First trip to Kolkata...need help

Orchid · Apr 29th, 2007, 15:34

I am trying to organize a trip with my Dad (85 Yrs old) to locate his family in Kolkata. He has not been back for 40 years!! I have never visited India. I did a little research and figured the Sheraton or Oberoi would be a nice choice of hotels ?
We would need transportation to travel in the city, what are my choices ? Can I get a car and driver for hire ? The hotel would probably charge a lot more. My father speaks fluent Bengali so I am sure he can negotiate the deals.
His family I think used to stay in an area called Dum Dum ? is it still there ? Is it residential or has it all changed ? This is indeed going to be very interesting as we have no leads at all. I looked online in a phone book and came across over 2000 names to match ours !!
Would like to know what are the must see's in Kolkata.

birds · Apr 29th, 2007, 15:42

The new rooms in the New Kenilworth are very good too and somewhat better priced.

Good luck with this adventure!

cyberhippie · Apr 29th, 2007, 15:48

I'm sure someone will provide better details (10 years since Iwas last in the then Calcutta)

As to hiring a car and driver, you will easily be able to do this from any number of sources expect to pay between 6-12 rupees per kilometer, Depending on the car you hire big/small Ac non Ac.
If you hire by the week say, There will be a minimum KM cover.
charge.
For traveling in the city I suggest that's not really needed though.
Have fun, it should be an enlightening experience seeing the ghosts and memories in your Father's eyes as he returns HOME, Enjoy it, for I'm sure it will be special moment between the two of you!

Happy Travels

capt_mahajan · Apr 29th, 2007, 18:50

If you are going five star, then the Taj Bengal would be my choice. But do consider staying close to the airport, at least at the start since Dum Dum will be on your beat .. not essential, though.(more later)

The hotel will arrange a car and driver for you; yes this will be more expensive than arranging it from outside the hotel, but I would take it from there at least initially when you land up, given your father's age and your unfamiliarity with the city.
You can go to any 'travel agent' who is advertising car hire services alternatively. Or, if you don't want airconditioning, take a 'normal' taxi, which will also probably ask for too much if from just outside any five star hotel.

Somebody presently living in Kolkata may be able to suggest good hotels close to the airport here.

Dum Dum still exists, of course, (the airport is Dum Dum/Netaji Subhash Airport, which should give you a hint... it is in the Dum Dum area) but will be changed almost beyond recognition, like the rest of the city.

Must sees (also given your dad's age, so not suggesting any walking tours here) ... your father's old haunts, the Victoria memorial, museum, Park Street, Botanical Gardens... browse the Kolkata section on this forum.

PS Both he and you, in different ways, are going to have to prepare for a 'culture shock'

... in his case because its 40 years, and you for your first India trip. But it will be special.

capt_mahajan · Apr 29th, 2007, 19:03

Just adding that Dum Dum is approximately 20/23 km from the city.

And checkout Taj Bengal HERE

In my opinion, the most comfortable five star hotel in Kolkata.

jyotirmoy · Apr 29th, 2007, 20:46

I would suggest Hotel Hyatt in Salt lake about 20 minutes drive from Dum Dum and airport. Its an interesting journey on which you are embarking. Wish you good luck.

tasuray · May 3rd, 2007, 11:22

Dum Dum is still there but flurished a lot. Pl. give us some more details about your ancestral house. I also leave in Dum Dum area.Dum Dum area is very big place, so provide some more clue.hiring of car is not a big problem.Dum Dum is now included in Kolkata partially though municipalities are different.It is not 20/25 kms.away.

cmdunn1972 · May 3rd, 2007, 17:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_mahajan

And checkout Taj Bengal HERE

In my opinion, the most comfortable five star hotel in Kolkata.

I haven't traveled to Kolkata yet, but my husband is there frequently on business, and he always stays at the Taj. He told me that parts of the Taj are under construction, so if having a quieter room is a priority then ask for a room away from the construction.

Orchid · May 13th, 2007, 06:01

Thank you for your reply. My Dad's home used to be on XXX. I am not sure if any of his family lives there anymore or if that house still exists.

Really appreciate you helping out. I am sorry I could not get back earlier as I was away and my system was also down. Thanks again.

Mod note: You are free to post your email address again, however it might attract spam or unwanted attention, so it's been removed from this post. Members can contact each other via the PM (Private Message) system.

Orchid · May 13th, 2007, 06:06

Jyoti - thank you for suggesting the Hyatt, I was considering it too. From the little I have been able to read from this site the information is overwhelming. I am not too familiar with this site and how the postings work. I am trying to reply to you individually and am unsure if this is actually what is happening.

