Kamarpara

If you are in the lookout for a rustic destination, where you can relax and enjoy an idyllic life then Kamarpara in Birbhum district of West Bengal is an ideal option for you. Located in a rural setting, the homestays in Kamarpara offer you a chance to spend a day or two away from all the city humdrums. There is a lake located close to the village. It is known as Lakshmi Sayar. The locals believe that the lake possesses a sacred power of fulfilling one’s wishes. Another nearby attraction is the Surkeswar Shiva Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. A lazily walk from Kamarpara through the Sonajhuri forest will take you to the bank of Ajay River. You will lose yourself in a different world as you walk on the winding red soil road, the smell of the red earth touching your senses and the fresh wind caressing your face – it’s a worthwhile experience. While you are at Kamarpara, you should not miss a visit to the Amkhoi Fossil Park. Spanning over a vast area of 10 hectares with a huge waterbody in the middle, the park houses fossilized wood 15 to 20 million years of age. The angiosperm wood fossils that are presently displayed in the fossil park were collected during pond digging at Amkhoi village.

Kamarpara

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata to Bolpur. Kamarpara is 14 km from Bolpur. Totos are available from Bolpur to reach Kamarpara.

Accommodation

Chottoneer
Tariff: Rs. 1800/- per room with complimentary breakfast
Tel: 9804168179, 9073919368

Udasin
Tariff: Rs. 2000-3500/- per room with complimentary breakfast
Tel: 9831948634, 9830730570

Banjara Hat
Tariff: Rs. 1500-2500/- per room
Tel: 9830552535

Baghmundi

Often a times, the biggest surprises of life come in small packages. The little village of Baghmundi might sound like just an ordinary village but once you visit the place, your perception is bound to change. Located at the foot of Ayodhya Hills, the village acts as a charming hideaway for tourists from the stress and anxiety of modern life. A rendezvous with the peaceful serenity, uneven topography, cascading waterfalls, trickling rivers, and diverse flora and fauna of the place will leave you awe struck. Bamni Falls is one of the major attractions of the place. This perennial waterfalls is flanked by charming landscape and vivid greenery. Another tourist spot near Baghmundi is Khairabera, a beautiful lake in the midst of mild slopes and thick woods. You can also visit the Tarpania Lake. This blue lake settled in a desolate landscape is a must visit for those who wish to experience serenity and solitude. Art lovers should make it a point to visit Charida, a village famous for the making of Chau masks. Chau is an acrobatic martial art based tribal dance of the region which involves wearing handcrafted, colourful masks while dancing. You can witness the entire process of making a mask and even collect a few as a souvenir.

Baghmundi

Sightseeing

Bamni Falls

Bamni Falls is one of the major attractions of the place. This perennial waterfalls is flanked by charming landscape and vivid greenery. Every year, a large number of tourists from Baghmundi, Ajodhya Hills and Murguma visit this place. A 20-minutes downward trek from the main road along a rocky and lightly-forested trail will take you to the front of the beautiful Bamni Falls. The cascading water falls over the rocks and form a small lake down below. You can even indulge in some shopping as there are many stalls near the road selling a variety of handicraft items and other stuff.

Turga Falls

Located close to Bamni Falls, this waterfalls also attracts a lot of tourists. From the main road, you can catch glimpses of the gushing white waters through chinks in the forest cover. Away from busy city life, the charming songs of colorful birds and chattering noise of squirrels make the environment a pleasant place to be in.

Khairabera Lake

Another tourist spot near Baghmundi is Khairabera, a beautiful lake in the midst of mild slopes and thick woods. The beauty of the place is its serenity, uneven terrain, falls, streams, thick vegetation. During the spring, the Palash trees enhance the scenic beauty of the area with their orange-red flowers. The ample scenic beauty of nature at Khairabera makes it a prime tourist spot.

Pakhi Pahar

This 800 ft high hill called Pakhi Pahar is a canvas for the artist, Chitta Dey, who along with his team, has sculpted nearly 65 images of birds on the sheer rock face. The hill has now become a hotspot for tourists who visit this place, only to be left speechless by the single-minded dedication and passion of the veteran artist. Encompassed by verdant forest, Pakhi Pahar is also a great spot for bird watching.

