West Bengal
Calcutta, three hundred years old, traces its
history to the landing of Robert Clive on the
banks of the Hooghly beside three villages.
It was from here the monumental British Raj
was launched in India. The capital of West Bengal,
Calcutta is the major entry point.
If Delhi is the elegant capital of the nation,
and Bombay its major industrial city, then
Calcutta ranks as the intellectual capital.
Poets, thinkers and film directors of international
renown hail from this city where avant garde
plays and art exhibitions go on show practically
every day of the year. Calcutta was the first
headquarters of the East India Company, and
some of its best known monuments were built
by this British trading house. However, the
city has, within its 300 years’ history,
hosted other communities both from other parts
of India as well as abroad – Chinese,
Armenians, Jews – all of whom have left
their imprint in pockets of Calcutta. Sightseeing
in this fascinating city includes Raj Bhawan,
the residence of the Governor of Bengal; Victoria
Memorial, the city’s landmark; Botanical
Gardens, which are notable for the oldest
banyan tree, and orchid house; Armenian Church;
Marble Palace, one family’s collection
of memorabilia; and the Birla Planetarium.
Darjeeling, the state’s most popular
hill resort, is a slice of England 2,134 metres
above sea level. Surrounded by tea gardens
growing the prized leaf known as Darjeeling,
the little town faces some of the Himalaya’s
highest peaks. Darjeeling is an abrupt variation
from the lowlands of West Bengal. Buddhism,
being a major faith here, Darjeeling and the
nearby town of Kalimpong have, between them,
several Buddhist monasteries, chiefly of the
Yellow Hat sect.
Kolkatta - Calcutta
Grown from mangrove swamps, Calcutta is the
largest metropolis in India. Calcutta's role
in the national economy is of crucial importance
as the Gateway to Eastern India. Ships were
the begining of Calcutta's history & the
river Hoogly was the key to the city's fortunes.
Area: 187 sq. kms
Altitude: 5.8 metres
Temperature (°C):
Summer- Max. 41.7, Min. 38.1
Winter- Max. 29.3, Min. 9.6
Rainfall: 158 cms June to Mid September
Clothing: Tropical
Languages Spoken: Bengali, English, Hindi
etc.
Season: Throughout the year.
STD Code: 033
How to get there
Air: India Airlines connect Calcutta with
Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Port Blair, Nagpur,
Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Patna, Lucknow, Tezpur,
Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Imphal, Bagdogra,
Agartala, Bangalore, Vishakhapatnam (Vizag),
Guwahati, Dimapur, Hyderabad and Car-Nicobar.
Rail: Howrah and Sealdah, two main railway
stations are there in Calcutta. Calcutta is
connected by rail to most of the important
places in India.
Road: Good motorable roads connect Calcutta
to all the major cities in India. Some of
these are: Puri-560 kms, Bhubaneshwar-498
kms, Shiliguri-000 kms, Darjiling-678 kms,
Krishnanagar-000 kms, Baharampur-000 kms,
Patna-547 kms, Ranchi-000 kms, Alahabad-000
kms, Kanpur-000 kms, Lucknow-000 kms, Haridwar-1586
kms, Varanasi-681 kms, Bombay-2060 kms, Delhi-1490
kms, Madras-0000 kms, Panaji (Goa)-0000 kms.
Local Transport: Metred Taxis, Cycle &
Man-pulling rickshaws, city buses, Trams,
Electric Trains & Metro rail services
are available.
Hotels
Deluxe – Taj Bengal, The Oberoi Grand.
Standard – Park Hotel, Airport Ashok,
Hotel Hindustan International. New Kenilworth
International, Rutt-Dean, Lytton, Astor. Budget
– Astoria, Minerva, Swagath, Carlton,
The Shamilton, Host International, Shalimar,
Udaychal Tourist Lodge, YMCA, YWCA.
Places of interest
Belur Math 16.5 km
Botanical Garden 19.2 km
Dakshineshwar Temple 20 km
Howarh Bridge 6.4 km
Jain Temple 9 km
Kali Temple 3.2 km
Marble Palace 6.8 km
Nakhoda Mosque 6 km
National Library 1.4 km
Rabindra Sarobar 4.2 km
Raj Bhavan 3 km
Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture 5
km
Sahid Minar (Ochterlony Monument)
St.Paul's Cathedral, Victoria Memorial 0.5
km
Zoological Gardens 3 km
Museums and Art Galleries
Academy of Fine Arts, Tel: 248-4302; Asutosh
Museum, Tel: 34-7472;
Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Tel: 76-6802;
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum,
Tel: 247-7341;
Birla Planetarium, Tel: 242-1554/-6619;
Gurusaday Museum; Indian Museum, Tel: 29-9902;
Nehru Children's Museum, Tel: 248-3517;
Rabindra Bharati Museum, Tel: 34-5241;
State Archaeological Gallery, Tel: 243-6636;
Victoria Memorial Hall Museum, Tel: 248-5142
Excursions
Digha Beach 185 kms
Santiniketan 213 kms
Bakkhali Beach 132 kms
Chandannagar 39 kms
Diamond Harbour 51 kms
Sundarban 131 kms
Tribani 48 kms
Gangasagar 140 kms
Malda 340 kms
Kalna 82 kms
Navadweep 110 kms
Mayapur 134 kms
Murshidabad 221 kms
Vishnupur: 152 kms. Famous for the exquisite
17th & 18th century terracotta temples,
Seat of classical music. The Stylised, "Bankura
horse" symbolic of excellence in rural
handicrafts is native to this district.
