INDIA KOLKATA

INDIA DESTINATION WEST BENGAL 

KOLKATA

THE CITY OF JOY

An eclectic mix of diverse tastes and preferences, Kolkata is a truly cosmopolitan city. From the mansions of North Kolkata to high rises of the South, from the deep roots of Western influence in the central part of the city of joy to the distinctly community minded East, the nature of diversity is spread deep into the veins of the city.

Today , it’s quite amazing to look back some 3 centuries ago, where wild animals used to strut about in the 3 villages of Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata, part of the realm of one Sabarna Roy Chowdhury. What was once the temple of Chowringheenath is today the busy heart of the city, Chowringhee.Myrid, isn’t it?

As we take you through Kolkata, we reveal a treasure trove for those who have an eye for great architecture. Along with this, also experience a touch of the religious  movement of yore, in the form of weekend detours in air –conditioned buses tracing the trail of Sri Ramkrishna and Swami Vivekananda.

This includes trips to Belur Math, Dakshineshwar Kali Bari and Swamiji’s ancestral home, to name but a few.The other trip introduces tourists to the architectural wonders of erstwhile Kolkata-Jorasanko Rajbari, Thakurbari, Gokul Mitra’s house ,Kumartuli , Sovabajar Rajbari, Marble Palace and quite a few others.Embarking on these 2 trips, you are sure to experience the old world charms of Kolkata.

DARJEELING

As you open your window, you find a view a lifetime –snowcapped peaks illuminated with the illuminated with the early morning rays of the Sun. This is the Kanchenjunga in her glory, a regal sight by itself. All of a sudden, you may find room engulfed in clouds an an abrupt shower set the mood for your honeymoon.

Welcome too Darjeeling, India’s best hill station, just 663km away from Kolkata at an altitude of 2134metres above sea level. 5km away from Darjelling , overlooking Ghoom, lies the Batasia Loop. A ride on Darjeeling’s fabled Toy Train through the loop will make you relive the golden, slow moving but rambling life of yesterday.

KALIMPONG

Through Kalimpong, the city of monasteries, carries a rich heritage with her,she is equally zealous to stride into the future while preserving her past of glories. Heritage schools in KAlimpong are still national benchmarks in the field of education. The 12km stretch road from Ghoom station is traveler’s delight dotted with breathtakingly scenic spots like the meeting point of the Teesta and the Rangit. You will miss out on quite a lot if you don’t stop by this spot, popularly known as the “ Lovers” Spot.

Other spots include Morgan house,the golf course, the Deolo View Point, Dr Graham’s Home and Pedong Thongsa Tharpa Choling Monastery. Kalimpong is also famous for it’s dazzling variety of orchids and diverse fauna.

SANDAKPHU

High above the rest, lies Sandakphu-the highest point of West Bengal,11929 ft above sea level.The Sandakphu trekking region lies in the Singalila Park in Darjeeling, off the Bengal –Sikkim border with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Sandakphu is home to Mount Everest, the Kanchnjunga, the snowcapped Makalu, Lhoste and over 600 species of wild Orchids.

KURSEONG

Spend a day or two at Kurseong en route Darjeeling. Bask in the serenity at 1458 metres above sea level.This city, originally called Kharsang, after the wild orchids,gained prominence as a tourist destination since the 1880’s. The noteworthy local attractions are the Saint Paul’s church and Dow Hills School. Other attractions include Giddapahar Durgamata Mandir, Jagadish Mandir, the Gumpha of Gautama Buddha at Down Hill, Juma Masjid at Hatbazar, Deer Park and several beautiful waterfalls.

LAVA

Just two and half hours away from Kalimpong lies Lava,at 7016 meters above sea level. Lava happens to be one of the few places in West Bengal that experience snowfall. Far from the madding crowd of the city Lava is nestled amidst nature, with main attraction other than the tranquil beauty being the variety birds. Besides the monasteries and museums, Neora Valley National Park is another crowd –puller here Rare animals like Red Pandas, Clouded Leopards,Musk Dear, Black bears golden cats, Himalayan Flying Squirrels roam about freely here.

LOLGAON

12 KM away from Lava, at 5500 metres above sea level, lies the sleepy little town of Lolegaon.Away from the bustle and din of the city ,the clear and uncluttered view of the Kanchenjunga here is a top draw.

