Oh, you will love being at BB’s. Super food there. Just ask for Crispy Chilli Babycorn as a starter and you will know what I am talking about.

They have a buffet spread at lunch time which is quite good and very affordable. 

One of my colleagues, he loves to go to BB’s whenever he is in a mood for some excellent food. He simply loved the augratin served there and according to him vegetable kababs were also deliciuos.

Note: Just had a tip from my colleague: BB’s since is located in an official area of Sector V in Salt Lake: so weekdays is very crowdy but on sundays unlike other resturants of Salt Lake it is easy to grab a chair there!

P.S: Try taking your own conveince ifyou are going to BB’s on Sundays,  coz it might be a little difficult to get hold of a cab while coming back!

Enjoy the food out there at BB’s.

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“Nalban” as the name suggests – is lakes and creeks (nal) fringed by groves (ban). It is a beautiful picnic spot for families, who would like to spend few hours in the lush greenery and placid lake, away from the busy city. It is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its unpolluted environment offers a respite and soothes the visitors.

Nalban is a serene watery world where the centerpiece of attraction is the giant lake. The lake water is crystal clear sans any pollution. On a clear sunny day, you can even see your mirror image reflecting on the sill waters of the magnificent lake. It has various kinds of boating facilities like paddle boats, shikaras and rowing boats. A unique added attraction is the newly installed hovercraft.

I am sure, after a long session of boating, you might want to relax and give your body a much-needed rest. The floating huts are ideal stopovers. What is more, discreet privacy is guaranteed.

The sight of lovelorn couples sitting shoulder to shoulder and mincing sweet nothings is an everyday occurrence at the Nalban Boating Complex. The tastefully decorated Shikaras are the very epitome of luxury. Nalban Boating Complex is literally the paradise of the young hearts burning with passion and eager to enjoy the beauties and bounties of nature in private.

It is considered the perfect haunt for romancing in Kolkata especially when there is so little time to spare amidst packed schedules and a paucity of fund does not permit the average person to indulge in revelry and be extravagant.

Apart from a plethora of boating options, you can also indulge in on-shore fun. There are tastefully done up cottages where you can truly indulge in gastronomic delights. Chinese, Mughlai and Continental dishes are available at the multi-cuisine restaurant, which is always buzzing with activity.

Now I am sure, reading all this you must be wondering how to reach this beautiful place? Well reaching there is very convenient. Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis are readily available from various parts of the city. One can also avail shared auto rickshaws. Train services are available on the Sealdah route. In case of travel by train, your getaway station is Bidhan Nagar.

If you are exploring Nalban Boating Complex, don’t miss your visit at Nicco Park, an amusement park. For outdoor entertainment Swabhumi heritage park is just round the corner and is an excellent place to buy handicraft items for souvenirs. The Science City, which is Kolkata’s another version of Disney Land too is just a stone’s throw away and you will be spell bound by the magical appeal of the make belief Jurassic Park which has replicas of Dinosaurs. The Ropeway too is a great way to enjoy for the intrepid thrill seeker. Few Kilometers away is another fun filled place awaiting you, Aquatica, the water park.

Definitely it will make your tour to Kolkata an unforgettable experience!

Have a nice stay at Kolkata!

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Bar-B-Q: Are you a lover of chineese food or are a person who loves chineese food? If the answer is YES, then Bar-B-Q is THE PLACE for you!

The do have Indian food also available but CHINESE simply rocks there! Although I did not have had the chance to have Indian out there…. if you have it then don’t forget to let me know.

You have the option to choose from a wide range of menu. Veg hakka noodles with gravy or without gravy, Manchurian, Chilly Babycorn, Chilly Paneer, American corn are some of my favourites.

Good place for friends and as well as family!

P.S: Don’t miss out on the sweet corn soup else it will be a waste to be at Bar-B-Q.

So if you want to be there and try chinese, then just be there at Park Street and ask anyone for Bar-B-Q, you will come to know where it is or else if you want to find out your own way: then just walk straight from THE PARK HOTTLE towards MUSIC WORLD and you get it on the left.

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Pizza Hut takes over the city of Calcutta!

Well not literally ;) but it has really created a storm in the pan. The other pizza shops like Domino’s and Giovani are feeling the heat and a big competition from this international hot favourite. All set and done for PIZZA LOVERS like me….

