FAST FACTS:

Area:               88,752 sq km
Population:       80.2 million
Capital:              Kolkata (formerly Calcutta)
Languages Spoken: Bengali
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Cuisine:           Fish, rice and a plethora of milk-based sweets are Bengali specialties.

INTRODUCTION:

West Bengal is bounded on the north by Bhutan and the state of Sikkim, on the east by Bangladesh and the state of Assam, on the south by the Bay of Bengal, on the southwest by the state of Orissa & Jharkhand, on the northwest by Nepal and the state of Bihar and on the south by Bay of Bengal. Its capital, Kolkata is one of the largest and most developed cities in India. The vast majority of the people in West Bengal are the Bengalis. The other communities in the state are Sherpas, Gorkhas and Paharis, residing in the hilly regions of West Bengal.

The mysterious land of West Bengal has many reasons to attract the tourists. The land of rich culture and heritage has a unique feature: it is the only state in India, which has historical sites, forests, beaches, snow-capped mountain ranges and rare wildlife. The state has an unmatched rich cultural treasure. Earlier known as Vanga, history of West Bengal dates back to the times of Gupta dynasty. The state has seen rise and falls of many dynasties and rulers. Bengal came under Islamic rule starting in the 13th century, and developed into a wealthy centre of trade and industry under the Mughal Empire during the 16th century. European traders had arrived in the late 15th century and eventually the British East India Company controlled the region by the late 18th century, from which the British extended their rule over all of India and Kolkata (Calcutta) became the capital of British ruled India.

The home of five Nobel prize winners, West Bengal has produced numerous well known personalities in the history of India. The world famous film director Satyajit Ray ("Lifetime Achievement" Academy Award winner) was also born here. The birthplace of Rabindra Nath Tagore, West Bengal gave birth to innumerable well known poets and writers who enriched the world literature ceaselessly.

The state is home to Sunderbans, a heritage site, which shelters the rare Royal Bengal Tigers. A travel through this state takes one on a ride to varied cultures, languages and landscapes. Hooghly and its tributaries- Mayurakshi, Damodar, Kangsabati and the Rupnarayan, enrich the soils of Bengal. Kolkata is amongst the largest metropolitan cities of world. Some of the sites worth seeing in the state are Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Birla Planeterium, Hazariduar, Howrah Bridge, Sunderbans, Shantiniketan, Mirik and Kalimpong.

 CITIES:

Calcutta Information

Location: The City of Joy is the capital of West Bengal, India.
Tourist Attractions: Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Fort William, Eden Garden, Birla Planetarium, Kali Mandir, Howrah Bridge, Belur Math, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Botanical Garden, Marble Palace, Tagore House, St. Paul's Cathedral.
Best Buys: Silk & Cotton sarees, Handicrafts, Carpets, Jewelry, Shantiniketan style bags, Bengali sweets.
Best Hangouts: Daimond Harbour, Parks & Gardens, Victoria Memorial, Nicco Park.
Should Not Miss : Relish on the cheese based sweets like Sandesh, Rosogolla and Chanar Payesh. Or have some Misti doi (sweetened curd) and Patali gur confectionery (date palm jaggery, only in winters). Also enjoy the spicy Jhalmudi, a speciality of this region.
Best Activities: Have a walk on the Park Street or enjoy the chariot ride near Chowranghee.
Festivals: The world famous Durga Puja is observed in October. Saraswati Puja, a celebration for the goddess of learning in February. Other important festivals are Kali Puja and Diwali.
Nearest Tourist Destinations: Shanti Niketan, Bishnupur and Chandernagar.
When to Visit: October to March

About Kolkata
Kolkata, earlier called as Calcutta, used to be the political capital of India before independence. The city does not have a very old history, as what is Kolkata today, was just a collection of three small villages some 300 years ago. The city, now one of the top four metropolitans of India, was developed by the East India Company following their policy of expansion. Kolkata has some of the finest buildings during the British rule in India. The city is famous for the Howrah bridge, the largest bridge in India, the first metro train in India, for being the hometown of Mother Teresa in India and the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore. Kolkata has a mystical medley of the traditions and modernity.

There is so much to see in this incredible city. The city has different connotations for people. People see it as a city of joy as well as a dirty, crowded, and noisy place. A shoppers paradise, the city has good markets which offer unique novelties on sale. Never to be missed is the exotic Bengali cuisine, which specializes in spicy fish and chicken preparations, along with the globally famous sweets like Sandesh, Rosogolla, Chanar Payesh & Misti Doi. Chinese cuisine is equally popular and is available in the restaurants around the city.

Major Tourist Attractions in Kolkata
Victoria Memorial
A fascinating piece of architecture, which has been converted to a museum, hosts the most memorable artifacts and collectibles from the days of British rule. The building was built from the white marbles of Jodhpur as a memorial to Queen Victoria.

Indian Museum
Established in 1814, the building has beautiful structure. The oldest museum in India, it has one of the rarest collections of archeological importance. Some of the coin in the collection are about 2400 years old.

Eden Garden
The oldest cricket ground of India gets its name from Mrs. Eden, sister of Lord Auckland. The garden has a Burmese pagoda and a band stand. The cricket ground here can accommodate more than 1 lakh people.

Birla Planetarium
its one of the largest planetariums in the world, and a good place to enjoy. Inaugurated on 29th September, 1962, the internal diameter of the tomb is 82 feet. The auditorium has a capacity of 500 and it conducts regular shows in Hindi, English and Bengali.

Howrah Bridge
An excellent example of engineering techniques, the 450 m long bridge hangs without any towers in the river. The bridge is also one of the busiest bridge in the world, catering to around 100,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians. The bridge connects Kolkata and Howrah over river Hooghly.

Shanti Niketan
136 km from Kolkata is the place where Rabindranath Tagore lived and established a university.

 Murshidabad Information

Location: Located 182 Km from Kolkata and 11 Km from Behrampore.
Tourist Attractions: Hazarduari, Bara Imambara, Kathgola, Nasipur palace, Jafraganj Cemetry, Topkhana, Motijheel, Syedabad, Wasif Manzil, Bhavaniswar Temple, Jain Parashnath Temples.
Best Buys: Silk textiles, Baluchari sari, Ivory carvings and handicrafts.
Best Hangouts: Spend a day at Nizamat Quila (popularly called as Hazarduari), an Italian style palace built by the British for Nawab Mirjafar.
Best Activities: Enjoy a boat ride across river Ganges (also called here as Bhagirathi).
Nearest Tourist Destinations: Behrampore, Kolkata.
When to Visit: One should come to the city during October to April as the whether is very pleasant.
Festivals: Muharram is one of the most celebrated festivals. During September, Bera-bhasan is celebrated on Ganga.

About Murshidabad

A city of Nawabs and there splendours, Murshidabad, is situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. The city is a witness to those events which have changed the course of Indian history. The city is close to Plassey, a historic battleground. Named after Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the city is home to some of the best works which depicts the medieval period of Indian history. The British established a military barrack here in 1767. In 1857, Sepoy Mutiny had taken birth in these Barrack grounds. A memorial has also been erected on 15th August 1957 in the ground. The old houses of the British army have now been converted into hospitals and govt. offices, courts. The Circuit House here was once used by Robert Clive and Warren Hastings. The city is also famous for its raw silk and silk products. Ivory products and handicrafts are also a good buy here.

Major Tourist Attractions in Murshidabad
The Hazarduari Palace
Spread in 41 acres, the Hazarduari Palace, (palace with thousand doors) is a chief tourist attraction of Murshidabad. The palace was constructed by Duncan Macleod in 1837. The palace was built in typicaI European style of architecture. The palace has been converted to a museum, which holds a collection of armoury, paintings, portraits of the Nawabs, Ivory works of China and many other valuables. There are also the vintage cars, used by the Nawabs, in the museum.

Nasipur Palace
The palace was built by King Kirtich and Bahadur in late 19th century. Within the palace compound are temples: the Ramachandra temple and the Lakshmi-Narayana temple. Closely situated is the Ashram of Mohandas and Jafraganj Deuri. The two cannons present here are said to be gifted to Mir Jafar by Clive.

Motijheel
Motijheel is a lake, located 3 km from Hazarduari. The lake stands in front of a beautiful three-storeyed palace, built by Nawab Naoajes Mohammad Khan. People say, treasures of the Nawab are still buried in the lake. This place was also called 'Company Bagh' as it was occupied by the East India Company.

Kath-gola
Kath-gola is palace built by a Jain businessman. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The palace has some of the rarest collections of the luxurious western items of that age. In 1873, the famous Adinath Temple was built by Harreck Chand. The temple has beautifully designed walls. The temple is also a major tourist attraction.

ATTRACTIONS:
Victoria Memorial Museum
 

On his princely excursion to Kolkata (Calcutta) in 1906, George V laid the foundation stone of this fascinating piece of architecture. The idea behind this monument was by Lord Curzon, in memory of Queen Victoria. The Memorial, which has Italian style of statue designs and Mughal styled domes, was designed by Sir William Emerson. The structure got completed in 1921. Special white Makrana marbles from Jodhpur were brought for the building. The dome of the building is made of bronze and it symbolizes victory. The total cost of construction of this monument crossed the figure of Rupees one crore but was entirely derived from their voluntary subscriptions. The building got converted to a museum later. The museum hosts some of the classical Western and Indian paintings, old Lithographs and postal stamps, Mughal miniatures, rare books, manuscripts, armours, coins, sketches and sculpture. The 25 galleries in a chamber beneath the dome, house several statues and busts of Queen Mary, George V and Queen Victoria.

The Architecture
The 184 ft high building makes the base for the dome of Victory, which is another 16 ft high. The other figures represent Motherhood, Prudence, Learning, Art, Architecture, Justice, Charity etc. The memorial spans around a 64 acres of land, comprising of lawns, ponds, shrubbery and herbaceous borders, while the building covers 338 ft by 228ft. The main architect of the building, Sir William Emerson had already worked in India and had designed the famous Crawford Markets in Mumbai (1865) and the splendid All Saints Cathedral in Allahabad (1893). He took Vincent J. Esch as his assistant.


As one walk up around the museum, the bronze Victoria on her throne, or the bronze Edward VII on his horse, or the marble Curzon looking very stern can be seen. The entrance arches soar through two high storeys, with its entire rambling dominated by a colonnaded dome and capped by three tons of bronzed and victorious angel. One of the external sculptures on the north side depicts a lion's head with water flowing out of it and passing into four troughs representing the four great Indian rivers - the Ganges, the Krishna, the Indus and the Jamuna (Yamuna).

