West Bangal
Calcutta, three hundred years old, traces its history
to the landing of Robert Clive on the banks of the Hooghly
beside three villages. It was from here the monumental
British Raj was launched in India. The capital of West
Bengal, Calcutta is the major entry point. Poets, thinkers
and film directors of international renown hail from this
city. Some of the best known monuments of the British
Raj were built here. Sightseeing in this fascinating city
includes Raj Bhawan, the residence of the Governor of
Bengal, Victoria Memorial, the city’s landmark, Botanical
Gardens, which are notable for the oldest banyan tree,
and orchid house, Armenian Church, Marble Palace, one
family’s collection of memorabilia and the Birla Planetarium.
Darjeeling, the state’s most popular hill resort, is a
slice of England 2,134 meters above sea level. Surrounded
by tea gardens growing the prized leaf known as Darjeeling,
the little town faces some of the Himalaya’s highest peaks.
Darjeeling is an abrupt variation
from the lowlands of West Bengal. Buddhism, being a major
faith here, Darjeeling and the nearby town of Kalimpong
have, between them, several Buddhist monasteries, chiefly
of the Yellow Hat sect.
Calcutta
Grown from mangrove swamps, Calcutta is the largest metropolis
in India. Calcutta's role in the national economy is of
crucial importance as the Gateway to Eastern India. Ships
were the beginning of Calcutta's history & the river
Hoogly was the key to the city's fortunes. Vishnupur is
famous for the exquisite 17th & 18th century terracotta
temples, Seat of classical music. The Stylized, "Bankura
horse" symbolic of excellence in rural handicrafts is
native to this district. Belur Math is a modern temple
within the grounds of the Ramakrishna Mission. Dakshineshwar
Temple, dedicated to Kali is built in the architectural
style of Bengal.
Area: 187 sq. kms. Altitude: 5.8 meters. Climate (deg c): Summer- Max. 41.7, Min. 38.1. Winter- Max. 29.3,
Min. 9.6. Rainfall: 158 cms June to Mid
September. Clothing: Tropical. Languages
Spoken: Bengali, English, Hindi. Season: Throughout the year.
Places Of Interest:
Belur Math, Botanical Garden, Dakshineshwar Temple, Howarh
Bridge, Jain Temple, Kali Temple, Marble Palace, Nakhoda
Mosque, National Library, Rabindra Sarobar, Raj Bhavan,
Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Sahid Minar
(Ochterlony Monument), St.Paul's Cathedral, Victoria Memorial,
Zoological Gardens.
Museums an
Art Galleries:
Academy of Fine Arts, Birla Academy of Art & Culture,
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Birla Planetarium,
Gurusaday Museum, Nehru Children's Museum, Rabindra Bharati
Museum, State Archaeological Gallery, Victoria Memorial
Hall Museum.
Excursions:
Digha Beach- 185 kms, Santiniketan- 213 kms, Bakkhali
Beach- 132 kms, Chandannagar- 39 kms, Diamond Harbour-
51 kms, Sundarban- 131 kms, Tribani- 48 kms, Gangasagar-
140 kms, Malda- 340 kms, Kalna- 82 kms, Navadweep- 110
kms, Mayapur- 134 kms, Murshidabad- 221 kms, Vishnupur-
152 kms, Belur Math- 16 kms, Dakshineshwar Temple- 20
kms, Botanical Gardens- 8 kms, Murshidabad- 221 kms, Shantiniketan-
167 kms.
Reach -
By Air: Well Connected with the major cities.
By Rail: Howrah and Sealdah are the main railway
stations in Calcutta. Calcutta is well Connected with
the major cities.
By Road: Well Connected with
the major cities.
Sunderbans
He biggest colony of the `Royal Bengal Tigers' - the
Sundarbans. These evergreen mangrove forests pulsate with
a myriad forms of life. Above the Kingfisher and White-bellied
Sea eagle add a brilliant burst of colour. The sea creeps
in at high tide. The ebbing waters reveal nature so alive
on the glistening mud flats. The land is split by numerous
rivers and water channels all emptying into the Bay of
Bengal. It is believed that Bonbibi, the goddess of the
forest, protects the wood-cutters, honey-collectors and
fishermen on their hazardous missions. For, as the saying goes, `Here the Tiger is
always watching you'. Some people, believe that they could,"
however, have got their name from the profusion of Sundari
trees. Some wild creatures are spotted deer, boar, monkey,
crocodile, python, Salvatore lizards, and a wide range
of water birds.
Area: 2608 sq. kms. Altitude: Sea Level. Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 42, Min. 37. Winter- Max. 29, Min.
9.2. Clothing: Summer- Tropical/Cotton,
Winter- Woolens. Languages spoken: Bengali,
Hindi, English. Best season: September
to March. July to September for Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Calcutta- 131 kms which
is connected with all major cities in India.
