West Bengal

West Bengal was created as a constituent state of the Indian union on 15th August 1947 as the result of partition of the undivided British Indian province of Bengal into West Bengal. West Bengal covers the bottleneck of India in the east, stretching from Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. It is bounded on the north by Sikkim and Bhutan, on the east by Assam and Bangladesh. On the south by the Bay of Bengal and on the west by Orissa, Bihar and Nepal. It has therefore, three international frontiers-to the north, east and west. The state lies between 27o13'15" and 21o25'24" north latitudes and 85o48'20" and 89o53'04" east longitudes.

General Information
Area: 88,752 sq km;
Capital: Kolkata
Districts: 19
Language: Bengali, Hindi, English
Population: 68,077,965
Urban Population: 27.48%
Literacy: 57.7%

Flora and Fauna:
West Bengal is rich in flora and fauna and has a diverse ecosystem because of its varying terrain from the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected forests cover 4% of the state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger Reserves. The Sunderban, in south Bengal, is home to the famous Tiger Project - a conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It is an UNESCO world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in north Bengal. Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others. The state is also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter months.

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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.

General Information
Darjeeling Town
Area: 11.44 sq.kms
Altitude : 2134 m
Population : 345669 (90-91)
Climate: Max. Min. Summer 14.8900C 8.590°C0C Winter 6.110°C0C 1.50°C 0C
Rainfall: 320 cms annually
Best Season: March to mid June & September to mid December
Clothing: Light Tropical
Summer: Light woollens
Winter : Heavy woollens
Language Spoken : English, Nepali, Bengali, Hindi, Tibetian

Access
Air: The nearest airport Bagdogra is primarily for Darjeeling hill areas. Bagdogra is 90 kms (56 miles) from Darjeeling. Journey Time - about 3 hours. Indian Airlines N.E.P.C. Skyline Jet Airways operate regular Services to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati.
Airline Offices:
1. Indian Airlines Office Chowrasta, Darjeeling
Tel : 54230, 54231
2. Clubside Tours & Travel J.P. Sharma Road
Tel : 54646-47, 55123
Rail: The two closest railway stations are Siliguri (80 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (88 kms) from Darjeeling. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Varanasi and other major cities of India. Some Direct Train services from New Jalpaiguri.
Train Destination Time (approx.)
Darjeeling Mail Kolkata (Sealdah) 12 hrs.
Kamrup Express Kolkata (Howrah) 14 hrs.
Kanchanjunga Exp. Kolkata (Sealdah) 11 hrs.
Teesta Torsa Exp. Kolkata (Sealdah) 16 hrs.
Saraighat Express Kolkata (Howrah) 13 hrs.
Mahananda Express Delhi 30 hrs.
Brahmaputra Mail Delhi / Guwahati 30 hrs. / 10 hrs.
North-East Exp. Delhi / Guwahati 29 hrs. / 9 hrs.
Avadh Assam Exp. Delhi / Guwahati 25 hrs. / 10 hrs.
Rajdhani Express Delhi / Guwahati 22 hrs. / 6 hrs.
Trivandrum Express Trivandrum / Guwahati 52 hrs. / 13 hrs.
Guwahati Dadar Bombay / Guwahati 52 hrs. / 10 hrs.
Lohit Express Jammu Tawai / Guwahati 50 hrs. / 20 hrs.
Guwahati Bangalore Bangalore / Guwahati 49 hrs. / 12 hrs.
Dooars Express Guwahati / Guwahati 12 hrs. / 10 hrs.

PLACE OF INTEREST
Tiger Hill:
Situated at an altitude of 2590 metres (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 marvellous 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:
It 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: 25 p.

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 1st 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 Tiebtan 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.

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.

TREK & TOUR OPERATOR
1. CLUBSIDE Tours & Travel
J.P. Sharma Road, Darjeeling
Phone: 54646/54647
Fax: 0354-54123
2. Himalayan Travels
Gandhi Road, Darjeeling
Phone - 52254
Fax: 0354-54544
3. Travel Corporation of India
Gandhi Road, Darjeeling
Phone: 52694 & 54886
Fax: 0354-52694
4. Janiper Tours & Travel
Ladenla Road, Darjeeling
Phone: 52095
Fax: 0354-52625
5. Rekha Tours & Travels
Lebong Cart Road. Darjeeling
Phone: 52887/52975
Other Tour and Trek Operator
1. Trek Mate
Nehru Road, Darjeeling
2. Diamond Tours & Travels,
37B, Old Super Market, Darjeeling
Phone: 53467 (Office), 52045 (Residence)
3. Greenland Travels
21, Beechwood, Darjeeling
Phone: 52834
4. Kasturi Tours & Travels
A-26/1, Super Market Arcade, Darjeeling
Phone: 54430
Fax: 0354-54358
5. Kanchanjunga Adventure
Hotel Monalisa, Toong Soong Road
Darjeeling
Phone: 54293/52035
Fax: 0354-54293
e-mail: kanjunga@cal.vsnl.net.inTRANSPORT OPERATOR
1. Darjeeling Transport Corporation
Ladenla Road, Darjeeling
Phone: 52074
2. Darjeeling Motor Service
Ladenla Road, Darjeeling
Phone: 52101
3. Kalimpong Motor Transport Corpn.
Super Market, Darjeeling
Phone: 52269
4. North Bengal State Transport Corpn.
Super Market, Darjeeling

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.

Access
Digha is easily Accessible by road from Kolkata, Asansol, Bardhaman, Durgapur, Suri, Bankura and Jamshedpur and partly by rail (upto Kharagpur). The last part of the trip - between Kharagpur and Digha (123 km.) has to be done by bus and taxi. Frequent bus service, available from morning to evening. Digha is 187 km. by road from Kolkata.

Excursions
Chandaneswar
An old Siva Temple, 8 km. from Digha. Also Lankeswari (14 km.) and Kapal Kundala Temple (45 km.) 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.

Junput
Junput is 40 km. from Digha by bus, 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. For Accommodation, there is an Inspection Bungalow under the Superintendent of Fisheries, Junput.

Other Beaches

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 Kolkata, 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. 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. There are tourist lodges at Sagardwip and a Youth Hostel. Also dormitory Accommodation in a dharamshala run by Bharat Sevasram Sangha.

Access
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.

Bakkhali
It is so near Kolkata and yet so very different from the bustling metropolis that is Kolkata. Bakkhali is only 132 km from Kolkata. From Kolkata 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 Kolkata) 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. For Accommodation, there is a Tourist Lodge offering both double-bedded rooms and dormitories.

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.

General Information
Area: 114 Sq. Kms.
Altitude : 61 Metres (200 ft)
Best Season: October to May, particularly March and April, when new grass is growing
Off Season: 15th June to 14th September (Sanctuary closed)
Best Time To Visit: Between September and March, specially in winter to catch a view of the migratory birds.

Access

The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Garumara Wildlife Sanctuary can be Accessed from Siliguri as the entry point.

Air : Bagdogra is the nearest Airport from where one can go by above routes, (Siliguri to Bagdogra 13 km.) private vehicles are available at Madarihat for going to Hollong Forest Lodge/Jaldapara Tourist Lodge.

North Bengal Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini buses, and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat.

Rail: Nearest Railway Station : Madarihat which is only 7 kms from the Sanctuary and all the passenger trains stop here. Jaldapara Tourist Lodge is in a walkable distance from this Railway Station. All the Mail and Express trains stop at Birpara/Hasimara Railway Station both are 20 kms. away from the sanctuary.

Road: Jaldapara is connected by road with Darjeeling and Siliguri. North Bengal State Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini Buses and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat.

Route: Darjeeling-Siliguri-Jalpaiguri (via New Teesta Bridge) - Mainaguri-Dhupguri-Gairkata-Birpara-Madarihat (140 miles or 224 kms.) or

Darjeeling-Siliguri-Sevoke-Bagrakote-Mal-Chalsa-Nagrakata-Binnaguri - Birpara-Madarihat (214 kms.). Journey time from Siliguri about 4 hours.
Rail: The two closest railway stations are Siliguri (80 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (88 kms) from Darjeeling. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Varanasi and other major cities of India. Some Direct Train services from New Jalpaiguri.

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.