 Other Attractions near the Victoria Memorial
In the city of Kolkata, the famous Indian Museum, which was established 1814, can be visited. One of oldest museum of Asia, it has the rarest collections of archeological importance. Some of the coin in the collection are about 2400 years old. India's oldest cricket ground, Eden Garden, is also in this city. Birla Planetarium, one of the largest planetariums in the world is a good place to enjoy. The auditorium has a capacity of 500 and it conducts regular shows in Hindi, English and Bengali. An excellent example of engineering techniques, the 450 m long Howrah bridge hangs over the Hooghly river without any towers. One of the busiest bridges in the world, it is a not-to-be-missed site

HILL STATIONS:

Mirik Information

Location: 55 kms from Siliguri, and 60 Km from New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.
Tourist Attractions: The Sumendu Lake, Rameetay Dara, Deosi Dara, Rai Dhap, Debi Sthan, Dudia, Sandakphu, Phalut.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : New Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong.
When to visit: The temperature in Mirik is pleasant throughout the year, making it an all-season tourist spot.

About Mirik
Small and unspoilt hill resort, Mirik, is a perfect place to leave all the heat and dust of the plains. An untouched beauty, Mirik enjoys the reputation of being the youngest hill-station of India. The place is situated around the Sumendu lake. The beauty of Kanchanjunga can be witnessed from the city. The peace and serenity offered by Mirik attracts tourists. The fabulous environment acts as magic on the senses of the tourists. Situated 5800 ft above sea level and scarcely populated, Mirik is free from pollution. The Sumendu lake is a major attraction. Watching the huge Kanchanjunga while boating is an indelible experience. Rameetay Dara and Deosi Dara are two hill-tops near the lake from where the view is terrific. Mirik is also famous for its Orange orchards, Apple orchards, Cardamom orchards and tea gardens. One can take tour of these plantations. The climate of Mirik is very pleasant throughout the year.

Major Tourist Attractions in Mirik
Sumendu Lake
This man made lake is the major attraction in Mirik. The Sumendu Lake is wrapped in forested ridge and a flower garden and has a floating fountain in its center. The Sumendu Lake is ideal for boating, while watching Kanchanjunga top.

Singha Devi Temple
The temple of Singha Devi (Devi Sthan) is situated near the Sumendu lake. The temple is visited by most of the tourists.

Dudia
A very famous picnic spot, Dudia is located 30 Km from Mirik. It is famous for the natural beauty which surrounds it.

Activities
For the adventure seekers treks from Mirik to Sandakphu, Phalut, Kurseong via Balasan River and Namsu are possible. While others would like to take a trip in the dense forests of Pine, cardamom and the orange either on foot or on hired ponies. Rameetay Dara is an ideal hilltop for watching the sunrise and the sunset.

Darjeeling Information

Location: Located 90 Km from Bagdogra, West Bengal.
Tourist Attractions: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Natural History Museum, Sister Nivedita Memorial, The Lebong Race Track, Sree Mandir, Lloyd Botanical Gardens, Victoria Falls, Ava Art Gallery, Tiger Hill, Senchal Lake, Jalapahar.
Best Buys : Curios, Carpets, Darjeeling Tea.
Best Activities : Stroll around in the natural surroundings and watch the magnificent sun rise from the Tiger Hill.
Nearest Tourist Destinations : New Jalpaiguri, Sikkim.
When to Visit: April to Mid-June and Mid September to November

About Darjeeling

The 'Dream-land of the East', Darjeeling gets its name from Dorje (Thunderbolt) and Ling (Place). One of the most popular hillstations of India, Darjeeling is strategically very important due to its proximity with Nepal and Bhutan borders. The hill station was popularised from the times of British rule. Every year at the start of summer, the Viceroys of India would move to Darjeeling. The British developed Darjeeling into a pleasant resort. The tea plantations started here in 1840s. Covering an area of 1,200 sq. miles and surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, its a fascinating place rich in natural beauty. Some of the most beautiful tea estates are here. The Kanchenjunga peak can be seen from the town. There are many Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. A trekkers paradise, The Gorkha hill council has provided ample trekking facilities for the adventure loving tourists.

Major Tourist Attractions near Darjeeling
Natural History Museum
The Museum contains a comprehensive collection of the fauna of the region. The specimens of all birds' species, reptiles and animals found here are displayed. The butterfly and beetle section merits a special mention.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Institute is one of the most visited places in Darjeeling. The institute was started after Tenzing Norgay conquered Mt. Everest in 1953 and mountaineering got recognition as a serious sport. It commands a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga.

The Lebong Race Track
8 Km from Darjeeling, this race course is the highest and smallest track in the world. Under the management of the Gymkhana Club, races are held here during the military parades.

Tiger Hill
11 km from the Darjeeling and at an elevation of 2,590 m, lies the famous Tiger Hill. The view of sunrise from the top of hill is an unforgottable scene. It also provides a fine view of the mighty Everest and Kanchenjunga peaks.

Activities
Trekking and rock-climbing are among the most favourite activities of the tourists here. River Rafting got started here in 1991 in the icy cold waters of the rugged Teesta River. Or one can go for jungle safari in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary or Rain Forests of Dooars, which are home to the Asiatic Elephants and Rhinos

 Kalimpong Information

Location: Located 80 Km from Bagdogra, West Bengal.
Tourist Attractions: Thongsha Gumpa, Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery, Tharpa Choling Monastery, Nature Interpretation Centre, St.Theresa Church, Mangal Dhaam, Pedong, Lava, Lolegaon, Samthar Plateau.
Best Buys: Buddhist Thankas, hand beaten silver, Bhutanese weaves, Chinese lamps, Lepcha daggers, masks, local cheddar-type cheese
Best Activities: Stroll around in the natural surroundings.
Nearest Tourist Destinations: Darjeeling, Sikkim, New Jalpaiguri.
When to visit: March to June and Mid September to November

About Kalimpong
Set in the foot-hills of the giant Himalayas, amidst lush green environment, Kalimpong offers amazing views of snow capped mountain peaks. Situated at an altitude of about 1250 m and cradled between Durpin and Delo Hill, Kalimpong has a moderate climate. Kalimpong means the fort of the King's minister. The name was established when this place was under control of Bhutan. In 1865, under the treaty of Sinchula, Kalimpong was handed to British. The Britishers developed this place as a centre for wool trade with Tibet. A healthy mix of Buddhism, along with Hinduism and Christianity can be seen here. Gumpas, Churches, temples, monks and missionaries coexist here peacefully. The markets here are full of Buddhist Thankas, hand beaten silver, Bhutanese weaves, Chinese lamps, Lepcha daggers, masks, local cheddar-type cheese and lollypops.

Major Tourist Attractions in Kalimpong
Pedong
Situated 24 kms from Kalimpong, it has a Bhutanese monastery built in 1837.

Lava
On the old route to Bhutan, 34 kms away and surrounded by pine forests is Lava. It is home to a lovely Bhutanese monastery and a Nature
Interpretation Centre. The place is gate to the Neora National Park.

Lolegaon
Lolegaon or Kapher is 25 kms from Lava, along a lovely forest drive. It has a heritage forest and a view point for snow ranges of Singalila Range.

St.Theresa Church
The beautiful church has a Buddhist influence. It was built by local craftsmen. The wall carvings depicts Buddhist monks. It is an interesting an interesting example of Tibetan influences.

Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery
This place has the original 108 volumes of Kanguyar, consecrated by Dalai Lama himself, before he left Tibet in 1976. Also the place offers excellent view point for snow and valley views.

Activities
Trekking through the Neora National Park to witness the exclusive flora and fauna of the region and reaching the 3,152 m high Rache- La tri-junction, to view the Chola Range. Explore Rishi Valley, its remote waterfalls, which is an experience to remember. Or go out on an excursion to Samthar Plateau for 2 to 3 days amidst nature. Trek to hidden valleys, enjoy at river pools, explore the forests, feel the village lifestyles, meet the locals and practice the songs and dance.

WILDLIFE:

West Bengal Wildlife

West Bengal has the best of wildlife preservation centres. Sunderbans, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Raijang Bird Sanctuary are home to many endangered species of animals and birds. West Bengal has a distinction of sheltering more than 270 Royal Bengal tigers. The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary hosts second highest number of Indian Rhinos in India, after the Kaziranga in Assam. West Bengal’s wildlife offers a fascinating diversity of terrain, flora and fauna. It is a delight for nature lovers. The Sunderbans have been declared a world heritage site.

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread in vast 114 sq km area is the Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary in northern part of West Bengal. The entire sanctuary lies in a level flood plain. Jaldapara Sanctuary holds the largest expanse of terai grasslands in North Bengal intersected with riverine forests, dry-mixed forests and wet-forests. The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary was constituted in the year 1943 for the protection of wild life, particularly single horned Rhinos. It is a paradise for animal lovers and bird-watchers. The sanctuary is famous for One-horned Rhinos and the Royal Bengal Tigers. In winters, it becomes a favored destination for the migratory birds. The western part of the sanctuary is crossed by river Torsa, while the eastern stretch is drained by river Malangi. Torsa river rises in Tibet and flows across Bhutan before entering the Brahmaputra. Since the whole area is on the flood plains, floods can be serious, with entire forests washed downstream. The whole park can be seen on a thrilling Elephant-safari, organized from Hollong. Jeep safaris are also organised inside the sanctuary.

Wildlife Attractions in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
The Fauna
The sanctuary is home to the Great Indian rhinoceros. A small population of the Royal Bengal Tiger is also here. Sloth bear, Swamp deer, Bison, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac, Chital Hog Deer, Leopard, Asiatic Elephant are the major species of mammals present here. The park holds maximum number of rhino population in India after Kajiranga National Park in Assam.

The Flora
The sanctuary consists mainly of riverine forests, with grasslands, maintained by burning and flooding. Cassia grass is the widely spread of new riverine accretions. Found mainly on sandy soils, it can be encountered in clay pockets. The Sal trees are also found on the east banks of river Malangi. The sanctuary is covered with innumerable species of shrubs and trees

The Avifauna
The sanctuary is a haven for bird watcher, especially in the winters, when the migratory birds flock here. The sanctuary is supposed to be the land of Bengal Florican. The other birds found here are the Crested Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Shikra, Jungle fowl, Peafowl, Patridges, Bengal Florican and Pied Hornbill.

The Park Trip
The sanctuary can be best viewed on an adventurous elephant safari. The Jeep safaris are also arranged in the park. The sights of rhino in a muddy pond, the herd of elephants or the running deer are the thrilling experiences in Jaldapara.

 THE WILDLIFE OF BENGAL:

Sunderbans - A World Heritage Site

General Information

Rediscover the natural treasures

Ever thought of spending a whole day in the midst of mud clad crocodiles, hopping Cheetals and majestic Royal Bengals! If not, then come to Sunderbans.

A World Heritage Site (awarded by UNESCO in ’97) that evokes the feeling of an animal lover in you. Where after a close encounter with the wild you can spend the adventurous night in the launch under the shooting stars.

