night in one of the homestays. I will recommend a boat ride that will take you through the beautiful mangroves where you can spot a crane! Back in the homestay, I have enjoyed some of the evenings among locals performing dances and digging into seafood fare - undoubtedly some of the best food items I have ever had.  

Some of my relatives live in Bhubaneswar and that is one of the reasons, besides the iconic Puri Temple, that served as a good reason to visit. I have enjoyed the car rides from Bhubaneswar to the temple of Jagannath in Puri with my cousins - make sure you carry snacks and play your favorite playlist when you are in the car. I love to visit the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar as well, and will recommend it to anyone who is a fan of splendid temple architecture. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Biju Patnaik Park, Mukteswara Temple, Odisha State Museum, and Nandankanan Zoological Park are some of my other favorite places to visit when I am in the city.

I have visited Nabadwip many times because of a cousin who lives here. Some of the best places that my cousin has taken me to see are the ISKCON temple, Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary, and Radha Rani Temple. During one of my visits, I had the opportunity to witness the Rash Mela, which is an annual fair held in November. It celebrates the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radha through musical performances, dance, and narration of folk stories. Curious travelers will be intrigued by the various clay idols of Lord Krishna in the processions. The fair is also a go-to place for me because of the numerous local delicacies available at the food stalls, which include my favorite ghughni chaat. Make sure you also pick local handicrafts when you are here.

Whenever I have visited Sundarbans, I have made sure to see one of its iconic places, which is the Sundarban National Park. It is difficult to get a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger, and I could never spot the elusive creature during any of my visits, but I was excited to see crocodiles and turtles among other animals. The mangrove forests and the rural neighborhoods are also some of the places that I like to visit to get a taste of simplicity and rustic flavor.

Despite being born and raised in Kolkata and having lived here my whole life, I sign up for these walking tours from time to time to see my city from a fresh perspective. I enjoy strolling around iconic buildings and temples and sitting on the river ghats to get a glimpse of the rich heritage of my city. Kumartuli is also one of my favorite places to visit during a tour - it is where the potters make beautiful idols of the Goddess that we see during Durga Pujo across the city. Some of the walking tours like to end it on a sweet note - they will treat you to some of the most famous Bengali sweets! A delightful treat for anybody who has a sweet tooth.

This walking tour around the city and its colonial past is one of my favorites. What I absolutely love about the tour is how they take you through the most iconic buildings built during British rule, and how as a local, I can see my birth city in a whole new dimension. You can expect the guide to take you to The Writer's Building and tell you anecdotes about how it used to be the workplace for clerks of the East India Company. The Telegraph Office, Raj Bhavan, and the Currency Building are also some of the places I like to see during the tour. 

It is a customary ritual for me to visit the iconic ISKCON temple whenever I am staying in Mayapur. On most of our visits, we have booked rooms in the temple's guesthouse. The ambiance around the temple is peaceful, and I have spent hours here just meditating, reading, and conversing with other pilgrims. 

I have lost count of the number of times I have visited this majestic place. I love the blissful tranquility of the sea and can spend countless hours at this beach destination. The last time I visited, the family had reserved rooms in the Sundari Complex on Henry's Island, which is a 15-minute drive from Bakkhali. I used to sit on a chair at the beach and drink coconut water along with delicious seafood fare, sourced and prepared by the locals. Long walks by the water are highly recommended - they are therapeutic!

Whenever I visit the cathedral, I am sure to visit the nearby Fort William in Hastings, which is only 4 km away. If you are a history buff as I am, then I will definitely recommend seeing this historical place. It is located on the banks of River Hooghly, and I love to spend some me-time by one of the ghats that turns into a magical place after twilight hours. If you are in the city during the Durga Pujo carnival, don't miss witnessing the processions of the most popular idols in the city that begin their journey from Fort William and end at one of the immersion ghats of the river - truly a mesmerizing experience for me every year!

