Toryok

Toryok is a beautiful village hideaway located in Middle Sitong near Kurseong. This picturesque North Bengal hamlet is a new entry in the tourism map of Bengal. With a meager population of just 600 people, the village, although small, has got a spread-out appearance due to the fact that all the houses are located some distance apart from each other. The calm and scenic surroundings of the village provide you the perfect company while you stare at the horizon where the mighty snow-capped peaks stand tall against the sky. Toryok offers its visitors some fantastic views of the Eastern Himalayas - from the imposing Mt. Kanchenjunga range to the meandering Riyang River and the soothing greenery of the forests embracing the place. As the entire region is a forest area, the place is also home to an innumerable variety of birds. So if you are looking for a quiet, peaceful haven where you can unwind from the hectic life schedule, this is the ideal place for you.

Toryok

Sightseeing and Activities

The quaint village of Toryok is surrounded by orange orchards, jharu and cardamom plantations. You can enjoy a leisurely walk past the orchards and plantations while savouring the exquisite natural beauty of the place. A 1 km downward hike will take you to Buddha Falls. You may also visit the Sherpa Monastery situated at the end of the village. The neighbouring village of Mamring is primarily inhabited by the Lepchas. Their houses built in an unique traditional architectural style are an attraction in itself.  There are many other places of tourist interest near Toryok. Ahaldara Viewpoint, Namthing Pokhri, Tamang Gumpha, Maldiram Viewpoint are a short drive away and can be visited on a day excursion. On another day, you can visit the nearby tourist places of Mongpu, Bagora, Chimney and Kurseong.

Best Time to Visit

Toryok can be visited all throughout the year except during the months of December and January when the weather gets quite chilly. During the summer months of April to June, the weather is pleasant. The misty cloudy weather during the rainy months of July to September gives a magical look to the entire area. October to November is the best time to get a sweeping view of the region along with Mt. Kanchenjunga range.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Howrah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. Siliguri is 2 km from New Jalpaiguri station. Toryok is 68 km from Siliguri. You can hire a car from Siliguri to reach Toryok via Rohini Road, Dilaram and Pokritar. Car charges from Siliguri to Toryok is around Rs. 3000. Alternatively you can also reach Toryok via Kalimpong and Mongpu.

Accommodation

Rashika Homestay
Tariff: ₹1000/- per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 9733279212

Ryang Homestay
Tariff: ₹1250/- per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 7980453218

Mukhia Homestay
Tariff: ₹1200/- per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 9733454779

Pubung

A little-known place in North Bengal, Pubung is a picturesque hamlet surrounded by lush tea gardens and blissful mountains. Nestled in the lap of nature, the village of Pubung houses a range of organic farms. You can enjoy a leisurely walk past the various organic farms where fruits and vegetables like orange, tomato, potato, cauliflower, squash, and elaichi are cultivated. 2 km from Pubung lies a 100-year old bridge which connects Rongli Rongliot and Pubung. A 1 hour downhill trek from Pubung will take you to the source of Kalijhora River. As you walk on the trail, you will hear the twittering of birds, smell the scent of flowers and be amazed by the fascinating vistas that unveil in front of your eyes. At the end of the trail, you will be awestruck by the beautiful waterfall coming down the hill. This waterfall is actually the origin of the Kali river.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Pubung is 90 km from New Jalpaiguri. You can hire a car from New Jalpaiguri to reach Pubung. The journey takes around 3-4 hours.

Accommodation

Pubung Homestay
Tariff: ₹1350/- per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 9932317299, 9434072552

Taptapani

Taptapani a beautiful tourist destination situated on the slopes of the Eastern Ghats. Taptapani is primarily known for its hotspring which is said to have healing abilities. Perched at an altitude of 1700 ft above sea level, the place is surrounded by cluster of hills and thick forests. The serenity of nature at Taptapani is accompanied by the wonderful sights of sunrise and sunset, tribal dance and music, chirping of birds and sight of wild animals.

Sightseeing and Activities

The hot Sulphur water spring is undoubtedly the main attraction of the place. Embraced by dense woods, this perennial hot water spring is considered to have medicinal properties and is capable of curing aches, pains and skin ailments. You can take a dip in the water and rejuvenate yourself. Other tourist spots in Taptapani include the Deer Park, Nilkantheswar Temple and Kandimata Mandir. At a distance of 35 km from Taptapani lies the town of Chandragiri. If you come to Chandragiri, you will feel as if you have landed at mini Tibet. Chandragiri is a Tibetan refugee settlement and most people who live here had arrived from Tibet in the year 1959 following China’s Aggression in Tibet. There is a Buddhist Monastery with colourful prayer flags. The main attraction for tourists is the lifestyle of the people in this hilly village. Apart from traditional foods like momo and thuppa, Tibetan handicrafts are also available here. You can visit Chandragiri from Taptapani by hired car and come back before night.