Situated on the lower end of the Gangetic West Bengal, 22.00° N – 89.00° E, is this world’s largest delta covered by mangrove forest and vast saline mud flats. A land of 54 tiny islands, crisscrossed by innumerable tributaries of Ganga, that was once infested by Arakanese and Portuguese pirates is now the abode of varied flora & fauna population. An area of 9630 sq. km., where 70 percent is under saline water makes the life of commoners, mostly honey-catchers, prawn-catchers and fishermen, very difficult. This is Sunderbans, the world’s largest estuarine forest.

The undiscovered greenery

Sunderbans, the place that owes its name to Sundari trees, consist of a large flora population like Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan and Kankra. Apart from these trees, impenetrable Goran trees between 1.8 mtr. & 3.6 mtr. high covers almost the entire region. One of the most remarkable feature of this place is the bayonet like roots of mangrove forests that stick out above the water level.

Nature apart, if you want to feel the essence of spirituality then this is the place to be. A place of Ma Bonobibi (the goddess of the forest) to Shiber Kumir (Lord Shiva’s Crocodile) or from Dakshinaroy (an ogre, the ancestor of all tigers) to Kapil Muni (an incarnation of Vishnu).

 A land ruled by 269 Royals

The land that is inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers is not far from Calcutta. You can explore unknown wildlife of Sunderbans that harbour jungle cats, fishing cats, Axis deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkeys, mongooses and the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.

Sunderbans is the breeding ground of immense variety of birds like Heron, Egret, Cormorant, Fishing Eagle, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Seagul, Tern, Kingfisher as well as migratory birds like Whimprel, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Eastern Knot, Curlew, Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Pintail, White-eyed Pochard and also Whistling teal. Come and discover wide variety of aquatic and reptile life forms that include Olive Ridley sea turtle, hardshelled Batgur Terrapin, Pythons, King cobra, Chequered killback, Monitor and lizards including the Salvator lizards.

The Dooars

The forested areas of Northern West Bengal present a plethora of Wildlife.

Imagine a stretch of land 130 km. long by 48 km. wide where nature has lavished all her bounties. And you know it’s Dooars.

Here, an unending stretch of virgin forests is crisscrossed by the river Teesta and her innumerable tributaries. Beautiful motorable roads cut through deep forests, rich with wildlife. Mauve hills stand at the end of velvet green plains. The forests echo with the melody of birds. In between, there are fabulous wildlife sanctuaries with picture-postcard, log cabin lodges and valleys carpeted with tea gardens

Jaldapara

Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary situated in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District in West Bengal is about 124 km from Siliguri. This sanctuary was constituted in the year 1941 for the protection of Wild Life, particularly one-horned rhinos, an animal threatened with extinction.

River Toorsa runs through the Sanctuary. The forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grasses. The wild life, in addition to one-horned rhinos, consists of Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, deers, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer and hog deer, wild pig, bisons and a number of birds, peafowls. Elephant ride is arranged for viewing of wild life preferably at dawn.

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Dooars, is the habitat of the rare one-horned rhinoceros, the mighty bison, the spotted deer, the barking deer, huge tuskers, fearsome wild boars and a variety of birds and animals. Elephant safaris can be enjoyed at the Sanctuary.

HERITAGE OF BENGAL:

MURSHIDABAD

 A quiet town on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, Murshidabad has stood witness to events that changed the course of Indian history. Capital during the reign of Siraj-ud-daula, the Nawab of Bengal, Murshidabad was also a flourishing trading town between inland India and the port of Calcutta.

Places Of Interest:

There are many places of interest here.

Nimak Haram Deohri (Traitor’s Gate) is the place where Siraj-ud-daula was assassinated after the battle of Plassey.

Khusbagh (Garden of Happiness) is a boat ride across the river, where Siraj is buried.

Hazarduari (Palace of a Thousand Doors) is built in classical architectural style. Now a museum, the palace houses, among other artifacts, the Nawab's silver throne, ivory sofa and ivory palanquins.

Other important landmarks are the Great Imambara, Moti Jhil (Pearl Lake) and the impressive ruins of Katra Mosque, built in 1723, and Medina Mosque.

Nizamatkila, an Italian style palace of Nawab Mir Jafar, stands beside Bhagirathi river.

The Jain Parasnath Temple is at Kathgola.

Another interesting palace is Wasif Manzil, with its unique collection of curios, paintings, arms and costumes.

The Char Bangla Temple at Baranagore was built in the 18th century by Rani Bhavani.

The Bhavaniswar Temple, too, is one of the finest examples of terracotta sculpture in West Bengal. It is located 23 km from Murshidabad.

Specialities:

Besides the crumbling mansions and cemeteries of the English and Dutch settlements, Murshidabad is famous for raw silk (tussar) production. The Government Silk Research Centre is located here.

Exquisite ivory carvings, gleaming brassware and traditional handicrafts are the other specialties of the town.

Bankura :

Bankura is a district to the north of the Dhaleswari (Dhalkisor) river. 185 km from Calcutta, Bankura town is actually the centre for transportation within the district. Situated at a major Grand Trunk Road and rail junction, the district is an agricultural distributing centre. Rice and oilseed milling, cotton weaving, metal ware manufacture, and railway workshops are the major industries.

Places Of Interest:

Though the place has very little historical significance, there are a number of temples and places which are noteworthy.The Raghunath Mandir, built in 1639 with terracotta sculpture, the Ekteshwar Mandir, the Methodist Missionary Church and the Christian College are some of them. Mukutmanipur, Bishnupur, Jhilmil are the main spots of attraction.

Specialities:

A district with high percentage of tribal population, Bankura is famous for music, art (the famous terracotta Bankura horse) and culture.

HOOGHLY

The heritage trail of West Bengal leads to the district of Hooghly, 47 km north of Kolkata. This historical district abounds in relics of foreign settlers – the British and Portuguese at Hooghly, the Dutch at Chinsurah, the French at Chandannagore, the Germans and Austrians at Bhadreswar. The Portuguese settled here in 1537, but were routed out by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, in 1632. The British East India Company also established a factory here in 1651.

Places Of Interest:

There are many places of historical interest in the district.

Antpur: At Antpur, only 62 km away from Calcutta, there is a profusion of temples built mostly by Krishnaram Mitra, a local jamindar during the eighteenthlcentury. The most prominent of these is the one built in 1786 and dedicated to the family deity Radha-Govinda. It is a large ‘atchala’ structure with an attached ‘charchala mandap’ in front known as the ‘Jagamohan’, both placed on a high platform approached by stairs. The outer walls of the ‘Jagamohan’ and the exposed parts of the front wall of the main temple are embellished with exquisite terracotta panels representing episodes from the Epics and the Puranas and scenes of contemporary life and society. Coloured mural paintings cover the interior of the roof of the ‘Jagamohan’. Beside the main temple are the ‘Dolmancha’ and ‘Rasmancha’ of Radha-Govinda and the temples of Gangadhara, Fuleswara, Rameswara, Jaleswara and Baneswara. The ‘Chandimandap’ is another object of interest at Antpur in that the structure is one of the very few of its kind extant in West Bengal depicting fine artistry in wood.

It was at the village home of Baburam Ghosh (later Swami Premananda) at Antpur that swami Vivekananda and eight other disciples of Sri Ramakrishna took a vow of ‘Sannyasa’. The Ramakrishna-Premananda Ashram of Antpur has built a temple on the birth-place of Swami Pramananda.

Bansberia was one of the main villages of ancient Saptagram. The temples of Ananta Vasudeva and Hanseswari are famous here. The Vasudeva temple is constructed in the traditional ekaratna style with curved cornices and an octagonal tower. Hanseswari temple has a unique architectural style. There are thirteen minars, each shaped like a lotus bud, and the inner layout follows the human anatomy!

Bandel: The relics of the Portuguese settlement at Bandel are the Church and the Monastery. Built around 1660 by the Portuguese. Bandel Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in West Bengal. The Church is dedicated to Nossa Senhora di Rozario. The keystone of an older church with the year 1599 on it adorns the riverside gate of the monastery attached to it. An important railway junction of the Eastern Railway, Bandel is 43 km from Calcutta and attracts tourists throughout the year.


Chandernagore: 37 km away from Calcutta, Chandernagore was once a French colony. It is a beautifully laid out town on the bank of the river Hooghly with a lovely promenade that is ideal for strolls. The churches, the convent and the residence of the French Administrator along the strand are interesting buildings left by the French.


Kamarpukur, Jairambati: The eminence of Kamarpukur stems from the fact that it is the native village of Sri Ramkrishna who was born here of February 17, 1836. The Ramakrishna Math and Mission have a erected a memorial temple on the sport of his birth. The annual birth-day celebration of Sri Ramakrishna is the principal festival of the village. Regular bus services connect Kamarpukur with Arambagh and Vishnupur. Jairambato, the place of birth of Sri Ma Saradamoni, the consort of Sri Ramkrishna, in the district of Bankura, is quite near Kamarpukur.


Tarakeswar: Tarakeswar is a renowned place of pilgrimage and the greatest centre of the Shaiva sect in West Bengal. 58 km away from Calcutta, Tarakeswar can be reached conveniently by train. The principal attraction is the temple of Taraknath, an 'atchala' structure with a 'natmandir' in front. Close by are the shrines of Kali and Lakshmi-Narayan. Dudhpukur, a tank to the north of the Shiva temple is believed to fulfill the prayers of those taking a dip in it.

Pilgrims visit the temple throughout the year, especially on Mondays. But thousands of pilgrims visit Tarakeswar on the occasions of 'Shivaratri' and 'Gajan', the former taking place in Falgun (Feb-March) while the latter lasts for five days ending on the last day of Chaitra (mid-April). The month of Sravana (mid-July to mid-August) is auspicious for Shiva when celebrations are held on each Monday.

Chinsurah was a Dutch settlement from 1656 to 1825. It was later exchanged by the Dutch for the British-held Indonesian island of Sumatra in 1825. Fort Gustavus, a church, three barracks and many old tombs stand testimony to the bygone days. Chandannagore, a former French colony, is a beautifully laid out town, on the banks of the river Hooghly. The churches, convent and the French Administrator’s residence are the points of interest here.

The famous Imambara at Hooghly was established by Hazi Mohammad Mohsin in 1836. The gateway is flanked by lofty minarets, the walls are decorated with texts from the Koran and the interior has rich carvings and inlaid marble motifs. Further away is Belur Math, headquarters of the Ramkrishna Mission. The evening aarti (light ceremony) is worth watching here. Across the river is the beautiful Dakshineswar Kali Temple.

Formerly known as Fedricnagar, Serampur was the seat of missionary activity from 1793 to 1834. It holds an important place in Bengal’s history. It was a Danish settlement till East India Company took over in 1845. The house of the Danish Governor, the Roman Catholic Church and St Olaf Churchstill stands here. There is also a museum in Serampur College with exhibits about the missionaries, Dr Williams Carey, Ward and Marshman and their activties.

Fairs & Festivals:

Mahesh, 3 km from Serampur, has a very old Jagannath Temple, where the annual car festival is held in June / July each year.