Upper Dam & Lower Dam

Both the upper and lower dams are part of the Purulia Pumped Storage Project (PPSP). These huge reservoirs are engineering marvels. Water from these reservoirs are used for hydroelectric power generation. The Lower Dam, especially, looks spectacular when viewed from the roadside viewpoint situated between the Upper Dam and Lower Dam.

Charida Village

Art lovers should make it a point to visit Charida, a village famous for the making of Chau masks. Chau is an acrobatic martial art based tribal dance of the region which involves wearing handcrafted, colourful masks while dancing. You can witness the entire process of making a mask and even collect a few as a souvenir.

Marble Lake
You can also visit the Marble Lake situated near Ajodhya Hill Top. This blue lake settled in a desolate landscape is a must visit for those who wish to experience serenity and solitude. Once you reach the place, you will be mesmerized by the charming beauty of the place. This man-made lake was formed when the rocks here were quarried for stone to build irrigation dams. The Marble Lake is surrounded by towering walls of scraggy boulders overhanging the clear, azure waters. There are two points from where you can enjoy the lake's beauty - one is from the top, and the other one is from the side of the lake.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Barabhum. Baghmundi is 19 km from Barabhum. Buses and cars are available from Barabhum to reach Baghmundi. Alternatively, you can reach Purulia by train from Howrah, Santragachi or Shalimar. Baghmundi is 59 km from Purulia town.

Accommodation

Chhowburu Guest House
Tariff: Rs. 800-1000/- per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 9732294515

Aranyak Lodge
Tariff: Rs. 500-800/- per room
Tel: 9732394115

For more places to visit near Baghmundi, buy the Weekend Destinations travel guidebook.

Namchi

The district headquarters of South Sikkim, Namchi is a fabulous tourist destination perched at an altitude of 1325 m above sea level. In Bhutia language, the word ‘Namchi’ literally translates to ‘top of the sky’. Set in a picturesque location, the town offers an awe-inspiring view of the Kanchenjunga Range and the Rangit Valley. Namchi hosts the very popular Namchi Mahotsav, a Tourism, Culture and Food Festival, every year in October. A flower festival is also held annually.

Statue of Guru Padmasambhava atop the Samudruptse Hill

Sightseeing and Activities

One of the most striking attractions of Namchi is the 135 feet high statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) atop the Samudruptse Hill. It is the highest statue of Guru Padamasambhava in the world. The statue is gilded with gold that makes it glitter when sunlight falls over it. His Holiness the Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone of the statue in October 1997 and it took about three years to complete the statue. From here, you can treat your eyes with the magnificent vista of Mt. Kanchenjunga amidst the richly forested hills under the clear blue sky. Another notable attraction of Namchi is the Solophok Char Dham complex (officially known as Siddheswar Dham). A huge pilgrimage cum cultural centre developed by the Government of Sikkim, the complex hosts a 26.5 m high statue of Lord Shiva in sitting posture. Apart from this giant statue, the replicas of twelve Jyotirlingas along with the four Dhams of Hindus namely Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka and Rameshwaram have been constructed inside the complex. This stunning imitation of Char Dham amidst the serene nature of Sikkim, has made it one of the prime tourist destinations in Sikkim.



While at Namchi, you should not miss a visit to the Rock Garden. Set against a beautiful backdrop of the Himalayan mountains, the garden houses different species of plants, flowers and trees growing everywhere. Along the pathway there are several waiting sheds, view points and water bodies landscaped to fit the taste of the visitors. The idyllic surroundings will help you relax and soak in the views of nature. You can also visit the Tarey Bhir view point which offers a breathtaking view of the river valleys below and dense woods. It also offers a panoramic view of the confluence of the two rivers of Sikkim, Teesta and Rangit. The Ngadak Monastery, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir, Serdup Choling Monastery, Temi Tea Garden and Tendong Hill are other places of interest that can be visited from Namchi.