By
Rail: From Calcutta there are suburban train to Canning
and buses to Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat from
where Motor launch services are available for Sundarbans.
By Road: Namkhana- 105 kms, Sonakhali- 100 kms,
Raidighi- 76 kms, Canning- 64 kms, Najat- 92 kms.
Jaldapara
Sanctuary
Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary situated in Alipurduar Sub-Division
of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal was constituted
in the year of 1941 for the protection of wild life, particularly
single horned Rhinos. River Torsha runs through this river
rain forest sanctuary which is mostly covered with tall
grasses. The wild life, in addition to the famous single
horned rhinos, consists of Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants,
deers, swamp deers, hog deers, wild pigs, bisons and a
number of birds, pea-fowl etc.
Area: 100 sq. kms. Altitude: 61 meters. Best
season: October to May. (Particularly March &
April, when new grass is growing). Clothing: Summer- Cottons, Winter- Woolens. Languages spoken: Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, English.
Excursions:
Nearby Tea Gardens and- Tribal Village, TOTOPARA.
Reach -
By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport-Shiliguri
to Bagdogra - 13 kms.
By Rail: All the mail
& express trains stop at Birpara/Hasimara railway
stations both are 20 kms away from the sanctuary.
By Road: Jaldapara is connected with Darjeeling
and Shiliguri. By Road: Darjeeling-Shiliguri-Jalpaiguri-
( via New Teesta Bridge)- Mainaguri- Dhupguri- Gairkata-
Birpara- Madarihat- 224 kms.
The second popular sea resort of West Bengal is Bakkhali
, situated only 132 kms away from Calcutta , It is quiet
and charming.
Reach -
By Rail: There is also a train service from Sealdah
station upto Diamond Harbour. Namkhana is 58 km from diamond
harbour. Kumardhubi- 10kms and Barakar- 12kms are the
nearest railway stations. Asansol Junction is about 35
kms from here.
By Road: Dhanbad- 50 kms.
Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan is an International University founded by
Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore where the cultures
of the East & the West could meet and mingle. Named
Vishva-Bharati, the University represents Indian traditions
while incorporating the best of other cultures. Shantiniketan,
the abode of peace, was initially an Ashram or hermitage
founded in 1863 by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore. In 1901
his son, Rabindranath converted it into an experimental
open-air school with just five students. He widened the
scope of studies which gradually formed the nucleus of a University.
Another interesting feature about Santiniketan is that
splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals and paintings of
Rabindranath, Nandlal Bose, Ramkinkar, Bindobehari Mukhopadhyaya
and others adorn the campus.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max.39.4, Min.34.3. Winter- Max.15.7,
Min.12.1. Rainfall: 125 cms ( June to
September ). Heavy in July\August. Season: Throughout the year.
Places Of Interest:
The places of interest are mainly on the campus and have
a distinctive feature of some of the best in Indian art
and culture. China Bhavan, Chhatimtala, Kala Bhavan, Patha
Bhavan, Prayer Hall, Bichitra, Sangeet Bhavan, Uttarayan
Complex, Udayana, Konarka, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi,
The Bichitra ( or, Rabindra Bhavan ), Kala Bhavan, Bichitra
(Rabindra Bhavan), Deer Park, Uttarayan Gardens.
Excursions:
Fullora- 40 kms, Nalhati- 104 kms, Kankalitala- 7 kms,
Massanjore- 78 kms, Kendubilwa- 42 kms, Nanoor- 23 kms,
Tarapith- 80 kms.
Entertainment:
Festivals accompanied by songs, dance and dramas are held
here throughout the year.
Shopping:
Grameen (Bolpur), Sarvodaya Ashram (Bolpur), (Handicrafts
& handlooms) Vishwa Bharati Shilpa Sadan (Shantiniketan),
Shantiniketan Co-operative Stores (Shantiniketan).
Reach -
By Air: The nearest airport is Calcutta- 213 kms.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Bolpur- 2 kms.
By Road: Calcutta- 213 kms, Durgapur- 56 kms, Sarnath-
197 kms.
Terracotta, metal ware & temples characterise Vishnupur.
The temples are built mostly of brick & at times,
of laterite. Clay & laterite are the only building
materials available here besides wood and bamboo. The
architecture is modeled on the pattern of Bengali huts
built of bamboo & mud and roofed with thatch. Vishnupur
will remain ever famous for its distinct style of music,
i.e. the Vishnupur Gharana, if not anything else. The
name of Jadu Bhatt, the music teacher to Rabindranath
Tagore, is remembered with respect to this day. A discerning
visitor may find traces of the past splendour and glory
that was Vishnupur in its superb temples and unique handicrafts.
Area: 20.6 sq. kms. Altitude: 70 meters. Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max.44, Min.28. Winter- Max.29, Min.21. Rainfall: 14.3 cms (July-August). Clothing: Summer- Tropical, Winter- Light woolens. Languages
spoken: Bengali, English. Best Season: September to March.