Totopara : 30 kms from Madarihat, a small village on the banks of the Toorsa near Bhutan border is the only habitation now of the Dooars aboriginals - the Totos. Their number has dwindled to less than a hundred now. A tea garden near Banarhat also bears the name Totopara, probably a survival from days when Toto settlements were more numerous.

Buxa Duar: A Fort at an altitude of 867 metres on the Sinchula Range guarding the most important of the eleven routes into Bhutan, the Buxa Duar. Only 60 kilometres from Madarihat, the Fort used as a detention camp for freedom fighters during British rule.

Jayanti: 75 kms from Madarihat a beautiful picnic spot on the bank of Jayanti river.

Bhutan Ghat: 85 kms from Madarihat, the road passes through beautiful forest and tea gardens.

Accommodation

Tourists can find comfortable Accommodation and delicious food right in the heart of the Sanctuary at the Hollong Forest Bungalow or the Jaldapara Tourist Lodge. Garumara also has a forest bungalow with two rooms in the most enchanting setting. There are forest lodges at Samsing, Chapramari, Milpara, Jainti, Baradabri, Mal & Madarihat.

Kalimpong

This is a beautiful hill town in North Bengal, which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. KALIMPONG - means king's ministers 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.

General Information
Area: 3.5 sq. miles
Population : 1,77,337 (90.91 Rural urban)
Altitude : 1250 metres (4100 ft)
Climate Temperate : Summer Max. 270C Min. 17.20C Winter Max. 150C Min. 7.20C
Rainfall: 86.20 inches Annually
Best Season : March to mid-June & Sept. to Dec.
Clothing : Tropical in summer and light woolen in winter.
Languages : Spoken English, Gorkha, Bengali & Hindi.

Access

Kalimpong is connected to all the major cities of India by Air, Rail and Road.

AIR : The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is 80 kms from Kalimpong.

RAIL : The nearest railway stations are Siliguri Junction & New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.

ROAD : Kalimpong is connected to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Gangtok by road through buses, jeeps and private taxis.

Places of Interest

DR. GRAHAM'S HOMES
A unique educational institution, started in 1900 by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Missionary, with six orphans, the school, situated in a 500 acre estate on the slopes of Kalimpong's highest hill, Dealo, has today a strength of well over 700 boys and girls who are accommodated in small cottages in a picturesque set-up. It has its own diary, poultry and bakery and every year in the month of May the school organises "MAYFAIR". A day's visit there can be enthralling.

DURPIN DARA
It is the highest point in Kalimpong Accessible by car. It offers a breath-taking view of the plains and the mighty Teesta.

GAURIPUR HOUSE (Now Co-operative Training Institute)
Situated about 2 km from the town centre on the way to Durpin Dara, Gauripur House was one of the favourite haunts of Poet Rabindranath Tagore. He stayed there on his many visits to Kalimpong.

KALIMPONG MARKET
Your visit to Kalimpong won't be complete unless you spend several hours or better still, several days at the two Kalimpong bazars, one on the Main Road, the other near the 10th mile. It is a unique experience to see villagers turning up in their local costume at the bazars on weekly market days to sell their farm products.

KALIBARI
Kalibari is about 2 km from town Huge statue of Goddess Kali, the main deity of this temple.

7TH MILE VIEW POINT
3 km from the town on the way to Teesta Bazar. A panoramic view of Teesta Rangeet Valley can be seen from here.

FLOWER NURSERIES
Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotic flowers like Amaryllis LiLies, Anthuriums, Roses, Gerbera, dahlias, gladiolas as well as Orchids and Cacti. Some important nurseries are : Brindaban Garden Nursery, Ganesh Mani Pradhan Nursery, L.B. Pradhan Nursery, Pinewood Nursery, Standard Nursery, Shangrila Garden Nursery, Twin Brothers Nursery, Universal Nursery and others.

THONGSHA GUMPHA
1 km from town. Situated at 10th mile this monastery of Bhutanese origin is built in the year 1630 and it is the oldest monastery in this region.

THARPA CHOLING MONASTERY
It is situated at Tirpai Hill and built around 1937 belongs to Gelupka Sect to which the present Dalai Lama belongs.

MANGALDHAM
This recently constructed place of worship is a marvellous piece of architecture.

ZONG DOG PALRI FO-BRANG MONASTERY
This is a fairly new monastery located in Durpin Dara. One can get a panoramic view of the town and surrounding from this monastery.

PEDONG MONASTERY
26 Km from Kalimpong and was established in 1837.

EXCURSION & PICNIC SPOTS
Rissisum: 20 Km form Kalimpong enroute Lava and situated at an altitude of 6410 ft. glorious view of the mountains can be obtained from this point and a beautiful picnic spot.

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.

Accommodation

Under the mgt. Of W.B. Tourism Corp. Dev. Corp..

Name of the Hotel Ph#
Morgan House Tourist 55384
Tashiding Tourist Lodge 55929
Hill Top Tourist Lodge 55654
Western Style Hotels

Himalayan Hotel
Upper Cart Road
Fax - 55122 55248

Hotel Silver Oaks
Rinking Pong Road
Fax - 55368,55296 55166
55767

Kalimpong Park Hotel
Renking Pong Road
Fax - 55982, 55304 Indian Style Hotels

Bethlehem Lodge
Rishi Road,
10th Mile 55185

Crown Lodge
Murgi Hatta 55846

Chimal Hotel
Rengking Pong Road 55726

Hotel Classic
D.S. Gurung Road 56335

Cosy Mook
Motor Stand 55541

Diki Lodge
10th Mile, Tripai Road
fax - (03552) 55290, 55095
Garden Reach
Upper Cart Road 55091

Janakee Lodge
Motor Stand
Fax - 56690,56690
J.P. Lodge
R. C. Mihtri Road 57457
56130

Kalimpong Delight
Upper Cart Road
Lodge Flower Patch
Malli Road 55646

Munal Lodge
Malli Road 55404

Mayuri Hotel
Ongden Road 55858

Mountain Hut
Dr. B.L. Dixit Road 57737

Mount Ville Guest House
9th Mile Rishi Road 55466

Norling Hotel
9 1/4 Mile Rishi Road 57354

Paramount Inn
Thana Dhara 55037

Sood Guest House
8/5 Mile Rishi Road 56207
55297

Kolkata

Kolkata (Formerly known as Kolkata - the founding name of the city)
Kolkata, on the Hooghly, retains the aura of days long gone, weaving the past and the present, the intense and the funloving into a charming fabric. Home to four Nobel laureates - Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen, Kolkata is the nerve centre of intellect and human values, where many modern movements began in art, cinema and theatre, science and industry. India's quest for freedom began here.
Kolkata is the gateway to Eastern India. A city with a rich heritage, bustling streets and bewildering variety of facets. From October to March, Kolkata wears a radiant look. Sunshine, mild winter, lights, colours, fairs, festivals, galas and Excursions , the mood is infectious and spirit sweeping.
Although the name Kalikata had been mentioned in the rent-roll of the Great Mughal emperor Akbar and also in Manasa-Mangal, to explore the history of Kolkata, we have to go back to the 17th century. It was in 1690 that Job Charnock of the East India Company came to the bank of the river Hooghly and took the lease of the three villages- Sutanuti, Govindapur and Kolikata (Kolkata) as a trading post of British East India Company. The city became famous in 1756, when Siraj-Ud-Dawlah, the last independent nawab of Bengal, captured the city. But the British regained their power in 1757 and the city was recaptured under Robert Clive. Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India, made it the seat of the supreme courts of justice and the supreme revenue administration, and Kolkata became the capital of British India in 1772. By 1800 Kolkata had become a busy and flourishing town, the center of the cultural as well as the political and economic life of Bengal.

General Information
Area:
Kolkata City Area 187.33 sq km.
Kolkata Metropolitan District Area 1380.12 sq km
Population : 4.39 million (Kolkata city)
9.2 million (CMD)
Altitude : 6.4 metres (20 ft.) above sea level.
Climate : Summer Max. 36.30C Min. 9.60C Winter Max. 41.70C Min. 38.10C
Rainfall: 1581 mm
Best Season : October to March.
Clothing : Cotton in summer and light woollen in winter.
STD Code: 033

Access

Air: Kolkata is well connected to major international & domestic airports. The international Netaji Subhash Airport (Dum Dum Airport) is 20 kms from the city. Most of the domestic airlines have direct services to and from Kolkata-Kolkata to other important cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow, etc.

