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Did You Know About These Hidden Gems of Kolkata?

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Kolkata is a small city, geographically. It is only 1/8th of the size of the capital, New Delhi and the main city is even smaller. However, Kolkata has so much more than you might have read on those travel blogs or what the travel packages of Yatra might offer. There are so many things to see which Google wouldn’t tell you. Sometimes, even your tour guide wouldn’t tell you because they think those places don’t deserve mention or because not many people ask them, the tour guides, to take them there. There lies the mysterious Kolkata, the unseen Kolkata, the Kolkata which you need to ‘explore’, not visit.

Shobhabazar Rajbari: Shobhabazaar Royal Palace would be a literal translation but Nabakrishna Deb was more of a super rich landlord with wealth generating from questionable sources. However, the palace he built in Shobhabazaar is amazing and you wouldn’t find a better combination of Indian and British architecture in Kolkata.

This is a saat-mahala house which means the interior of the house is divided into seven sections, ladies’ wing, drawing room etc., servants’ quarters and more. There is a thakur dalan, supported by seven really tall pillars. This is almost 250 years old but due to proper maintenance, has kept much of its original charm intact. You can visit the palace during Durga Puja, in October, when it’s open for the general public.

Kolkata Town Hall: Built in 1813, by architect and engineer Maj.-Gen. John Garstin, in Roman Doric style, the town hall cost no less than 700,000 rupees in those days! The result was amazing though, it is one of the most beautiful structures in Kolkata but sadly none, neither the manager of your hotel in Kolkata nor the tour guide you hire, would recommend it. It was utterly neglected in independent India because it was a symbol of British occupation! In fact, this magnificent building was almost ruined and the Kolkata High Court had to intervene to save it. Presently, Kolkata Corporation has done an appreciable job of restoring the former glory of this building and it houses a library on Kolkata, containing the rarest books and diaries on Kolkata and you can check out the magnificent history of Kolkata here. While, booking a hotel through Yatra, you can search a one near Town Hall.

Paramount House: Why only visit when you can eat and drink as well. Paramount is quenching the thirst of Kolkata for 100 years now and their sorbets and drinks (strictly non-alcoholic) is a must for you to try out. You might have drunk a lot many things in different restaurants and 5 star hotels in Kolkata, but I bet you will forget everything else when you take a sip at Paramount. Located at a not “so easily accessible” place at the back end of College Street, it is frequented by many who know the taste of their drinks.

Their price list is all set to surprise you because you wouldn’t believe that such heavenly manna is available for 50c or so. Their list is very, very long and you might be confused with the choice. The best thing to do here is to request them for a speciality. But then, each of their drinks is special, trust me.

Hastings House: One of the oldest buildings in Kolkata, it had seen better days when it housed the Governor General of India, Lord Warren Hastings. This place is now a Women’s College, under Kolkata University. If you are a fan of haunted places and spooky incidents, this is where you should go with many students complaining of inexplicable incidents in this building. In specific, there is an Englishman on a horse who supposedly asks for some lost files! This is in Alipore and you can get there easily.

Babu Ghat: Ghat is translated by American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language as “A broad flight of steps leading down to the bank of a river in India, used especially by bathers.” but the ghats on Ganga are much more than that. This is where Kolkata used to come for their afternoon and evening pleasures, then bathe in Ganga or sit in the breeze to have a respite from the oppressive heat. With Kolkata losing the use of Ghats, these ghats are now often neglected but Babu Ghat is a must see. You can see the vast Ganga flowing, the breeze, the local sellers and a true picture of old laid-back Kolkata.

Glorious Destinations to Enjoy this Summer

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Although a lot of places can be crowded and expensive during the summer season, without a doubt, this is one of the best times to travel. If you are clueless about where your itchy feet should go this summer, keep on reading this post and we’ll have a look at five of the best places you should see.

New York

Concrete jungle – this is one of the best ways to describe New York. More than its towering skyscrapers, it has a lot to offer for any traveler, making it a hot spot for a summer holiday. The Central Park, the green lung of the city, is one of the places that you should not miss during your visit. Other attractions that you should not miss include Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, Empire State Building, Museum of Modern Art, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and American Museum of Natural History. If you are just including New York on a tour of the states, then here is an idea of what you can fit in to a weekend.

Maldives

For anyone who loves tropical paradise, this should be on the top of the places to see this summer. If you are looking for privacy while being able to enjoy sun, sea, and sand, this is a good choice. It is perfect if you are with your significant other. Here, you will not be staying in a multi-story hotel. Instead, you will be relaxing in an overwater bungalow. Many have their own private pools. You can jump into the ocean straight out of your room. It is also known for diving and snorkeling, among other activities. If you’d love to visit the Maldives but you are on a budget, then check out these handy tips.

