Pabong

Pabong is an organic village situated at a distance of 34 km from Kalimpong and 70 km from New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The picturesque village is home to a little more than 100 families. The main source of livelihood for the inhabitants of Pabong is farming which is done organically. The place is also a bird watcher's paradise. Several bird species of the families - minivet, warbler, thrush, swift etc. are spotted at Pabong. Sometimes deer are also seen in and around the place. Pabong offers mesmerizing views of the snow capped peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga. There are homestays at Pabong for accommodation. You can also visit Charkhole, Kalimpong and Lolegaon from Pabong.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Hired cars are available from New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri to reach Pabong. There are two routes to reach Pabong from Siliguri. The shorter route, around 70 km, takes you from Siliguri to Pabong via Bagrakot, Chuikhim and Charkhole. Road condition of this route is not good and hence it will be better to take the longer route via Kalimpong. Distance of Pabong from Siliguri via Kalimpong is about 100 km.



Accommodation

Chitrakoot Farm House. Tariff: Rs 1500 per person with food and lodging. Tel: 9733454779.
Pabong Valley Residency. Tariff: Rs. 2000. Tel: 9836077202.

Places Near Kolkata

Kaagey

Kaagey is a picturesque hamlet nestled in the laps of Neora Valley National Park near Kalimpong in West Bengal. Surrounded by dense forests of oak, pine and dhupi trees, the village has been inhabited by the Thapas for several generations. Almost every home in this village is beautifully decorated with colourful orchids and flowers making them look picture-perfect. You can visit Kaagey Top which offers mesmerizing views of sunrise and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Various species of birds like Himalayan whistling thrush, hoopoe etc are also seen at Kagey. Other attractions in and around Kaagey include the 300-year old church, Buddhist meditation center and the mind blowing Jhakri waterfalls. One can also visit Pedong, Rishop, Kolakham, Lava and Lolegaon from Kaagey.

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How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. Kagey is 85 km from New Jalpaiguri. Hired cars are available from New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri to reach Kaagey. You can also hire a car from Kalimpong to reach this village.


Accommodation

Green Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 900 per head (including food and lodging). Tel: 9231581177.

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Satkahania

Satkahania is a tribal village near Panagarh in West Bengal. Located on the banks of the Ajoy River, the place offers its visitors a chance to witness the simple lifestyle of the tribal people while inhaling fresh pollution-free air into their lungs. Overall, the place is ideal for those who wish to spend a weekend amidst peace, serenity and nature. One of the main attractions of this village is the Dakbungalow which is beautifully surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers. However the prime attraction of Satkahania is the mesmerizing view of sunset from the banks of Ajoy River. You can also visit the nearby Terracotta Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Banbati village.

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How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah and Sealdah to Panagarh and Bolpur. Satkahania is 20 km from Panagarh and 25 km from Bolpur.


Accommodation

Irrigation Department Bungalow. Tariff - Rs. 275. Tel: 0343-2555640.

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Santiniketan

Santiniketan is known worldwide as a significant centre for pursuing higher studies and being the home to the famous Bengali poet and writer Rabindranath Tagore. The serene atmosphere, soothing greenery and picture-like houses make this place a perfect peace lover's retreat. There are several tourist spots in and around Shantiniketan. The prime attraction is the Uttarayan complex which hosts several buildings like Konark, Mrinmoyee, Udayan, Shyamoli, Punoscho and Udichi. A museum named Bichitra houses various letters, manuscripts, medals, documents, paintings and certificates associated with Tagore. Ballabhpur Deer Park located close to Shantiniketan is an added attraction. Another must-see attraction of Santiniketan is the Vishva Bharati University. Inside the campus, you can see the Hindi Bhavan, Cheena Bhavan, Sangeet Bhavan, Patha Bhavan etc.

Santiniketan

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How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah to Bolpur Santiniketan. The journey takes around 2 to 3 hours. Santiniketan is 2 km from Bolpur. Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available from Bolpur station to reach Shantiniketan.


Accommodation

WBTDC Santiniketan Tourist Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 900-2500. Tel: 03463-252699, 9732100920.
Hotel Rangamati. Tariff - Rs. 950-1800. Tel: 03463-252305.
Hotel Royal Bengal. Tariff - Rs. 1050-2750. Tel: 03463-257148.
Kharimati Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1000-4000. Tel: 03463-264438.

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Jhandi

Jhandi is an offbeat tourist spot located at a distance of 12 km from Lava in West Bengal. Perched at a height of 6200 ft above sea level, this picturesque village is surrounded by mighty hills and dense forests. Set in a calm and serene environment, the hamlet is embraced by lush, tropical evergreen Sal and Pine forests, which are home to some of India’s rarest flora and fauna. Jhandi is a bird-lover’s paradise with hundreds of different breeds offering glimpses and calling out to you from treetops. Numerous species of birds like Himalayan monal, Himalayan black bulbul, satyr tragopan, slender-billed scimitar babbler and sunbird are sighted at Jhandi. The forest is full of birds and also hiking trails which are quite interesting for the adventure lovers. Low altitude trekking, visit to Samabeong Tea Garden and lonely walks through the quaint hamlet will keep you entertained. The sunrise and sunset point, commonly known as Jhandi Dara, is known for its fantastic views of the rising and setting sun, from where you can experience the phenomenal view of sunlight making its way over the mountains through the mist. One can get a panoramic view of the vast Mahananda River valley and the snow-clad peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga from this place. You can also visit the Lava, Lolegaon and Gorubathan from Jhandi. Bestowed with endless nature’s bounties, Jhandi is a perfect destination for those who wish to spend some relaxing time away from the monotonous city life.