Rail: Kolkata is served by two railway station, Haora (Howrah) and Sealdah and is connected to major cities all over the country.

Road: Kolkata is connected by an extensive network of national highways with major cities and towns. Buses generally depart from the Esplanades bus stand area at the northern end of the Maidan near Chowringhee Road. But there are a number of private companies, which have their own stands. Buses to and from the South generally use the bus stand near Fort William at Babu Ghat.

DISTANCE CHART (From KOLKATA)
Places of interest Distance Road Nearest Railway Station Airport
Asansol 222 km Asansol Kolkata
Antpur 76 km Tarakeswar Kolkata
Ayodhya Hill 353 km Purulia Kolkata
Bakreswar 229 km Bolpur/Santiniketan Kolkata
Bandel 48 km Bandel Kolkata
Belur Math 16 km Belur Kolkata
Botanical Garden 8 km Haora Kolkata
Bakkhali 131 km Diamond Harbour Kolkata
Belpahari 204 km Jhargram Kolkata
Darjeeling 665 km Darjeeling Bagdogra
Durgapur 182 km Durgapur Kolkata
Dakshineswar 10 km Dakshineswar Kolkata
Diamond Harbour 48 km Diamond Harbour Kolkata
Digha 163 km Kharagpur Kolkata
Farakka 309 km Farakka Bagdogra
Gour 353 km Malda Bagdogra
Haldia 123 km Haldia Kolkata
Jaldapara 707 km NJP Bagdogra
Jaydeb Kendubilwa 213 km Bolpur/Santiniketan Kolkata
Jayrambati 118 km Vishnupur Kolkata
Kalimpong 654 km NJP Bagdogra
Karsiyang 633 km NJP Bagdogra
Krishnanagar 118 km Krishnanagar City Kolkata
Kamarpukur 113 km Tarakeswar Kolkata
Murshidabad 222 km Murshidabad Kolkata
Mayapur 139 km Krishnanagar City Kolkata
Mirik 624 km NJP Bagdogra
Nanur 231 km Ahmedpur Kolkata
Nabadwip 120 km Nabadwipdham Kolkata
Phalut 731 km NJP Bagdogra
Palashi 174 km Palashi Kolkata
Raiganj 420 km Raiganj Bagdogra
Sandakphu 708 km NJP Bagdogra
Siliguri 585 km NJP Bagdogra
Santiniketan 212 km Bolpur/Santiniketan Kolkata
Susunia Hill 206 km Bankura Kolkata
Tarapith 291 km Rampurhat Kolkata
Tarakeswar 68 km Tarakeswar Kolkata
Vishnupur 152 km Vishnupur Kolkata

PLACE OF INTEREST
South Park Street Cemetery
This cemetery is situated at the Park Street. It was constructed in 1767 to accommodate the large number of the British people who died for their country. There are many heavily inscribed head stones, pyramids, urns and obelisks. The tombs of Col Kyd , Sir Thomas D'Oyly, the British Member of Parliament in early 18th century and Sir Willam Jones, the founder of Botanical Garden and the great oriental scholar can be seen here.

Victoria Memorial
This is one of India's most beautiful monuments built between 1906 and 1921 on the lines of white marble. It stands on the southern side of the maidan (ground) near Jawaharlal Nehru Road. All monuments of this memorial were designed in Italian Renaissance-Mughal style and build of white marble from Rajasthan. The memorial was the inspiration of Lord Curzon, who in 1901, felt that his lately departed Queen Empress, required a suitable monument to her memory. It took 20 years to build at a cost of 10 million rupees. The Prince of Wales formally inaugurated it in 1921. Set in beautiful garden grounds, the Victoria Memorial houses a large bronze statue of the Queen Empress Topped with a moving angel this memorial faces the Kolkata Maidan. The statues of Motherhood, Prudence, Learning, Art, Justice, Architecture and Charity are brought from Italy. It also has a 5 meter tall bronze winged figure of Victory, weighing 3 tons. It houses paintings, manuscripts, and other objects of historic value in its Museum and Art Gallery. Two regular sound and light shows are held in the evening. It is Open March to October from 1000 to 1630 and November to February from 1000 - 1530. Closed on Mondays.

St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral is 3 km from BBD Bagh. The Cathedral measures 71m. in length 24m. in width the spire rising 60m. high. The interior has exquisite scriptural scenes. Above these are the two Florentine frescos. In the centre of the eastern sector is the magnificent alter piece. The massive gold-gilt plate presented by Queen Victoria to Bishop Wilson, and the western windows are of special interest. The candlelight service on Christmas eve is a moving experience.

Portuguese Cathedral
The Cathedral was founded in 1797. The building cost for the Portuguese Cathedral was borne by two Portuguese noble- men. The entrance leading to the portico is paved with gravestones. Behind the altar, there are the figures of Madonna and Child. The remains of the first archbishop of Kolkata lie below the altar.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple
It is situated alongside the Vivekananda Bridge north of Kolkata, about 20 km. from BBD Bagh. It is famous for its association - with Ramkrishna who achieved spiritual vision here. Rani Rashmoni built this temple in 1847. The 12- spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a world famous place of pilgrimage. It was here the famous religious thinker Rama Krishna Paramahamsa achieved his spiritual vision and preached the unity of all religions.

Paresnath Temple
This Jain temple is situated at the Badridas Temple street. The temple is dedicated to Sitalnathji, the 10th of the 24 Jain tirthankaras (perfect soul). Its structure has mirror-inlay pillars, the windows made of stained glass and the marble floor has a floral design. The dome of the temple is gilded. The chandeliers here were brought from Paris and Brussels in the 19th century. Its garden has blocks of glass mosaics and European statues, painted with silver paint.

Howrah Bridge
It is considered to be an engineering marvel, which took six years to construct in the 1940s. Over 2,590 metric tonnes of high tensile steel make up this unique cantilever bridge that joins the main Railway Station (for Kolkata) and the industrial city of Howrah with the city of Kolkata. Supported by two piers, each nearly 90 meters in height above the road level, the bridge has a span of almost 500 meters (no pillars in the middle). It was opened in 1943 and today it is one of the busiest bridges in the world. It is the third largest bridge in the world, has around 2 million people crossing over it daily. Visible from many places in Kolkata, the bridge is called 'Rabindra Setu'.

Belur Math
This shrine is situates at eh Belur Road, Howrah. Belur Math is the international headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission which is 16.5 km from Dakshineswar across the Ganga. It is founded in 1899 by Swami Vivekananda, the world famous yogi and disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. This International tourist attraction is located near Belur in Howrah district. Its sprawling prayer hall with a statue of Ramakrishna is remarkable. The Belur Math shrine represents a church, mosque and temple when viewed from different angles. Its peaceful and calm atmosphere is befitting the gravity of the place.
Timing: 6.30 a.m. - 12 noon, 3.30-6.30 p.m. daily. Admission free.

Marble Palace
Marble Palace is located on C R Avenue in north Kolkata at Muktaram Babu Street. Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur constructed this palace in 1835. Italian marble was lavishly used to complete its construction. This palace set behind a large lawn has the sculptures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Hindu Gods, the Buddha and Christopher Columbus. A large pool near the small granite bungalow has ducks, peacocks and ostriches. The rooms have hundreds of statues and oriental urns. The walls of these rooms are covered with enormous paintings and mirrors. Gigantic chandeliers hang on its ceilings. The lamps on the stair cases are detailed creations. Entry - free (you must get a pass from the West Bengal Tourist office 24 hours in advance) Visit : on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday and Thursday are holidays. Opens from 1000 to 1600.

Wholesale flower market
In the early morning this market fills with colourful flowers from the northern part of Kolkata. You can see flowers everywhere in this market on the ground, on people's head, in carts and trucks and on display. By 700 the market start winding down and by 800 the entire sale is over.

Kumartuli
It is at Chitpur Road. Many Kumars or potters work here to create millions of clay images that serve as idols for Kolkata's never-ending season of festivals.