Orchid · May 13th, 2007, 06:49

Thank you all for all your responses. Really appreciate all your input and apologize for this late response but I had been away and my system was down too.

I am still learning to navigate and use this site. There is a lot of information to absorb. Choosing a hotel seems to be the easiest part of the trip. Traveling in and around the city would be the challenge. I will have to arrange for a car (with AC) and driver for the 10 days I plan to be in Kolkata.

I am looking forward to the visit. I will check out the sights you have mentioned and would love to know some of the nicer places to eat. I believe the sweets are awesome (ras malai specially...yum) and cheese - not sure about that. Any restaurant suggestions would be welcome. I would like to stick to the 5 star restaurants as my system may not be able to handle all the real fun stuff. Thx for all the great information.

noflylist · May 13th, 2007, 07:19

Rasgoolah and chum chum in Calcutta are to die for.

hfot2 · May 13th, 2007, 09:21

You and your father might enjoy Kewpies at 2 Elgin Lane, Calcutta, Phone: 33/2475-9880

They specialize in traditional Bengali food. I am no expert on this, but we had a fine meal there a few months ago. Apparently it is not easy to find Bengali food in Kolkata, and here is a good source for it. On the other hand, you probably are well versed in Bengali food and so will be better able to judge.

Check out:

http://www.waitrose.com/food_drink/w...ia/0111050.asp

It's a bit tricky to find the restaurant, but a taxi should be able to take you to the entrance to Elgin Lane from where it is a short walk down the lane.

We were not able to eat in the original garage, but were taken to the posher place next door by the doorman. We would have been happier in the original place, but that only seemed to cater to natives. Oh well...

distaff half of hfot2

jyotirmoy · May 13th, 2007, 11:23

The lunch & dinner buffet at the Hyatt is excellent value for money and they have a large selection.
Get hold of the ciy telephone directory, there will be one in your hotel room. Start scanning the entries with the surname of the family. First short list the ones with addresses around Dum Dum. Then call them. Prepare a polite enquiry properly phrased. It is better to call on a Sunday morning when the elder male members of the family are present.

Orchid · May 13th, 2007, 12:13

Thx for the link. Interesting to know that John Lewis would have that link. I am very familiar with that name and have shopped there frequently. Will definately try the restaurant. Thanks.

Apr 29th, 2007, 15:34	#1
Orchid Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 25	First trip to Kolkata...need help I am trying to organize a trip with my Dad (85 Yrs old) to locate his family in Kolkata. He has not been back for 40 years!! I have never visited India. I did a little research and figured the Sheraton or Oberoi would be a nice choice of hotels ? We would need transportation to travel in the city, what are my choices ? Can I get a car and driver for hire ? The hotel would probably charge a lot more. My father speaks fluent Bengali so I am sure he can negotiate the deals. His family I think used to stay in an area called Dum Dum ? is it still there ? Is it residential or has it all changed ? This is indeed going to be very interesting as we have no leads at all. I looked online in a phone book and came across over 2000 names to match ours !! Would like to know what are the must see's in Kolkata.

Apr 29th, 2007, 20:46	#6
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,620	Hotel I would suggest Hotel Hyatt in Salt lake about 20 minutes drive from Dum Dum and airport. Its an interesting journey on which you are embarking. Wish you good luck.

May 13th, 2007, 06:01	#9
Orchid Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 25	Thank you for your reply. My Dad's home used to be on XXX. I am not sure if any of his family lives there anymore or if that house still exists. Really appreciate you helping out. I am sorry I could not get back earlier as I was away and my system was also down. Thanks again. Mod note: You are free to post your email address again, however it might attract spam or unwanted attention, so it's been removed from this post. Members can contact each other via the PM (Private Message) system. Last edited by machadinha : May 29th, 2007 at 09:54. Reason: poster's request

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Apr 29th, 2007, 15:42	#2
birds Adopt a stray Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Goa Posts: 541	The new rooms in the New Kenilworth are very good too and somewhat better priced. Good luck with this adventure!