I still remember the first time my father took me to St. Paul's Cathedral - it was many moons ago on Christmas Eve for attending the midnight mass. In the visits that followed later, it was serene and so peaceful that my favorite pastime would be to just sit in the large garden and watch the hours go by in blissful tranquility. The first visit still stays the most memorable one in my mind, though. The whole church and its surroundings were decorated with bright lights and decorative pieces that dazzled in its old-world glory. I noticed the high ceilings upon entering the church, and then eventually stood in awe of all the ancient paintings and sculptures on its white walls as the choir sang carols, asking me to sing along too! 

A short drive away from the sanctuary lies the restaurant, Haveli. It was a great find for me, especially because I like North Indian cuisine, kebabs, and tandoori. Whenever I visit, I am sure to polish off the yellow dal tadka with aloo achari and naan. The phulkas served are hot and fresh, with dollops of butter over them, and I like to pair them with chili paneer. I will recommend the delicious lassi after you have had your fill. 

I have forever been a person who loves the serenity of the woods and forests, and my visits to Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary were primarily driven by this love. I remember visiting the place with my cousins when I was young and once with my friends in college on an excursion. I did see exotic birds but for that, I had to walk a little more into the woods. There will be a few birds to greet you, especially if you are visiting during wintertime. A word of caution: mosquitoes will be a bother, and it's best to carry an Odomos while you are here.

This museum is minutes away from one of the most iconic restaurants in the city - 6 Ballygunge Place, Chowringhee. I like the food here, especially because it serves authentic Bengali fare. I will recommend the mutton thali and the Ilish thali (for fish lovers). If you want to eat light, you can order the basic thali, which is a delicious platter of steamed rice, luchi, vegetables, dal, chutney, and sweets. I am a fan of their daab-chingri (prawns prepared in a coconut shell) and will recommend it to everyone who loves seafood. 

My visits to the museum in childhood were with my father mostly. We visited when there was a holiday in school. A nice place for children, the museum offers plenty of interesting things to do for its little visitors. My favorite spot was the Dolls Museum. It has an enviable collection of dolls from all over the globe! The galleries about Ramayana and Mahabharata also intrigued me to no end. If you are visiting with your kids, you can have them sign up for creative workshops and drawing competitions, which I am sure they will enjoy.

For whatever reason, I used to feel hungry after spending some time in the reading room! The canteen serves tea, coffee, and light snacks that I liked to munch on before getting back to the books. While being in college and away from family, I was on a budget and availed of the lunch in the canteen, which is served at a reasonable rate.

For a book lover like me, this place is a real treat as it boasts a great collection. I have visited the library numerous times, especially during college. The peaceful ambiance lets you spend a tranquil time amidst books. It will seldom happen that you won't find the book you are looking for. Apart from reading, I also loved to take a stroll in the vast expanse of open areas. The best part about the library is that it has kept up with the changing times and you will find digitized resources here that are also available online.

I have fond memories of the time spent at The Ffort Raichak with my beloved. This heritage abode overlooks the pristine river and you can book a Superior room for your stay. The one we had booked offered a breathtaking view of the Ganges. We stayed here over the weekend and while the place has several restaurants, our go-to place for breakfast and lunch was The Courtyard. After a hearty breakfast, our favorite thing to do was to enjoy a nice stroll on the riverside or go to the spa to destress. If you like Bengali cuisine, I will recommend lunch at Sonar Tori. 

If you are visiting the City of Joy with a special someone, then I will recommend a trip to Nalban Park and a boat ride together. I have had some of my best dates here followed by a cozy dinner at the Eden Pavilion ITC, which is a short drive away. 

For somebody like me who dearly loves Chinese cuisine, a visit to Kolkata's Chinatown, Terreti Bazaar, is a must. This place will teleport me to China in my mind while I sit and dig into dim sums and mushrooms in a quaint shop on the busy streets. I also pick up Chinese spices and sauces along with tea whenever I am here. An added attraction for me is the Chinese temple of Toong On, which once housed the famous Nanking Restaurant on the ground floor.

We visit the Kalighat Temple on special occasions, especially when somebody in the family has their birthday! Although this centuries-old temple is densely crowded even on weekdays, it doesn't deter pilgrims from visiting and paying their homage, including me. This Kali Temple is one of the most famous Shakti piths in the whole of India, and if you are a devotee of the Goddess like many of my family members are, you must include it in your itinerary when you visit Kolkata. The evening time when there is a smell of incense and flowers in the air and the priest worships the Goddess with a diya (lamp) is my favorite moment.