Best Time to Visit

Namchi can be visited at any time of the year except the monsoons.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. You can reserve a car from New Jalpaiguri and reach Namchi directly. Alternatively, you can reach Namchi from Siliguri by shared car.

Accommodation

Juniper Residency. Tariff: Rs. 2200-3700. Tel: 9593988698, 7679071222.
Summit Sobralia Resort & Spa. Tariff: Rs. 3700-30000. Tel: 8250528270, 8388877888.
Kava Suites. Tariff: Rs. 2500-4500. Tel: 8670044028, 03595-263444.
Hotel Valley View. Tariff: Rs. 1800. Tel: 9830152169.

Places Near Kolkata

Pemling

A picturesque hill hamlet situated 38 km from Kalimpong, Pemling is an ideal retreat for a soul seeking peace and solitude. It is mostly inhabited by the Lepchas and the Tamangs. Around 230 inhabitants reside in this small village. The village of Pemling offers some stunning views of the surrounding hills and valley. Savour the beauty of nature as you walk through orange orchards, elaichi farms, lush green meadows and dense forests. You can take a leisurely stroll on the forest trail and discover the joy of being away from the buzzing city life. The Juge Waterfalls is a must see attraction of Pemling which you will not want to miss. A 3 km downhill car ride from the village and a 50 minutes jungle trek will land you in front of the mesmerizing waterfalls. The place is a bird watcher’s paradise. With a binocular, you can simply spend hours here witnessing these colourful creatures. You can also visit Charkhole, Lava, Lolegaon, Pabong and Chuikhim from Pemling.

How to Reach

Purchase the Weekend Destinations Travel Guide Book to find out the best way to reach Pemling from Kolkata. Click here to buy the eBook. Pay securely with Paytm.

Accommodation

Buy the Weekend Destinations eBook to get in-depth information about Pemling along with tariff and contact details of homestays in Pemling.

Places Near Kolkata

Ajgaivinath

Ajgaivinath Dham is a well known temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in Sultanganj in the East Indian state of Bihar. The temple is situated atop a rock on the bank of Ganges river. It is believed that Lord Shiva was given his bow, known as Ajgay, at this very place and so the place came to be known as Ajgaivinath. A series of marvelous rock sculptures and inscriptions are the main highlights of the temple. Inside the temple, there are idols of various deities including Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Narayana and Goddess Laxmi. The place has a beautiful charm in it. Its calm natural surroundings and the soothing view of River Ganga will relieve your soul from all stress and worries.

Ajgaivinath

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah and Sealdah to Sultanganj. Ajgaivinath Dham is 3 km from Sultanganj station. Trekkers and cycle rickshaws are available from Sultanganj station to reach Ajgaivinath temple.

Accommodation

Indrapuri Rest House. Tariff: Rs. 600-1700. Tel: 7070868666, 9631891301.
Hotel Alka. Tariff: Rs. 600-1500. Tel: 9135266589.

Places Near Kolkata

Seraikela

Seraikela is a charming destination situated in the Indian state of Jharkhand. Surrounded by low hillocks, verdant forests and sparkling water streams, Seraikela is a great place for a weekend hangout. The town also serves as the administrative headquarters of Saraikela Kharsawan District. Enriched with vibrant colours and rhythms of Chhau dance, the destination is quite popular among folk art lovers. Apart from being well-known around the world for its unique variant of Chhau Dance, Seraikela also hosts a range of tourist attractions.

Seraikela Palace

Sightseeing and Activities

A landmark attraction of the town is the Royal Palace of Saraikela. This ancient archaeological treasure dates back to 300 years in history. You will be spellbound by the exquisite architecture and rich heritage of this palace. Just a stone's throw away from the Royal Palace lies the Mau Paudi temple. The age-old temple is a must visit for art and history lovers. Another important tourist attraction of Seraikela is the Sri Ram Baba Ashram, which attracts thousands of devotees round the year. Other tourist spots in and around Seraikela are Palna Dam, Subarnarekha Dam, Karakatta Dam and Kharkai River.