Malda

Malda, located 365 km north of Calcutta, was formerly known as English Bazaar. An English factory was established here in 1771. Malda is a base for visiting Gaur and Pandua. Gaur, capital to three dynasties of ancient Bengal – the Buddhist Palas, the Hindu Senas and the Muslim Nawabs – has seen three distinct eras of glory. Pandua, once the alternate seat of power to Gaur, has the third largest concentration of Muslim monuments in Bengal.

Places Of Interest:

There is a museum at Malda that houses the archaeological finds at Gaur and Pandua.

Gaur: Historical relics of 14^th and 15^th century Bengal particularly worth seeing are the Bara Sona Mosque, Dakhil Darwajah (built in 1425), Qadam Rasul Mosque, Lattan Mosque and the ruins of the extensive fortification. There are colourful enamelled tiles on the Gomti Gate and Firoz Minar.

Pandua: The impressive Muslim architecture includes the vast Adina Mosque built in 1369 by Sikander Shah. It was one of the largest mosques in India, built over a Hindu temple, and has 378 small domes. Nearby is the Eklakhi mausoleum (built at a princely cost of one lakh rupees) and several smaller mosques.

Specialities:

Malda is now famous for Fajli mango orchards.

VISHNUPUR:

Vishnupur (the distance from Kolkata is 132 kms), now the headquarters of the subdivision of the same name in Bankura district, is a seat of crafts and culture.For almost a thousand years it was the capital of the Malla kings of Mallabhum, of which Bankura was a part, till their power waned during the times when Mughal rule weakened under the last monarchs of the dynasty.

The patronage of Malla king Veer Hambir and his successors Raja Raghunath Singha and Veer Singha made Vishnupur one of the principal centres of culture in Bengal. Most of the exquisite terracotta temples for which town is justly famous were built during this period.Apart from the unique architecture of the period, Vishnupur is also famous for its terracotta craft and its own Baluchari sarees made of tussar silk.Royal patronage also gave rise to Vishnupuri gharana (school) of Hindustani classical music and the Vishnupur school of painting.

Places Of Interest:

Vishnupur is famous for its beautiful terracotta temples and artifacts. There are many such temples which stand testimony to the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans of the region. We take a brief look at some of them:

Rasmancha: Oldest brick temple. Built in the late 16th century by King Beera Hambira. The temple has an unusual elongated pyramidical tower, surrounded by hut-shaped turrets.

Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Rai: Built in 1643 by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with terracotta carvings featuring aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.

Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Rai: Built by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in the 17th century. The ornate terracotta carvings are set off by the roof in the classic chala style of Bengal architecture.

Madanmohan Temple: King Durjana Singh Deva built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style, a square flat-roofed building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.

Specialities:

Terracotta is the benchmark of Vishnupur. Apart from the temples, terracotta pottery, artifacts and even jewellery made in this very traditional material is famous. The potters here derive their inspiration from the glorious history of kings, soldiers and wars. A school of music, root of the Vishnupur Gharana, was established here in 1370 A.D. Vishnupur is also known for its silk (tussar), particularly the Baluchari Sarees. Woven on unusual punch-card looms, these sarees have episodes from the Mahabharata woven into the border and pallu. Bellmetalware, conch-shell jewellery is also available here.

Festivals & Fairs:

There is a snake festival in August and the Vishnupur fair in December.

SHANTINIKETAN:

Shantiniketan - a school in the traditional gurukul system founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1901. Tagore’s vision was a world where man exists in perfect harmony with nature. Shantiniketan – the abode of peace- is a fruition of this vision.

Places Of Interest:

Shantiniketan is the embodiment of serenity and peace, far removed from the concrete jungle. Here imposing sculptures of Ram Kinkar greet you at every turn of the road. Paintings of Nandalal, Abanindranath and Binod Bihari captivate your senses.

Uttarayan, the complex where Rabindranath lived, has a museum and art gallery.

Visva Bharati University at Shantiniketan, 2 km from the nearest railway station Bolpur, is now a centre of international studies and culture. The university is also open to visitors.

58 km from Shantiniketan is Bakreswar, famous for its natural hot springs.

Specialities:

Three km from Shantiniketan is Sriniketan, a centre for traditional handicrafts like batik (on leather, cloth and silk), pottery, weaving kantha embroidery and dokra tribal handicrafts.

Festivals & Fairs:

Paus Mela, which starts on the 7th day of the Bengali calender month of Paus, is the most important annual festival of Shantiniketan. It is a colourful festival – a meeting ground for the rural and urban milieu

BARDHAMAN:

Burdwan also called BARDHAMAN, or BARDDHAMAN - a major communications centre lying astride the Banka River just north of the Damodar River. Rice and oilseed milling and hosiery, cutlery, and tool manufacturing are the chief industries.

In the 17^th-18^th century, Krishnaram Ray, belonging to a merchant family from Punjab, established the zamindari of Bardhaman on a farman issued by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The rays went on to rule Bardhaman till 1955.

Places of Interest:

Curzon Gate: The majestic Curzon Gate, now known as Vijay Toran, was erected in 1903 in Lord Curzon’s honour. The Royal Palace is situated one km from the gate.

Tomb of Sher Afghan: This tomb of Sher Afgan, the last of the Afghan jagirdars in Bardhaman, is located at Pir Beharam in Kanchannagar.

Golapbag: The garden of roses, which also has beautiful water tanks.

Hawa Mahal: A place of major tourist attraction.

Kalna: Kalna is the confluence of the Shakta and the Vaishnava forms of worship and is only 25 km from Nabadwip. Kalna is well-connected by rail and road. 77 km from Calcutta, ‘Ambika Kalna’ was the summer residence of the Rajas of Bardhaman. The temples at Kalna are built of bricks with intricate terracotta designs.

Temples:

Unique among the temples are the ornate Palki Krishna Chanraji Temple and the Pratapeswar Temple, a 108 temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples are divided into two circles with black and white lingas. Not to be missed are the Lalji Temples with 25 spires and the Ambika Temple.

NADIA:

Places of Interest:

Mayapur: Connected by bus services from Krishnanagar and Calcutta and a ferry ride across the Bhagirathi river from Nabadwip, Mayapur is the headquarters of ISKCON.

Chandroday Temple: The temple, set amidst a garden, is a picturesque sight. There are quite a few big and small temples also. 139 km from Calcutta, this temple is well connected by rail and road.

Nabadwip: 19 km from Krishnanagar and 120 km north from Calcutta, stands on the banks of the Bhagirathi river. The great social reformer and saint Sri Chaitanya was born here in 1486. Nabadwip is the seat of the Vaishnava culture in Bengal and an ancient centre of Sanskrit studies.

Sonargouranga, the temple with the golden statue of Sri Chaitanya, is the most important shrine here. There is a profusion of temples, each one worth a visit. Nabadwip remains an important pilgrimage centre in Bengal. Nabadwip is connected by bus and rail service from Calcutta.

Krishnanagar: 118 km north from Calcutta, Krishnanagar on the banks of Jalangi river was the residence of Maharaja Krishnachandra, a great patron of art and culture.

Places worth visiting at Krishnanagar:

Rajbari: (Royal Palace) with a beautiful Durga temple in the courtyard. Every year, the famous Jhulan Mela is celebrated around the Rajbari in the July / August months and Baro Dol in March / April.

Roman Catholic Church: The church is famous for its architectural and sculptural splendour. There are 27 oil paintings describing the life of Jesus Christ. Of special mention are the wooden sculptures by Italian artists.

Others include the College Bhavan (1846), The Public Library (1856), the Krishnanagar Academy and the Protestant Church. The clay models / figurines crafted here are collectors’ items. Connected by rail and road from Calcutta.

BEACHES OF BENGAL:

DIGHA:

The Southern West Bengal is endowed with the most famous beach on the eastern coast of India – Digha. The beach town of Digha is famous all over for flat, hard beaches. The beauty of this place was discovered as early as the days of Warren Hastings. Digha was known as Beercool at that time. Digha beach is girdled with casuarina plantations along the coast. The sea is calm and shallow for about a mile from the beach making it quite safe for swimming

Excursion

Chandaneswar

An old Siva Temple, 8 km. from Digha. Also Lankeswari (14 km.) and Kapal Kundala Temple (45 km.) famous for an ancient temple associated with Bankimchandra's novel Kapal Kundala. near Contai may be visited.

Shankarpur

Shankarpur, a virgin beach as yet, is a recent discovery. It is a twin beach of Digha, around 10 km. from it. It offers nearly all the pleasures of a private beach. This beach too is cupped with casuarina plantations.

Shankarpur is only 14 km. east of Digha, along the Digha-Contai Road. It is also a regular fishing harbour.

Shankarpur is now developed as a sea resort with hotels, tourist lodges and other facilities.

Mandarmani

Picnic Resort. 20 kms from Chaulkhola on Kolkata-Digha route

Junput

Junput fish firm 40 km from Digha by bus, it also has a beautiful sea beach  with a change at Contai. The place offers beautiful sea-view and lines of casuarina trees. The beach is unspoilt. Brackish water fish cultivation and research are done here by the State Government Fisheries Department.

Frazerganj

The white sand beach is entirely different from the other beaches. It is pristine pure and holds the charms of a beach unspoilt. It can be accessed from Calcutta, and is a three hours drive on very good roads. The destination is also all too famous for the migratory birds that can be sighted over there

Sagardwip

A lovely destination combining pilgrimage and fun, situated on an island in the Sunderban, holds the charms of a completely unspoilt beach on the estuary of the mighty Ganga. Sagardwip presents a quiet, silvery expanse of beach and the calm sea provides the perfect setting for a quiet weekend.

From Diamond Harbour one has to travel to Kakdwip (30 km. past Diamond Harbour), then to Herwood Point (Lot No. 8), cross the ferry to the other side of the river Muriganga. The other side is Kachuberia. From Kachuberia, a journey by bus, minibus or trekker to Sagar Island. West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation runs direct buses between Esplanade and Lot No. 8 and ferry vessels across the river.

On Makar Sankranti day in winter (mid-January), pilgrims from all over India congregate at Sagardwip to take a holy dip at the confluence of the river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal. After the holy dip, they offer ‘Puja’ at the nearby ashram associated with the legendary sage Kapil Muni. This has been a famous pilgrim centre from the ancient times. Gangasagar Mela, held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti is the largest fair in West Bengal.

The lighthouse at Sagardwip provides a panoramic view of the surroundings.

Bakkhali

 It is so near Calcutta and yet so very different from the bustling metropolis that is Calcutta. Bakkhali is only 132 km from Calcutta. From Calcutta to Namkhana by bus (105 km.), then a short diversion by the ferry across the Hatania Doania river, and then another hour and a half bus journey to Bakkhali. En rout, there is Diamond Harbour (48 km from Calcutta) where there is a comfortable Tourist Lodge for accommodation.

