Kolkata Maidan

Kolkata Maidan is a breath of fresh air in the midst of congested urban life of Kolkata. It’s my long time dream to take a stroll around Maidan but unfortunately I could not make it till last weekend. One reason is off course the distance from my home and lack of time. Eventually I ended up in Maidan last weekend. Though time was short and I had to come back rather quickly. Kolkata Maidan stretches from North to South along the banks of the Hooghly River (part of Ganges) with vast greenery and open skies adding a special charm to my beloved Kolkata.

The Victoria Memorial at the backdrop of Maidan is definitely a must watch. It is a favorite place for fitness freaks, sportsmen, lovers and kids. Morning jogging to evening stroll, Maidan is the best. This is also the place in Kolkata where you will find plenty of horses along with mounted police patrol.

The small food vendors will also spice up your stay with plenty of options to please your test buds. As I was late, evening set quickly giving a splendid view of dusk in the midst of a city.

It’s really amazing to have tea while watching Victoria Memorial in the twilight. Hope to repeat it.

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Dinner at Haka, Kolkata

I will like to share my dining experience in HAKA in Mani Square mall, Kolkata. The location is quite convenient. It is now a well known Chinese restaurant with only Buffet option. The interior of the restaurant is refreshing with comfortable sitting arrangement. You do not have to walk around to much while getting the foods whatever your sitting location may be. Bright red and black combinations made the walls exciting (typical of Chinese restaurant though). A television set is mounted at a suitable position. I definitely enjoyed the cricket actions taking place at that moment (Pakistan vs SriLanka live action). One important plus of HAKA is the smartly dressed, attentive and well-behaved waiters. There is no chaos.

The menu is not same everyday as expected with decent options:

• Two soups (one veg/one non-veg)
• Three starters
• Salads
• Two rice and two noodles (one veg/one non-veg)
• Four main dishes (two veg/two non-veg)
• Desserts (Vanilla, strawberry, chocolate ice cream, a sugar coated sweet, creamy cakes)

The quality of food is very good and I really enjoyed it with my family. But I must say that it is not the best of Chinese dishes available in Kolkata. The food is definitely cheaper and is located in a very happening place where one can watch a movie, roam about in the mall or do shopping before hopping in HAKA to have the dinner. I did exactly that and enjoyed the weekend.

HAKA

4th Floor Mani Square Mall,

164/1 Maniktala Main Road, E M Bypass,

Kolkata

Key Features:-

• Indian Chinese cuisines
• 700 (approx.) for two (weekends/ some less in weekdays) (without alcohol)
• Credit cards accepted (off-course)
• Its open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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Road leading to Pelling, Sikkim

The main Road leading to Pelling, Sikkim, India..... I shot it while going to Rabdentse Ruins, Pelling, Sikkim..... While going there we (me and my wife) decided to have some adventure and ended up going through the backside to Rabdentse Ruins.... It was a small trek and really fun... Though as we are not so experienced we were both gone out of breath after reaching there....

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Evening trip to beautified riverside Ganges (Beautification Ganga/Ganges - Kolkata Riverfront Beautification)

I was looking for an opportunity to have a pick at the beautification process started for riverside Ganges in my beloved city Kolkata (Beautification Ganga/Ganges). A part (a stretch of 2.5 Km) was opened for general public on 24th May, 2012. Last week I was able to visit that place along with my wife.

We the Kolkatans are experiencing severe heatwaves along with many parts of the country and with monsoon still 10-12 days away, an evening trip to riverside is perfect.

I really glad to say that the experience was so refreshing. I have visited this place (near Princep Ghat) few years back and nothing was attractive except some raw natural beauty. At that time I had some ice-cream from a famous parlor. The place was not that safe after evening.

But everything has changed now. The place is looking very beautiful and comfortable with lots of sitting arrangements, attractive lights, designer walking path and refreshments mixed with right blend of nature. There is no entry fee and parking is also not a problem with lots of free parking space.

At and after sunset the place became more colorful. The Vidyasagar Setu (new Howrah Bridge) looked awesome in the dark. The strong evening breeze in this scorching heat was exactly what needed and there was plenty specially after sunset. Many people were there to enjoy and this place is becoming very popular. I spent almost 2.5 hr and overall a very enjoyable experience. I am really looking to revisit this place often.

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Dawn in my city

Observing dawn settling in my city from a roof top.........

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