Best Time to Visit

Summers at Seraikela are scorching hot and hence should be avoided. The best time to visit the town will be during the months of October to March.



How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Tatanagar. Seraikela is 40 km from Tatanagar. Buses and hired cars are plying from Tatanagar to Seraikela.

Accommodation

There are no proper accommodation options at Seraikela. The best place to stay near Seraikela is Tatanagar. Some hotels in Tatanagar are listed below.
The Kannelite Hotel. Tariff: Rs. 3500-6200. Tel: 9209010008.
Hotel Ab Palace. Tariff: Rs. 1350-2550. Tel: 9955093493.
Hotel Sky Lark. Tariff: Rs. 600-1500. Tel: 0657-2290300, 9798888393.
Hotel Ashoka Inn. Tariff: Rs. 1100-2650. Tel: 0657-2441874, 7209699105.
Hotel Balajee. Tariff: Rs. 900-1100. Tel: 0657-2320594.

Places Near Kolkata

Phulbani

Phulbani is a little-known tourist destination in Kandhamal district of Odisha. The place is surrounded by lush green hills and a bunch of awe inspiring waterfalls making it the perfect retreat for a sojourn in the wild. Primarily inhabited by the tribal people, Phulbani is home to a rich tribal cultural heritage. The two prime attractions of Phulbani are the Putudi Waterfalls and Pakdajhar Waterfalls. You can also visit the temple of Balaskumpa.

Putudi Waterfalls

Sightseeing and Activities

One of the top attractions of Phulbani is the Pakdajhar Falls. Lose yourself in the rustic natural beauty as you travel through narrow and winding red gravel filled lanes lined on both sides by large deciduous trees. The verdant nature welcomes you with its beautiful landscapes, unmatched tranquility and soft natural winds that caress your face, leaving your soul rejuvenated with a fresh, positive energy. A flight of around 150 steps will take you to the bottom from where you can enjoy a delighting view of the Pakdajhar Waterfalls. Falling from a height of around 100 feet, this waterfalls is an admiring sight for all visitors.

Another must visit attraction of Phulbani is the Putudi Waterfalls situated at a distance of 18 km from the heart of the city. On the way to Putudi Falls, you will be thrilled by the fantastic scenery and bottle green dense woods embracing the road. Once you reach the waterfalls, you will be transfixed by its stunning beauty that is hard to resist. Salunki River is the source of the waterfalls. The cool breeze and the melody of chirping birds generate poetic thoughts in the minds of the visitors. A visit to Balaskumpa, 18 km from Phulbani should also be on the cards. The place is famous for the temple of Goddess Barala Devi who is believed by the natives to be the creator of the world.



Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Phulbani is around August to November. Summers should be avoided as this region remains pretty warm and sunny during this time.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to Berhampur. Buses are available from Berhampur to reach Phulbani.

Accommodation

Phulbani Nature Camp
Tariff: Rs. 3894/- per room with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 7008817600

Hotel Dreamland
Tariff: Rs. 430-870/- per room
Tel: 8763460001, 9583265930

Hotel KP's Salunki
Tariff: Rs. 1000-3500/- per room with breakfast
Tel: 06842-255655, 9437980081

Places Near Kolkata

Chujachen

Chujachen is a beautiful place to spend your vacation in solitude and serenity. Tucked on pine-clad mountain slopes above lush green valleys and surrounded by pristine nature, Chujachen is a perfect spot to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Home to some exotic species of birds and butterflies, the place is a heaven for nature lovers. The resort at Chujachen offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The area is covered with thick groves interspersed with cascading waterfalls which provide for a truly delightful experience.

Sunset at Chujachen

Sightseeing and Activities

A little distance away from Chujachen lies the Jorkhola Waterfalls encircled with dense foliage and magical mist. After falling from a considerable height, the water flows through the forest and finally meets the Rangpo River. If you wish to experience tranquil solitude and quietude, then you must visit the bank of Rangpo River where you can spend some time watching the river flow at its own pace. Another spot of tourist interest is the Sokekhola Waterfalls shrouded with mountains and caressed with soft breeze. From a height of about 50 feet, it falls carelessly on the rocks and flows in a small stream before making its way to the Rangpo River.