BBD Bagh (Dalhousie Square)
It is locates just south of Howrah Bridge. Dalhousie Square, which is renamed after Three Martyrs of Bengal, Binay, Badal & Dinesh was created in the heart of the imperial capital of Kolkata. The tank in the centre, fed by natural springs, is said to have supplied Charnock with drinking water. There are many historical buildings, which surround the square. The northern side is occupied by Writers' Building. To the east are commercial houses and the West Bengal Government Tourist Bureau. On the southern side is Raj Bhavan, residence of the Governor. Beside that are the State Legislative Assembly House and the Kolkata High Court. St John's Cathedral, which close to Raj Bhavan is the oldest church in Kolkata. On the western side is the imposing white domed General Post Office, next to which is the Reserve Bank of India building. Netaji Subhash Road is the centre of the onetime English commercial houses, which today flourish in Indian hands. Lyon's Range stock exchange, behind Clive Street, is worth a visit for a glimpse of the frenzied dealing in shares, periodically erupting onto the street.

Fort William
It is situated on the east bank of the river Hooghly and was named after King William III of England. It is surrounded by a 50ft high moat. It was built in 1757 after Robert Clive's victory at Plassey over Siraj ud-Daula. This fort was completed to prevent attacks from Muslim invaders. The fort walls, barracks, stables and the church of St. Peter are still intact. The area cleared around Fort William became the Maidan. In the fort, there is a church, market, post and telegraph office, cinema, swimming pool, boxing stadium, football and firing range. The Arsenal inside is worth visiting for which a prior permission is required from the Commanding Officer.

Nakhoda Mosque
This mosque is at Mahatma Gandhi Road. Visit : Daily from Sunrise to 2000. Entry - free. Massive red sandstones were used to built this mosque. This huge mosque can hold upto 10000 worshippers. This mosque was built in 1926. It has two minarets 46 m high and an onion - shaped dome.

Ochterlony Monument
It is at J.L. Nehru Road. This 148 ft pillar stands on the north end of the Maidan. It commemorates the victory of Sir David Ochterlony in Nepal. Its peculiarity is that its cupola is build in Turkish style, the column in Syrian style and the base in Egyptian style.

Nirmal Hirday (Pure Heart)
It is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity situated at 54 A A. J.C.Bose Road. It was Mother Teresa's first home for serving destitute and dying people. Now this organization has spread worldwide. This organization is taking care of the people abandoned by society.

Santiniketan
Santiniketan was founded by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, the father of Rabindranath Tagore. In 1901 Rabindranath Tagore started an experimental place of learning with a 'class room' under the trees, and a group of five pupils. This classroom that he started later became the 'Vishva Bharati University in 1921. This university attracts pupil from all over the world and aspires to be a spiritual meeting ground in a serene environment. It has the faculties in all major disciplines like humanities, agriculture, cottage industries, Indian Music and Drama, performing arts, Philosophy, Sanskrit and art. An interesting feature of this university is that the sculptures, paintings, murals and frescoes are found around the campus. It has the paintings of Rabindranath and Nandalal Bose and sculptures of Ramkinkar.

Metro Railway
The Metro system or the Under ground Railway Network in Kolkata started about 20 years ago. It is very clean and run efficiently. It starts from Tollygunge to Central station in Tiretta. It is the only under ground railway in India. Government is planning to expand the system and connect it with the Dum Dum Airport.

Academy of Fine Arts
It is a site of visual arts and Bengali theatre, situated near Victoria Memorial. It is established in 1933. It's permanent galleries include medieval Bengali and Indian miniature paintings, textiles and excellent specimens of old hand-woven Daccai and Baluchari saris. A Jamini Roy collection and Desmond Doig's pen and ink sketches of Kolkata's nostalgic landmark, are also on view. Local theatre and dance programs are performed in a hall, which has a stage. The Rabindra gallery contains paintings and manuscripts of the great man of letters. Its galleries are open daily from 3 PM to 8 PM (except the Rabindra Gallery - 12PM to 6 PM daily, closed on Mondays).

Science City
Science City, which is located on Kolkata's Eastern Metropolitan By Pass, is an area of knowledge and adventure. This 21st Century marvel of science, communication and environment is the first and only institution of it's kind in India and has a Space Theatre. The main attraction of the Science City is the Space Flight, Dinosaurs Alive, Dynamotion, Life in Water, a world of Insects and Reptiles, walkthrough Aviary, Butterfly corner, Convention Centre, four seminar halls, Mini Auditorium, Musical fountain etc. This convention centre complex has a 2215 person capacity main auditorium, 40 capacity mini auditorium and 8 seminar halls. It is open to public every day from 9 AM to 9 PM (Even on public holidays).

Birla Mandir
It is located on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue. It is the latest addition to the places of visit in Kolkata. It wad Build over twenty-two years of painstaking labour; it is an all-marble structure with very high quality rajasthani engravings. It attracts huge crowds and is splendid and imposing structure in white.

Burrabazar
It is the most visible center of wholesale and retail trade in Kolkata. It is a bewildering medley of crowds and merchandise. The businessmen who operate here care nothing for appearances. It is situated to the north of B.B.D.Bagh, the place is Accessible on foot from B.B.D. Bagh or by any bus going towards Howrah from B.B.D. Bagh.

KolkataHigh Court
It is situated at old post office street; near Eden Gardens.It is the highest seat of judiciary in West Bengal with tower of 54 metres height. It is one of the oldest buildings in India (constructed in 1872 by Walter Granville, the then architect to the Government of India.). It is built in the Gothic style of architecture, a later extension retaining the same architectural symmetry.

Dhakuria Lake
It is an artificial lake in Ballygunge, which is in South Kolkataon Southern Avenue. It comprises a rowing club, safari garden children's park and play center (lily pool) an open-air theatre Mukta Manch, swimming pool training Centres, etc.

Eden Gardens Stadium
Alongside the Eden Gardens is the world famous Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium. The stadium is supposed to be the largest in Asia with a seating capacity of more than lakh spectators. It was one of the first cricket stadiums in India where floodlights were installed and Day & Night cricket was played. The gigantic electronic scoreboard is also one of its kinds in the country. The stadium has had the privilege of hosting the most important of matches like World Cup Finals 1987, World Cup Semi Finals 1996, Hero Cup and many other tournaments.

Nalban Boating Complex
It is located at the heart of Salt Lake City, just 12 Km away from the Central Kolkata. It is a beautiful picnic spot for families, who would like to spend few hours in the quiet greenery, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's unpolluted environment offers a soothing effect to the visitors. The Main attraction of this place is the four hundred acre picturesque lake with various kinds of boating facilities like paddle boats, shikaras etc.

New Market
The Sir Hogg Market better known as New Market is arguably one of Kolkata's best shopping center. Designed by an East Indian Railway Company Architect, it was opened in 1874 & named after the commissioner, Sir Stuart Hogg. Earlier it had a garden with a silvery fountain & benches for tired shoppers. Today, it continues to be a premier shopping area despite a part of it being burnt down in late 1985. Its red brick Gothic clock tower bears testimony to past grandeur. Linen to cakes, fruits to fish, all & sundry is available in wide choice & price. There are 2000 stalls and the remarkable feature of these stalls is that they are arranged merchandise wise i.e. there are rows of stalls dealing with one particular line of goods.

Raj Bhawan
It is now the residence of the Governor was once the residence of the Governor-General of India. Based on an idea of the then Governor-General, Marquis of Wellesley, the building was modeled to resemble Lord Curzon's ancestral home - Kedleston Hall. It is situated in a fine enclosure of 6 acres standing back of the Maidan. The throne of Tipu Sultan is inside the building and the room where it is placed is called the "Throne room". The splendid ballroom whose floor is of polished teak is also worth seeing.

Saheed Minar
This 165 ft high monument similar to Qutab Minar of Delhi was erected by public subscription in 1828, to honour Sir David Ochter Lony, a one- time resident of Malwa & Rajputana. More recently, it has now been renamed 'Shaheed Minar' to honour the martyrs of the freedom struggle. An important landmark in Kolkata. It is located at the Northern end of the Maidan.

Salt Lake Stadium
Salt Lake Stadium also known as Yuba Bharati Krirangan, is situated approximately 10 km. from the city centre.It has a seating capacity of 1,25,000 Persons and is elliptical in shape. The roof is made of strong flow-coat tubes and aluminium sheets. There are two electronic score boards and control rooms. The lighting is uniformly distributed to enable sports by night. There are special arrangements for TV board casting.