Belur Math (16 km) is a modern temple within
the grounds of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Dakshineshwar Temple (20 km) dedicated to
Kali is built in the architectural style of
Bengal.
Botanical Gardens (8 km) cover 110 hectares
and have a number of rare plants, including
a 200 year old banyan tree.
Murshidabad (221 km) centre of Bengal’s
silk industry and the residence of the erstwhile
nawab of Bengal.
Shantiniketan (167km) now a university, founded
by the Nobel literature laureate, Rabindranath
Tagore.
Sunderbans
A thrilling cruise through the largest estuarine
delta in the world and the biggest colony
of the `Royal Bengal Tigers' - the Sundarbans.
These evergreen mangrove forests pulsate with
a myriad forms of life. Above the Kingfisher
and White-bellied Sea eagle add a brilliant
burst of colour. The sea creeps in at high
tide. The forests float. The ebbing waters
reveal nature so alive on the glistening mud
flats. The land is split by numerous rivers
and water channels all emptying into the Bay
of Bengal. Venture further to discover a rich
tribal folklore. It is believed that Bonbibi,
the goddess of the forest, protects the wood-cutters,
honey-collectors and fishermen on their hazardous
missions. For, as the saying goes, `Here the
Tiger is always watching you'.
Delta-forest home of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
The Ganges, which is rightly known as the
Ganga, carries silt and fertility from its
ice-melt sources in the high Himalayas, through
the lush plains of India, past the riverine
port of Calcutta. Here, however, it is no
longer the Ganga because it has become one
of the major distributaries. For, in the flat
grey-clay lands of Bengal, the great river
splits into numerous channels, dividing and
sub-dividing like the roots of a tree, till
it pours through many mouths into the Bay
of Bengal.
Between Calcutta and the final outpouring
of the river are the lands knows as The Sunderbans:
literally, the Beautiful Forests. Some people,
believe that they could," however, have
got their name from the profusion of Sundari
trees. These forests are extremely dense,
often impenetrable, fringed by mangrove jungles
and are one of the most intriguing wilderness
on earth. Most journeys through these humid
forests are done by boat, and it is a fascinating
trip. Fishermen’s boats, like black
scimitars, drift past, spreading nets for
the fish that teem in these rich waters. Near
the delta villages the clay is relieved by
green vegetation. When the tourist ferry stops,
occasionally, visitors walk ashore on palm-
and-bamboo jetties to enter forest areas fenced
in by bamboo corrals.
Fiddler crabs extend their cherry-red claws
out of their mud burrows; curious, air- breathing,
mud skipper fish climb the stilt roots of
the mangroves on their flipper-like fins,
viewing intruders with pop-eyed amazement.
Tribes of honey gatherers live in these dark
forests. They believe that the giant, saline
water drinking Royal Bengal Tigers always
attack from the rear and so they wear masks
on the backs of their heads. This is why a
posse of armed policemen accompanies all visitors
who venture into these beautiful forests.
Other wild creatures which lucky visitors
might see are spotted deer, boar, monkey,
crocodile, python, Salvator lizards, and a
wide range of water birds.
Area: 2608 sq. kms.
Altitude: Sea Level.
Temperature (deg C):
Summer- Max. 42, Min. 37
Winter- Max. 29, Min. 9.2
Clothings: Summer- Tropical / Cotton, Winter-
Woollens.
Languages spoken: Bengali, Hindi, English.
Best season: September to March. July to
September for Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.
STD Code: 03219
Entry Permit
To visit Tiger Project area including Sajnekhali
Bird Sanctuary permission is to obtained from:
The Joint Secretary (Forest), Govt. of West
Bengal, 4th Floor, G-Block,Writers' Building,
Calcutta- 700 001, Tel: "225-5601 Extn
411/754.
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport is Calcutta (131 kms).
Indian Airlines connect Calcutta with the
all major cities in India.
Rail: Sundarbans is accessible only by riverine
waterways. From Calcutta there are suburban
train to Canning and buses to Namkhana, Raidighi,
Sonakhali and Najat from where Motor launch
services are available for Sundarbans.