Best Time to Visit

Chujachen can be visited round the year except during the monsoon season.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Chujachen is 115 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri. Hired cars are available from New Jalpaiguri to reach Chujachen. Alternatively, you can opt to reach Rangpo by shared jeep from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri. Hired cars and shared jeeps are available from Rangpo to reach Chujachen.

Accommodation

Nirja Resort
Tariff: Rs. 800-1000 per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 7551870546, 9933308289

Places Near Kolkata

Suntalekhola

Suntalekhola is an unexplored tourist destination in Kalimpong district of West Bengal. A small village at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Suntalekhola derives its name from a small stream named Suntaley Khola. In Nepali language, khola means river and Suntale mean orange. The place is situated in the Western region of Dooars in a beautiful calm and serene environment. If you would like to spend some undisturbed time in the hills, then Suntalekhola is a good place for you. Located on the South Eastern fringes of Neora Valley National Park, the altitude of the place ranges from 650 to 950 m.

Suntalekhola

Sightseeing and Activities

At Suntalekhola, you can feast your eyes on the marvelous mountain vistas while spotting colourful birds and watching the small river flow in its own pace. You can spend some time sitting in the bank of the river and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you are adventurous enough then go take a dip in the flowing river and revel in a cold splash. Going on a nature walk or a hike to the Neora Valley National Park are some of the other things you can try at Suntaleykhola. You can also visit the nearby places of Samsing and Mouchuki. Samsing is 4 km from Suntalekhola and Mouchuki is 6 km from Suntalekhola.

Best Time to Visit

Suntalekhola can be visited throughout the year. However monsoons should be generally avoided.

How to Reach

You can reach New Mal Junction from Sealdah by train. From there you have to board Banarhat Passenger and disembark at Chalsa. Suntalekhola is 24 km from Chalsa. Trains are also running from Siliguri to Chalsa. Cars can be hired from Chalsa to reach Suntalekhola.



Accommodation

WBFDC Suntalekhola Eco Tourism Centre
Tariff: Rs. 1800/- per room
Tel: 8001648914, 9434602390

Places Near Kolkata

Yangtey

Yangtey is a quaint mountain hamlet in West Sikkim located just 9 km from Pelling. At an altitude of 6000 feet, Yangtey provides you some superb views of the Himalayan snow clad mountain peaks sans the hustle and bustle of popular tourist destinations. Relish a cup of tea while enjoying the panoramic view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other mountain peaks like Rathong, Frey, Kabru, Pandim, Narsing and Siniolchu. Occasional cover of mists and clouds make the experience even more enjoyable. A retreat amid the lofty mountains with woody fragrance of pine and conifer and a breathtaking vista of Himalayan range, Yangtey can be surely called the heaven for nature lovers.

Breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks from Yangtey

Sightseeing and Activities

Yangtey is best experienced when combined with a day excursion to Pelling. In a day's sightseeing, you can visit Pemyangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Khecheopari Lake, Sewaro Rock Garden, Khangchendzonga Waterfalls and Rimbi Waterfalls. The Pemyangtse Monastery, belonging to the Nyingmapa sect, is well known for its exquisite sculptures and wall paintings. If you are visiting the monastery in January or February, then you can witness a religious dance called ‘Cham'. A 10 minutes walk from the monastery will take you to Rabdentse, the ruins of the second capital of the the former kingdom of Sikkim. The vantage point of Rabdentse Ruins offers a fabulous view of the Kanchenjunga range.

Another must visit attraction is the Khecheopari Lake, which is highly revered as one of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim. Although the lake is skirted by dense forest, it is astonishing to note that there is not a single leaf on the water surface of the lake. Sewaro Rock Garden is yet another tourist spot near Yangtey. It is an artificial garden decorated with flowers, fountains, ponds, cafeteria and well-maintained rocks. The spectacular Khangchendzonga Waterfalls and Rimbi Waterfalls are also worth visiting.