At Bakkhali, the beach is long and sandy, the waves twinkling in the sunlight. Dense casuarina groves drape the beach. Red fiddler crabs march in line on the beach.

HILLS OF BENGAL

Most states in India are fortunate to have one hill resort. But West Bengal the gateway to the Eastern Himalaya is surrounded by them.

The East Himalaya :  simply out of this world

A land of infinite charm with breath taking views of Kanchanjunga, bewildering variety of flora and fauna, colourful festivals, bush green tea gardens, inching adventure spots, laundry trekking rocks, perfect solitude. All this makes the East Himalayas your chosen destination.

The Land

The East Himalayas comprise the hill tracts of northern West Bengal, Sikkim and the broad green fields and virgin forests of the Dooars Valley. The topography of the land couldn't be more varied - from the highest mountain peaks to hills and fertile wide plains

The People

The hill tracts are mainly inhabited by colourful Nepalese, Sikkimese, lamas of Bhutanese and Tibetan origin, while the rest of the region has a fair representation of Bengalees and people from other parts of India. Dooars is the home to the vanishing tribe of Totos, in addition to a number of other tribes. The people are friendly, warm and happy-go-lucky, with colourful cultures and social mores.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

 Darjeeling

Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas.

Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.

Darjeeling - the name is derived from the Tibetian word 'Dorje' which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical sceptre, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and 'ling' - a place, hence the land of the thunderbolt. The sceptre of Indra is believed to have fallen at a place where now stands the Observatory Hill.

Darjeeling beckons thousands today for a leisurely respite from the bustle of the madding crowd. The traveller - whether a tourist or a trekker, an ornithologist or a photographer, a botanist or an artist - will find in Darjeeling an experience which will remain etched in ones memory - forever

Places of Interest:

Tiger Hill:

Situated at an altitude of 2590 m (8482 ft.) and 13 kms from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.

Batasia Loop:

About 5 kms from Darjeeling, this Railway Loop is a marvelous feat of engineering. It is fascinating to watch the toy train wind its way round the loop. The War Memorial constructed in the memory of brave sons of Darjeeling who died in different action since 1947, is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place. Entrance fee: Rs. 2/- Timings: sunrise till two hours after sunset.

Observatory Hill:

Apart from the magnificent view it commands, great religious importance is attached to the observatory Hill by both Hindus and Buddhists who are worshipped here by the hundreds.

Museums, Parks, Gardens & Art Galleries

HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE & PADMAJA NAIDU HIMALAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK:

Situated on Jawahar Parbat about 2 km. From Chowrasta, this unique institution trains mountaineers. It has a museum containing an interesting collection of mountaineering equipment. Adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, it is a high altitude wild life park and new home for Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Deer, Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Birds.
Timings: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Closed on Thursday.
Entrance Fee: Rs. 6/- per head for Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoo.

The snow Leopard breeding Centre was started in 1986 to breed Snow Leopards in captivity with the help of International Snow Leopard captive breeding project.
Entrance fee Rs. 10/-
Closed on Thursday.

Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock:

Situated at Lebong Cart Road. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute conducts preliminary course on Rock climbing on these Rocks.

Natural History Museum:

Within walking distance from Chowrasta, this interesting museum contains comprehensive collection of the fauna of the region.
Opens from 10 a.m. too 4 p.m.
Closed on Thursdays.
Entrance fee: Re 2/-, children Rs. 1/-.

Lloyds Botanical Garden:

A colourful garden situated just below the Market Motor Stand. It contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids etc. The green houses are well worth a visit. Timing: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance free.

The Shrubbery:

This beautiful garden is situated on the Jawahar Parbat behind Raj Bhawan. A magnificent view of Kanchenjunga Range and Singla Valley can be enjoyed from here.

STEP ASIDE:

About 3 mins walk from Chowrasta will bring the visitors to the place where the famous Indian patriot Deshbandu Chittaranjan Das had passed away in 1925.

Ava Art Gallery:

About 2 km from town on the way to Ghoom. It houses fine art and embroidery work of Mrs. Ava Devi.
Timing 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance: 25p.

Happy Valley Tea Estate:

Of about seventy tea gardens in this hilly region, this is one of the nearest, about 3 km from the town. Here one can see the processing of the world famous Darjeeling tea.
Timing: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Sundays (afternoon and) and Mondays (full day).

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway:

At North Point about 3 km from the town. The first passenger ropeway in India. For reservation of ropeway seats please contact Officer in-charge, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway Station, North Point, Darjeeling. Phone: 52731. Regular share taxi service available from Market Motor. Stand to the Ropeway Station. Fare 5.00.

Lebong Race Course:

About 8 km from the town, it is the smallest race course in the world. The complete lap is only 480 yds. Long. It was laid out in 1885 as a parade ground.

Garg World Amusement Park:

Situated at a distance of about 4 km. On Gandhi Road it is a new amusement park with a variety of attractions.
Entry fee: Rs. 15/-

Barbotey Rock Garden:

Situated 10 kms. from town it is a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls.

Handicraft
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre:

Tibetan refugee self help centre was established on 1^st October 1959 to rehabilitate displaced Tibetians who had followed His Holiness The Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. This centre produces excellent carpets, woollen goods, wood work, leather work etc. The Tibetan craftsmen can be seen at work at the centre.
Closed on Sundays.

Manjusha, Bengal Emporium:

Prominent hill handicrafts, handloom and silk products of West Bengal are displayed and sold here. The emporium is situated at Nehru Road.

Hayden Hall:

Woollen carpets, cotton shoulder bags, table mats, hand knitted pure woollen sweaters and caps are available for sale at reasonable prices. The items are woven by the local ladies.

Gram Silpa:

Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Govt. of India, an ideal place to buy khadi handloom silk products.

Excursions, Picnic Spots & Short treks Senchal Lake:

A favourite picnic spot about 10 km. from the town. Senchal Lake provides water supply to Darjeeling town.

Singla:

Altitude 244 metres or 800 ft. (approx.). This attractive picnic spot near Rangeet River has been earmarked by the Department of Tourism, DGHC for a water sports complex.

Ajitar:

21 km. from Darjeeling by road (jeepable), it is a magnificent picnic spot.

Bijanbari:

38 km. from Darjeeling by road (motorable). Situated at an altitude of 762 metres or 2500 ft. This beautiful picnic spot is near the Little Rangeet river.

KURSEONG:

A quiet township between Siliguri and Darjeeling at an altitude of 1458m (4860 ft.), is noted for its secluded charm and Eagle’s Crag which offers a commanding view of the undulating plains below. The word Kurseong means – the place of White Orchid. Because of its lower elevation, Kurseong enjoys a milder and very healthy climate throughout the year.

It is the peace, serenity and the healthy climate that attracted many a great person to this place. Some of the famous poems and songs of Guru Rabindranath Tagore were composed in Kurseong. The magic painter Abanindranath Tagore and great composer Atul Prasad Sen got inspiration for some of their famous works around Kurseong. Sister Nivedita, the great disciple of Swami Vivekananda made Kurseong her home. It is learnt that Mark Twain spent some time in Kurseong in 1885, Fazlul Haque the Prime Minister of undivided Bengal also stayed here. Netaji Subhash Bose was interned by the colonial government for a couple of months in 1936 in a house at Giddapahar near Kurseong

KALIMPONG

A beautiful hill town in North Bengal which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. KALIMPONG – means king’s minister’s strong hold – a Bhutanese word. It is also called Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black spur". As per Lepchas Kalimpong means ‘ridge where we play’. It is said that these local tribesmen used to organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit – hence the name.

Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres, it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday, against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga.

The journey from Darjeeling to Kalimpong is a beautiful experience. The road drops from Ghoom 7407ft. to Teesta Bazar 700 ft in 12 km and passes through lush green forests and tea gardens. A place called the Viewpoint or ‘Lovers Meet’, offers excellent view of the confluence of the Rangeet and the Teesta rivers, as also of the Himalayan mountain range from Durbindara summit. Kalimpong’s attractions include three Buddhist monastries, orchid nurseries, a sericulture centre and Dr. Graham’s Home, a large sprawling school set up in 1900 for educating the children of tea workers.

MIRIK:

Mirik is a nest in the hills is West Bengal’s one of the hill resort at an altitude of 1767 meters with its own special charms-49 km from Darjeeling and 52 km. from Siliguri. 1.25 km. long lake is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy for ever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest of thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees clothe the slopes on the west. A 3.5 km zig-zag footwalk takes you along the lake – a sleek footbridge connects the garden on the east with the woods on the west. Alone or in company, you are sure to enjoy a boat-ride in the lake

Trekking:

Trekking from Mirik to Sandakphu, Phalut has become very popular. Short trek from Mirik to Kurseong via Balasan river & Namsu could be covered within the day only.

DOOARS VALLEY:

Derived from the word ‘doors’, the Dooars forms a gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal and Bhutan. The valley stretches across a total span of 130 km by 40 km. The unending stretch of virgin forests is criss-crossed by the river Teesta and her innumerable tributaries. Beautiful motorable roads cut through deep forests teeming with wild life and Terai tea gardens.

Tourist Spots

The Dooars Valley is specially noted for its wild life sanctuaries, the most notable of which is Jaldapara, offering memorable elephant rides through rhino and tiger forests. Other sanctuaries include Buxa Tiger Project, Gorumara and Chapramari

LAVA AND LOLAYGAON:

Lava

32 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 7200 ft. commands panoramic view of Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Short drives through dense forests from Kalimpong are tourist spots with unspoiled idyllic surroundings. Lava is the gateway to the Neora National Park.

Lolay Gaon / KAFER

56 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. Panoramic view of Kanchenjunga can be obtained from this point. Fabulous view of Sunrise over Kanchenjunga can be seen from Jhandi Dara.

SILIGURI:

Siliguri may called the Gateway of Eastern India as it is the main transit point for going to Darjeeling hill region, Sikkim, Bhutan, Eastern Nepal and Assam. It is the biggest town in North Bengal and is a fast developing one.

SPORTS AND ADVENTURE:

Calcutta is a city of sports lovers. West Bengal and specially Calcutta have famous Football & Hockey Clubs, Cricket Clubs and centres of Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Polo and Golf. Eden Gardens is often used for holding world-class cricket matches. There is Yuba Bharati Krirangan, the biggest sports stadium in Asia. Apart from the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Calcutta, there are good stadiums at Durgapur, Kharagpur and Siliguri as well. Water Sports have acquired a remarkable position besides cricket and football. Swimming and Boating facilities have been made readily available by many prestigious hotels and resorts in Calcutta.

Efforts are being made to develop Golf Villages of international standard in the Dooars and in the outskirts of Calcutta to make Calcutta city the gateway to South-East Asia, a centre of big business and the headquarters of big industries and a paradise for golfers and to give a boost to the hotel industry in the city.