Bali

This is another paradise for beach-lovers. Located in Indonesia, Bali has gained reputation as a world-class surfing destination, with the most popular place being the Kuta Beach. In Seminyak Beach, on the other hand, you can find a number of luxurious accommodations. There are many beach clubs that will get you in the mood for partying from day until late at night. If you had too much of the beach, head to Ubud, a town that is known for a vibrant art scene. Here, there are many hotels offering a good view of the rice paddies.

Amsterdam

The capital of The Netherlands has endless activities that are perfect for every traveler. For a taste of culture, head over the Museumplein, which is home of the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, Van Gogh Museum, and Rijksmuseum. Taking a canal cruise is another activity that you should not miss during your visit. If you love shopping, go to The Nine Streets, which is popular for its diverse collection of independent shops.

Dubai

This glamorous place is also another top pick for the best summer getaway. There are many luxurious hotels, which will offer the best choice of accommodation for those who do not mind splurging. It is home to a collection of manmade islands as well. The Dubai Marina and Dubai Mall are worth checking out. Of course, your visit will not be complete without having a sample of its food. For a unique experience, get out of the city and head to the desert.

Awesome Destinations for a Legendary Summer Road Trip

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Going on a road trip is one of the best ways to have a fun-filled vacation. It allows you to see more without the need to spend a fortune. You can create a plan in advance, but the beauty of going on a road trip is that if you see a signpost to something interesting you can stop off there and check it out. If you are going on a couples retreat, road tripping with friends, holidaying with your pets, or going with your family, enjoying a road trip will prevent the group from getting bored in one location. You can see below some great options for an awesome summer road trip.

California

Get started with your Golden State road trip in San Francisco. There are endless attractions that will offer fun for the whole family, such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and Golden Gate Bridge, among others. Next up, head to Monterey and Carmel. Children will surely have fun exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is recognized as one of the best in the country. Dennis the Menace Playground is also a good idea. After this, go to Santa Barbara, which is popular for its seaside and Spanish architecture. Los Angeles and Orange County are your next stops. Here, you can enjoy Disneyland, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica Pier. And for your last stop, head to San Diego and visit Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo.

Greece

If you are planning on driving across Europe, you’ll definitely want to add Greece to your itinerary. From history to architecture, from beaches to food, it has a lot to offer, making it another highly recommended destination for a road trip. Start your journey in Athens, which, in most cases, will also be your last stop. Explore its many heritage sites and be educated as you revel in the beauty of ancient architecture. Next, stop by Delphi, an archaeological site. Olympia and Naflpion are also worth seeing. For the best of island living, be sure to also visit Crete.

Croatia

If your group would love to travel through a tropical paradise, Croatia should be on the top of your road trip list. Split is one place that should not be missed, which is home of the Diocletian’s Palace. Hvar, a 68-kilometer island is also worth visiting. Slano, meanwhile, is perfect if you are looking for a place that has a chilled vibe. Of course, your visit will not be complete without going to Dubrovnik, dubbed as the Jewel of the Adriatic.

New Zealand

Gifted with picturesque landscapes, New Zealand is another popular choice. Its roads are not only safe, but also offer stunning views that make driving a relaxing experience. Whether you take the North or South Island route, you will surely be left in awe. If you have a week to spend, one of the best itineraries includes a trip from Auckland to the Volcanic Plateau. From kayaking to sightseeing, there will be endless activities that will give everyone a memorable holiday.

Canada

In British Colombia, you can go on a road trip from Vernon to Naramata. Highlights of this route include Elephant Island Orchard Wines and Lake Okanagan. If you are in Alberta, on the other hand, take the Dinosaur Route. Some of the attractions that you should not miss in this trip include Dinosaur Provincial Park and Royal Tyrell Museum. Meanwhile, in Manitoba, you can consider driving from Winnipeg to Grand Beach. The Viking Trail in Newfoundland, on the other hand, is best for discovering ancient Viking settlements.

5 Ideas for a Different Kind of Family Break this Summer

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It is challenging to plan a trip for the whole family. After months of saving, you can’t just go where you want; you have to take into consideration the likes and dislikes of every family member. Hence, crafting the perfect itinerary will be a difficult task. If you have no idea about where to go, keep on reading and we’ll share some of the destinations that you should include in your bucket list.