Vidyasagar Setu
Vidyasagar Setu is a modern day engineering marvel and is the largest cable stayed bridge in Asia. Near the Race Course, It is the imposing and ultra-modern Second Hoogly Bridge. The bridge connects the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah. It was inaugurated in the year 1992. It was built at a cost of Rs. 388 crores. It is capable of handling around, 85,000 vehicles daily on 9 lanes. A beautiful bridge that spans the Hooghly, it has been built to ease the load off existing Howrah Bridge. It affords a panoramic view of the Kolkata skyline.

Writers' Building
This was, till the mid - 19th century, the place of residence for the junior servants (who were called writers of the East India Company). The original building was constructed in 1770 on the same site as the present one, but it was plain stuccoes and with no pretensions to architectural beauty. The present Gothic structure built during the tenure of Lt. Governor Ashley Eden (1877) is much more imposing than the original ever was. Situated at the northern end of Dalhousie Square, it now houses the Secretariat of West Bengal Government.

Indian Museum
It is about 2 km from BBD Bagh. It is a huge piece of Italian architecture on Jawaharlal Nehru Road, which was built in 1875. The largest museum in the country and is popularly known as Jadu Ghar (Magic House), this is the premier national collection in the subcontinent.

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum
Established in 1966, it is located at 19A, Gurusaday Road. A minicoal mine is the main attraction. The galleries have working models in popular science, motive power, mining, metals, petroleum, electricity, communications and electronics. It is a seat of learning of modern science and technology for students, research scholars etc. The museum opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and closed on Mondays.

Gurusaday Museum
Gurusaday Museum is situated 15 km. from the BBD Bagh, on Diamond Harbour Road. The museum has a small but rich collection of the folk arts and crafts on undivided Bengal. It has Collection of over 2,000 items. It's highlights are the Kalighat pats, Jorano pats (scroll paintings) and exquisite kantha quilts, a thrift needlecraft of rural Bengal, wood carvings and terra-cotta panels. Timings: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Thursdays.

Asiatic Society
Asiatic Society is the first modern museum in Asia. It is a famous center of Indology, Literature and Scientific Research and is situated at 1, Park Street, Kolkata-16. The society started a public museum in 1814. The Library of this institution contains approximately 20,000 volumes inclusive of 8,000 rare Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian & Hindi manuscript. The archaeological relics, geological and ethnological specimens which the museum of this society possessed formed the nucleus of the Indian Museum. The society has a few pieces of sculpture, which includes an image of Brahma (12th century). The Barhut Asokan Rock Edict (BC 250) in Pali written in the Brahmi script is one of the most important exhibits.

Rabindrabharati Museum
The Museum concentrates on the Bengal renaissance of the nineteenth century. It is situated near Girish Park on Chittaranjan Avenue. This Museum is situated within the walls of Rabindranath Tagore's house. This university now fosters cultural activities and conducts painting exhibitions by the artists of the Bengal School. The university was once the main center of Kolkata's intellectual activity. It is open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on weekdays (1.30 pm on Saturdays) and is Accessible by any bus going northwards along Chittaranjan Avenue to the Girish Park Bus Stop.

Nehru Children Museum
Nehru Children Museum which is located on Jawaharlal Nehru Road was built during the late sixties/early seventies and was . This Center hums with children's activities has a huge library for children. This contains dolls from all over the world. On Chowringhee, this modern museum houses miniature models in clay that depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This is open on all days except Monday from 12-00 Noon to 8 P.M.

Ashutosh Museum of Indian Art
Established in 1937, it is located within the premises of Kolkata University and has interesting pieces of Bengal art. It is open from 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM on weekdays and up to 3.00 PM on Saturdays.

Eden Gardens
These gardens were created in 1840 by the two sisters who were related to the Governor General, Lord Auckland. The idea was to make a Biblical - style Garden of Eden in India. Winding paths intersects the expanse dotted with beautiful trees and shrubs, and there is a large artificial lake. Adjoining the lake is the Burmese - style Pagoda, which was brought to Kolkata from Burma after the British victory in the Burmese war of 1884. Entry is free. Opens 24 hours.

Botanical Gardens
20 km from the BBD Bagh. It is founded in 1787 by the East India Company. They developed it for the collection of plants, indigenous to the country and for the introduction and acclimatization of plants from foreign parts. The main attraction of the 273-acre gardens being the banyan tree, the world's largest, having a circumference of 330m. These gardens are the biggest in Asia, and the second largest in the world. Visitors may drive across the bridge and through Howrah, the industrial extension of Kolkata or take ferry from Chandpal or Tekta Ghats to the gardens. Timings: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

NICCO Park
Opened in 1991 and located at Salt Lake, Nicco Park is the first amusement park of Kolkata, This amusement park is The Disney land of West Bengal, is no bar for any age group. The various rides are enjoyable. There are many attractions for children. The park is open to the public from 10.00 A.M. to 8.00 P.M. everyday during the winter and 11.00 A.M. to 9.00 P.M. everyday during the rest of the year.

Agri-Horticultural Gardens
This garden was founded by William Carey in 1820 and is situated in Alipur, adjacent to Kolkata Zoological Garden. It has a significant collection of botanical varieties with facilities for gardeners and plant/flower lovers. There is no entry fee.

Zoological Garden
Kolkata's interesting zoo-the oldest in India-was the creation of Sir Richard Carnac Temple who was Governor of Bengal from 1874 to 1877. It was opened on Jan 1st 1876, by the Prince of Wales. The 16 hectare grounds house a wide species of animals & birds including the rare white Bengal Tiger. There is a separate reptile house and a children's zoo. Migratory birds find sanctuary on a small lake in the zoo every winter. It remains a favourite picnic spot during winter. Directly across the main zoo is an aquarium, with a variety of aquatic life from around the world. Entry by ticket. The gardens are open from 6 a.m. To 5 p.m. daily.

Accommodation

STAR HOTELS

Five Star Hotels

HOTEL AIRPORT ASHOK
Kolkata Airport,
Kolkata - 52
Phone: 033-25519111-29
Fax: 2551-9137
Access: 1 km from airport, 18 km from railway station, 16 km from downtown area,
Cuisine: Indian, Continental

THE PARK
17, Park Street, Kolkata
Phone: 033-22497336/3121
Access: 23 kms, from airport, 7 kms from railway station, 1 km from Down town area,
Cuisine: Indian, Oriental. Continental

HOTEL HINDUSTHAN INTERNATIONAL
235/1, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata.
Phone: 033-22472394, 22802323
Access: 15 kms from airport, 5 kms from railway station,
Cuisine: Indian, Chinese Continental

TAJ BENGAL
34-B, Belvedere Road, Alipore
Phone: 033-2233939
Access: 26 kms from airport, 20 km from Rly station, 4 kms from down town area,
Cuisine: Indian, Speciality Chinese, Continental, French

THE OBERODI GRAND
15, Jawaharlal Road, Kolkata
Phone: 033-22472394,22802323, 22492323
Access: 24 kms from airport, 2.5 kms from Railway station,
Cuisine: Indian, Chinese, continental, Szechwan&Mughlai

Four Stars

THE KENIL WORTH
1&2 Little Russel Street, Kolkata
Phone: 033-22828394-95
Access: 15kms from airport, 5kms from railway station, situated in downtown area,
Cuisine: Indian, Chinese, Continental

PEERLESS INN
12, Jawaharlal Nehru Road,
Kolkata
Phone: 033-22280301
Access: 15 kms from airport, 4 kms from Railway station situated downtown area,
Cuisine - Indian, Chinese, Continental, Bengali

Three Stars Hotels

Hotel Rutt Deen
21-B, Loudon Street, Kolkata
Phone: 033-22475240, 22476911
Access: 15 kms, from Airport, 5 kms from railway station, 1 kms from down town area,
Cuisine: Indian, Chinese, Continental

Lytton Hotel (Government Approved)
14&14/1, Sudder Street,
Kolkata-700 016
Phone: 033-22491872/ 73/ 75-79/ 81, Fax : 033-222491747, 22174730
Website: www.lyttonhotelindia.com
Access: 15 kms from airport, 8 & 5 kms from railway station,
Cuisine - Indian, Chinese, Continental, Tandoori, South Indian

Two Stars Hotels

ASTOR HOTEL
15, Shakespeare Sarani,
Kolkata - 71
Tel: 2242-9950/57/59
Fax: 2242-7430

FAIRLAWN HOTEL
13A, Sudder Street,
Kolkata - 16
Phone: 033-22458766, 22451510
Access: 15kms from airport, 4kms from railway station, centrally located,
Cuisine: Indian, Continental, Chinese