Best Time to Visit

Taptapani can be visited all throughout the year. However, the best time to enjoy a dip in the hot spring is October to March.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Brahmapur. Taptapani is 52 km from Brahmapur. Cars and buses are available from Brahmapur to reach Taptapani.

Accommodation

OTDC Panthanivas Taptapani

Tariff: ₹1350-3600/- per room with breakfast

Tel: 06816-255031

Gajaldoba

Gajoldoba is a tiny village on the western side of Teesta River, 30 km from the town of Siliguri. The village is situated in Oodlabari area of Jalpaiguri district. Located in close vicinity to the Baikunthapur forest, Gajoldoba is known for the Teesta River Barrage that was built for irrigation of agricultural land in the surrounding areas. The dam has resulted in the creation of a large water body upstream which has become a hotspot for migratory birds during the winter.

Sightseeing and Activities

Every year during the month of November, thousands of migratory birds from Ladakh and parts of Central Asia flock to this place. The endless chirping and melancholy of the birds continue until March. During this time, Gajaldoba becomes every bird watcher's dream come true. The awe inspiring natural beauty of the place with its view of the forest, river and splendid backdrop of mighty mountains will leave you mesmerized.

A boat ride in the Teesta River at Gajaldoba is an unforgettable experience. You can easily spend a couple of hours with a binocular spotting various species of birds like common shelduck, ruddy shelduck, little egret, great egret, brown-headed gull, great cormorant, red-crested pochard, bar-headed goose, Pacific golden plover and northern lapwing. Still an unexplored tourist destination, Gajaldoba offers you a chance to enjoy the serenity, experience the fresh air, witness the beauty of nature and have a rendezvous with some cheerful migratory birds.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Gajaldoba is November to March. However, if you are keen on seeing the maximum number of migratory birds, then you should plan your trip around end of November and early December.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Toto rickshaws are available from New Jalpaiguri station to Gorar More. From there, you can get a Trekker or Magic van to reach Gajaldoba Teesta Barrage.

Accommodation

Bhorer Alo
Tariff: ₹1100-2500/- per room with breakfast
Tel: 7029435557
Online Booking: www.wbtdcl.com

Paradeep

Paradeep is a beautiful coastal destination in the Indian state of Odisha. Known primarily for the Paradeep Port which boasts of being one of the major sea port on the country’s east coast, the place also has a lot to offer to tourists. Located near the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal, the sublime beach of Paradeep is enough to spellbind every visitor. Crystal clear water, verdant green forest and rocky stones enhance the beauty of the place.

Sightseeing and Activities

A stone’s throw away from the beach stands a 40 m tall lighthouse. After some frolicking in the sea beach, you can head to the Smruti Udyan, a garden dedicated to those who lost their lives in the super cyclone that hit Paradeep in 1999. The peace, serenity and greenery makes it a great place to unwind. The Marine Aquarium should also definitely be on your checklist. It houses a jaw-dropping collection of both fresh water and saline water fish as well as other aquatic creatures.

Marine Aquarium, Paradeep

Visitors to Paradeep can pay a visit to the Jagannath Temple which is probably the only one of its kind that remains open to both Hindus and Non-Hindus without any kind of restricted entry. Another interesting place to visit is the Gahirmatha Beach. Known for sea turtles and water monitor lizards, the place is also home to rare white crocodiles. If you have time, do visit the Bhitarkanika National Park which hosts a luxuriant green, rich and pulsating eco-system consisting of a large variety of animals and birds.

How to Reach

You can board train from Santragachi and disembark at Paradip. Alternatively, trains are available from Howrah to reach Cuttack. Paradeep is 84 km from Cuttack. Buses and cars are available from Cuttack to reach Paradeep.

Where to Stay

OTDC Panthanivas
Tariff: ₹1300/- per room with breakfast
Tel: 06722-222275

Empires Hotel
Tariff: ₹6500-9500/- per room
Tel: 06722-223408

Hotel Paradip International
Tariff: ₹1100-2450/- per room
Tel: 06722-222986

Hotel Sea Pearl

Tariff: ₹3000-8500/- per room

Tel: 06722-228022

Hotel Aristocrat

Tariff: ₹1100-1900/- per room

Tel: 06722-222091

Kamarpara

If you are in the lookout for a rustic destination, where you can relax and enjoy an idyllic life then Kamarpara in Birbhum district of West Bengal is an ideal option for you. Located in a rural setting, the homestays in Kamarpara offer you a chance to spend a day or two away from all the city humdrums. There is a lake located close to the village. It is known as Lakshmi Sayar. The locals believe that the lake possesses a sacred power of fulfilling one’s wishes. Another nearby attraction is the Surkeswar Shiva Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. A lazily walk from Kamarpara through the Sonajhuri forest will take you to the bank of Ajay River. You will lose yourself in a different world as you walk on the winding red soil road, the smell of the red earth touching your senses and the fresh wind caressing your face – it’s a worthwhile experience. While you are at Kamarpara, you should not miss a visit to the Amkhoi Fossil Park. Spanning over a vast area of 10 hectares with a huge waterbody in the middle, the park houses fossilized wood 15 to 20 million years of age. The angiosperm wood fossils that are presently displayed in the fossil park were collected during pond digging at Amkhoi village.