Road: Above mentioned embarkation points
from Calcutta are: Namkhana (105 km), Sonakhali
(100 km), Raidighi (76 km), Canning (64 km),
Najat (92 km).
Waterways: Approximate time taken between
various points are:
1. From Namkhana - Bhagabatpur Crocodile
Project (2.5 hours) Sagar Island (2.5 hours)
Jambudwip (3.5 hours)
2. From Sajnekhali - Sudhanyakhali (40 minutes)
Buridabri (Tiger Project Area) (5 hours) Netidhopari
(3.5 hours) Holiday Island (3 hours)
3. From Sonakhali - Gosaba (1 hour)
4. From Raidighi - Kalas (5 hours)
For Private Launches Contact: West Bengal
Launch Owners' Syndicate, Calcutta
Jaldapara Sancturary
Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary situated in
Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri district
in West Bengal was constituted in the year
of 1941 for the protection of wild life, particularly
single horned Rhinos. River Torsha runs through
this riverrain forest sanctuary which is mostly
covered with tall grasses. The wild life,
in addition to the famous single horned rhinos,
consists of Royal Benggal Tigers, wild elephants,
deers, swamp deers, hog deers, wild pigs,
bisons and a number of birds, pea-fowl etc.
Area: 100 sq. kms.
Altitude: 61 metres.
Best season: October to May. (Particularly
March & April, when new grass is growing).
Clothings: Summer- Cottons, Winter- Woollens.
Languages spoken: Bengali, Hindi, Nepali,
English.
How to get there
Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport from
where tourist can reach Jaldapara by road-route,
noted below. (Shiliguri to Bagdogra - 13 kms).
Rail: All the mail & express trains stop
at Birpara/Hasimara railway stations both
are 20 kms away from the sanctuary. Only passenger
trains stop at Madarihat railway station which
is 7 kms away from the sanctuary. Madarihat
Tourist Lodge is in walkable distance from
the rly. station.
Road: Jaldapara is connected by road with
Darjeeling and Shiliguri.
Excursions
Local Excursions may be arranged to visit
tea gardens to see the manufacturing of tea
in the nearby tea gardens by prior arrangement
with the authority. Anthropological excursion
in nearby Tribal village, TOTOPARA, can be
arranged.
Bakkhali
The second popular sea resort of West Bengal
is Bakkhali , situated only 132 km away from
Calcutta , It is quiet and charming.
Transport
A three hour bus journey from calcutta to
Namkhana, a ferry across the river Hatania
Doania, and another bus journey for one and
half hour to Bakkhali Between Calcutta and
Namkhana there are CSTC buses an well as private
bus.
There is also a train service from Sealdah
station upto Diamond Harbeur Namkhana is 58
km from diamond harbeur
How To Reach
Kumardhubi (10kms.) and Barakar (12kms.)
are the nearest railway stations. Asansol
Junction is about 35 kms .fro, here . Regular
bus services are available from Dhanbad and
Maithon to this place. Taxies are also available.
Dhanbad is 50 kms. from here.
Shantiniketan
An International University founded by Nobel
Laureate Rabindranath Tagore where the cultures
of the East & the West could meet and
mingle. Named Vishva-Bharati, the University
represents Indian traditions while incorporating
the best of other cultures. Shantiniketan,
the abode of peace, was initially an Ashram
or hermitage founded in 1863 by Maharishi
Devendranath Tagore. In 1901 his son, Rabindranath
converted it into an experimental open-air
school with just five students. It proved
a success. He widened the scope of studies
which gradually formed the nucleus of a University.
Another interesting feature about Santiniketan
is that splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals
and paintings of Rabindranath, Nandlal Bose,
Ramkinkar, Bindobehari Mukhopadhyaya and others
adorn the campus.
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max.39.4, Min.34.3
Winter: Max.15.7, Min.12.1
Rainfall: 125 cms ( June to September ).
Heavy in July\August.
Season: Throughout the year
The University remains closed in May-June
and for one month during the Puja Holidays
i.e. September-October.
How to get there
Air: The nearest airport is Calcutta 213
kms.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Bolpur, 2 km
away. Trains connecting Bolpur with Howrah/Sealdah
(Calcutta) are 3015/3016 Howrah-Bolpur Shantiniketan
Exp, 3133/3134 Sealdah-Mughalsarai Exp, 3071/3072
Howrah-Jamalpur Exp, 2557/ 2558 Kanchenjunga
Exp., 335/336 Vishwabharati Fast Pgr., Shantiniketan
Exp., Danapur Fast Pgr. and Tarapith Passenger.
Road: Good motorable roads connect Shantiniketan
with Calcutta 213 kms (Bolpur 2-Panagarh 44-Burdwan
48-Calcutta 119), Durgapur 56 kms, Sarnath
197 kms
Local Transport: Tourist cars and buses available
from the Manager, Tourist Lodge. Charges according
to distance and time.
