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

Also Check Out

Places Near Kolkata | Books

Rangaroon

Beautiful mist enveloping green tea bushes

Rangaroon Tea Garden is situated at a distance of 16 km from Darjeeling in West Bengal. The estate lies near the boundary of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary at an altitude of 6100 ft above sea level. It produces some of the world's finest quality tea and is home to the famous Rangaroon Tea which had won the hearts of British colonists. You can take a leisurely walk through the lush green tea garden while enjoying the scenic beauty of the place. The view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other snow capped peaks from Rangaroon is truly awe inspiring. Rangaroon also offers its visitors a spectacular view of the Tiger Hill, Observatory Hill and the Darjeeling town.

Rangaroon Tea Garden

Buy travel books, handcrafted by Week End Tour. Packed full of fresh destinations, authentic information and expert tips, our travel books are a must buy for every travel enthusiast.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Howrah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. Hired cars are available from New Jalpaiguri to reach Rangaroon. On the way to Darjeeling, you have to take a right turn from Jorebungalow and then take a left turn from 3rd Mile to reach Rangaroon Tea Garden.



Accommodation

Khaling Cottage. Tariff - Rs. 1534 per person (including food and stay). Tel: 0353-2540492, 9434072552.

Places Near Kolkata | Donate

School Dara

Heaven for bird watchers

School Dara is a completely virgin village tourism destination situated in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. The picturesque hamlet lies at a distance of 5 km from Mirik. The scenic beauty of the place is amazing with its lush green surroundings and orange orchards all around the area. School Dara is also a bird watcher's paradise with several species of birds including flycatcher, minla and nuthatch often spotted in and around the village. The serene and calm ambiance of the place makes it an ideal retreat for those who want to spend their vacation in peace and solitude.

School Dara

Buy travel books, handcrafted by Week End Tour. Packed full of fresh destinations, authentic information and expert tips, our travel books are a must buy for every travel enthusiast.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. Auto rickshaws ply from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. Mirik is 52 km from Siliguri. Hired cars and shared jeeps are plying from Siliguri to Mirik. School Dara is 5 km from Mirik.



Accommodation

Rodhi Ghar Homestay. Tariff - Rs. 2100 (including food). Tel: 9434072552.
Rangbhang Homestay. Tariff - Rs. 1200. Tel: 9832913617, 9733242210.

Places Near Kolkata | Donate

Palmajua

In the lap of Singalila National Park

Palmajua is a small hill village situated in the lap of the Singalila National Park in West Bengal. The place is surrounded by forests of oak, pine and dhupi trees. Located at an altitude of 7250 ft, the place offers peace and tranquility to the visitors amidst lush greenery and breathtaking scenery. A mind blowing view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga can be viewed from this village. The main attraction of Palmajua is the Singalila National Park. The forest is home to the Red Panda, Pangolin and about 170 species of birds. You can visit Dhotrey, Rimbik, Srikhola and Meghma from Palmajua. Adventure lovers can go for short treks from the village to the nearby forest.

Palmajua

Get your copy of Weekend Destinations eBook
- Supercharge your weekends with the definitive travel guide from Week End Tour.

- Explore brand new destinations that you've never heard of.

- Travel like a pro with in-depth coverage of each and every destination.
- Get all the information you need - sightseeing, how to reach & accommodation.

Buy Now (Pay with Paytm)

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Palmajua is 65 km from New Jalpaiguri. Hired cars are available from New Jalpaiguri to reach Manebhanjan. Jeeps are plying from Manebhanjan to Palmajua.



Accommodation

Singalila Jungle Homestay. Tariff - Rs. 1300 per person (including food and stay). Tel: 9231581177.

Places Near Kolkata

Sonkupi

Destination for adventure lovers

Sonkupi is an awesome weekend getaway from Kolkata situated in Purulia district of West Bengal. The valley lies at the foothills of the Kukuburu hill. Numerous streams trickling down the hills, mesmerizing natural beauty and pollution-free environment of the place make Sonkupi an ideal retreat for nature lovers. However the prime attraction of the place is the Sonkupi Banjara Camp which offers several adventure activities for those who crave for thrill and excitement. From rock climbing to tarzan swing, the camp has got everything needed for an exhilarating adventure experience. You can also take a leisurely stroll to the nearby tribal villages and witness the daily livelihood of rural people.

Sonkupi

Buy travel books, handcrafted by Week End Tour. Packed full of fresh destinations, authentic information and expert tips, our travel books are a must buy for every travel enthusiast.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Barabhum and Purulia. Sonkupi is 20 km from Barabhum and 52 km from Purulia.



Accommodation

Sonkupi Banjara Camp, Tariff - Rs. 5800 per head (for group of 2 persons), Rs. 4900 per head (for group of 4 persons), Rs. 4200 per head (for group of 8 persons). Tariff consists of 2N/3D package including food, stay and local sightseeing. Tel: 9231581177, 9830063643.

Places Near Kolkata | Donate