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

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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