Nizam's is the place I go to when I am craving kathi rolls. It is about half an hour's drive from my house, but I will not have it from any other place. Food trivia: the story goes that the owner of Nizam's had once stuffed the meat inside a parantha and served it to an Englishman and that's how the kathi roll saw the light of the day! What I really love about it is the smoky flavor of the grilled chicken boti kebabs packed inside a light parantha with the heat from chili sauce and chopped chilies kicking in after the first few bites.

Just writing about Ghughni Chaat has started to make my mouth water! In Kolkata, you will be literally spoiled for choice when it comes to street food. For a pick-me-up, I almost always turn to this one - it has a sweet and tangy flavor, and because I prefer spice, I ask the guy to customize my plate with chopped green chilies and onions and garnished with dollops of tamarind chutney. I will recommend the ones in Vardaan Market, Camac Street, for the best in the city. 

Was very intrigued by all the horror stories about the National Library in my growing-up years. I remember visiting with my cousin, who is also a fan of horror. We didn't hear footsteps as the security guard had claimed, but the air about the place definitely felt heavy. 

Putul Bari translates to the House of Dolls. This is located in Sovabazar and is near my college. I have always had a knack for horror stories, and our group in college decided to visit this apparently haunted house one day after a lecture. No doubt that this place has an eerie feeling and can spook somebody with a weak heart. There are many urban legends associated with Putul Bari. My mother used to tell me that some of the freedom fighters took shelter inside the house when the British army fired at them. Later, when they couldn't escape, they met a cruel death. Their souls are still believed to be roaming inside the haunted house!

This place is full of history, and I visited it with my mother because of our shared love for history and the times gone by. The first thing that you will notice about the place is its blissful tranquility. Away from the hustle and bustle of Kolkata, it almost feels like a serene paradise. I stood in awe for some time while looking at the inscriptions on the walls of the mosque from the Holy Quran. The stained glass windows are so nostalgic and reflect the glory of the past. We enjoyed some quiet time while taking in the cool breeze along the banks of the river that runs peacefully behind the monument.

For the uninitiated, Sundarbans is famous for its mangrove forest and wildlife. The main attraction is the Sundarban Tiger Reserve. I visited this beautiful place with my family a while ago and still cherish it as one of the best travel experiences in my life. We had booked a cottage and the food that was served was authentic Bengali cuisine. My mother loves fish, and I made sure that she enjoyed meals of fresh local fish, lobsters, and prawns while staying here.  A boat ride took us to some of the islands such as Sudhanyakhali and Sojnekhali. Won't deny that we were a bit disappointed when we couldn't see the Royal Bengal Tiger, but as the locals here say, "Even if you don't see the tiger, it is watching you."

I sometimes visit Nicco Park with my mother, and I can tell you that the lazy river ride is a must for people who are not really comfortable with adventurous rides. This boat ride takes you through serene nature while you watch the world pass by. I also remember my thrilling experience at River Cave, which happens to be one of the most popular rides here. You get to see dinosaurs and volcanoes while being on a boat that takes you through a dark cave. 

Nicco Park has a wide range of amusement rides. For people like me who are afraid of rides, there are other interesting things to do. After spending some time at the Bowlers’ Den, a multi-cuisine restaurant inside Nicco Park, I head to the Nicco Super Bowl. I have visited the bowling alley several times during corporate get-togethers in my previous workplace and absolutely love to play air hockey and coin-operated games apart from hanging out at the pool table. Oh, and did I mention that the tandoori prawns at the Bowlers’ Den are a must-try? They literally melt in my mouth and pack just the right punch.

Located in the hip neighborhood of Salt Lake City, this Airbnb is surrounded by some of the most famous shopping malls, eateries, markets, and pubs. The one name that comes to mind whenever I think of my most recent visits to Salt Lake is The Steak and Grill, which is close to this accommodation. There are not too many places in the city where you can get well-prepared steak at a reasonable price. The Steak and Grill is an exception though. I love the minced mutton steak along with a pina colada to go with it. Apart from the delicious food, the place also has a casual ambiance perfect for a chilled-out evening. 