Apr 29th, 2007, 15:48	#3
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,012	I'm sure someone will provide better details (10 years since Iwas last in the then Calcutta) As to hiring a car and driver, you will easily be able to do this from any number of sources expect to pay between 6-12 rupees per kilometer, Depending on the car you hire big/small Ac non Ac. If you hire by the week say, There will be a minimum KM cover. charge. For traveling in the city I suggest that's not really needed though. Have fun, it should be an enlightening experience seeing the ghosts and memories in your Father's eyes as he returns HOME, Enjoy it, for I'm sure it will be special moment between the two of you! Happy Travels

Apr 29th, 2007, 18:50	#4
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,105	If you are going five star, then the Taj Bengal would be my choice. But do consider staying close to the airport, at least at the start since Dum Dum will be on your beat .. not essential, though.(more later) The hotel will arrange a car and driver for you; yes this will be more expensive than arranging it from outside the hotel, but I would take it from there at least initially when you land up, given your father's age and your unfamiliarity with the city. You can go to any 'travel agent' who is advertising car hire services alternatively. Or, if you don't want airconditioning, take a 'normal' taxi, which will also probably ask for too much if from just outside any five star hotel. Somebody presently living in Kolkata may be able to suggest good hotels close to the airport here. Dum Dum still exists, of course, (the airport is Dum Dum/Netaji Subhash Airport, which should give you a hint... it is in the Dum Dum area) but will be changed almost beyond recognition, like the rest of the city. Must sees (also given your dad's age, so not suggesting any walking tours here) ... your father's old haunts, the Victoria memorial, museum, Park Street, Botanical Gardens... browse the Kolkata section on this forum. PS Both he and you, in different ways, are going to have to prepare for a 'culture shock' ... in his case because its 40 years, and you for your first India trip. But it will be special.

Apr 29th, 2007, 19:03	#5
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,105	Just adding that Dum Dum is approximately 20/23 km from the city. And checkout Taj Bengal HERE In my opinion, the most comfortable five star hotel in Kolkata.

May 3rd, 2007, 11:22	#7
tasuray Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kolkata Posts: 310	Dum Dum is still there but flurished a lot. Pl. give us some more details about your ancestral house. I also leave in Dum Dum area.Dum Dum area is very big place, so provide some more clue.hiring of car is not a big problem.Dum Dum is now included in Kolkata partially though municipalities are different.It is not 20/25 kms.away.

May 13th, 2007, 06:06	#10
Orchid Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 25	Jyoti - thank you for suggesting the Hyatt, I was considering it too. From the little I have been able to read from this site the information is overwhelming. I am not too familiar with this site and how the postings work. I am trying to reply to you individually and am unsure if this is actually what is happening.

May 13th, 2007, 06:49	#11
Orchid Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 25	Thank you all for all your responses. Really appreciate all your input and apologize for this late response but I had been away and my system was down too. I am still learning to navigate and use this site. There is a lot of information to absorb. Choosing a hotel seems to be the easiest part of the trip. Traveling in and around the city would be the challenge. I will have to arrange for a car (with AC) and driver for the 10 days I plan to be in Kolkata. I am looking forward to the visit. I will check out the sights you have mentioned and would love to know some of the nicer places to eat. I believe the sweets are awesome (ras malai specially...yum) and cheese - not sure about that. Any restaurant suggestions would be welcome. I would like to stick to the 5 star restaurants as my system may not be able to handle all the real fun stuff. Thx for all the great information.

May 13th, 2007, 07:19	#12
noflylist Account Closed on User's Request Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 840	Rasgoolah and chum chum in Calcutta are to die for.

May 13th, 2007, 09:21	#13
hfot2 MemberS Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Vermont Posts: 515	You and your father might enjoy Kewpies at 2 Elgin Lane, Calcutta, Phone: 33/2475-9880 They specialize in traditional Bengali food. I am no expert on this, but we had a fine meal there a few months ago. Apparently it is not easy to find Bengali food in Kolkata, and here is a good source for it. On the other hand, you probably are well versed in Bengali food and so will be better able to judge. Check out: http://www.waitrose.com/food_drink/w...ia/0111050.asp It's a bit tricky to find the restaurant, but a taxi should be able to take you to the entrance to Elgin Lane from where it is a short walk down the lane. We were not able to eat in the original garage, but were taken to the posher place next door by the doorman. We would have been happier in the original place, but that only seemed to cater to natives. Oh well... distaff half of hfot2

May 13th, 2007, 11:23	#14
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,620	The lunch & dinner buffet at the Hyatt is excellent value for money and they have a large selection. Get hold of the ciy telephone directory, there will be one in your hotel room. Start scanning the entries with the surname of the family. First short list the ones with addresses around Dum Dum. Then call them. Prepare a polite enquiry properly phrased. It is better to call on a Sunday morning when the elder male members of the family are present.

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May 13th, 2007, 12:13	#15
Orchid Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 25	Thx for the link. Interesting to know that John Lewis would have that link. I am very familiar with that name and have shopped there frequently. Will definately try the restaurant. Thanks.