Tourism Department with the State Sports and Youth Services Department and various non-Government sports organisations is planning and organising national and international sports meets at regular intervals not only in Calcutta but also at Durgapur, Kharagpur and Siliguri in such a manner to ensure flow of both domestic and foreign tourist to West Bengal round the year.

ART AND CULTURE OF BENGAL:

Where the mind is without fear

And the head is held. Into that world of freedom…

Yes, it is a world beyond the boundaries. Where there’s a sea of knowledge, culture and arts. And it would take us a lifetime to take you on that journey.But in the spirit of a true Bengali, we offer you a helping hand into this amazing world. The state is well-known for its superb arts ad crafts made of silk, ivory, shola, conchshell, dhokra and beautiful clay models. Also worth-mentioning are Baluchari saris and the famous woollen carpets, blankets as well as knitted garments.

Vishnupur is famous for conchshell products as well as for Baluchari saris. Malda and Murshidabad take pride in silk materials while the latter can also boast of producing exquisite ivory items. For clay model items, Krishnanagar is the place. The hilly areas of the State specialise in blankets and woollen knitted garments and ‘thanka’ paintings (scrolls), decorative kukris and copper plates studded with stones with engravings of replicas of deities.

HERITAGE TOY TRAIN –A BOOST TO TOURISM:

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed "Toy Train", is a 60cm narrow-gauge railway from Siliguri to Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal in India

It was built between 1879 and 1881 and is about 86km long. The elevation level is from about 100m in Siliguri to about 2200m in Darjeeling. It is - until today - powered by a steam engine. A modern diesel engine is used for the Darjeelings mail.Stations include Tindharia, Kurseong, Mahanadi, Toong, Sonada and Ghoom.Since 1999 the toy train is part of UNESCOs World Heritage Site

Darjeeling Toy Train

New Jalpaiguri-Tindharia-Sukna-Rangtong-Chunbati-Ghum-Darjeeling

Making Of Hill Railway Project
It was a crisp winter night in the year 1878. A glorious fire crackled on one side of the hall. The polished parquet floor of the planters club at Tindharia resonated with choreographed footsteps. The Sahibs (Gentlemen) and Memsahibs (Ladies) were attired in their best tails, frills and feather hats. The gaiety of the dancers was infectious. It was party-time.

But Franklin Prestage was not exactly having a ball. He seemed preoccupied although he let his wife lead him through the motions on the dance floor. His feverish mind was trying to figure out how to conquer that impossible gradient where his pet Darjeeling Tramway Project had got stuck. His wife gently led the distracted Prestage to the edge of the dance floor and when they were right at the brink, she swerved deftly and led him back centre – stage. “If you can’t go forward, why don’t you go back darling,” she is believed to have whispered in his ears.

And that is precisely what Prestage did when he built the delightfully innovative Darjeeling Himalayan railway (DHR). Franklin Prestage was an official of the Darjeeling Tramway Company. His dream was to build a narrow gauge rail track along the hill cart road alignment. But he could not proceed beyond the 14th mile due to the Steepness of the gradient. Until his wife inspired him with an ingenious solution, perhaps inadvertently. Every time, the gradient got too steep, Franklin brought the tracks back a few yards and let it climb again at a slightly different point, sketching a z-shaped zigzag-not once, but six times in the 51-mile stretch from Siliguri to Darjeeling. The inspiration he drew from his wife’s wisdom is now part of the Darjeeling folklore.

A Wonder Of The Rail Tracks
The Darjeeling Himalayan railway is a marvel of sorts in what one would call non-engineering. It uses neither rack mechanism nor cable as other mountain railways do, but moves only on adhesion. It was the genius and vision of Franklin Prestage, which conceived of such a mechanism and executed it to perfection. During its 87.48-kms journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling, the toy train as it is aptly and affectionately referred to, loops gracefully around those recalcitrant humps, much like a spiral and chugs its way up to Ghum, its highest point at 7,407 feet. It seems to be gentle persuasion all the way. The only other mountain railway in the world that reaches a higher altitude is in the Andes where Cusco station is located at 14,000 feet, but the mechanism used there is different.

Connecting People
Innovative engineering is only one facet of the inimitable DHR. Perhaps, no other railway system in the world is as ineluctably interwoven with the lives of the peoples it serves. DHR has been part of the Darjeeling landscape for over a hundred years and is central to the hill economy of the region. The railway was instrumental in attracting people from neighboring Sikkim, Nepal, West Bengal and even as far away as Tibet, making Kurseong, a wayside town, a true entry port of eclectic cultures.

Earlier & Present Routes
Before the DHR was built; travellers used ponies, which used to take several days through the meandering hill cart road. Now quaint little stations with even quainter names dot the route- Tindharia, Sukna, Rangtong, Chunbati and Ghum. The journey is as leisurely, but not at all strenuous unlike a pony ride. Each stretch offers a unique panorama.

The Sukna Tindharia stretch of the foothills traverses through the Singalila range where the train takes its first loop. The Terai forest unfolds near Rangtong. Here a visitor can experience his first reversing zigzag. Then it takes its next loop at Chunbati gaining height and voila! One can have a magnificent view of the Mahanandi valley on the right. At Tindharia, the train halts long enough get your legs stretched, stroll and tuck into a snack with a steaming cup of tea before resuming the journey towards agony point- the aptly named loop just after Tindharia, which churns the contents of your stomach.

Soon the train heads for another reverse, the last one at 3,400 feet just after Gayabari station where monkeys seem to be absorbed in their conference. All it takes is a cone of peanuts to distract their concentration and abruptly terminate the solemn congregation. As the train winds its way, a massive scar on the hillside comes into view. Tourists will learn that it is Pagla Jhora or mad torrent, which in its fury washes away road and track, houses and shops every few years cutting off Darjeeling for days during the monsoons. The Mahanandi station gives one a glimpse of the source of the river. After Eagles Crag, tourists are treated to a spectacular vista of the West Bengal plains – if one is lucky that is.

The Tea Garden Landscapes
After Kurseong, it’s tea garden all the way. Margaret’s Hope, stretches for miles in front of the onlooker and one can marvel at the deftness with which the hill women pick the tealeaves and drop it into the massive baskets on their backs. Their movements seem choreographed to perfection. But they have time to pause and flash a smile at the visitors passing by.

Ghum – The Land Of Misty Sceneries
After pausing at Tung station for water, the train climbs to Sonada station built in the 1880s. From here, one heads for the clouds – Ghum, enveloped eternally in a mist. As one nears Ghum, its colourful monastery comes into view. After ghum, the train runs up along a small ridge to reach the most spectacular engineering feat on the line-the Batasia Loop – with a breath-taking view of the Kanchenjunga as a backdrop. At Batasia, there is a memorial to the Gorkhas. After its laborious climb, the train takes its last drink of water before teetering precariously on the hillside to reach its final destination, the Darjeeling station.

The Description
According to Mark Twain, a trip on the DHR “is the most enjoyable day I have spent on the earth”. Few will disagree with him. Darjeeling becomes the toy train and the toy train, Darjeeling. In fact, the verdant slopes appear more as a backdrop to the ubiquitous toy train. Without it, the Darjeeling landscape would appear bereft. The steamy hiss of the engine, the strident whistle and the clatter of the carriages as the toy train winds its way up the hill blend seamlessly with the cacophony of hill traffic especially because the railway and the hill road chase each other all the way from Siliguri to Darjeeling. At times the narrow gauge railway track and the road seem to move in tandem, a picture of perfect harmony. Many times – in fact 150 times in the entire stretch – they cross each other. Every now and then they play hide and seek like two feuding lovers. But they are never too faraway from each other at any point.

Rail Meeting Reel
Those people who are on the wrong side of 40, might perhaps remember the film Aradhana in which, Rajesh Khanna travelling in a jeep, woos Sharmila Tagore travelling in the Toy Tain to the accompaniment of a haunting melody. Avant Garde as ever, Hindi filmdom recognised the romantic potential of the Darjeeling railway long before even the railways themselves woke up to it.

A World Heritage Site
The wake up call came and recently UNESCO declared DHR as a World Heritage Site. The world heritage site status puts DHR in the same exalted league as the hermitage in St. Petersburg, our very own Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, Hampi in South India and other such man-made marvels. A heritage site is one that is worthy of preservation and a legacy that is worth bequeathing to posterity. After simmering in the Austrian Alps, DHR is the second railway system in the world to be accorded the World Heritage status.

Bringing Darjeeling On Tourist Map
Earlier, the very same DHR had put Darjeeling on the world tea map. If the exquisitely flavored premium Darjeeling tea is sipped in the fashionable salons of Paris today, then it is DHR that has played a small role in making this happen. In its earlier avatars of open carriages, it had ferried tea from the misty slopes to the railheads on the plains to be transshipped to faraway destinations. There is an enchanting sepia tinted photograph of the DHR ferrying wooden tea chests down the hill in the Chum museum, which has just opened. It houses other exquisite DHR memorabilia such as the signaling lanterns in use since the 19th century, whistles, plaques and badges and some priceless old photographs.

Journey On The DHR
A ride on the DHR is not for the hurried and hassled traveller who is impatient to reach his destination. It’s for those who believe the journey is the destination. Much like a toy train strung together from match-boxes, the DHR balances on two-feet tracks moving at a maximum speed of 15-km an hour. It takes all of nine hours to reach Darjeeling from Siliguri and at quite a reasonable sum.

Imaginatively named coaches such as Shivalik, Kanchenjunga, etc with wide windows offer picture postcard views of Rhododendron slopes. Kanchenjunga in all her snowy glory, beckons you tantalizingly from every turn the train takes. In fact, there are so many turns and twists in the track that it seems as though the train is turning its head to check up on its rear from time to time. The train passes through bazaars so close that tourists can virtually lean out and help themselves to the merchandise in the shops.

It hugs the hillsides, giving one a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the hill people. It seems to be a constant wonder for the locals who stop in their tracks to watch it go by just as their parents and grandparents must have done it in their time. Even as traffic on the narrow hill roads get snarled from time to time, the DHR gets right of way as it passes regally through the townships.

The officials hope that the World Heritage status will attract fun seekers and adventure lovers to Darjeeling. DHR might soon replace tea as the mascot of this lovely hill station. In fact, a trip to Darjeeling would be worth the effort just for the train ride. The DHR is a celebration, no less.

 TREKKING:

Trekking in the Darjeeling Hills began almost a century ago. Infact, the first organised trekking route in India was established here along the Sangalila range. The trek begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut. The alluring natural beauty is replete with countless varieties of rhododendrons, magnolias, orchids and wild flowers. The dense forests, the verdant meadows, the savage mass of Mt. Everest, the everlasting beauty of Kanchenjunga, the rugged Lhotse or the mysterious Makalu - all in one sweeping glance, present an experience that can never be equaled.

There are trekker huts under the management of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department all along the route to Sandakphu.