Best Time to Visit

Yangtey can be visited throughout the year except during the monsoons. However, the best time to witness the unparalleled views of Himalayan snowy peaks are the months of October to February.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. From New Jalpaiguri, you can reach Siliguri S.N.T. Bus Terminus by auto rickshaw. Shared cars are available from Siliguri to reach Pelling. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Pelling from Siliguri. From Pelling, you can book a cab to reach Yangtey. Alternatively, you can directly reserve a car from New Jalpaiguri to Yangtey.

Accommodation

Tashighang Resort
Tariff: Rs. 2850-4850
Tel: 9775822522, 9874440003

Khoai Sonajhuri Forest

Khoai Sonajhuri Forest is a true abode of peace lying in tranquility and serenity hidden by vivid greenery and quaint villages. Tucked a little away from the small town of Santiniketan, the place is embraced by a thick forest cover on all sides. Khoai attracts visitors with its curious canyon-like formations made by blowing wind and flowing river. The dense Sonajhuri Forest surrounding the place is a treat for nature lovers. This immensely beautiful forest was immortalized by Rabindranath Tagore in many of his compositions.

Khoai

Sightseeing and Activities

Your trip to Khoai Sonajhuri Forest remains incomplete if you miss the vibrant Saturday market where local artisans sell their handcrafted creations. Officially known as Khoai Boner Annya Haat, the weekly market is a great place to shop for ethnic jewelry, kanthas, showpieces and garments while treating your taste buds with some traditional food delicacies. The wide variety of artifacts along with their jaw dropping prices will make you want to shop till you drop. Bauls sitting under the Sonajhuri trees, singing with their single string instrument, ektara, brings a different charm to the place.



During your stay at Sonajhuri, you can wake up in the early morning and go for a rejuvenating nature walk. Sonajhuri is probably one of the cleanest forests of Bengal and a stroll through the forests will fill your lungs with pollution-free air and your minds with a positive energy. Kopai River is located 1 km away from Khoai. Often you will find Baul singers singing to some heart-warming folk songs on the bank of the Kopai River. And when you are at Khoai, you would surely not want to miss a visit to Tagore’s Santiniketan. For the avid bird watcher and wildlife lover, a visit to the nearby Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary should also be on the cards.

Sonajhuri Forest

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the best time to visit Sonajhuri.

How to Reach

You can reach Prantik or Bolpur Santiniketan by train from Sealdah, Kolkata or Howrah station. Buses are also plying from Kolkata to Bolpur. Cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws (Totos) are available from both Prantik and Bolpur to get to Sonajhuri.

Accommodation

Ram Shyam Village Resort. Tariff: Rs. 1599-1999. Tel: 9475032810, 7076319664.
Sonajhuri Athiti Nibas. Tariff: Rs. 500-3000. Tel: 9635200496.
Shakuntala Village Resort. Tariff: Rs. 950-2650. Tel: 9232637439.

Hee Bermiok

Hee Bermiok is a beautiful tourist destination in West Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 5000 feet, the place offers elegant views of Himalayan snow-clad peaks including Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Koktang, Mt. Kabru etc. Hee and Bermiok are actually two separate villages bounded by Hee Khola in the West, Rangeet River in the East, Kalez Khola in the North and Samdong Reserve Forest in the South.  The place is also home to more than 60 species of birds. An hour's downhill walk from Bermiok Bazaar will take you to Sirijunga Waterfalls. Falling from a height of 300 feet, the waterfalls looks absolutely stunning. Besides, there is the Sirijunga Cave. Some other attractions of Hee Burmiok are Manghim Temple and Hee Khola Water Garden. If you wish, you can go for a leisurely village trail walk past mesmerizing landscapes, quaint village houses and verdant forests. Dentam is close to Hee Bermiok. At Dentam, you can witness terrace farming on the hill slopes and cheese processing at the Alpine Cheese Factory.