View of Mt. Kanchanjunga from Jhandi

Sightseeing

Jhandi Dara Viewpoint

Located atop a hill, the Jhandi Dara viewpoint offers some of the most breathtaking views of the rising and setting sun. From Jhandi Dara, you can get a surreal view of sunrise and sunset along with a panoramic view of the imposing Mt. Kanchenjunga range and the Mahananda River valley. Witnessing sunrise at Jhandi Dara is an experience you will never forget. Hold your breath in excitement as you watch the sky light up, changing colours from dark blue to fiery orange and finally the sun peeking into your view from behind the undulating hills. Enjoy the soothing views of dense green sal and pine forests spread all over the hilltop with Mt. Kanchenjunga as backdrop. Boasting of luxuriant and mountainous environs, the Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point offers ample opportunities for capturing some amazing photographs. Besides, the viewpoint is a perfect retreat for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

View from Jhandi Dara Viewpoint

Samabeong Tea Estate

While at Jhandi, you would not want to miss a visit to the Samabeong Organic Tea Garden. Nestled in the middle of the Neora Valley Forest, the tea garden has a charm of its own. Samabeong Tea Estate is well known for employing biodynamic farming in tea cultivation. Tea produced in Samabeong is famous in India and abroad for its unusual, distinctive taste, which is attributed to their particular cultivation technique. A trip to the tea garden will soothe your senses. Revel in the lush green tea plantations, fill your lungs with unpolluted air and enjoy the exquisite beauty of nature. Samabeong is also home to a diverse range of native and migratory Himalayan birds.

Samabeong Tea Estate

Lava Buddhist Monastery

Built in 1987, this small yet vibrant monastery is just few kilometres away from Jhandi. Officially known as Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery, this Buddhist religious centre is an ideal place for those who wish to spend a bit of time away from the usual tourist rush. The tranquil and serene ambiance of the monastery provides a perfect setting for the spiritual travellers who wish to reflect over things in a calm and peaceful environment. The monastery houses a 1000-armed Avalokiteshwara statue along with various Buddhist scriptures and figurines.

Lava Monastery

Changey Waterfalls

The scintillating Changey waterfalls with its lavish green surroundings is one of the best relaxation spots near Jhandi. From the point where the car drops you, a 900 m walking trail through the green wilderness takes you to the front of the mesmerizing waterfalls. The awe-inspiring sight of the white, foamy water tumbling down from a height of 400 ft will leave you transfixed. The waterfall looks absolutely stunning amidst the mighty mountains and emerald thickets. The continuous singing of Himalayan birds like White Capped Water Redstart, Verditer Flycatcher, Blue Fronted Redstart, Grey Treepie, Indian Robin and Blue Whistling Thrush in the background will make you feel as if you are on heaven.

Changey Waterfalls

Fafar Kheti

Another nearby attraction is Fafarkheti. It is a picture-perfect village and an ideal picnic spot with the snaking Chel River and surrounding jungles. The spot is actually a bridge alongside a big rock. The Chel river flows underneath the bridge. A spectacular waterfall, evergreen forests, the winding Chel River, tweeting of unknown birds and the fabulous scenery make Fafar Kheti, a must visit for tourists vacationing at Jhandi.

Ruins of Dalim Fort

You can also visit the ruins of Dalim Fort, located high above Gorubathan for the remains of a Bhutanese fortress, hemmed in on all sides by thick forest cover.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah and Sealdah to New Mal Junction. Jhandi is 32 km from New Mal Junction. It takes about one and a half hours to reach Jhandi from New Mal Junction. Hired cars are available from New Mal Junction to reach Jhandi. You can also reach Jhandi from Siliguri by car. Distance from Siliguri to Jhandi is 87 km.

Accommodation

The Retreat Jhandi
Tariff: Rs. 3500 per room. Food Charges: Rs. 450 per head
Tel: 9836830342, 9831309512

Jhandi Eco Hut
Tariff: Rs. 1500-4000 per room
Tel: 9002266755

Prantik Homestay
Tariff: Rs. 1600 per room
Tel: 9830371744

Humro Home Jhandi
Tariff: Rs. 2600-3600 per room with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 18001233759

Places Near Kolkata

Gangani

Gangani (also spelled as Gongoni) is located near the small town of Garhbeta in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal. It is called the Grand Canyon of Bengal. The place is located on the bank of Shilabati river. The 70 ft deep gorge through which the Shilabati river flows during the monsoon is a beautiful creation of mother nature formed by soil erosion with the aid of the River Shilabati. The fields of Gangani are full of tree fossils scattered across the region.

Gangani

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How to Reach

Trains are running from Santragachi and Shalimar to Garhbeta. The journey to Garhbeta takes about 3 hours. Motor vans are available from Garhbeta to Gangani. It takes around 10 minutes to reach Gangani from Garhbeta.



Accommodation

Hotel Suruchi. Tariff - Rs. 300-500. Tel: 9609455602.

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Rajbalhat

Rajbalhat is a village situated in Srirampore Subdivison of Hooghly district in West Bengal. In the 16th century, Rajbalhat was the bustling capital of Bhursut dynasty's empire. The 16th century temple housing the idol of Devi Rajballavi, after whom Rajbalhat is named, is the prime attraction of the place. The Terracotta work on the walls of the temple is amazing. There are two other Terracotta temples at Rajbalhat - Radhakanta Temple and Sreedhar Damodar Temple. A number of ponds and open grounds are there beside the temples.

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How to Reach

Local trains are running from Howrah to Haripal station. You can reach Rajbalhat from there by bus (Rt no 10). Rajbalhat is 22 km from Haripal.


Accommodation

No accommodation options are available at Rajbalhat. You can easily go for a one day tour to Rajbalhat from Kolkata and return on the same day.
For inquiry about getting prasad from Rajballavi Temple, contact. Tel: 03212-254354, 9733544729.

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