What to see
Shantiniketan is a University town and a
centre of learning. The Uttarayan complex
where the poet lived consists of several buildings
such as Udayana. Konark, Shyamali, Punascha
and Udichi which reflect the architectural
genius of the poet's illustrious son the late
Rathindranath Tagore. In addition there are
Kala Bhavan (College of Fine Arts and Crafts).
Sangit Bhavan (College of Music and Dance),
Vidya Bhavan (College of Humanities), Siksha-Bhavan
(College of Science) and Vinaya Bhavan (Teacher's
Training College), Cheena Bhavan and Hindi
Bhavan. The Shantiniketan campus of Viswa
Bharati has grown up to be a centre for learning
with a bias towards art, music and humanities.
At Shriniketan, mainly a Centre for Rural
Service and Studies (Palli Samgathan Bibhaga),
there is a college of Agriculture (Palli Siksha
Sadan) as well.
The Places of interest are mainly on the
campus and have a distinctive feature of some
of the best in Indian art and culture.
China Bhavan: The Chinese Faculty.
Chhatimtala: Here Maharshi Devendranath, the
father of Rabindranath Tagore, used to meditate.
Prayers are held usually at Convocation time.
Successful graduates of the Vishwa Bharati
University are presented a branch of five
leaves each from the Saptaparni trees which
abound in the area.
Kala Bhavan: The College of Fine Arts &
Crafts has an museum exhibiting sculptures,
frescoes & murals and a library of art
books.
Patha Bhavan: Now a secondary school, it is
of particular interest as an example of the
traditional `Brahmacharya Ashram'.
Prayer Hall: Founded by the poet's father
in 1863, the hall is made of glass. Prayers
are held on Wednesday.
Bichitra: Also called Rabindra Bhavan, a Research
Centre and Museum where the poet's personal
belongings, paintings & various editions
of his works are exhibited.
Sangeet Bhavan: College of Dance and Music.
The University is replete with works on Art,
Music and the Humanities.
Uttarayan Complex: The poet lived and worked
in the Northern Complex consisting of several
buildings as: Udayana, Konarka, Shyamali,
Punascha and Udichi. The Bichitra ( or, Rabindra
Bhavan ) designed by the poet's son Rathindranath
Tagore.
N O T E: PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT PERMITTED.
Museums and Art Galleries
Kala Bhavan, Bichitra (Rabindra Bhavan).
Parks and Gardens
Deer Park: Near Sriniketan, 3 kms from Shantiniketan.
Originally, the area was a fast eroding `Khowai'.
It is now a large wooded area with herds of
deer and makes a natural bird sanctuary.
Uttarayan Gardens: University Campus
Excursions
Fullora (40 kms)
Nalhati (104 kms)
Kankalitala (7 kms)
Bakreshwar (58 kms): Nearest railway station
Dubrajpur 12 kms. WBTDC Tourist Lodges &
PWD Inspection Bungalows available
Massanjore (78 kms): Mayurakshi Bhavan, Youth
Hostel available to stay there.
Kendubilwa (42 kms): Buses ply from Bolpur
railway station. Buses also ply or Kenduli
from Calcutta for tourists.
Nanoor (23 kms): Birthplace of the Vaisnava
poet,Chandidas (14th century). Buses ply from
Bolpur railway station. Travet Sng time: one
hour.
Tarapith (80 kms): One can reach Tarapith
firstly from Bolpur to Rampurhat by train
or bus and then 5 kms by bus or cycle rickshaw.
Ramkanai Dharamshala a number of hotels are
there.
Shopping
Grameen (Bolpur)
Sarvodaya Ashram (Bolpur) (Handicrafts &
handlooms)
Vishwa Bharati Shilpa Sadan (Shantiniketan)
Shantiniketan Co-operative Stores (Shantiniketan).
Festivals
Maghotsava (February)
It marks the anniversary of the Brahmo Samaj
and the Founding of Shriniketan.
Vasanta Utsava (March)
It coincides with Holi. The students, in colourful
dress, dance their way into the Mango Grove.
Here an open air variety programme is staged.
Varsha Mangagal (Jul-Aug)
Cultural shows are held and a tree planting
ceremony preceded by Halokarshan (ploughing).
Sharadotsava (Oct-Nov)
An autumnal festival of song and dance before
the University closes for the Puja holidays.
Paush Utsava (December)
The Calendar year comes to a close with a
colourful fair marking the foundation day.
Tribal dances (Santhali) & Baul singers
are a part of the fair. Tribal crafts in silver
and Dhokra metalware are popular with visitors.
Vishnupur
Terracotta, metalware & temples characterise
Vishnupur. The temples are built mostly of
brick & at times, of laterite. Clay &
laterite are the only building materials available
here besides wood and bamboo. The architecture
is modelled on the pattern of Bengali huts
built of bamboo & mud and roofed with
thatch.