Hee Bermiok

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Siliguri is 3 km from New Jalpaiguri. Hee Bermiok is 142 km from Siliguri. Hired and shared cars are available from Siliguri to reach Hee Bermiok. The journey takes around 5 hours. Alternatively, you can get to Hee Bermiok from Gangtok or Pelling. From Gangtok, you need to travel for four and half hours whereas from Pelling, the journey takes one and half hours to reach Hee Bermiok.



Accommodation

Hotel Kanchan View. Tariff: Rs. 1600-3000. Tel: 9051166563, 9830271064.
Hotel Silent Valley. Tariff: Rs. 1300-2300. Tel: 8961520554, 9903825287.
Dhungay Homestay. Tariff: Rs.1800-2800 (including food and stay). Tel: 9733269413, 9593776391.
Hitaishi Homestay. Tariff: Rs. 1000 per person (including food and stay). Tel: 9593889226.

Places Near Kolkata

Koraput

Koraput is an unexplored paradise decorated with pristine forests, cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys and darting springs. Situated at a height of 2900 feet above sea level, the town of Koraput serves as the district headquarters of Koraput district in Odisha. The place is home to several tribes including the Durua, Paraja, Gadabas, Bhumias, Bhotras and Kondh communities. The picturesque outskirts of Koraput town has a lot to offer to nature lovers. Countless ghat roads spiral up and down the high hills and verdant valleys, dotted with blind curves. These roads are lined by dense forests with sunlight piercing in through small gaps between the leaves.

Sabara Sreekhetra Temple, Koraput

Sightseeing and Activities

The prime attraction of Koraput town is the Sabara Sreekhetra Temple. Perched on a hilltop, the temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. You can either climb a fleet of steps in order to reach the temple entrance or take an alternative winding road to reach the temple by car. The temple itself along with its surrounding temples are ornate and grand in their appearance. Behind the Jagannath Temple lies the Tribal Museum where you can get a complete picture of tribal art and culture. Exclusive galleries on tribal jewellery, mask, attire, weapons, musical instruments and food habits, the museum promises to provide authenticate information on various tribes of the region and their way of lives.

Kolab Dam is another must visit attraction of Koraput, 20 km away from the heart of the town. Standing on River Kolab, the picturesque vast reservoir of Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Power Project is an ideal place for relaxing and spending an afternoon close to the nature. A lovely garden with over 200 varieties of flowering plant enhances the beauty of the place. You can also visit the Duduma Waterfalls. At a distance of 88 km from Koraput, this 175 m tall waterfalls is one of the most fascinating waterfalls of the state. Other attractions around Koraput include Jagannath Sagar Lake, Sunabeda Deer Park, Deomali Hill, Gupteswar Temple and Dumuriput Hanuman Statue.

Best Time to Visit

The months of June to October and January to March are the best time to visit Koraput.

How to Reach

Direct train is available from Howrah to Koraput. Alternatively, you can reach Visakhapatnam from Howrah, Shalimar or Santragachi by train. Trains are running from Visakhapatnam to Koraput.

Accommodation

Hotel Maa Mangala Residency. Tariff: Rs. 600-1200. Tel: 9439009761, 9439009767.
Hotel Alishan. Tariff - Rs. 700-2500. Tel: 9938380170.
Hotel Raj Residency. Tariff: Rs. 950-2650. Tel: 06852-251591, 252191.

Places Near Kolkata

Singhik

A little-known tiny village located on the North Sikkim Highway, Singhik surely offers some of the most dazzling views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Situated at an altitude of 5200 feet, the village is encompassed by lush green hills with the Teesta River flowing below it. The places serves as a good stopover for those who wish to take a break from their hectic high-altitude North Sikkim itinerary. At Singhik, you can enjoy peaceful and serene environment coupled with a homely charm. Although the snow-covered peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu are visible from almost everywhere in Singhik, you can go for a short trek to the Singhik View Point to enjoy the most breathtaking view of the mountains and ridges surrounding the place.