You will find this accommodation in the heart of South Kolkata. Since I live nearby and have been visiting the restaurants, markets, and shops here for years now, I know every nook and cranny like the back of my hand. I will recommend two of the most famous restaurants in the area known for authentic Bengali cuisine - Bhojohori Manna and Kasturi Restaurant. Kasturi, I prefer a tad more, because of its superb mutton and fish thalis. The aam panna sherbet is my favorite, especially if I am visiting on my birthday, which is in June, and the city is still reeling from bouts of heatwave.

This Airbnb abounds with ample opportunities for recreation during your stay in the City of Joy. In the mood for watching movies? I will recommend Cinepolis. For essentials, you will find Lake Market. I love the flower market here! Cafe Coffee Day is where you can stop by for some great coffee - a personal favorite. 

This Airbnb truly enjoys a superb location in the heart of the city, Camac Street. My father worked in one of the companies that has its headquarters in Camac Street. I remember this place for all the great restaurants that I have visited with him. A personal favorite is The Fatty Bao. The food here is a real treat for people who love Chinese cuisine. While my father always went for their Sichuan King Prawn curry, I could never resist the steamed bhetki here!

The last time I visited Level Seven was with my tribe. All of us in the group are pizza lovers, so we ordered the barbeque chicken pizza along with Virgin Mojito and Blue Lagoon mocktails. One of us tried a hookah, too. If you would like to let your hair down and shake a leg while enjoying fun conversations with friends over delicious food, then you must visit this rooftop lounge. The ambiance is awesome and I can personally vouch for it. 

Picture this: you are sipping on a cocktail with your special someone on the 20th floor of a rooftop bar while soaking in the sights of a breathtakingly beautiful city skyline and enjoying a heavy downpour and the smell of petrichor from the first summer rain. A perfect romantic date, isn't it? Ozora is special for its ambiance, sure, but who can forget just how delicious the food is? I love their pan-tossed mushrooms and salt and pepper prawns. Though I am not the person to experiment with my food and prefer to stick to the usual fare, I did try the Chicken Tikka Makhani Risotto at Ozora and it blew my mind away. My brother tells me that the Te Basilico cocktail is also a must-try!

Vedic Village Spa Resort is one of the best staycation spots for locals in Kolkata, and I stayed here with the family some moons ago. If you want to have an indulgent stay and experience luxury, then this Airbnb nestled inside the resort is a great choice. Unwinding and destressing with an Ayurveda therapy session followed by yoga was such a stress buster. We could use the pool and the gym, which provided me with a much-needed reboot.

This Airbnb is near Chinar Park, which is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Kolkata. Whenever I visit, I have to stop by Momo I Am. If you are as big a fan of momos and thukpa as I am, then this place is a must-visit. They have a great variety of momos, my favorite being the satay momo and jhol soup momo - absolutely out of this world. The dim sums and baos are even better, and I recommend the prawn hargou and chicken bao. 

Only a short drive away from Green Home Stay is the Jorasanko Thakur Bari, which is the ancestral home of the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. I love to revisit this historic place from time to time as it is now a museum that showcases the works of Kobi Guru. If you like to visit museums, then it should be on your itinerary when you are in the City of Joy.

Peaceful Living happens to be only three minutes away from Acropolis Mall, which I frequent a lot, especially during weekends. The Starbucks Coffee Shop on the ground floor is one of my favorite hangout spots with friends. Hoppipola is yet another great spot where you can party with your besties or spend a fun evening with the family. I like to visit during the afternoons when it is not very crowded. 

In Kolkata, the name Arsalan is synonymous with biryani. I have been a fan ever since I can remember. Most of the family outings have happened here and the place serves the best Mughlai cuisine catered to suit the palate of the Indian crowd. Being a lover of kebabs, I am sure to dig into their chicken achari kebab whenever I visit. I also recommend the murgh mussallam along with mutton biryani - a phenomenal combo if you ask me! Can't get any better for foodies. 

