Aritar

Aritar is a picturesque hamlet located in East Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 4600 m, the prime attraction of this place is the Lampokhari or Aritar Lake. The lake is in a calm and serene environment surrounded by lush greenery and towering hills. One can also enjoy boating in the lake. A number of swans are seen in this lake which adds to its beauty. Every year a tourism festival is held here during the months of March-April. Another attraction of Aritar is the Mankhim Hilltop from where you can get a spectacular view of sunrise. Other attractions include the Dak Bungalow and Aritar Gumpha.

Aritar

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Auto rickshaws are plying from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. You can also avail direct bus service from Kolkata (Esplanade Bus Terminus) to Siliguri. From there you can hire a car to reach Aritar directly. Car charges around Rs. 2500. Otherwise you can reach Aritar by service jeeps via Rangpo and Renok.


Accommodation

Hotel Aditya. Tariff - Rs. 700-3000. Tel: 9932487358.
Lampokhari Village Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1000-3000. Tel: 9933187911.
Dadul Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1800. Tel: 9933195461.

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Rikisum

Rikisum is a newly discovered tourist place located 13 km from Lava. It is a picturesque hamlet offering some of the best and spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The nameless villages, lush green forests, foggy clouds and small wooden houses make Rikisum an ideal place to spend a lazy weekend. Apart from the pristine natural beauty of Rikisum the other attractions of the place include ruins of the ancient British bungalow, the Elaichi farms and the Ramitey View Point.

Rikisum

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- Concise and informative text with full color photographs
- How to Reach guide with latest train schedules
- Tariff and contact information of hotels and resorts
- Travel tips and useful medicines
- Bonus: 30 Picnic Spots near Kolkata
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How to Reach

Trains running from Sealdah, Howrah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. The journey from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri takes around 10 hours. Auto rickshaws are plying from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. From Siliguri you have to reach Kalimpong by car, bus or shared jeep. Rikisum is 85 km from Kalimpong. Hired cars and buses are plying on this route.


Accommodation

Rikisum Retreat. Tariff - Rs. 1800-2200. Tel: 9932775329.

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Biharinath

Biharinath is a beautiful hill spot in Bankura District of West Bengal. It is also known as Araku Valley of West Bengal. The beauty of the place increases during winter and spring time. Biharinath Dham is located at the foot of this hill. There are temples of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga and Kali temple. You can also walk through the Sal forests to the nearby tribal villages.

Biharinath Hill

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Raniganj. It takes around 3 hours to reach Raniganj from Howrah. From there you have to reach Biharinath hill via Damodar Bridge, Mejia and Saltora. Biharinath is 25 km from Raniganj.



Accommodation

Biharinath Tourist Point. Tariff - Rs. 650-1300. Tel: 8017202499.
Zilla Parishad Atithisala. Tariff - Rs. 400-1000. Tel: 9647902125.

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Amarkanan

Amarkanan is a nice weekend getaway in Bankura district of West Bengal. Situated at the foot of Koro Hill, this village is ideal for spending a day or two away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The main attraction of this place is the reserved forest. A river is flowing through this forest. Another attraction of Amarkanan is Sri Ram Krishna Seva Dal Ashram. You can also walk to the top of the hill. The scenery from the top is impressive. The Susunia Hill is also visible from here.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Durgapur. Amarkanan is 32 km from Durgapur. You can get Bankura bound buses from Durgapur to reach Amarkanan.



Accommodation

You can stay at the Forest Bungalow. Tariff - Rs. 300. For booking contact Forest Department Office at Bankura.

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Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is located adjacent to Kolkata. Situated beside EM Bypass Extension between Narendrapur and Rajpur, this forest is locally known as Kayal-r Bagan. Many species of birds live in the trees of this bird sanctuary. The Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary is home to numerous types of insects, moths and butterflies. Animals like civet cat and fox are also seen in this forest. The sanctuary remains open on all days from 7 am to 5 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 15/- per head.

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary

How to Reach

Buses and auto rickshaws are available from Garia to reach Bhaskar Bhawan Stop. The sanctuary is 5 minutes walking distance from there.


Accommodation

There is no accommodation facility at Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary. As this sanctuary is in Kolkata, therefore there is no need to stay there.

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Bali Island

A village based community tourism destination has been developed at Bali Island in the Sunderbans forest. It is a picturesque village on the banks of rivers. A number of rivers - Vidya, Gumti, Pirkhali, Khanakhali and Matla surround this island. The dense green foliage, simple life of the village inhabitants and the thrill of the atmosphere of Sundarbans is waiting to greet you at Bali Island. You can also visit Sudhanyakhali and Sajnekhali from the island by motor boat or launch.

Bali Island

How to Reach

You can reach Gadkhali from Science City via Ghatakpur and Sonakhali. From there launches and motor boats are available to reach Bali Island. It takes about one and a half hour to reach Bali from Gadkhali.


Accommodation

Sunderban Jungle Camp. Booking: 67/A Kali Temple Road, Kalighat, Kolkata-26. Tel: 033-24550917, 9831031980.

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Susunia

Susunia Hills is an ideal weekend getaway in Bankura district of West Bengal. Situated at a height of 1500 ft, the place is blessed with impressive natural beauty. It is said that Raja Chandravarma had built his fort on this hill. Gandheswari River flowing down the hill is an added attraction. A small waterfalls is nestled in the hillock. You can also visit Pachmura village from Susunia. Pachmura village is home to the Terracotta artists of Bankura.

Susunia

Buy Holiday Destinations Travel Guide Book and discover amazing travel destinations near Kolkata. Plus, inside the book, you will get
- Concise and informative text with full color photographs
- How to Reach guide with latest train schedules
- Tariff and contact information of hotels and resorts
- Travel tips and useful medicines
- Bonus: 30 Picnic Spots near Kolkata
Available as eBook & Print Book


How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah and Santragachi to Bankura. It takes around 4 hours to reach Purulia by train. From there buses and hired cars are available to get to Susunia.


Accommodation

Aranyak Guesthouse. Tel: 03242-234201.
There are some other hotels around the bus stand. You can also stay at Bankura.

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