Beautiful view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Singhik

Sightseeing and Activities

 A 15 minutes hike from the hamlet through village trails will take you to Singhik Gumpha (Monastery) where you can witness and study Buddhist culture. You would never want to miss the opportunity to sit in the monastery and watch the monks' prayer session. The prayer session usually starts at 3 pm and tourists are even allowed to capture video or photographs of the session. Another interesting attraction near Singhik is the Teesta Hydro Electric Power Project which houses one of the largest hydro power tunnels in the country. The taxi ride from Singhik to the Hydro Electric Power Project is amazing with emerald forests embracing both sides of the road. Once you reach there, the experience gets even better as you walk through the power project tunnel and witness the power plant from within. A visitor’s pass is required, however, which can be collected from a cabin near the tunnel by showing a valid photo ID proof.



One can go for a day trip to the historic village of Kabi Lungchok, 40 km away. Significance of this village lies in the fact that it was the place where the state of Sikkim was formed through a Blood Brotherhood Treaty between the Lepchas and Bhutias nearly 600 years ago. Dzongu, a reserve for the Lepcha people of Sikkim is also worth visiting. Acres of luxuriant landscapes and spectacular mountain vistas with an air of exclusivity is just the right place for those who wish to enjoy the beauty of pristine nature in seclusion. For more details and accommodation options at Dzongu, buy the Weekend Destinations Travel Guide eBook.

Best Time to Visit

Singhik can be visited throughout the year except during the monsoons. The best time to visit, however, would be during the months of September to March.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Reserved cars, shared cars and buses are available from Siliguri to reach Gangtok. Singhik is around 56 km from Gangtok and is easily accessible by hired cars. Frequent share car services are also available from Gangtok to Mangan. Singhik is just 4 km from Mangan. Local cars are available from Mangan to get to Singhik. Alternatively, you can directly book a car from New Jalpaiguri to Singhik. Distance from New Jalpaiguri to Singhik is 144 km.

Accommodation

Singhik Tourist Bungalow. Tariff: Rs. 1500. Tel: 9635839939, 9818827720.
Lazomla Homestay. Tel: 8436282859.

Nearby Places

There are several tourist destinations near Singhik, Sikkim. Buy the Weekend Destinations eBook and find out more places to visit near Singhik.

Places Near Kolkata

Tinchuley

About 32 kilometres from the crowded hill station town of Darjeeling is a calm and quiet hamlet surrounded by thick pine forests and lush green tea gardens with a backdrop of the stupendous Kanchenjunga range. The word 'Tinchuley' literally means three chulahs or ovens, which is represented by the three prominent hilltops that resemble the three chulahs. An initiative that was started by the local people with active support from the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) turned this secret beauty into a self-sustained organic ecotourism destination. If you love to witness the beauty of the Himalayas, watch the Teesta river wind its way through the hills, smell the aroma of tea bushes, walk along lonely village trails and mingle with local people, then Tinchuley is the right place for you.

View of Kanchenjunga Range from Tinchuley

Sightseeing and Activities

The Sunrise Point at Tinchuley is an excellent place to view sunrise in the morning. It also offers a spectacular view of the snowy mountain peaks. One can go for village walks, nature hikes and tea garden visits during their stay at Tinchuley. The pristine natural forest surrounding the village is a paradise for birdwatchers paradise. Another attraction is the Tinchuley Monastery which is quite revered by the locals. Nearby lies the Gumphadara Viewpoint which provides a telescopic view of the Teesta River valley from above.

Best Time to Visit

Tinchuley can be visited throughout the year except during the monsoons. However if you would like to get a clear view of the snow-capped mountain peaks, then October to March would be the best time to visit.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Tinchuley is 80 km from New Jalpaiguri. Hired cars are available from New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri to reach Tinchuley via Teesta Bazaar.

Accommodation

Gurung Guest House. Tariff: Rs. 2000-4700. Tel: 9933036336, 9434514614.

Sky High Resorts. Tariff: Rs. 1600-2500. Tel: 9836739437.

For more information about homestays in Tinchuley, buy the Weekend Destinations eBook. Apart from that, the book provides you vivid and informative description of dozens of brand new weekend getaways from Kolkata along with in-depth coverage of each destination which make it a must-have for every travel enthusiast.

Nearby Places

Takdah
Lamahatta

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Places Near Kolkata | Books