Vishnupur will remain ever famous for its
distinct style of music, i.e. the Vishnupur
Gharana, if not anything else. The name of
Jadu Bhatt, the music teacher to Rabindranath
Tagore, is remembered with respect to this
day.
A discerning visitor may find traces of the
past splendour and glory thatwas Vishnupur
in its superb temples and unique handicrafts.
Area: 20.6 sq.km.
Altitude: 70 metres.
Temperature (°C):
Summer- Max.44, Min.28
Winter- Max.29, Min.21
Rainfall: 14.3 cms (July-August).
Clothings: Summer- Tropical, Winter- Light
woollens.
Languages spoken: Bengali, English.
Best Season: September to March.
STD Code: 03244
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport Calcutta is 201 kms
away from Vishnupur.
Rail: Vishnupur, the railway station is connected
with Calcutta (Howrah). The trains from Howrah
are: Asansol Passenger, Gomoh Passenger, Howrah-Purulia
Passenger, Hatia-Kharagpur.
Road: Vishnupur is well-connected by regular
bus services to Calcutta 151 kms, Durgapur
81 kms, Purulia 145 kms, Bankura 34 kms, Khargapur
91 kms etc.
Local Transport: Cars on hire and jeeps can
be arranged through the Tourist Lodge. Cars
on hire from Kiron Homoeo Hall, Matukgunge.
What to see
Ras Mancha (3 kms)
Dalmadal Cannon
Jor Bangla Temple (5 kms)
Madan Mohan Temple (5 kms)
Malleswar Temple (6 kms)
Lalji Temple
Mrinmoyee Mandir (3 kms)
Shyam Rai Temple (7 kms)
Malla King's Fort (3.5 kms)
Jogesh Chandra Pura Kirti Bhavan Museum (Timmings
1000 to 1200 & 1400 to 1800 hours).
Excursions
Jairambati & Kamarpukur: 43 kms and 48
kms respectively. These two places are associated
with Shri Ramakrishna and his consort Shri
Maa Sarada. Ruins of the historic Garh Mandaran
fort are a few kilometres from Kamarpukur.
Mukutmanipur: 82 kms. A dam has ben constructed
across the rivers Kangsabati and Kumari. A
picturesque spot for a quiet holiday.
Bahulara: 25 kms. The Siddheswar Shiva Temple
of Bahulara is well known for its unique architectural
style and exquisite ornamentation of the temple
walls. The Shaileswar Temple of Dihar, 8 kms
from Vishnupur, is also an old temple.
Panchmura: 21 kms. Famous for the terracota
Bankura Horse, a folk artefact and now the
national symbol for Indian handicrafts.
Susunia Hills: 50 kms. The famous rock inscription
of Chandavarma can be seen on the walls of
a cave and dates back to the 4th century AD.
Susunia is connected to Bankura town by bus.
Delightful holiday resort in winter. Also,
a centre for rock climbing & trekking.
Festivals
Jhapan (Shravana Sankranti/Mid-August):
Most important festival of Vishnupur is Jhapan,
held in the glory of Manasa, the daughter
of Shiva & goddess of snakes. Jhapan represents
the snake worship cult in Bengal. It is basically
a regional harvest festival and closely associated
with the fertility cult too. Amidst chanting
of hymns in glory of Goddess Manasa, groups
of snake charmers demonstrate tricks and feats
with poisonous snakes. Jhapan literally means
a stage erected to exhibit tricks with snakes.
At times performed on decorated bullock carts
and carriages. Charmers, called Jhampanias,
bring king cobras, spectacled and other cobras,
vipers, kriats, pythons, rat snakes, vine
and flying snakes, in baskets made of cane,
bamboo or grass, to the old palace ground.
Jhapan festival began as a grand reception
first given to Bir Hambir Malla on his return
after battle festival continues and the great
snake show by traditional devotees of Goddess
Manasha, with live & venomous snakes,
attracts a large gathering every year.
Indra Puja (Bhadra/August-September):
Another colourful festival is held at Vishnupur
with great pomp. This is known as the Indra
Puja or the Indra Parab. On this occasion
the Malla Raja of Vishnupur presents yellow
turbans to local Santal chiefs.
Gajan (March-April):
Gajan festival begins at the end of a week
culuminating in month long rural fairs on
Shivaratri day and is a popular festival of
rural Bengal. The festival at the Bahulara
Siddheswar Shiva Temple (25 kms away) and
the fair draws large crowds from distant places.
Where to buy
The local handicrafts of Vishnupur include
silk, tussar silk, conch shell wares &
bell metal wares. No less important from the
point of view of popular taste are the fine
sweetmeats and flavoured tobacco of Vishnupur.