Oudh 1590 is my go-to place whenever there is a special occasion that calls for celebration. I am so much in love with the food here that my favorite order is bookmarked on my food app as well. The signature dish of the Nawabi-style restaurant is its handi biryani. This one is served in an earthen pot after cooking aromatic rice with chicken pieces in a dum-pukht method. If you like your food to be spicy as I do, you can pair your biryani with mutton keema kaleji, which is minced mutton liver cooked in hot Indian spices. Do also try the Nargisi Mutton Kofta - the authentic flavors always transport me to Hyderabad in my mind while I sit and relish it in Kolkata. 

My first visit to South Park Street Cemetery was fuelled by the mention that it is one of the haunted places in Kolkata and that it has a bleeding tomb! Being a fan of horror, I decided to put my brave face on and unravel the truth. While I didn't find any ghosts to become friends with, just walking around the several tombs in the graveyard gave me goosebumps! The place is eerily silent even during the day and is not for the faint-hearted. A visit is recommended, but only if you are ready to be disappointed that you won't see any ghosts. 

Taking a nouka (boat) ride on the Hooghly is one of the most surreal experiences you will ever have. I have often made solo trips to the iconic Prinsep Ghat and one of my favorite things to do here is to watch the world pass by while sitting under the shade of an ancient tree and drinking cha (tea) before hopping onto a boat. The boatsman drops me near the famous Scoop Ice Cream Parlour. The last time I visited, they still had the tutti-frutti ice cream, which is pure emotion if you ask me. Many of the family outings in my childhood took place here and Gay Restaurant (its former name) holds a special place in my heart.

Don't miss visiting the iconic Belur Math when you are here. My maternal aunts and uncles are devotees of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and have been associated with the Ramakrishna Mission for several years now. Although I find almost all the spots in the Math very serene and peaceful, I love to spend time inside the Swami Vivekananda Temple and around the Samadhi enclosure. 

I try to schedule a visit to this holy place every year during wintertime. Visiting Dakshineswar Temple means getting up in the wee hours of the morning, taking a bath, wearing new clothes (especially if you are visiting on your birthday), buying flowers, incense, candles, and garlands for the offering, and trying to reach it in the first half of the day. After offering my prayers, I like to savor the blissful tranquility of the nat mandir before going down the staircase that leads to the banks of the Ganges - a surreal experience if you ask me!

Home decor, I feel, reflects the style and personality of the inhabitants living in it. If you like to decorate your personal space with artifacts that would reflect your artistic tastes as I do, you can pick up Solapith handicrafts during a visit to Kolkata. The peacock-shaped shola boat in my ancestral house is reminiscent of the summer holidays and the beautiful times spent with my extended family every year when I was a kid. 

One of the fondest memories that I have of my mother is her wearing a handloom tant sari and oiling my hair on a Sunday afternoon. So for me, this rich fabric provokes emotions. When you are in Kolkata and looking to buy a present for your loved one, you can pick up a gorgeous tant sari. My personal collection includes a nice range of jamdanis, baluchari, tangail, and Dhaniakhali sarees and many of them are passed down to me from my mother. Some of the boutiques in Kolkata work in tandem with the weavers in the village of Shantipur in the Nadia district. Something on my wishlist: to buy a sari straight from the talented weavers. 

Now if you are a sucker for mouthwatering Chinese and seafood fare in a stylish and sophisticated ambiance like me, then The Orient is the place you must head to. I have been to this restaurant numerous times. Some of my favorites are their green curry chicken and sushi along with Phad Thai. The Orient has been a great discovery for me as it has a varied range of Asian cuisine that bursts with flavor. I will be honest, the pricing is on the higher side here, but the food is just so good that it's all that matters at the end.

Be it get-togethers with the family, hangouts with besties, or a romantic date with my partner, Ozora is my place to go. Not only is dining at 328 ft a one-of-a-kind experience, but it is also a stone's throw away from my place. The restaurant is located on the 20th floor of the Acropolis Mall and the food here is completely out of this world. Apart from the usual sweet corn chicken soup, reshmi kebabs, fish tikka, and chicken butter masala, I love their oyster shrimp, garlic fish, and roasted chili lamb. Make sure you try some of these recommended fares when you are here and you will not regret it - you have my word. 