HOTEL SHALIMAR
3A, S.N. Banerjee Road,
Kolkata - 13
Tel: 2248-5030/5016
Fax: 2248-0616

One Star Hotels

HOTEL LINDSAY
8A & 8B, Lindsay Street,
Kolkata
Phone: 033-2245-2237 / 38, 22441039, 22441374
Access: 15 kms from airport, 5 kms from railway station Sealdah / Hawrah, centrally
located, Multi cuisine

Byepass Swimming & Resort Ltd
11, East Tupsia Road, Kolkata
Phone: 033-23438097 / 8074/ 8854
Access: 3.5 kms from airport, 1 km from railway station, 6 kms from down town area,
Cuisine : Indian, Chinese, Continental

GREAT EASTERN HOTEL
1,2&3 Old Court House Street,
Kolkata - 69
Tel: 248-2311/2331
Fax: 248-0289

LYTTON HOTEL - 3 Star
14, Sudder Street,
Kolkata - 16
Tel: 249-1875-79
Fax: 249-1747

PEERLESS INN KOLKATA - 4 Star
12, J.L. Nehru Road,
Kolkata - 13
Tel: 243-0310
Fax: 248-6650

OTHER HOTELS
AKASH GANGA
1, Orient Row,
Kolkata - 17
Tel: 247-3341/5817

AIRWAYS LODGE
No. 2 Airport Gate,
Kolkata - 81
Tel: 552-8280/8736
Fax: 552-9325

ASIA HOTEL
P-1A, Rash Behari Avenue
Jamir Lane,
Kolkata - 19
Tel: 440-6682/11

ASTORIA HOTEL
6/2/3, Sudder Street,
Kolkata - 16
Tel: 245-1514/0241

DUHITA GUEST HOUSE
AA39, Salt Lake,
Kolkata - 64
Tel: 337-5332

GREEN INN
17, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road,Kolkata - 13
Tel: 244-0957

HOTEL BLISS
193/2, Rash Behari Avenue
Kolkata - 19
Tel: 440-7942/6641

HOTEL CIRCULAR
177/A, A.J.C. Bose Road,
Kolkata - 14
Tel: 244-1533/3864
Fax: 245-0263

HOTEL CKT INN
12/1, Lindsay Street,
Kolkata - 87
Tel: 244-0047/8246
Fax: 244-0047

HOTEL EAST WEST
15, Circus Avenue,
Kolkata - 17
Tel: 247-1030/5935

HOTEL HEERA INTERNATIONAL
115, Ripon Street,
Kolkata - 16
Tel: 29-5954/6911
Fax: 29-8731

HOTEL HIMALAY
134/1, Mahatma Gandhi Road,Kolkata - 7
Tel: 238-1961/3550

HOTEL MAJESTIC
4C, Madan Street,
Kolkata - 72
Tel: 27-1089/5700

HOTEL MANISH
P-1, Dobson Lane
How-1
Tel: 666-6317-20

HOTEL MINERVA
11, G.C. Avenue,
Kolkata - 13
Tel: 26-3365/4505

HOTEL MOON GUEST HOUSE
17, Zakaria Street,
Kolkata - 73
Tel: 25-4358

HOTEL SAKET
23, Mukhram Kanoria Road
Howrah - 1
Tel: 666-4835/39

HOTEL SAMILTON
37, Sarat Bose Road,
Kolkata - 20
Tel: 474-8805/476-0674

HOTEL SHIVAM
P-19, Dobson Lane,
Howrah - 1
Tel: 666-6071/9943

HOTEL SWAGATH
P-19, Dobson Lane,
Howrah - 1
Tel: 666-6071/9943

LOVELY LODGE
8, Haradutt Rai Chamaria Road
(Entrance Dobson Road)
Howrah - 1
Tel: 666-4518/4911

MARBLE PALACE GUEST HOUSE
5, Beck Bagan Row,
Kolkata - 17
Tel: 247-8180
Fax: 247-1126

NEW HAVEN GUEST HOUSE
19/A, Ritchie Road
Kolkata - 19
Tel: 475-4562/4097

NORTH STAR HOTEL
66/1, Dum Dum Road,
Kolkata - 74
Tel: 551-4339/4171

OMAR HOTEL
Vasa, Diamond Harbour Road
H.O. 135, Biplabi Rash Behari Road,Kolkata - 1
Tel: 242-7607 (H.O.) / 4709-771 (Joka)

PENGUIN HOTEL
18, Jadunath Dey Road,
Kolkata - 12
Tel: 26-8342/27-5312300

RAJASTHAN GUEST HOUSE
19, Zakaria Street,Kolkata - 73
Tel: 25-4715/4577

SANA HOTEL
6A, S.N. Banerjee Road,
Kolkata - 87
Tel: 244-1596/6210

SAROJ DEEP
16/1, Hindusthan Road,
Kolkata - 29
Tel: 464-3895/7073

SHILTON HOTEL
5A, Sudder Street, Kolkata - 16
Tel: 245-1512/1527

SURYA CONTINENTAL
233/3, A.J.C. Bose Road
Kolkata - 20
Tel: 247-5274

VIP INTERNATIONAL
51, Mirza Ghalib Street
Kolkata - 16
Tel: 29-3774/6428

TOURIST LODGE UDAYACHAL TOURIST HOSTEL
DG Block, Sector - III
Bidhannagar,
Kolkata - 91
Tel: 337-8246
(Under West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation)

OTHER AccommodationS

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION OF EASTERN INDIA
13, Promothesh Barua Sarani,
Kolkata - 19
Tel: 475-5131/5235,
Fax: 475-9012
Rs. 80 single, Rs. 100 double. For members of other Automobile Associations and AAEI.

KOLKATACUTTA AIRPORT REST ROOMS
Airports Authority of India
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport,
Kolkatacutta - 52
Tel: 552-9547/9172
Retiring Room - Rs. 350 per bed
Family Room - Rs. 500 per room
45 bedded dormitory - Rs. 50 per bed
For Air transit passengers holding confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Food available at the Airport Restaurant.

INTERNATIONAL GUEST HOUSE
The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Gol Park,
Kolkatacutta - 29
Tel: 464-1303/4/5, 466-1235/6/7
AC single room Rs. 530 per day and double room Rs. 660 per day (all inclusive)
NAC single room Rs. 380 per day and double room Rs. 460 per day (all inclusive)

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARS HOUSE
The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Gol Park,
Kolkatacutta - 29
Tel: 464-1303/4/5, 466-1235/6/7
AC single room Rs. 440 per day and double room Rs. 600 per day (all inclusive)
NAC single room Rs. 290 per day and double room Rs. 400 per day (all inclusive)

RAILWAY RETIRING ROOM: HOWRAH
NAC double Rs. 130 for 24 hours and Rs. 80 for 12 hours.
For Railway ticket holders only.

RAILWAY YATRI NIWAS: HOWRAH
Tel: 660-1742/43
AC double Rs. 350. NAC double Rs. 250. NAC 3 bedded Rs. 275.
53 bedded dormitory Rs. 75 per head.
For holders of tickets for 200 km. at least.

SALVATION ARMY RED SHIELD GUEST HOUSE
2, Sudder Street,
Kolkata - 16
Tel: 245-0599
Dormitory Rs. 40 per head. Double Rs. 100.

Y.M.C.A.
25, J.L. Nehru Road,
Kolkata - 87
Tel: 249-2192
Gram: MANHOOD
Fax: 249-2234
NAC single Rs. 300 and NAC double Rs. 440.
AC single Rs. 565 and AC double Rs. 730. Dormitory Rs. 200 per head.
Tariff includes bed, bed-tea, breakfast and dinner.
Temporary membership fee Rs. 20.

Y.M.C.A.
42, S.N. Banerjee Road,
Kolkata - 14
Tel: 244-3814
Single Rs. 37, Rs. 34, Rs. 22. Double Rs. 100.

Resorts

Samcon Resort And Hotel Pvt Ltd
Salt Lake Bidhannagar Kolkatacutta-700064
Phone: 033-23582100

Panchavati Holiday And Rsrt Ltd
Ajc Bose Road Kolkatacutta-20
Phone: 033-22409822

Green Ville Club Holiday Resort
510 Keyatola Road Kolkatacutta-700029
Phone: 033-24641044

Geetanjali Resorts Pvt Ltd
32 Diamond Harbour Rd Behala Kolkatacutta-700008
Phone: 033-24689663

The Forty - Radisson Resort
Post Bag 1, Ganapti Greenfields Ltd, Sarisa, 24 Parganas
Phone: 033-27475444-53
Access: 72kms from airport, 55kms from railway station, Cuisine : Indian, Continental

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.