Vishnupur is also famous for terracotta folk
toys like the Bankura (rather Panchmura) horse
and clay dolls. Vishnupur Silks are among
the finest in the world.
1) Terracota Crafts, Dalmadal Road (1/2 kms
from the Tourist Lodge).
2) Shri Hari Sankha Bhandar, Shankharipara.
3) Maa Durga Sankha Bhandar, Shankharipara.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is nestied in a setting of Kanchenjunga
and Mount Everest, Tibetan Monasteries, Himalayan
Tribal Life, Pine Trees etc. Which make her
qualify as the queen of the hill stations.
Altitude: 2134 Metres.
Temerature (deg C):
Summer- Max. 14.9, Min. 8.6
Winter- Max. 6.11, Min. 1.50
Best Season: April to middle June and September
to November.
Clothing: Summer- Light Woollens & Tropicals;
Winter- Heavy Woollens
How to get there
Air: Bagdogra Airport (96 kms from Darjeeling)
has direct air connections to Calcutta, Delhi,
Patna, Guwahati and other places of North-East
India.
Rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station at the
base of Darjeeling Hill area has the direct
railway connections to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati,
Madras, Bombay, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Tirupati,
Trivandrum, Cochin etc. And from New Jalpaiguri
to Darjeeling by toy train it takes 7 hours
on a narrow gauge line.
Road: Darjeeling is connected by road with
Calcutta 651 kms, Gangtok 100 kms, Kalimpong
51 kms. Calcutta-Shiliguri have direct NSBTC
Buses, daily.
Local Transport: Cars and Jeeps (Landrovers)
are available on hire. Jeeps and Mini Buses
can be hired from the Deputy Director of Tourism,
West Bengal, Nehru Road, Darjeeling.
What to see
Tiger Hill- 11 kms. 8482 ft./2590 mtrs
Ghoom Monastery- 8 kms
Batasia Loop- 5 kms
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute- 2 kms.
0830-1300 & 1400-1630 hours; Himalayan
Zoological Park
Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway-
8 kmslong ropeway
Tibetan Refugees Centre
Lebong Race Course
Natural History Museum- 1000-1600 hrs
Happy Valley Tea Estate- 3 kms
Lloyds Botanical Garden- 0600-1700 hours
Observatory Hill
Dhirdham Temple
Senchal Lake- 10 kms
Excursions
Sandakphu: 58 kms. Jeepable Road. Tourist
can reach by jeep or by landover.
Tonglu: 10074 feet or 2070 metres
Phalut: 3600 metres
Warden,Youth Hostel,Darjeeling organises regular
Trekking Tours during season.
Sagardwip (SAGAR ISLAND)
Gangasagar Mela, the largest fair in west
Bengal held near the confluence of the Ganga
and the Bay of Bengal ,draws millions of piligrams
from all over India. They come for a holy
dip on Makar Sankranti(last day of the Bengali
Month) Negha -Mid January )and after their
obligations at the Kapilmuni Temple nearby.
Transport
From Calcutta to Namkhana by bus (105)kms.Namkhana
to Chemaguri by launch across the river Muriganga
from Chamaguri to Gangasagar by bus (10kms.)
One may cross the Muriganga from Herwood Point
(lot no. 8) near Kakdip to Kaachubrie also.Kakdwip
is 85 kms. from lot No. ',to Kachuberia and
bus service from Kechuberia to Gangasagar(30kms)
Raiganj Bird-Sanctuary
Altitude: 30 metres above sea level.
Temperature (°C):
Summer- Max. 25, Min. 21
Winter- Max. 23, Min. 09
Rainfall: 155 cms (July to September).
Clothings: Summer- Cottons, Tropical; Winter-
Woolens.
Languages spoken: Bengali, Hindi, English.
Best season: Throughout the year but preferably
October to March
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport Calcutta (425 kms).
Though one seasonal airport is Malda (76 kms)
which is connected by Vayudoot service.
Rail: Malda Town (76 kms) is the nearest
convenient railhead connected with all the
major cities in India.
Road: Good motorable roads connect Raijang
(NH-34) with Calcutta (425 kms), Malda (76
kms), Shiliguri (181 kms). Direct day &
night bus services (NBSTC, CSTC, SBSTC, and
pvt.) are available from Calcutta (EspLanade
Bus Terminus), Malda and Shiliguri.
Plassey
A place of great historical importance. Here
in the year 1757 a battle was fought between
the British and the last Nawab of Bengal,
Bihar and Orissa. Clive the British Chief
defeated Nawab - Siraj-ud-daula by unfairmeans.
Siraj-ud-dula was killed and Mirzaffar became
the Nawab. The historic battle field is till
preserved. A memorial was erected by Lord
Curzon at the mango groves where the actual
battle took place.
How to get there:
Road: Plassey: Situated at a distance of
172 kms. from Calcutta and 43 kms from Bahrampore
on National Highway No. 34.