I really recommend getting the treat offers. Best is treat for 2. You get 2 personal pan pizzas, 1 garlic bread (+cheese for +rs10), 2 cokes and 2 scoops of ice-cream.This whole deligthful package is available for a cheap Rs.150/- (+tax)!!! (Editors note: Please verify with Pizza Hut – rates can change any time and they are not obliged to let us know).

I simply love Cheese Garlic Bread out there and Exotica Pizza. If you wanna have Pizza with a little Indian Touch, then the Indian Pizza with Paneer is not a bad bargain. One of my friends… she loves it. Or you can go for Spicy Indian -  it’s a HOT pizza.

P.S: Don’t take your friends on a birthday treat at Pizza Hut unless you can take all the fun and hoopla they create in the right spirit. They will make you stand on the middle of the table and sing a very good Birthday song for you and then will ask you to have ice cream from a bowl without a spoon and as you try having it…. that’s the end!!! The entire ice cream is on your face!!

Have fun!

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Ma Kali is the almighty and the absolute being of Calcuttans and Dakshineshwar, a prominent temple of Goddess Kali.

Even I am regular worshipper of Ma Kali but I generally used to go to Kalighat Temple. However this new year I got the chance to be at the Dakshineshwar temple.

Despite the movement of so many people, the place seemed to be very peaceful and serene. When I entered the main temple complex, on the right side there was a covered lane sort of place where there were number of shops from where I bought flowers and prasad for  my puja. If you are carrying some stuff you can easily keep them under the shopkeeper’s custody from where you buy, as for that matter I also did that.

Then when I came out of the place, I found that there is a very nice arrangement for us to deposit our shoes, as Hindus don’t go to temples or mandirs with the shoes on. The boy out there charges Re 1 for a pair of shoes we keep.

And now when finally I was done with all the preparations I went inside in the temple. I had to stand in a long queue as it was the first day of the year but generally if you go on normal days, you don’t get such huge crowd.

Note: Tuesdays and Saturdays are always an exception – don’t expect thin crowds on those days.

But trust me the waiting in the queue was worth it. After standing for about 1 hour I finally got Ma Kali’s darshan and I did my puja.

Then as I came down, right opposite to the temple of Ma Kali, there are twelve individual temples of Lord Shiva. That is why, these temples are called "Barah Mahadev". One by one I visited all of them.

Now after having done with my puja, as I was leaving I noticed that there is Ganga Ghat right inside the temple campus and I went there and saw people having bath out there. The water was so pure and cold; I went down a few stairs to feel the water and washed my feet and face. It felt so nice!

Finally I came out of the temple having a feeling which was so pure and new.

Some facts about the temple: Rani Rashmoni is the person who thought about the temple and Ramkrishna Ji was the priest of the mandir then. The bedroom of Shri Ramkrishna Ji is still there in the temple boundary.

Now reading all these you must be worrying how to go to Dakshineshwar? Well reaching the  Dakshineshwar mandir is quite easy and convenient. You can come directly by a train from sealdah station or by boat from Belur. There are a lot of buses from Esplanade also.

One more thing: Don’t forget to visit Belur Math, the tranquil monument with lush lawns and gardens which as said earlier will be just a boat ride away from Dakhshineshwar.

One more thing which I forgot to add: when you go via road, don’t forget to have a look at the mandir from Bally Bridge; the view is amazing!

If you like authentic South Indian food, you got to check out Tamarind. Well, I have not been there personally but a friend had really nice stories to tell.

They have an open kitchen and this friend who really loves Appam was thrilled to see them prepare an Appam right in front of him. 

It’s easily approachable being on the main Sarat Bose Road past Hotel Hamilton when coming from Minto Park. They hold various speciality festivals like Hyderabad festival and coastal Kerala selections. These are great times for people from those areas or those who want to explore them, to come to Tamarind. The place gets lively with authentic posters of local films and is decorated with items that sybolise those areas which they are showcasing.

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One of my favourite hangouts in Kolkata is Cafe Coffee Day which is better know as "CCD". There are a number of CCD outlets in Kolkata and it’s a great place for friends to meet and spend their time.

Music played out there is good and rocking. Well my favourite CCD outlet is Lake side and the Park Street one, just next to Music world.

