India, Dec. 30 -- A family vacation, an escape from the daily grind, a corporate evening or a destination wedding, Taj Ganga Kutir Resort & Spa, Raichak, on the bank of the Ganga, and easily reached from Kolkata, is ready to cater to all choices.

Thankfully, it was not blustery-as it usually is in these parts of south Bengal in winter-and it was lovely to sit by the open deck adjoining the restaurant behind me.

The tide was just coming in. Although it was not discernible from my perch, I could hear the rising water gently lapping the bank.

The far view dissolved into a muted colour palette-the horizon half hidden by the mist rising from the water and a silhouette of an anchored fishing boat against it.

I could have gazed on this paint...