General Information
Area: 5.05 sq. km.
Altitude: 1458 Metres (4864 feet)
Population: 18000 (1991 Census)
Rainfall: 160 inches (Annually)
Best Season : March to mid June & September to mid December
Clothing : Summer- Light Woollens Winter- Heavy Woollens

Accommodation

Under the management of West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation

Kurseong Tourist Lodge & Day Centre
Tel - 44409

Other Private Hotels

Amarjeet Hotel
12, T.N. Road
Tel - 44678

Bunty's Hotel
30, B.D. Road
Tel - 44739

Hotel Delhi-Darbar
118, T.N. Road
Tel - 44054

Hotel Hill Top
11/A-1, T.N. Road
Tel - 44703

Jeet Hotel
10A, Hill Cart Road

Luxury Hotel
72, T.N. Road
Tel - 44321

L.M.B. Lodge
Tel - 44307

Maya Guest House
37, T.N. Road
Tel - 44783

Saria Lodge
36/3, S.S. Road
Tel - 44282

Shyams Hotel
Tel - 44261, 44620

Shyams Batloi
47, T.N. Road
Tel - 44240

Tripti Lodge
40, D.D. Road
Tel - 44018

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.

General Information
Area: 335 acres (Tourism project area)
Population: 16,000 (Approx)
Altitude: 1700 Metres (5800 feet)
Climate: Summer 29 Deg C Max
Winter 13 Deg C Max
Rainfall: 279.4 cm (Annually)
Clothing: Summer : Light Woollens & tropicals
Winter : Heavy Woollens
Languages: Nepali, Bengali, Hindi & English

Access

Air: Nearest airport Bagdogra, about 55 km from Mirik

Rail: Nearest rail-heads are Ghoom-41 km, Darjeeling-49km and Siliguri-52km

Road: Connected to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Kurseong by road on the following routes:
Mirik-Hilay-Bhanjang-Pashupati Fatak-Simana-Sukhiapokhri-Ghoom-Darjeeling-49 km.
Mirik-Soureni-Phuguri-T.E.-Gaya-baree T.E-Dudey Garidhura-Khaprail-Siliguri-52 km.
Mirik-Garidhura-Longview T.E.-Makaibari T.E. Kurseong-46 km (jeepable)
Places of interest

The Lake: The beautiful 1.25 km long lake is the most attractive spot of the Mirik Tourism Project. The depth of lake water varies from a minimum of 3 ft. to maximum of 26 ft. The walks on the 3.5 km. long promenade around the lake is a fascinating one. The 80ft. long arch-type overbridge across the lake is a wonderful engineering skill of the project. Arrangements of fishing in the lake is being implemented soon. Boating is available @ Rs. 20.00 to 40.00 per half'n hour per boat.

Kawlay Dara: For fabulous view of the plains as well as mountains beautiful view of sunrise and sunset can also be seen.

Deosi Dara: Another observatory point for stupendous landscape view.

Rai-dhap: An ideal picnic spot.

Tea Estates: There are eight tea gardens in Mirik area. thurbo T.E., one of the best tea-estates, is only 2 kms from the lake. The factory may be visited with the permission of the manager.

Orange orchards: About 2 kms from Mirik, situated on the spur, one can see beautiful orange orchards. Mirik is the largest supplier of oranges in West Bengal. One can also have glimpse of the village life of hill areas.

Cardamom grove: Cardamom groves can be any where near the marshy land.

Devi-stan: The famous Hindu-temple "Singha Devvi mandir" on the western bank of the lake.

Accommodation

Under Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council

Tourist Lodges & Cottages
P.O. Mirik
Tel - 42237, 43371, 43372

Motel
P.O. Mirik
Tel - 43270

Other Private Hotels

Jagjeet Hotel
Krishna Nagar
Tel - 43359 43654

Lodge Panchasil
Krishna Nagar
Tel - 43284

Lodge Ashirbad
Krishna Nagar
> Tel - 43272

Mhelung
Krishna Nagar
Tel - 43228 43300

Ratnagiri
Krishna Nagar
Tel - 43243

Sayapatri
Krishna Nagar
Tel - 43219

Sadbhawana
Krishna Nagar
Tel - 436512

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.

General Information

Altitude: 329 ft. above Sea level
Climate: Summer annual mean temp 34.8 Deg C
Winter annual mean temp 12.8 Deg C
Humidity (annual mean) 81%
Season: Throughout the year except monsoon season
Clothing: Light tropical and cotton in Summer and light woolen in Winter
Languages: Bengali, Hindi, Nepali & English

Access
Air: Bagdogra - 16 Km. from Siliguri, is the nearest Airport, the following Airlines operate the schedule services : Indian Airlines

Jet Airways

The Darjeeling bound tourist disembarking at Bagdogra may avail of the D.G.H.C. Tourism's tourist coaches - Tourist Taxi or Private Taxi to Darjeeling. Sikkim Nationalised Transport's Mini Bus available at the Airport for transfer to Gangtok.

Rail: Siliguri is the junction of North-East Frontier Railway on metre gauge railway grid. Direct rail connections are available from Siliguri to Lucknow, Gauhati and Katihar. New Jalpaiguri Station which is the junction for broad gauge lines is 7 km. from Siliguri.

Direct railway connections with Kolkata (Sealdah and Howrah), Delhi, Madras, Bombay, Cochin etc are available from here. The popular 'Toy train' between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling passes through Siliguri.

Bus Services: North Bengal State Transport Corporation links by road almost all the important places of North Bengal. Long distance Express buses to Kolkata, Patna and Durgapur, Ranchi, Gauhati are available from Siliguri. Facilities available at tourist Bureau, Siliguri : (Phone : 431974/431979)
Places of interest

Jaldapara : 124 Km. from Siliguri by road via New teesta Bridge (Jalpaiguri). A 'must' for the visitor, is the Wild Life Sanctuary at Jaldapara. Besides bison, deer, etc., the rare one horned rhino is the special attraction here.

Mahananda Weir Sukna : 18 km. from Siliguri town. It is a beautiful picnic spot inside the Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary.

Kalijhora : 27 km from Siliguri on National Highway 31A' is a beautiful picnic spot by the side of Teesta River.

Mirik : A new hill-resort at an altitude of about 5800 ft. and almost midway on a 100 km. alternative route between Darjeeling and Siliguri.

Accommodation

Sl. No. Name & Address of Hotel

Mainak Hotel
W.B.T.D.C. Ltd.
Hill Cart Road,
Siliguri.

Hotel Sinclairs
Mallaguri,
P.O. Pradhan Nagar.

Other Hotels

Hotel Kabira
Hill Cart Road.

Hotel Gateway
Sevoke Road,

Hotel Saluja
Hill Cart Road.

Hotel Hindusthan
Pradhan Nagar

Hotel Sradhanjali
Church Road.

Hotel Mayor
Sevoke Road.

Hotel Mount View
Pradhan Nagar

Hotel Payasi
Mallaguri

Hotel Vinayak
Hill Cart Road,

Hotel Kasturi
Pradhan Nagar

Hotel Godabori
Hill Cart Road

Hotel Broadway
Bikhan Market

Rajasthan Guest House
Manguram Compound

Hotel Natraj
Hill Cart Road,

Hotel Ranjit
Hill Cart Road,

Hotel New Ranjit
Hill Cart Road

Hotel Venus
Hill Cart Road.

Hotel Kanchanjunga
Hotel Chancellor
Sevoke More

Sovraj Hotel
Burdwan Road.

Hotel Delhi
Hill Cart Road.

Hotel Sky lark

Hotel Airview Palace
Hill Cart Road,

Hotel Apsara
Pradhan Nagar

Hotel Tera
Sevoke

T.S.A. Guest House
Pradhan Nagar.

Siliguri Lodge
Hill Cart Road

Hariyana Guest House
Khalpara.

Hotel Savera
Sevoke Road

Pantha Niwas
Opp. Municipal Corpn. Office.

Mahabir Guest House
Hill Cart Road.