DOOARS

Doors, the vast expanse of virgin at the foothills of the Northern Himalayas, borrows its name from “Dwar “in Sankrit, the mother of most Indian languages. The gateway to the Himalayas has multiple shades of green in it- be it the dense forest, the cloud capped tea estates or even green plains.

 A few mountain rivers stream through the idyllic surroundings which is the habitat for bison, one horned rhinos, leopards, elephants and many other animals. One can see all of these, at the same time having a clear view of the Himalayas standing tall in the background.

SUNDARBANS

Truly world heritage site, this delta is the house to ancient mangroves that have successfully sustained many a species of wild animals.Among various atttractions are the monitor Lizards, migratory birds, sharks, crocodiles and of course, the Royal Bengal Tiger, for which tourists from all corners of the world visit this area.

One can reach the core area of the Sundarbans, ie Netidhopani over the river Bonbibibharani. On the way, one shall pass Sundarkhali Bilkhali and GAjukhali and the river Netai. This area is surrounded by Sundari ,Keora, Hental and Goran varieties of mangroves and is interspersed by Forest Department watch towers. One can consider oneself pretty fortunate if he can catcha glimps of a tiger from one of these towers.

SHANTINIKETAN

The land of red soil, with tales of literary brilliance surrounding it’s ambience. That’s Shantuiketan for you. It’s where the river Kopai meanders slowly and lore revolves aroundthe Khowai. In Bengali Shantiniketam means”The Abode of Peace”. Indeed, that was the primary thought on Maharshi Debendranath Tagore’s mind as he set up an Ashram that was made immortal by the Bard of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore, when he established Viswa Bharati University , a preferred destination for students across the world.

BISHNUPUR

Originally christened Mallabhum after the age old Malla rulers of Bengal, it is the birthplace of an art truly exclusive to this region –the Terracotta. The district capital Bishnupur is strewn with terracotta (burnt earth) structures describing tale, Katra Mosques from the Vedas and the Gathas .Of course temples throughout the whole district bear testimony to the aesthetics of the artisans and are highly regarded by connoisseurs around the world. At present, 22 of Bankura’s 32 well established temples are being maintained by the Archeological Survey of India

MURSHIDABAD

Boasting of a rich historical past Murshidabad in intrinsic to memories of the erstwhile Dewan of Benga, Bihar and Orissa., Nawab Murshid Quli Khan. Apart from the notable tourist spots including Hazarduar,Katra Mosque, tomb of Sraj –ud-Daula, there is a large number of other palaces dating back to about 400 years, like the Madina Mosque, Jahan Kosha, Khosbag, Motjihil , Kiriteshwari temple, Kathgola Palace and Nizamat Imambara .The wasif Manzil, Jagat Seth’s house, Bacchawali Cannon, Nimakharam, Deuri, Karna Suvarna and the fields of Plessey continue to enthrall tourists from all corners of the world. A 20 minute drive across the river can take you to the ruins of Karnasubarna , the ancient capital of Bengal.

DIGHA

A bemused Warren Hastings referred to Digha as “Brighton of the east”. Every year millions of people throng Digha , for its beautiful coastline , along with a spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. Of late, it’s the most popular sea retreat of West Bengal.

MANDARMANI

The 13 km long beach of mandarmani is the home of serenity and solitude. Some reputed hoteliers have set up their resorts, making sure to leave the magic of this place intact and having made it more o a weekend retreat for tourists from Kolkata and its adjoining areas.

COOCHBEHAR

The former princely state of Coochbehar came under the Indian jurisdiction in 1949. But its royal legend goes on, with imposing palaces ( Rajbari) , temples (Madan Mohan and Baneshwar Shiva Temple)and celebrated personalities like Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, who hail from the Coochbehar royal family.The city of Coochbehar is ideal for the travellers who have an eye for history and Bengal’s eventful past.

MALDA

The erstwhile seat of power of Bengal is famous for its delicious mangoes, handwoven cotton and silk textiles along with the magnificent relics of the Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist regimes.

MAYAPUR

The birthplaces of Sri Chaitanya is the most pious place for Bengali Vaishnavas. It is also the headquarters of the Internatinal Society for Krishna Cnsciousness (ISKCON).The ISKCON’s Chandrodaya Mandir is one of the most important pilgrim destinations for Vaishnavites all over world.