Major treks of West Bengal (Darjeeling and Around)

1. Darjeeling to Phalut via Sandakphu
2. Singalila Trek, starting from Manebhajang
3. Ramman-Bijanbari Trek

In the East Indian state of West Bengal, once you are through with the sightseeing inside Darjeeling town, it's the time to proceed to see the sites nearby. The journey itself is a thrilling experience with high-altitude mountains roads on one side and cloud-covered valley on the other. You can take short trips to Mirik, land of oranges, and the charming city of Kalimpong, famous for its orchids and curio shops. In the same area is Kurseong from where you can get a panoramic view of the Gangetic delta from Eagle's Crag. Takdah, situated around 26 km from Darjeeling, is famous for its beautiful nurseries besides producing some of the best-flavored tea in the world. Sandakphu (58 km) is the only vantage point from where one can see four of the five highest peaks of the world, namely, Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse.

Darjeeling was the first hill region in India where organized trekking was first conducted in the 1840s. Nature buffs flock to see the breathtaking views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. One can take pick from the various trekking expeditions organized through both high and low altitude areas.

The most popular of treks is the one through high altitude areas across the Singalila range in Darjeeling. The trek starts at Maneybhanjang (2134 m), goes to Meghma (2900 m), Toughu (3070 m), Gairibas (2621 m), Sandakphu (3636 m), and Phalut (3600m). The fourth and last day is the return trek to Darjeeling which may be taken along the along the same route or via Ramman, Rimbick and Bijanbari.

Another fascinating high altitude trek is in the Kalimpong region from Relli, Pankhasari, and Neora to the highest point in the areas, area, Rochella (3,400 m). From here it is a steady descent to Tangta, Jhalang along the foothills to Samsing. You get to see exotic varieties of Himalayan flora, bird, and wildlife along this route.

Low altitude treks are along trails in the lower regions, which are less vigorous and are recommended for those of you who like to amble along at a leisurely pace. The Kalimpong-Relli trek through golden paddy fields, the Kurseong-Namsu trail through tea gardens and the Kurseong-Mirik trek are the main trails through low altitude areas.

OTHER ADVENTURE SPORTS:

Kayaking & Canoeing In Darjeeling :
White Water Rafting and Canoeing are Adventure Hill Sports, which are relatively new in the Darjeeling Hills having introduced in 1991. Since then these sports have gained tremendous popularity compelling DGHC Tourism to take up the sport in a very big way.

Graded on the international scale at Grade IV, the icy cold waters of the rugged Teesta with a series of rapids with varying intensity and character extend a challenging invitation to one of the finest rafting stretches in the world. The turbulent waters of the Rangeet with its multidimensional rapids provide rafters with a variation meant for professionals. The spectacular scenery confronting a rafter while one snakes down the mountain rivers make this experience a must for all lovers of adventure.

WHITE WATER RAFTING IN TEESTA:

White Water Rafting is an adventurous sport, which is relatively new in Darjeeling Hills, having being introduced in 1991.The sport has gained tremendous popularity compelling the D.G.H.C (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council ) Tourism and Action Adventure (P) Ltd to take up the sport in a very big way.The spills and chills of this sport is unmatched. To experience the tempestuous mood of a river as it cascades headlong into the rocksand down a slope is an unforgettable moment. White foam produced from water as it gushes across stones and boulders gives the sport its name.

The White Water Rafting on the river Teesta & Rangeet (Triveni), the scenic beauty of the banks , surrounding hills, its flora & fauna and sighting of several varieties of fishes is simply enchanting. A river trip is often an adventure. An amateur with a little sense of adventure can equally enjoy it.The river Teesta and Rangeet is regarded as a form of Goddess and used for the purpose of various religious rituals both by the Hindus and the Buddhists.A variety of cultural activities can be witnessed being performed by the confluence of river Teesta & Rangeet in the month of January (Magh) 13th to 15th known as "Maghey Sankrati Mela."

Action adventure invites adventure loving travellers and enthusiasts at heart, the experience of the thrill of White Water Rafting, the visual treat of the deep rugged foothills, the charms of the Himalayas unfolding its mysteries and the spectacular verdant landscape with sleepy helmets lost to time.

R I V E R  G R A D E S :

White Water Rivers (and the rapids on them) have an internationally recognised grading scale.The scales are as follows:-

• GRADE 1:-Flat water, no rapids, barely a splash.

• GRADE 2:-Bubbling currents, small roller-coaster rapids.

• GRADE 3:-Technical and exciting, needs trained guide.

• GRADE 4:-Seriously big rapids, unforgiving exhilaration.

• GRADE 5:-The hair raising limit.

• GRADE 6:-Unrunnable, do not go for it portage around

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries:

Sunderban National Park

Some believe that the name Sunderbans is derived from 'Sundri' - a plant found in the local mangroves - and 'bans' meaning forest. Others believe the name means 'beautiful forest' ('sunder' = beautiful, and 'bans' = forest). The Sunderbans, extending over an area of 1,000,000 hectares, is the world's largest delta, formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghana rivers.

The region has extensive mangrove forests and the contours are in a constant state of flux, caused by the monsoon flooding each year. Roughly a third of the delta is water, consisting of rivers, channels and tidal creeks up to 5 kilometers wide. The Sunderbans falls both within the India and Bangladesh, the latter having the larger share of the delta. On the Indian side there is a national park overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

The Sunderbans West, South and East wildlife sanctuaries in Bangladesh are also at the southern extremities of the delta. The Sunderbans parks are covered in mangrove forests of which there are 3 main zones, depending on the level of salt in the soil and water a freshwater zone, a moderately saline zone, and a saline zone. Fishing, timber extraction and honey collection are the main human activities allowed within the Sunderbans. The four Sunderbans national parks have been lumped together as they all share common features of the estuarine mangrove ecosystem. The main attractions of the Sunderbans are the Tiger, of which the delta harbor large reptiles like the Monitor Lizard, Estuarine Crocodile and the Olive Ridley Turtle, for which there is a conservation programme in the Indian park. The Leopard, Indian Rhinoceros, Javan Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer and Water Buffalo have all become locally extinct from the delta in recent decades.

MAHANANDA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

India Profile takes you on a wildlife tour to the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Himalayan foothills and the Terai region. The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is home to elephants, Indian bison or gaur, tigers, leopards, sambar, and cheetal. The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary constitutes the forests of the lower catchment area of River Mahananda, and covers an area of 159.86 sq km.

The main attraction of the sanctuary includes the migratory water birds, which are common in winter. The other animals found are the rare mountain goat (Serow), some tigers and herds of Gaur, leopards, wild pig, varieties of deer and monkeys, jungle cats, porcupines, civets, monitor lizards and snakes. The Sanctuary offers some beautiful trekking routes from Sukna, Golaghat, Deorali and the Latpancher-Mana track; known for trekking and bird watching.

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of West Bengal, Dooars is a region of endless variety and stunning beauty. Mostly covering the districts of Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar, this ethereal land of lush green forests, sparkling rivers and acres of tea gardens, has managed to remain sequestered from popular curiosity.

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a mere 7 km from Siliguri town; this was once primeval forestland and home to a large number of animals. Set back from the main road is the Sukna check gate that opens onto the Sanctuary and next to the gate is the well appointed forest bungalow perched on a hillock, its rear windows opening onto the forest. Although the original forestland has shrunk considerably, the Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 127.22 sq. km and offers an excellent glimpse of lovely Dooars.

The entrance to the sanctuary is from a dense Sal forest, while walking through you can watch the langurs scattered higher up on the treetops and the peacock preening behind a bush. The river Mahananda cuts through the forest. On the opposite bank the forest extends on to the hills and can be visited only with special permission. You can see a couple of robust Indian bison (gaur) feeding off a salt lick beside a roadside glade.

On this wildlife tour you can enjoy an adventurous trek along the 10 km nature trail leading from the weir at Golaghat to an uphill destination called Latpanchar. Ranging between 200 meters and 1500 meters, the route lies through palm clad steep slopes alternating with bamboo clumps and Sal trees. Thick creepers entwine the stout branches often giving the mistaken appearance of a python. Birds are aplenty and the discerning eye can locate a few rare orchids. The trail terminates in another well-furnished bungalow. But one has to carry provisions necessary for the entire duration of the stay.

The nearby tourist attractions while you visit the Mahannda Wildlife Sanctuary include the Garumara national Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Jhalong on Jaldhaka River or Samsing.

Take a break from your tiring journey and visit the Chalsa, a mosaic of tea gardens and misty mountains. Chalsa is a few kilometers from Malbazar on the way to Dooars from Siliguri, at a distance of about 64 kms. The national highway connecting the Northeast with West Bengal passes through Chalsa. There are private accommodations available near Chalsa from where you can visit the Gorumara National Park. You can also visit other tourist destinations nearby including Samsing, Bindu, Murti etc. Arguably the best hotel in the region, the Sinclair's retreat is located on a hillock close to Chalsa. Chalsa is also famous for the many tea gardens surrounding it. Apart from the Chalsa Tea garden, you can also take a stroll inside the beautiful tea garden.

On your way to the Garumara National Park you can see the beautiful tea gardens on one side and the forest on the other, making it a pleasant route to drive through. Gorumara National Park is located in the Dooars region of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. This small forest area famous for its natural population of the Great Indian one horned Rhinoceros was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1949.Rhino Point is the main attraction here.

The other fauna of the park include Indian Elephant, Indian Bison, leopard, different species of deer, turtles, pythons, monkeys etc. and more than 200 species of birds. The park is a birdwatcher's paradise with beautiful birds like Indian pied hornbill, Woodpeckers, Sunbird, fly catcher, Minivet, Drongo, Pheasants and many more migratory birds especially in winter.

Lataguri a small town adjacent to the park is the entry point. There are watchtowers for viewing the animals inside the park. They are Jatraprasad Watch tower (named in memory of a legendary elephant of that name), Rhino observation point in front of the Gorumara forest bungalow, Old Khunia Watch Tower near the Murti forest bungalow and Suksukia Bird watching Point. Rhino observation point is the best place to observe wild animals like rhino, elephant, bison and deer as they regularly come to the salt reservoir just below the tower. The Gorumara region is spread in 80 sq.kms of area and includes the upper Tondu reserve and Chapramari wildlife sanctuary. From Gorumara it is only two hours ride to Jaldapara wild life sanctuary, which is also located in the Dooars

JALDAPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

 Jaldapara Sanctuary is of 26 sq. km where one-horned rhinoceros, elephant, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer etc. can be spotted.