Madagascar

All children love the Madagascar films, so they’ll be tremendously excited to go here! However, its worth warning them in advance that they won’t find lions, zebras or hippos. Compared to big game reserves, Madagascar has a more tamed down safari scene, which makes it perfect for families to explore. If your family likes lemurs then they will be in for a treat! The biodiversity of the area means that there is an incredible variety of reptiles and insects that kids will love. The wildlife is harmless, which can provide you with peace of mind. Plus, there are also friendly locals, which will provide a warm reception during your vacation. It is also gifted with 5,000 kilometers of coastline, making it perfect for beach-lovers.

Puglia

If there is one part of Italy that excels in terms of being family-friendly, without a doubt, it is Puglia. It has a bit of almost everything for all generations. One of the best activities that the whole family can enjoy is a guided walk to explore local food. Puglia is one of the best places to have a sample of authentic Italian cuisine. Staying in a villa in Puglia will give you the opportunity to obtain fresh local produce and practice cooking delicious Italian dishes.

Aside from going on a food trip, you can also explore medieval fortresses, castles, ancient ruins, and caves, among others.

Faroe Islands

Wild and remote – these are two of the things that can best describe this destination between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic. It is a place that may be unfamiliar for many, especially for children. With this, a vacation in the Faroe Islands will be the perfect opportunity to learn new things and invest in new experiences. If your family doesn’t cope well in the sweltering sun, then the cool climate here will be perfect for you. The Faroe Islands have a dramatic coastline and rugged landscape that is sure to leave any visitor in awe. Whether you choose to stay near the seaside or in the countryside, for sure, you will have an enjoyable and exciting break with the whole family.

Hong Kong

If you ever think of visiting Asia, Hong Kong is one of the places that should be on the top of your list. There are many attractions that kids will enjoy, such as Disneyland and Ocean Park. For parents, on the other hand, there are endless shops. From high-end designer brands to street markets, this is a paradise for shopaholics. Your trip will also not be complete without experiencing the diverse food scene of the city. This will also be a great opportunity to get your children used to eating different types of cuisine.

South Africa

There are lots of reasons that can convince you to visit South Africa. From food to wine, mountains to beaches, it is a promising place for a family holiday, although often overlooked by many. There are plenty of adventure activities for families, but medical costs are more expensive than other countries, so ensure you take out travel insurance. If you want to do something that is meaningful during your holiday, you can volunteer in primate rehabilitation centers. Kids will surely have fun and will learn a lot about the conservation of monkeys. Other than this, there are other places that you should see, such as the Table Mountain and Boulders Beach, which is popular for its penguins.

Living life with no limits in the French Riviera

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Want to check out the south of France this summer? With all the locals living such a rich life, it wouldn’t be proper if you didn’t call up a St Tropez yacht charter company to mingle with them.

The fact of the matter is, if you save a bit of money beforehand, you too can live the privileged life while on vacation in the French Riviera.

In this post, we’ll share some suggestions that will allow you to do just that.

STAY: Hotel Barriere Le Majestic

Begin your French Riviera splurge holiday should by checking into a classy hotel. In this part of France, the Hotel Barriere Le Majestic has few peers when it comes to luxury.

If you plan on visiting during the Cannes Film Festival, this is where you want to be, as it literally sits across from the main venue where countless celebs stroll the red carpet.

It is a solid choice at other times too, as its private beach, vaunted room service, and concierges make a stay here the luxurious experience you are desperately seeking.

EAT: Carte Blanche

With France being home to some of the world’s best cuisine, it is not surprising at all that the French Riviera has some truly mind-blowing restaurants.

While many big time joints have attained many rave reviews, they have become victims of their own success, making it nearly impossible to get reservations there.

As such, those looking to have a remarkable meal will want to find an under-the-radar spot like Carte Blanche.

A small restaurant staffed by chefs and cooks with experience in Michelin Star joints, you’ll be left wondering why this place isn’t booked out like the more touted spots in the French Riviera.

DRINK: Pam Pam

The cities and towns of the French Riviera really come to life after the sun sets. If you want to put an exclamation point on an awesome day, Pam Pam is a spot that is up to the task.

Its Latin theme breaks rank with the prim and proper lounges that can be found everywhere in this region, trading the feel of old money for the vigor of the new world.

Its Brazilian dancers know how to cut loose and have a great time, while its cocktails are tasty enough to justify the elevated prices you’ll be paying for them.

DO: Spend a day on the water

When they want to relax in the French Riviera, the rich and famous take to the water, as it is here they can get away from the unblinking eye of the paparazzi’s camera shutter.

If you want to rub elbows figuratively with the crème de la crème of the world, rent a yacht for a day from harbors like St. Tropez.

With mountainous coastline and several islands offshore, there are plenty of day trips to occupy yourself with once the bodyguards of your favorite celebs shoo you away.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!