When you go to CCD, don’t forget to try out Chococino and Devil’s own with cream and chocolate sauce. Its YUM…. Well snacks are also available out there but I don’t like the sandwiches and the pizza at these outlets. Cafe Frappe rocks as a light drink, specially if you are looking for something cool to quench your thirst. Love it friend :)

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If you love to hangout with friends, family, cousins and all, then you should be at FORUM. It is right next to the most happening college of Kolkata, BHAWANIPUR COLLEGE ( Being a student of the college.. am a little partial towards it! )

Forum has got everything: from shopping outlets to food joints to gaming parlours to movie halls. I really doubt if it missed out on anything!

Out of all, Shopper’s Stop is the ultimate shopping destination; atleast for me! But outlets of Levi’s, Spykar, United Colors of Benetton etc should not be missed out. Now if you love designer stuff and brand conscious (and belong to the fairer sex), then don’t forget to check out on Ritu Kumar’s Collection, Satya Paul and a few more to add on the list.

Tie Bar in the ground floor has a marvellous collection of ties and they have a wide range for you to choose one to suit your budget. 

You know there is an amazing game parlour on the fourth floor right next to the Inox ticket counter. And while on the topic of Inox how can I not talk about it!

You might have heard about Inox movie hall already but still I would like to throw some light on it. Well the movie hall is on the sixth floor but the ticket counter is on the fourth floor. They have got four movie screens running simultaneously; so if you don’t get the ticket for one show the other show is definitely waiting for you!

Note: Outside food is not allowed in there: not even a bottle of water but the canteen up there is good. I specially like the cheese popcorn and the coffee but mind you, they serve coffee without sugar, so don’t forget to ask them for sugar! This makes me remember that Bombay Sandwhich is also a good bargain.

Hey, don’t you forget to check out CORNS and ICE CREAM BALLS on fourth floor. They are simply mouth watering and now something for people who love to have MEMORABILIAs.

Just opposite to the corn and ice cream ball counter is a stall where you can get black and white sketch of yourself or with your loved one… and that too in less than two minutes! Isn’t that amazing?

Talking about all these, I have started feeling a litte hungry and this makes me remember some of the food joints like Starstruck, Oh calcutta etc. But a person like me who loves to have variety of food, BURP: the food court on fifth floor is the ultimate choice.

Don’t forget to check out Mongolian noodles and Crispy Chilly Babycorn of Hamingkok in Burp and not to forget the sandwiches of Stun the Sun.

But ya dont try your hands in having coffee from the south indian joint; it will be a mere disappointment!

Another Note: you can’t pay in cash o the individual counters! You have to have a Burp card to fill your stomach but no issues about that. Burp cards are readily available at the two cash counters!

Happy shopping! Don’t forget to add your experience by putting in a comment below.

Kolkata has got a number of Dhabas and I find that dhabas are a better place than any other in KOLKATA……  what yummy food they make…….. and the best part, these are quite reasonable also.

My favourite is  the AZAD HIND Dhaba…. You just cant find food like there anywhere else and I love Indian food.

It simply doesn’t matter whether you are with friends or family…. If you really want to have good INDIAN FOOD… DHABAS specially AZAD HIND is the best cut off.

But there are some disasters as well! Like for example: Honey Da Dhaba near Kankurgachi :- food simply sucks there. I have been there thrice and all three experiences were disasters for me. So better look out before going!

On the other hand, people have got great comments about the Dhaba near the Airport.

Why don’t you post a comment and tell us about your favourite dhaba in Kolkata?

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I am sure you are a fan of Mayaram’s Pav bhaji already. Don’t know what I am talking about? Then what are you doing here – run to Lord Sinha Road opposite A.C. Market and grab a Pav-bhaji. Yes, the same guy who had a stall in Victoria way then and was rumoured to earn much more than a successful mid-level businessman.

Mayaram Outlet in Lord Sinha Road is a little small but a good place if you wanna have some snacks in the evening. They have a range of items available but PAW BHAJI simply rocks!!!

Note: A suggestion – Don’t have PIZZA out there!!!! Simply a waste of money. It sucks!!

After you have your snacks there… just outside Mayaram there is a PAN ka Shop.. Amazing PAN out there and if you want to have something cold… definitely check out on the ICE GOLAS being offered there!!

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Arun Agrawal of Ebizindia maintains this blog on Calcutta.