Regardless of which hotel you are staying in, you have to visit the Ichhapur Defence Estate, which is 22.4 km from the airport. If you are a history buff like me, then you must be fascinated by the trivia and architecture of the colonial era that ruled the city once upon a time. While you are staying in the city, you can schedule a visit to Ichhapur Defence Estate, Chandannagar Museum, and Rifle Factory, and explore the rich stories of these places steeped in the history of the Indo-British times.

I have never stayed at The Astor Hotel, but I have lost count of the number of times I have been in the area. For a history buff like me, it is a real treat because historical landmarks such as the David Hare Mausoleum, Victoria Memorial, Old Guin House, Netaji Bhawan, Gwalior Monument, Fort William South Gate, Sister Nivedita's House, Bishop's House, Shaheed Minar, and Indian Museum are nearby. Make sure you end your day by visiting Bow Barracks - Kolkata's quaint neighborhood that is dotted with red-brick houses and is full of Anglo-Indian charm. I visit when it's Christmastime and the place is lit up with fairy lights, people are making merry, and children are enjoying a ride on the merry-go-round. You would have to be here to know that it is as good as the carnival in Park Street.

If you are staying at this heritage hotel that treats its guests like royalty and is every bit grand and spectacular, chances are that you will not want to go outside and decide to stay in. If you, however, plan a day of sightseeing around the property, I will recommend a visit to Nizam's. The restaurant is as old as time and is famous for its delicious kathi rolls. You will also find the best haleem here. Some of my personal favorites are the double mutton kathi roll and tikka biryani along with zafrani firni to end it on a sweet note. 

About 23 km away from the hotel is the Ichhapur Defence Estate. If you are a history buff like me, then you must be fascinated by the trivia and architecture of the colonial era that ruled the city once upon a time. While you are staying at Hotel O2 Oxygen, you can schedule a visit to Ichhapur Defence Estate, Chandannagar Museum, and Rifle Factory, and explore the rich history of these places steeped in the flavors of the Indo-British times. 

The hotel is a short drive away from Aquatica Banquet Resort & Water Park. I remember some of my most memorable summer holidays in Kolkata being spent at Aquatica. The city starts to get hot right after March and what better way to cool yourself than making a splash in a waterpark? You will find some of the best roller coasters and water rides here. It is natural that you would feel hungry after an eventful day in the water. I like to have the non-veg thali on offer whenever I visit. 

If you are staying at The Silverline Hotel with your special someone, you can plan a date in Eco Park, which is only a 19-minute drive from the property. Eco Park has something for everybody in the family and is one of the best picnic spots in the city. The last time I had been there was during winter with my besties and I remember having a ball. Café Ekante is a good restaurant to stop by when you are here. The place serves authentic Bengali fare at reasonable prices. I like their steamed hilsa and prawn cutlet. Don't miss the Nolen Gurer Ice Cream in the end! It is out of this world, says somebody who doesn't have a sweet tooth. 

This hotel is located on College Street, famously known as the Boi Para, which roughly translates to "a lane of books" in Bengali. During a visit to Kolkata, if you would like to get a taste of the much-talked-about old-world charm of the city, then College Street is a must-visit. The place has a great collection of second-hand books and is quite a delightful treat for bookworms and bibliophiles. But it is not just the books that make me visit College Street once in a while. Coffee House and Ghosh Cabin are only two of the several iconic places here, where you can hang out while drinking tea and polishing off mouthwatering fish cutlets. And if you are a sherbet lover like me, you can head to Paramount!

Oudh 1590, one of the best period dining restaurants in the city, is only a short drive away from Hyatt Regency Kolkata. If you want to experience Awadhi cuisine at its finest, then Oudh 1590 is the place to visit. You will be truly spoilt for choice when it comes to biryani and its various varieties here. I love to pair mutton biryani with nihari khaas or dal gosht when I am here. Don't miss the Galawti Kebabs that literally melt in your mouth. You can wash all of it down with a tall glass of badam sharbat. 

If you plan a stay at JW Marriott with your little ones, make sure that you include the nearby Science City in your itinerary. I remember visiting with my dad, especially during the summer holidays in school, and when Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park was a rage. Life-life structures of dinosaurs seemed so real at the time and a walk through the park while taking in every bit of this intriguing experience as a kid, was a fantastical experience. There are plenty of fun activities for families inside the science park that ensure a great outing together. You can spend time with the children while checking out Dynamotion Hall, Maritime Centre, and the Butterfly Nursery. 