Kamarpara

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata to Bolpur. Kamarpara is 14 km from Bolpur. Totos are available from Bolpur to reach Kamarpara.

Accommodation

Chottoneer
Tariff: Rs. 1800/- per room with complimentary breakfast
Tel: 9804168179, 9073919368

Udasin
Tariff: Rs. 2000-3500/- per room with complimentary breakfast
Tel: 9831948634, 9830730570

Banjara Hat
Tariff: Rs. 1500-2500/- per room
Tel: 9830552535

Baghmundi

Often a times, the biggest surprises of life come in small packages. The little village of Baghmundi might sound like just an ordinary village but once you visit the place, your perception is bound to change. Located at the foot of Ayodhya Hills, the village acts as a charming hideaway for tourists from the stress and anxiety of modern life. A rendezvous with the peaceful serenity, uneven topography, cascading waterfalls, trickling rivers, and diverse flora and fauna of the place will leave you awe struck. Bamni Falls is one of the major attractions of the place. This perennial waterfalls is flanked by charming landscape and vivid greenery. Another tourist spot near Baghmundi is Khairabera, a beautiful lake in the midst of mild slopes and thick woods. You can also visit the Tarpania Lake. This blue lake settled in a desolate landscape is a must visit for those who wish to experience serenity and solitude. Art lovers should make it a point to visit Charida, a village famous for the making of Chau masks. Chau is an acrobatic martial art based tribal dance of the region which involves wearing handcrafted, colourful masks while dancing. You can witness the entire process of making a mask and even collect a few as a souvenir.

Baghmundi

Sightseeing

Bamni Falls

Bamni Falls is one of the major attractions of the place. This perennial waterfalls is flanked by charming landscape and vivid greenery. Every year, a large number of tourists from Baghmundi, Ajodhya Hills and Murguma visit this place. A 20-minutes downward trek from the main road along a rocky and lightly-forested trail will take you to the front of the beautiful Bamni Falls. The cascading water falls over the rocks and form a small lake down below. You can even indulge in some shopping as there are many stalls near the road selling a variety of handicraft items and other stuff.

Turga Falls

Located close to Bamni Falls, this waterfalls also attracts a lot of tourists. From the main road, you can catch glimpses of the gushing white waters through chinks in the forest cover. Away from busy city life, the charming songs of colorful birds and chattering noise of squirrels make the environment a pleasant place to be in.

Khairabera Lake

Another tourist spot near Baghmundi is Khairabera, a beautiful lake in the midst of mild slopes and thick woods. The beauty of the place is its serenity, uneven terrain, falls, streams, thick vegetation. During the spring, the Palash trees enhance the scenic beauty of the area with their orange-red flowers. The ample scenic beauty of nature at Khairabera makes it a prime tourist spot.

Pakhi Pahar

This 800 ft high hill called Pakhi Pahar is a canvas for the artist, Chitta Dey, who along with his team, has sculpted nearly 65 images of birds on the sheer rock face. The hill has now become a hotspot for tourists who visit this place, only to be left speechless by the single-minded dedication and passion of the veteran artist. Encompassed by verdant forest, Pakhi Pahar is also a great spot for bird watching.

Upper Dam & Lower Dam

Both the upper and lower dams are part of the Purulia Pumped Storage Project (PPSP). These huge reservoirs are engineering marvels. Water from these reservoirs are used for hydroelectric power generation. The Lower Dam, especially, looks spectacular when viewed from the roadside viewpoint situated between the Upper Dam and Lower Dam.

Charida Village

Art lovers should make it a point to visit Charida, a village famous for the making of Chau masks. Chau is an acrobatic martial art based tribal dance of the region which involves wearing handcrafted, colourful masks while dancing. You can witness the entire process of making a mask and even collect a few as a souvenir.

Marble Lake
You can also visit the Marble Lake situated near Ajodhya Hill Top. This blue lake settled in a desolate landscape is a must visit for those who wish to experience serenity and solitude. Once you reach the place, you will be mesmerized by the charming beauty of the place. This man-made lake was formed when the rocks here were quarried for stone to build irrigation dams. The Marble Lake is surrounded by towering walls of scraggy boulders overhanging the clear, azure waters. There are two points from where you can enjoy the lake's beauty - one is from the top, and the other one is from the side of the lake.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Barabhum. Baghmundi is 19 km from Barabhum. Buses and cars are available from Barabhum to reach Baghmundi. Alternatively, you can reach Purulia by train from Howrah, Santragachi or Shalimar. Baghmundi is 59 km from Purulia town.

Accommodation

Chhowburu Guest House
Tariff: Rs. 800-1000/- per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 9732294515

Aranyak Lodge
Tariff: Rs. 500-800/- per room
Tel: 9732394115

For more places to visit near Baghmundi, buy the Weekend Destinations travel guidebook.