Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhitarkanika National Park is situated in the Indian state of Odisha. It is the second largest mangrove forest of the country. Although tigers and elephants are not seen in this sanctuary but deer, wild pig, wild cat and birds are frequently observed. The number of different species of kingfishers is attractive. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a large number of crocodiles. White crocodiles are also seen in this sanctuary. Every year the place where Brahmani River meets the Bay of Bengal gets full of Olive Ridley Turtles. They lay their eggs there and then go back to the Indian Ocean.

Bhitarkanika National Park

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah and Shalimar to Bhadrak. The journey takes about four and a half hours. Chandbali, the entry point to Bhitarkanika National Park is 50 km from Bhadrak. Private cars and buses are plying from Bhadrak to Chandbali. From Chandbali you have to hire a launch to get to the interior of Bhitarkanika Sanctuary. Permits for entering Bhitarkanika is issued from Khola, 16 km from Chandbali.


Accommodation

OTDC Aranyanivas Chandbali. Tariff - 800-1500. Tel: 06786-220397.
Estuarine Village Resort. Tariff - Rs. 2800-3900. Tel: 9163580464.

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Sitong

Sitong is a picturesque hill hamlet situated in the foothills of Darjeeling Himalayas. During the months of October to December, this village transforms into an 'orange village'. The hamlet of Sitong is mostly inhabited by the Lepchas. A number of trekking routes start from Sitong. You can visit Mongpu Bungalow by car. The houses on terraced slopes and orange orchards make Sitong an ideal place to spend time with nature. You may also visit the church on the hill top.

Sitong

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah and Kolkata station to New Jalpaiguri. Auto rickshaws ply from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. The best route to reach Sitong from Siliguri is via Mongpu-Surel-Labda. Buses are available from Siliguri to reach Mongpu. One has to travel the rest of the way to Sitong by car.


Accommodation

The charges for food and lodging at Sitong is Rs. 1500 per head.
For booking contact:
Wind Oz. Tel: 0353-2520492, 9434072552.

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