Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhitarkanika National Park is situated in the Indian state of Odisha. It is the second largest mangrove forest of the country. Although tigers and elephants are not seen in this sanctuary but deer, wild pig, wild cat and birds are frequently observed. The number of different species of kingfishers is attractive. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a large number of crocodiles. White crocodiles are also seen in this sanctuary. Every year the place where Brahmani River meets the Bay of Bengal gets full of Olive Ridley Turtles. They lay their eggs there and then go back to the Indian Ocean.

Bhitarkanika National Park

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah and Shalimar to Bhadrak. The journey takes about four and a half hours. Chandbali, the entry point to Bhitarkanika National Park is 50 km from Bhadrak. Private cars and buses are plying from Bhadrak to Chandbali. From Chandbali you have to hire a launch to get to the interior of Bhitarkanika Sanctuary. Permits for entering Bhitarkanika is issued from Khola, 16 km from Chandbali.


Accommodation

OTDC Aranyanivas Chandbali. Tariff - 800-1500. Tel: 06786-220397.
Estuarine Village Resort. Tariff - Rs. 2800-3900. Tel: 9163580464.

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Sitong

Sitong is a picturesque hill hamlet situated in the foothills of Darjeeling Himalayas. During the months of October to December, this village transforms into an 'orange village'. The hamlet of Sitong is mostly inhabited by the Lepchas. A number of trekking routes start from Sitong. You can visit Mongpu Bungalow by car. The houses on terraced slopes and orange orchards make Sitong an ideal place to spend time with nature. You may also visit the church on the hill top.

Sitong

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah and Kolkata station to New Jalpaiguri. Auto rickshaws ply from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. The best route to reach Sitong from Siliguri is via Mongpu-Surel-Labda. Buses are available from Siliguri to reach Mongpu. One has to travel the rest of the way to Sitong by car.


Accommodation

The charges for food and lodging at Sitong is Rs. 1500 per head.
For booking contact:
Wind Oz. Tel: 0353-2520492, 9434072552.

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Kurseong

Kurseong is a small hill settlement on the way to Darjeeling. Kurseong is also called 'The Land of White Orchid'. You can hire a car and visit Makaibari Tea Garden, Deer Park, Forest Museum, Ambotia Shiva Temple and Eagle's Crag. The view of sunrise and sunset from Eagles Crag is mind blowing. Nature lovers can also visit Bagora village from Kurseong. It is a calm and serene village. Some home stay options are available in this hamlet. Another place worth seeing is the Netaji Bhawan on Giddha Pahar. It is 2 km from the heart of the town.

Kurseong

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How to Reach

Trains running from Sealdah, Howrah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. The journey from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri takes around 10 hours. Auto rickshaws are plying from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. You can reach Kurseong from Siliguri by Darjeeling bound buses and jeeps. Distance from Siliguri to Kurseong is 48 km. One can also hire a private car.


Accommodation

WBTDC Kurseong Tourist Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 1600-1800. Tel: 0354-2345608, 9733008779.
Hotel Amarjeet. Tariff - Rs. 2000-3000. Tel: 0354-2344678.
Kurseong Palace. Tariff - Rs. 800-1200. Tel: 0354-2344699.
Hotel White Orchid. Tariff - Rs. 800-1200. Tel: 9830371744.
Constantia Cottage Homestay. Tariff - Rs. 1440-1800. Tel: 9800589906.
Aama Homestay. Tariff - Rs. 2500-5000 per person (including food and stay). Tel: 9775845439.

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Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat is a peaceful hill hamlet situated in North of West Bengal. The prime attraction of Lepchajagat is the impressive natural beauty. Located in a completely calm and noiseless environment, the place is surrounded by pine and dhupi forests. The Southern part of Lepchajagat is occupied by tea garden, eastern part by Tiger Hill and North-Western side by Mt. Kanchenjunga. The light breeze and scenic beauty will refresh your minds and soul. View of sunrise from top of the WBFDC Bungalow is spectacular. You can also visit Jorpokhari from Lepchajagat. Jorpokhari is home to the endangered Himalayan Newt.

Lepchajagat

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- How to Reach guide with latest train schedules
- Tariff and contact information of hotels and resorts
- Travel tips and useful medicines
- Bonus: 30 Picnic Spots near Kolkata
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How to Reach

Trains running from Sealdah, Howrah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. The journey from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri takes around 10 hours. Auto rickshaws are plying from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. You can reach Ghum from Siliguri by Darjeeling bound buses or shared jeeps. Cars are available from Ghum to get to Lepchajagat. Lepchajagat is also easily accessible from Darjeeling.


Accommodation

WBFDC Nature Education and Wilderness Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1500-2200. Tel: 9434176898.

Alisha Homestay. Tariff - 1100 per head (including food). Tel: 9804493838.

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Aritar

Aritar is a picturesque hamlet located in East Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 4600 m, the prime attraction of this place is the Lampokhari or Aritar Lake. The lake is in a calm and serene environment surrounded by lush greenery and towering hills. One can also enjoy boating in the lake. A number of swans are seen in this lake which adds to its beauty. Every year a tourism festival is held here during the months of March-April. Another attraction of Aritar is the Mankhim Hilltop from where you can get a spectacular view of sunrise. Other attractions include the Dak Bungalow and Aritar Gumpha.

Aritar

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Auto rickshaws are plying from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. You can also avail direct bus service from Kolkata (Esplanade Bus Terminus) to Siliguri. From there you can hire a car to reach Aritar directly. Car charges around Rs. 2500. Otherwise you can reach Aritar by service jeeps via Rangpo and Renok.


Accommodation

Hotel Aditya. Tariff - Rs. 700-3000. Tel: 9932487358.
Lampokhari Village Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1000-3000. Tel: 9933187911.
Dadul Guest House. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1800. Tel: 9933195461.

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Rikisum

Rikisum is a newly discovered tourist place located 13 km from Lava. It is a picturesque hamlet offering some of the best and spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The nameless villages, lush green forests, foggy clouds and small wooden houses make Rikisum an ideal place to spend a lazy weekend. Apart from the pristine natural beauty of Rikisum the other attractions of the place include ruins of the ancient British bungalow, the Elaichi farms and the Ramitey View Point.

Rikisum

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- Concise and informative text with full color photographs
- How to Reach guide with latest train schedules
- Tariff and contact information of hotels and resorts
- Travel tips and useful medicines
- Bonus: 30 Picnic Spots near Kolkata
Available as eBook & Print Book


How to Reach

Trains running from Sealdah, Howrah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. The journey from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri takes around 10 hours. Auto rickshaws are plying from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. From Siliguri you have to reach Kalimpong by car, bus or shared jeep. Rikisum is 85 km from Kalimpong. Hired cars and buses are plying on this route.


Accommodation

Rikisum Retreat. Tariff - Rs. 1800-2200. Tel: 9932775329.

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Biharinath

Biharinath is a beautiful hill spot in Bankura District of West Bengal. It is also known as Araku Valley of West Bengal. The beauty of the place increases during winter and spring time. Biharinath Dham is located at the foot of this hill. There are temples of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga and Kali temple. You can also walk through the Sal forests to the nearby tribal villages.

Biharinath Hill

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah to Raniganj. It takes around 3 hours to reach Raniganj from Howrah. From there you have to reach Biharinath hill via Damodar Bridge, Mejia and Saltora. Biharinath is 25 km from Raniganj.



Accommodation

Biharinath Tourist Point. Tariff - Rs. 650-1300. Tel: 8017202499.
Zilla Parishad Atithisala. Tariff - Rs. 400-1000. Tel: 9647902125.

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