The drive to Jaldapara takes you over the coronation bridge through the dense forests to the Bengal Plains and through the tea gardens to Madrihat. The birds to be found here are the Crested Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle and shikra, besides Jungle fowl, peafowl, patridges, Bengal Florican and lesser Pied Hornbill. Jaldapara Sanctuary holds the largest expanse of terai grasslands in North Bengal intersected with riverine forests, dry-mixed forests and wet-forests. Tall riparian grasslands lined with bamboo clumps are the favorite homes of the Rhino and the Asiatic elephant. A host of other species like the python, monitor lizard, kraits, cobra, 8 species of fresh water turtles and a variety of frogs can be seen here. Hog Deer, a typical animal of short grasslands quite often shoots out of cover in small groups on approach. The cheetal is confined to the edge – areas between treelands and grasslands. The sambar hides in a good shrubby undergrowth. Gaurs - Indian bison – roam over grasslands and forest. A tiger or leopard may be surprised on the sandy banks of a stream. Forest safari in stealthily moving elephants is a most wonderful experience in Jaldapara Sanctuary.

Darjeeling

Location:90-km From Siliguri, West Bengal

Altitude: 2,200m

Main Attractions Toy Train, Tea Gardens, The Mall

Best Time to Visit April to June & October to November

The Victorian Charm

Darjeeling is the Queen of India's hill stations. Its setting is one of incomparable beauty. A Victorian town of old world charm 'discovered' by the British, it is almost completely surrounded by fragrant tea gardens which seem to flow over the layered slopes like emerald swells on a rough sea. These are in turn interspersed by untamed jungle of Fern and Bamboo, groves of sweet smelling Coniferous trees and hamlets lost and which may be the finest this earth has to offer, It hits one like Darjeeling's true name, “Dorje Ling”, or 'Place of the Thunderbolt'.

Part Victorian holiday resort, part major tea-growing centre, Darjeeling straddles a ridge 2,200m up in the Himalayas and almost 600-km north of Kolkata. Its been more than 50 years since the British departed, still the town remains as popular as ever with holiday-makers from the plains, and promenades such as the Mall and the Chowrasta still burst with life.

Toy Train & Tea Gardens

Although one can reach Darjeeling after-hour drive up a steep and winding road from Siliguri, the most exciting and nostalgic form of transportation is the Toy Train. This ' marvel of engineering' was inaugurated in 1881 and is the world's highest track railway. The miniature steam train huffs, puffs and toots as it wrestles its way up a vertical track of blind curves and loops in nine hours.

Tea gardens blanket the lower slopes. To the world's tea fanciers, Darjeeling is a name synonymous with prized perfection. Introduction in the 1840s, there are now 84 gardens of which Happy Valley and Lopchu are instantly recognisable to the connoisseur for their special fragrance. As the train nears Kurseong, the mid-point of the journey, it parallels the road, which is lined with tiny shop-houses, and tea stalls. Most, leach-infested forests of Oak, Ilex and Magnolia trees, dripping moss and brilliantly hued Orchids, encroach at every turn.

The Trans-Himalayan Backdrop

Ghoom, as the town's name seems to suggest, is gloomy and dank with perpetual fog. At this Tibetan village, which is at an altitude of 2,276 m (7,470 ft), one can hear the foghorn-like sounds of Buddhist monks blowing their giant Gyeling pipes from the rooftops of the nearby Yiga-Choling ' Yellow Hat' Buddhist Temple.

Ghoom is the jumping off point for an excursion to Tiger Hill, which should not be missed if the weather co-operates. For a truly magnificent view of the Himalayas, one must arrive before the sun rises and the clouds roll in. Inky darkness gives way to a gauzy mauve dawn and the peaks are unveiled in all their glory. Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makaly, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Siniolchu and Chomolhari can all be seen with the forbidden peaks of the Tibetan Trans-Himalayan as a backdrop.

Places of Interest in Darjeeling

Entering Darjeeling is like travelling back in time to the days of the British Raj, a vertical Victorian London - like town populated with oriental faces. Church spires and brick chimneys dominate the skyline.

The Mall:
The Mall is Darjeeling's popular commercial street. It is lined with Tibetans selling hand-knitted sweaters and souvenir shops chock-full of Himalayan artifacts and both real and imitation antiques. Photo shops carry turn-of-the-century photos as well as specialising in hand-painted black and white prints with glowing oil colours. The Mall leads to Chaurasta, a square, which doubles as a bandstand, a pony riding arena for children and a haven for lovers.

Chowrasta:
The Chowrasta, meaning crossroad, is a hive of commercial activity. The Mall Road originates and culminates at the Chowrasta. This is the heart of Victorian Darjeeling. Here hotels, restaurants and shops brush against each other. The shops and stalls are a veritable paradise for souvenir collectors. The Bhutanese sellers display their wares. Woollen garments, tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries, brass statuettes and Gorkha daggers are kept on display for sale. Foreign goods are also available in some shops. Local handicrafts are much in demand.

Obeservatory Hill:

The oldest site in Darjeeling is Observatory Hill, known locally as “Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan”. According to legend, a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery called Dorje Ling, or 'place of the Thunderbolt', stood at this very spot. The Nepalis destroyed it in the 19th century. The Shivas and Buddhists share the temple that stands there today.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:
A spot not to be missed is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute created by the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights. A zoological garden nearby has an assortment of wildlife such as yaks, Siberian tigers and red pandas who call the region their home.

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway:
At North Point about 3-km from the town, this is the first passenger ropeway in India. For reservation of ropeway seats please contact - Officer in-charge, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway Station, North Point, Darjeeling. Regular share taxi service is available from Market Motor and Taxi Stand is to the Ropeway Station.

Nearby Attractions from Darjeeling

Tibetan Refuge Camp:
The area in and around Darjeeling is a treasure chest of interesting destinations. The Tibetan Refugee self-help scheme produces traditional artifacts, jewellery and carpets for tourist consumption.

Lloyd's Botanical Garden:
Lloyd's Botanical Garden displays a fine collection of Himalayan fauna for those with an interest, and for punters there is horseracing at Lebong, the smallest and highest racecourse in the world.

Tiger Hill:
Situated at an altitude of 2,590m (8,482 ft.) and 13-km from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.

Phalut & Sandakphu:
A week's smallest-trip of Phalut and Sandakphu will get one within reach of the high peaks; for the onlooker it affords a more spectacular panorama than at Tiger Hill. Giant flowering Rhododendron trees, a pointillism of reds pinks and whites Dwarfs comprise of the en route trail. On attaining heights of over 3,048m, one is surrounded by skeletal trees devoid of leaves and branches, which are especially eerie when the clouds roll in and envelop the area.

Pashupati:
Further a field, in Pashupati on the Nepal border, one can purchase foreign goods at reasonable prices, view wildlife such as the endangered one-horned Rhino, Deer, Gaur, and wild boar while seated atop an Elephant's back at Jaldapara Game Park; learn of the Lepcha legend at the confluence of the Teesta and Rangeet Rivers; relive Kalimpong's past glory as a trading post by visiting the market filled with traditional Tibetan medicine, spices, musk, wool and silk; or for the truly adventurous-hire some ponies and a crew and take to the hills.

Kurseong:
Kurseong is mid-way between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The way from Darjeeling to Kurseong is generally open through out the year. So, the toy train is not coming to Siliguri then one can come up to Kurseong. This place is equally beautiful and is full of natural splendour.

Mirik:
Mirik is 52-km from Siliguri and 55-km from the nearest Airfield of Bagdogra. Mirik is being developed as a new hill station in the mountains. Tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations surround Mirik. It has all the facilities to fulfill the needs of a tourist.

Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri:
The twin Cities of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the departure point to Darjeeling, Sikkim and the North Eastern States. Being the nodal point this place has become very busy and crowded. Siliguri also acts as a transit point for Nepal. Tourists come to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to change bus or catch trains.

Kalimpong:
Kalimpong is within Darjeeling province and is a sub-division of Darjeeling. It is a small but bustling town in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal - Kalimpong is at an altitude of 1,250m. This bazaar town was originally a part of Bhutan but later it was taken over by the British and finally it settled down with West Bengal.

ADVENTURE SPORTS IN DARJEELING

Darjeeling gymkhana club ltd.:
One of the most well equipped Clubs of the region with facilities of Indoor and Outdoor games. Visitors may become temporary members over here.

Darjeeling Club:
This is popularly known as the Planter's Club and has the best possible location in town and has a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys. Approachable directly by car and has parking area. Limited number of rooms and available for temporary members but permanent members have the first claim. Fully equipped kitchen, bar and other indoor game facilities are available here.

Senchal Golf Course:

This 9-hole Golf Course is one of the highest Golf Course in the world (altitude 8,150 ft). It is near Tiger Hill and has a Club House and a Tourist Lodge.

Lebong Race Course:
About 8-km from the town, it is one of the smallest and highest Race Course in the world. Races are held during Spring & Autumn season under the management of local Gymkhana Club

Trekking:
Trekking in the Darjeeling Hills began almost a century ago. Infact, the first organised trekking route in India was established here along the Sangalila range. The trek begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut. The alluring natural beauty is replete with countless varieties of Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Orchids and Wild Flowers. The dense forests, the verdant meadows, the savage mass of Mt. Everest, the everlasting beauty of Kanchenjunga, the rugged Lhotse or the mysterious Makalu - all in one sweeping glance, present an experience that can never be equaled.

There are trekker huts under the management of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department all along the route to Sandakphu. For further information contact Tourist Bureau, Darjeeling

 Mountaineering
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – Darjeeling

The motto reads in bold typeface - 'May (You) Climb from Peak To Peak'. Noteworthy is the 'You' in brackets. HMI, as it is widely called, has earned for itself, the arguable reputation of being the most respected mountaineering institute in the world.

IIt took the events of 29th May, 1953, when Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary scaled Mt Everest, to propel mountaineering as a formal discipline in India. And like many other visionary initiatives in India, this one came from Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India and a great mountain lover. HMI was established on 4th November, 1954 at Darjeeling, the hub of all mountaineering activity in India.

Major Jayal was the first Principal of the institute and Tenzing Norgay the first Director of Field Training.

Today the Principal is Colonel H S Chechen and the Director Field Training is Padmabhushan Nawang Gombu, the first man in the world to have scaled Mt Everest twice. The Deputy Director Field Training is the highly respected Dorje Lahtoo, another Everester and a recipient of the prestigious Tenzing Norgay award for contribution to mountaineeringToday, HMI boasts four instructors, who have scaled Mt Everest.

 HMI started at what was called the Roy Villa on Lebong Cart Road and moved to its present location at 6,800 feet above sea level in 1959. With its commanding views of the Kangchenjunga massif and its quiet and somewhat regal isolation, it became a tourist attraction as well. It remains the most notable landmark on a spur of Birch Hill, called Jawahar Parbat.

HMI is an autonomous institution, governed by an executive council headed by the Defence Minister as President of the Council. The Chief Minister of West Bengal is the Vice President. Other members include eminent mountaineers and representatives of the governments of Nepal and Bhutan.

 The institute has three wings. A training wing which includes a medical officer. The museum wing with two museums - the mountaineering museum and the Everest museum, which often screen films on mountaineering. The administrative wing responsible for administration, hostel, records and accounts