The premium hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Kaafila Restaurant, which is tucked inside the shopping mall of City Centre 1 in Salt Lake City. I love their signature Rogani Gosht and Subz Pilaf. If you would like to try some vegetarian options here, you can go for the delicious Paneer Lababdar and Maska Naan. I am sure to indulge my sweet tooth with the Kesariya Firni before I ask for the bill. I will also recommend some of the ice creams here!

The hotel is only a leisurely stroll away from Victoria Memorial. Some of my fondest memories when I was a child are about family trips to Maidan and the iconic Victoria Memorial. The vast expanse of Maidan is bustling with young couples on dates, boys playing cricket and football, families enjoying picnics and horse rides, and locals jogging and doing their morning walks. After having spent some time here with cousins, we used to head to the nearby St. Paul's Cathedral and pray at the evening mass. Sitting by the banks of the Hooghly River while watching the sun go down on the city, is a spectacular experience. You can hop aboard the tram right after and enjoy a dreamy ride as it chugs along on the quaint streets of this historical city.

This Airbnb is near some of the famous attractions such as Nicco Park and Nalban Park. If you are visiting with your little ones, you must include Nicco Park in your itinerary. One of the top amusement parks in the city and the country, Nicco Park offers a nice range of rides, including the wet ones. The adjoining Super Bowl is a fun place to be, especially if you are visiting with your tribe. I remember hanging out at the pool table during office parties that were organized here. Try your hand at bowling, too, while you are here, as it happens to be one of the best bowling alleys in the city. 

Somma's Patio House is ideally located minutes away from some of the best shopping malls such as City Centre 1 and Manisquare. If you are in the mood for some shopping before movies and dinner, you can head to either of these places. One of my cousins lives in the area and whenever we hang out at Manisquare, we make sure we head to Haka - this restaurant serves the best Asian fare. You can also spend time at the food court bustling with several food joints such as Wow Momo, Tea Junction, Pizza Hut, and KFC.

Laketown is a place very close to my heart as I have spent my college years living here in a rented apartment away from the family. The locality has a warm ambiance and friendly people who don't let you feel all that lonely in this huge city. You can get some fresh air and hang out with friends or enjoy your own company while having tasty tidbits and tea from any of the several roadside stalls that line up the pavements near the famous clock tower. 

The place is seven minutes away from Russell Street, which is one of the most iconic places in the city. The roadside vendors selling yummy sandwiches and a piping hot cup of cha (tea) are a must-try, especially if you are on a budget. When it comes to me, because I dig Chinese food, I love to visit Waldorf for a quiet lunch with the family - this restaurant serves the best chili pork and the ambiance is filled with the old-world charm of Kolkata. If you would like to try North Indian fare, you can head to Russel Punjabi Dhaba and relish a scrumptious plate of butter naan and chholey bhaturey, which is my favorite here. 

The hostel is minutes away from the famous Kalighat Kali Temple. Like every other Bengali, I also make sure I visit the holy place on my birthdays to pay homage, make offerings to the deity, and seek blessings. This tourist spot is a must-visit, especially if you are visiting the city for the first time. If you are booking Bubble Beds for accommodation, make sure you visit Bachan's Dhaba, which is only four minutes away. Known for its Mughlai and North Indian delicacies, the eatery serves a delicious platter of yellow dal tadka, mutton keema masala, kebabs, rotis, and naan. The pocket pinch for two people is approximately 700 INR.

If you are planning to book this Airbnb for a cozy stay in the City of Joy, you won't have to worry about where to eat, as the place is a stone's throw away from the famous Haldiram's on VIP Road. I have fond memories of numerous hangouts here with college friends over great food. I recommend any of the various dosas that the place serves, but the masala dosa is the best! You must also try their chola bhatura and grilled sandwiches.