Rail: It is a railway station on Eastern
Railway. The battle field is 5 kms. from Rly.
Station. (Sealdah-Lalgoleh line). Bus from
Calcutta, Krishnagar, Bahrampore etc. Taxis
and Cycle Rickshaws are available from Bahrampore.
Kurseong
Situated at an altitude of 2458 metres (4860
feet), Kurseong is 51 kms from Shiliguri and
30 kms from Darjeeling. The word Kurseong
means the place of White Orchid. Beacause
of its lower elevation, Kurseong enjoys a
milder and very healthy climate throughout
the year.
Kurseong means the places of White Orchid.
Because of its lower elevation, Kurseong enjoys
a milder and very healthy climate throughout
the year.
Altitude: 4860 feet (2458 metres)
Temperature (°C):
Summer- Max 32, Min 19
Winter- Max 15, Min 6
Rainfall: 160 inches annualy (mid june to
August)
Best season: March to mid June & September
to mid December
STD Code: 03554
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport Bagdogra (60 kms from
Kurseong), is connected to Calcutta, Delhi,
Guwahati & other places of north-eastern
India by Indian Airlines, Damania & Vayudoot
services.
Rail: Kurseong itself is a railway station
on the NJP-Darjeeling narrow guage line (Toy
Train Line). And NJP (New Jalpaiguri), 57
kms from Kurseong, is directly connected by
rail to Calcutta and other main places in
India.
Road: Kurseong is connected by road with
Shiliguri (51 kms) and from there to practically
all the major cities of India. Some road distances
are:- Guwahati 560 kms, Calcutta 636 kms,
Delhi 1359 kms, Kathmandu 621 kms.
Bus: Kurseong is connected by regular bus-services
with Shiliguri (from 0700 to 1645 hours) and
Darjeeling (from 0640 to 1600 hours).
Places of interest
Eagle's Crag- 1 km
Deer Park- 4 kms
Forest Museum
Giddhapahar Mandir- 2 km
Ambotika Shiv Mandir- 5 kms
Makaibari Tea Estate-4 kms
St.Mary's Hill- 4 km; Dowhill
Baggaura; Chimney
Kettle Valley Picnic Spot
Namsu
Netaji Kothi
Walks & Treks in Kurseong
Kurseong Town-Forest School-Dow Hill School-Kurseong
(8 kms).
Kurseong Town-St.Mary's-(Rangers College)
Deorali-Chimney-Kurseong (8 kms).
Kurseong-Singell Tea Estate-Cafebari-Rinchngton
Power Station-Namshu Picnic Spot-Kurseong
(16 kms)
Kalimpong
Just 51 kms east of Darjeeling is situated
the picturesque town of Kalimpong, the former
headquarters of the Bhutanese Governor. Situited
at an altitude of 1250 metres between the
Deolo and Durbindra Hills, Kalimpong is an
ideal place for a quiet holiday amidst gently
rolling hills and deep valleys at the foot
of the mighty Himalayas.
Altitude: 1250 metres.
Languages spoken: Gorkha, Nepali, Bengali,
Hindi, English.
STD Code: 03552
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport Bagdogra (80 kms from
Kalimpong) is connected to Calcutta, Delhi,
Guwahati & other places of north-eastern
Indian by Indian Airlines, Damania & Vayudoot
services.
Rail: Two nearest railway stations are New
Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Shiliguri where NJP is
directly connected by rail with all the important
places in India.
Road: Kalimpong is connected by road with
Calcutta 651 kms, Guwahati 513 kms, Delhi
1312 kms and other major cities in India.
What to see
Durpin Dara
Flower Nursaries (Shri Ganeshmoni Pradhan
Nursary, Standari Nursary, Shri L.B.Pradhan
Nursary etc.)
Gouripur House- 2 kms
Swiss Welfare Dairy- 4 kms
Tibetan Monastery
Durgapur
Durgapur projects an image of an industrialised
India. It is the third integrated steel plant
of Hindustan Steel Limited and occupies an
area of 6.47 sq. kms. Founded under the Colombo
Plan Mission which visited India in April,
1955, the plant has been instrumental in changing
the rural face of Durgapur into a vast industrial
complex comprising public and private sectors.
Area: 41 sq.kms.
Altitude: 68.9 metres.
Temperature (deg C):
Summer- Max.46.1, Min. 37.8
Winter- Max. 32.2, Min. 29.4
Rainfall: 150 cms June to September.
Clothings: Summer- Tropical, Winter- Light
woollens
Languages spoken: Bengali, English.
Best Season: Through out the year
How to get there
Air: Nearest national and international airport
Calcutta is 176 kms away.
Rail: Durgapur is the railway station on
the Eastern Railway.