Hotel Embassy
Bidhan Market

Sunderbans

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.

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).

The land that is inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers is not far from Kolkata. 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.

Best Season
The best time to be in wildlife belts of the region is September-March. Although the luxury tours to the Sunderbans carry on the year round, and the monsoon holds its own magic over tourists on the expanse of the Sunderbans, September-March is the most likely time for tiger-sighting.

The land that is inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers is not far from Kolkata. 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.

Access
Come to Sajnekhali by motorboat departing from Canning which is Accessible by train and bus services from Kolkata. Cruise along in M.V. Chitrarekha (weekly journey from October to March) for a life time experience. One can also get private boats from Canning, Gosaba and Basanti, Raidighi, Basanti, Namkhana and Najatare are all connected by roadways from Kolkata.

Accommodation
M.V. Chitrarekha has excellent arrangements for on-board stay. One can also avail the facilities of tourist lodges at Sajnekhali, Bakkhali and Piyali for overnight stay.

Places of Interest
Project Tiger
The Tiger Reserve covering an area of 2585 sq. km. has one of the largest tiger population of any of the Indian parks, 269 Royal Bengal Tigers.

Lothian Island Bird Sanctuary
You can hire a country boat to reach the place famous for its White-Bellied Sea-Eagle, Black-capped kingfisher, Whimbrell, Tern and Curlew.

Bakkhali
A well known beach resort, close to Frazerganj overlooking the Bay of Bengal. It's a bird-watchers' paradise, where you are greeted by casuarinas and Red Fiddle Carbs.

Ganga Sagar (Kapil Muni Ashram)
The culturally and religiously important destination, also has an exceptionally good beach for the tourists. Situated on an island in the Sunderbans, it holds the charms of a completely unspoilt beach on the estuary of the mighty Ganga. It can be approached from Kolkata either by road and then by vessel, or by chartered luxury vessels taken from Kolkata itself. A lovely destination combining pilgrimage and fun.

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 Kolkata, and is a three hours drive. The destination is also famous for the migratory birds and pisciculture.

Piyali
Gateway to the Sunderbans situated on the banks of river Piyali. A beautiful resting place.

Mayadwip
The nesting place of the Olive Ridley Turtles.

Kalasdwip
As Matla river empties on the Bay of Bengal, lies Kalasdwip, a densely wooded island.

Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary
A home ground of the Herons, Egrets and other species of birds, situated on the confluence of Matla and Gumdi.

Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
A hatchery cum sanctuary. Home of the biggest estuarine crocodiles.

Gosaba
Remembered as Sir David Hamilton's settlement.

Canning
One of the entry points to Sunderbans - 54 kms southeast of Kolkata. 'Canning' was built in 1858 as an alternate port. It has a small fishing fleet and private boats are available on hire.

Dooars

The forested areas of Northern West Bengal present a plethora of Wildlife. A stretch of land 130 km. long by 48 km. wide where nature has lavished all her bounties is better known as Dooars. The river Teesta and her innumerable tributaries crisscross an unending stretch of virgin forests here. 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.

Access
The most convenient entry point to Dooars is through Siliguri by road. Regular bus connections between Siliguri and most important spots in the Dooars. Also broadgauge rail connection between New Jalpaiguri and Mal, Madarihat, Nilpara, Jainti, Mainaguri, Dhupguri and Falakata. Metregauge rail connection between Siliguri and most spots.

Places of Interest
The ruins of forts at Nalrajar Garh and Buxa Duar, Jalpesh temple and Totopara, the habitat of the rare Toto tribes. Dooars are the real treasures of Wildlife.

Accommodation
Forest lodges at Samsing, Chapramati, Garumara, Hollong, Nilpara and Jainti, Bardabri. Also tourist lodges at Mal and Madarihat.

The Heritage Trail

The Heritage Trail travels across 350 km and several centuries of Bengal's history. The lay of the land speaks about the golden era of trade and commerce, of a rich culture and a land torn by betrayal, partition, poverty and famine.

The tour begins with the historical remains of the ancient capital Gaur and Pandua, off Malda, and goes on to Vishnupur, Bankura - a land of exquisite terracotta sculptures and silk.

The tour moves on to Murshidabad, seat of the Nawabs of Bengal and the romantic Nadia district, steeped in culture and scholasticism, "mad in their love for God".

Experience the world vision of poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore at Shantiniketan, and the crystallization of a universal religious testimony at Dakshineswar and Belur Math.

The tour winds into Hooghly district, witness to Dutch, French, English and Portuguese forays into Bengal, and leads to Kolkata, a city that has witnessed three centuries of cultural mingling and is a rare beauty. Where the past stands hand-in-hand with the present.

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 Kolkata.

Places of Interest:

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.

Access

Situated 221 km north of Kolkata, Murshidabad is connected by railway and road. Long distance bus services (to Kolkata, Malda and Siliguri) are available at Berhampore, 11 km south of Murshidabad. Berhampore is also linked by railway service from Kolkata.

Accommodation

You may stay at the Tourist Lodge of West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation at Berhampore, 11 km from Murshidabad.

Bankura
Bankura is a district to the north of the Dhaleswari (Dhalkisor) river. 185 km from Kolkata, 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, metalware manufacture, and railway workshops are the major industries.

Places of Interest:

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.

Access

There are regular rail and bus services from Kolkata to every corner of the district.

Tourist Accommodations of the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation are available at Bishnupur and Mukutmanipur.

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:

Antpur, 76 km north of Kolkata, is the site of a number of 18th century temples built by Krishnaram Mitra, a zamindar. Chief among them is the Radha Govinda temple in aatchala style of architecture. The front walls of the Jagamohan, the covered courtyard, have exquisite terracotta panels and the vaulted inner roof has coloured mural paintings. The Chandi Mandap has fine artistry in wood. The other temples in and around the area are those of Jaleswara, Baneswara, Gangadhara, Fuleswara and Rameswara.

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 is the site of the Portuguese settlement. The Portuguese Church and the Monastry were built here in 1599. Destroyed by Shah Jahan in 1640, they were rebuilt in 1660. It is the oldest Christian church in West Bengal and is dedicated to Nosa Senhora di Rozario.

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.

Access
Hooghly, 47 km north of Kolkata on the west bank of the river Hooghly, a main rail and road connection. Bansberia, 47 km north of Kolkata, is connected to it by road and rail. Located 48 km north of Kolkata, Bandel may be reached by rail and road. About 45 km from Kolkata, Chinsurah is connected by road and rail.

Malda
Malda, located 365 km north of Kolkata, 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 14th and 15th 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.

Access
Malda may be reached by road-bus service from Kolkata, Murshidabad and Siliguri, and train services from Kolkata and New Jalpaiguri. Gaur is 12 km south of Malda, right on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Connected by road, bus, taxi and rickshaw services from Malda. Located on the main highway, Pandua is 18 km north of Malda. Adina is another 2 km north of the village of Pandua. Accessible by road from Malda, there are bus and taxi services.

Vishnupur
Located in the Bankura district of Bengal, 152 km north-west of Kolkata, Vishnupur is a seat of exquisite terracotta creations and traditional Bengal architecture in bricks. Vishnupur was founded by King Raghunath I of the Malla dynasty. It flourished as the capital of the Mallas till the early 19th century.

Places of Interest:

Vishnupur is famous for its beautiful terracotta temples and artifacts. There are many such temples which stand testimony to the exquite 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.

Access
Vishnupur may be reached by both train and bus. It is linked by rail to Kolkata. There are regular bus services between Vishnupur and Kolkata as well.

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.

Access
212 km north from Kolkata, Shantiniketan is connected by road and rail. The nearest railway station is Bolpur.

Burdwan
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 17th-18th 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 Kolkata, '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.

Access
95 km from Kolkata, Bardhaman is well connected by rail and road.

Nadia
This is the land of Gouranga Mahaprabhu. Sanskrit teaching is a unique tradition of the district. Sculpture, mainly earthen, is a well-known exercise of this district. Diversified agricultural activity is of high standard.

Places of Interest:

Mayapur: Connected by bus services from Krishnanagar and Kolkata 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 Kolkata, this temple is well connected by rail and road.

Nabadwip: 19 km from Krishnanagar and 120 km north from Kolkata, 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 Kolkata.

Krishnanagar: 118 km north from Kolkata, 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 Kolkata.