I visit the nearby Dover Lane area when I am looking to get a hair spa, as the place has great salons to boast. This vacation rental is minutes away from the Ice Skating Rink, which frequently holds exhibitions, and my favorite items to shop for are handwoven sarees, jewelry, and matching accessories. If you are into history and architecture, you can also visit Birla Mandir right after. The holy place is dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna and is one of the most famous temples in the city. The only downside, you ask? Photography is prohibited inside the premises of the temple. 

One of the best places to stay in the city, especially if you are a foodie! The hotel is minutes away from some of the best restaurants such as Beijing Restaurant, Big Boss Restaurant, and Golden Joy Restaurant in Tangra, which is Kolkata's very own Chinatown. I will recommend Golden Joy for a casual dinner with friends, or even when you are on a romantic date with your partner. I would recommend you try their roasted duck and fried prawns, apart from your usual Chinese fare.

The hotel is near one of the top shopping malls in the city - City Centre 2. Whenever I visit, I make sure I stop by The Orient for delicious Asian fare. The place has an inimitable ambiance for fine dining, and if you want to spend time with your loved ones over scrumptious Thai, Chinese, or Japanese food, you can reserve a table and relish their signature Nasi Goreng together.

This hotel is situated in one of the busiest locations of the city and is only a stone's throw away from some of the best attractions such as the Indian Museum, Zoological Garden, Victoria Memorial, Maidan, Eden Gardens, and James Prinsep Ghat. I remember spending some of the most memorable evenings of my life walking and sitting by the ghats of the Hooghly River. If you are visiting with your special someone, you must plan a date by the ghats while watching the glistening river flow and digging into some lip-smacking street food such as jhal muri, phuchkas, and papri chat. 

AltAir, of course, is one of the best hotels in the city. What drives locals and connoisseurs of fine dining in huge numbers to the area is the lure of the top restaurants around the hotel serving dishes that are truly a gastronome's dream come true. Kareem's, which is only seven minutes away from the hotel, serves the best Mughlai delicacies. Whenever I visit, I dig into their famous kebabs and tandoori, including Chicken Potli Kebab and Gosht Barra Chaap. Also, who can resist the butter chicken here? Absolutely nobody! So yum that merely writing about it has made me hungry! 

Want to engage in retail therapy during your stay at this hotel? I will recommend visiting the nearby Acropolis Mall, which is a stone's throw away from here. After picking up your favorite items of shopping from Marks & Spencer or Biba, don't miss visiting the KFC outlet for refueling and recharging. I love the chicken roll and popcorn that they serve. Chili's Grill & Bar is a great place where I often hang out with my friends, and if I am looking forward to a dinner with the family, it has to be Asia Kitchen By Mainland China. Head here if you are a fan of authentic Asian fare such as dim sum, soups, rice, and noodles.

This restored Zamindar property is a treat to sore eyes, and there are plenty of things to do if you decide to stay in. However, if you are a history buff like me and would like to explore some of the nearby attractions just like I did during my stay here, you can visit Achipur nestled on the harboring banks of the Ganges. Achipur, which is credited as being the first Chinese settlement in India, is known for its famous Chinese temple. I love the architecture of the holy place, which is suffused with the quintessential flavors of China. I also make sure I enjoy a boat ride on the river right after, or spend some quiet time at the Budge Budge Ferry Ghat while watching ships sail away in the distance.

If you are planning a stay at this luxurious hotel during a visit to the City of Joy, don't miss visiting the nearby New Market, which is one of the oldest markets in the country. Whenever I have visited the place, the clock tower has always made me fondly reminisce about the city's rich culture and spellbinding architecture dating back to the colonial era. The market is best known for selling anything and everything under the sun at reasonable prices.  Make sure you put your best bargaining game on when you are here! After spending an eventful day of shopping, a customary visit to the centuries-old bakery, Nahoums and Sons, is a must for me. Don't forget to dig into the rum balls before you pick up a plum cake from here, especially if you are visiting around Christmas time. 

Be sure to also visit the majestic Hooghly Imambara! Built in 1841, this mosque took twenty years of construction and today, it still stands strong as one of India's top historical buildings! 

Sharing a picture of the beautiful Prinsep Ghat in Calcutta. The photo was taken on a Christmas evening some moons ago. This place is unique and still warms the cockles of my heart because it smells of 'home'.