Road: Durgapur is connected by good motorable
roads with Calcutta 176 kms, Patna 414 kms,
Asansol 50 kms, Shantiniketan 62 kms, Vishnupur
72 kms.
Local Transport: Taxis, City Bus services,
Cycle Rickshaws are available.
What to see
(Distances are from the railway station)
Alloy Steel Project (10 kms)
Mining and Allied Machinery Corporation (6
kms)
Durgapur Coke Ovens Project Limited (6 kms)
A.V.B. (6 kms)
Durgapur Barrage (3 kms)
Durgapur Steel Plant (10 kms)
Philips Carbon Black & Sankey Wheels
Note: Permits (nontransferable) are issued
only on a visit in person to the Public Relations
Office.Visiting Hours: 1030 to 1230 hours
and 1430 to 1630 hours on weekdays and 0930
to 1215 hours on Saturday.
Parks and Gardens
Park in `A' Zone and Bel Park in `B' Zone,
Steel Township.
Excursions
Asansol: 42 kms. Connected with Durgapur by
train and bus.
Chittranjan: 77 kms. Connected with Durgapur
by train and bus.
Jaidev: 22 kms. The birthplace of the famous
Bengali Vaishnava poet Jaidev. Regular bus
service available upto Ajoy river from where
the river can be corssed on foot. Ferry service
across the river is available during the monsoons.
A fair is held during the first half of January
which lasts from 10 to 15 days.
Shantiniketan: 61 kms. International University
Founded by Rabindranath Tagore
Vishnupur: 72 kms. Ancient-city reputed for
temples and terracotta sculpture.
Digha
Beach-on-the-bay of West Bengal, Digha, has
the whispery, languid, soft-focus, charm which
is so graciously bengali: sighing casuarinas,
ponies nodding on the beach, prolonged meals
in the flavoursome sweet-&-salt idiom
of the state and timeless days and nights
of nothing to do but unwind and find yourself.
How to get there
Air: Calcutta is the nearest airport which
is about 210 kms away from Digha.
Rail: Though Contai Road (37 kms) is the
nearest railway station for Digha but Kharagpur
( km from Digha & km from Howrah) and
Mechheda ( km from Digha and km from Howrah)
on the South-Eastern Railway are the most
convenient railheads for Digha from where
buses are available which takes 4 hours.
Road: Route 1. Calcutta-Howrah-Mechheda-Norghat-Contai-Ramnagar-Digha:
185 km. Route 2. Calcutta-Deulti-Kolaghat-Kharagpur-Digha:
243 km. Route 3. Tarakeswar-Harinkhola-Arambag-Vishnupur-Kharagpur-Digha:
355 km
Bus: Regular direct buses are available from
Calcutta to Digha. C.S.T.C. express buses
ply from Esplanade (Calcutta) from 0630 hours
to 1000 hours. Luxury buses from West Bengal
Tourist Bureau, 3/2 B.B.D.Bagh departs daily
at 0700 hours
Buxa Tiger Reserve
Buxa Tiger Reserve was set up in the year
of 1982-83 at the north eastern corner of
West Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam. This
picturesque reserve with its proigous Terai,
Bhabar as well as Hilly landscape, is desected
by numorous revulets. Its delared a National
Park in January 1992.
The varitable flora and fauna of these wet
forests having an annual downpour exceeding
5000 mm, attracts tourists and nature lovers
every year. This part of the country is characterised
by its high degree of plant & animal bio-diversity
where 60% species are endemic to the area.
The Generic diversity of mammals is second
highest among all the tiger reserves of India.
Astonishing bio-diversity of animals comprise
of a reach avifauna of more than 230 identified
species, 67 mammals (out of which 21 are endangered),
36 species of reptiles (10 numbers are endangered).
Apart from Bengal Tiger the flagship species,
there are plenty of Leopard, Fishing Cat,
Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Indian Civet, Palm
Civet, Wild Dogs, Malayan Gaint Squirrels,
Mangooses, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Small Clawes
Otter, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer,
Wild Buffalo, 3 varieties of Pythons, Monitor
Lizard and a host of land tortoises. A number
of animals like Chinese Pangolin. Regal Python
(reticulate) Clouded Leopard are endemic to
the region.
The Avifauna is rich in both endemic as well
as migratory species. The swift rivers of
Rydak and Jainti are visited by Trans Himalayan
Migratory Goosanders, the beautiful Ibis Bill,
resident Fork-tails, varieties of Red-stars,
Wag-tails, the Narathali Lake is visited by
migratory Common Teal, Gargani Teal, Large
Whistling Teal, White Eyed Poachared etc.
The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill
abound the area. One of the rarest bird of
India the Black-necked Crane has been sighted
in the Reserve during the early winter. The
migratory beautiful Black Stork is a visitor
of the area. The monsoon ends and beautiful
Minivets, Sultan tits arrive, during summer
rare Ashyminivet is also sighted.
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