Places Of Interest:
Ras Mancha, Dalmadal Cannon, Jor Bangla Temple, Madan
Mohan Temple, Malleswar Temple, Lalji Temple, Mrinmoyee
Mandir, Shyam Rai Temple, Malla King's Fort, Jogesh Chandra
Pura Kirti Bhavan Museum.
Excursions:
Jairambati- 43 kms, Kamarpukur- 48 kms, Mukutmanipur:
82 kms, Bahulara- 25 kms, Panchmura- 21 kms, Susunia Hills-
50 kms.
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport Calcutta is 201 kms away
from Vishnupur.
By Rail: Vishnupur, the railway
station is connected with Calcutta (Howrah).
By
Road: Calcutta- 151 kms, Durgapur- 81 kms, Purulia-
145 kms, Bankura- 34 kms, Mukutmanipur.
Sagardwip
(Sagar Island)
Gangasagar Mela, the largest fair in west Bengal held
near the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal,
draws millions of pilgrims from all over India. They come
for a holy dip on Makar Sankranti (last day of the Bengali
Month) and after their obligations at the Kapilmuni Temple
nearby.
Reach:
Namkhana- 105 kms.Namkhana to Chemaguri by launch across
the river
Muriganga from Chamaguri
to Gangasagar by road- 10kms. One may cross the Muriganga
from Herwood Point near Kakdip to Kaachubrie also. Kakdwip
is 85 kms. from lot No. ',to Kachuberia and bus service
from Kechuberia to Gangasagar-30 kms.
Raijang
Bird Sanctuary
Altitude: 30 meters above sea level. Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 25, Min. 21. Winter- Max. 23, Min.
09. Rainfall: 155 cms (July to September). Clothing: Summer- Cottons, Tropical.
Winter- Woolens. Languages spoken: Bengali,
Hindi, English. Best season: Throughout
the year but preferably October to March.
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport Calcutta- 425 kms and Malda-
76 kms.
By Rail: Malda Town- 76 kms is the
nearest convenient railhead connected with the major cities.
By Road: Calcutta- 425 kms, Malda- 76 kms, Shiliguri-
181 kms.
Plassey
A place of great historical importance. Here in the year
1757 a battle was fought between the British and the last
Nawab of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Clive the British Chief
defeated Nawab - Siraj-ud-daula by unfair means. Siraj-ud-dula
was killed and Mirzaffar became the Nawab. The historic
battle field is till preserved. A memorial was erected
by Lord Curzon at the mango groves where the actual battle
took place.
Reach: Calcutta- 172 kms, Calcutta, Bahrampore- 43 kms.
By Road: Calcutta, Bahrampore.
Kurseeong
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. Kurseong means the
places of White Orchid. Because of its lower elevation,
Kurseong enjoys a milder and very healthy climate throughout
the year.
Altitude: 4860 feet
(2458 meters). Temperature (deg C): Summer-
Max 32, Min 19. Winter- Max 15, Min 6. Rainfall: 160 inches annually (mid June to August). Best season: March to mid June &
September to mid December.
Places Of Interest:
Eagle's Crag, Deer Park, Forest Museum, Giddhapahar Mandir,
Ambotika Shiv Mandir, Makaibari Tea Estate, St.Mary's
Hill, Dowhill, Baggaura, Chimney, Kettle Valley Picnic
Spot, Namsu, Netaji Kothi.
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport Bagdogra- 60 kms, is connected
to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati & other places of north-eastern
India.
By Rail: Kurseong itself is a railway
station. New Jalpaiguri- 57 kms from Kurseong, is directly
connected to the major places.
By Road: Shiliguri-
51 kms, Guwahati- 560 kms, Calcutta- 636 kms, Delhi- 1359
kms, Kathmandu- 621 kms.
Buxa
Tiger Reserve
Buxa Tiger Reserve was set up in the year of 1982-83 at
the north eastern corner. This picturesque reserve with
its proigous Terai, Bhabar as well as Hilly landscape,
is dissected by numerous rivulets. The varitable flora
and fauna of these wet forests attracts tourists and nature
lovers every year. This part of the country is characterized
by its high degree of plant & animal bio-diversity
where 60% species are endemic to the area. The Generic
diversity of mammals is second highest among all the tiger
reserves of India. Astonishing bio-diversity of animals
comprise of a reach avifauna of more than 230 identified
species, 67 mammals (out of which 21 are endangered),
36 species of reptiles (10 numbers are endangered). Apart
from Bengal Tiger there are plenty of Leopard, Fishing
Cat, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Indian Civet, Palm Civet
etc. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill abound
the area. One of the rarest bird of India the Black-necked
Crane has been sighted in the Reserve during the early
winter. The migratory beautiful Black Stork is a visitor
of the area. The monsoon ends and beautiful Minivets,
Sultan tits arrive, during summer rare Ashyminivet is
also sighted.
