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