Palamau

Palamau National Park which is also known as Betla forest is situated in the state of Jharkhand and covers an area of 930 sq km. A tiger reserve has come up here. Here you can see elephants, leopard, Sambhar, Nilgai, Gaur, Bison and several species of deers. The main attractions of this forest are the colourful and beautiful birds which make the tourists feel amazed at the beauty of nature. The park remains open from 5 am to 6 pm. Although the park is open all year round, but the best time to visit Palamau is February-April.
How to Reach

You can board Shaktipunj Express from Howrah station and disembark at Daltanganj. Palamau Forest is 25 km from here. You can also reach Palamau from Ranchi or Dhanbad.


Accommodation

JTDC Hotel Van Vihar. Tariff - Rs. 550-950. Tel: 06562-226513, 9973284410.
Hotel Jayshree. Tariff - Rs. 540-1600. Tel: 9939338590, 8539876580.
Hotel Chandra Residency. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1600. Tel: 9162898575, 9304286799.
Hotel Debjani. Tariff - Rs. 400-600. Tel: 06562-286518.

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Chapramari

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is situated close to Gorumara National Park. Though the forest is relatively small, it hosts a variety of flora and fauna. The forest is famous for its elephant population. You can also see one-horned Rhinoceros, Gaur, deers, Nilgai and reptiles here. One can also witness a huge number of species of birds at Chapramari. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary remains closed from 16th June to 15th September. It also remains closed on every Thursday.

How to Reach

13149 Kanchankanya Express is running from Sealdah to New Mal Junction. From there cars are available on hire basis to get to Chapramari. Distance is 30 km. Car charges around Rs. 1500.


Accommodation

Chapramari Forest Bunglow. Tariff - Rs. 1700.
Chapramari Wilderness Camp. Tariff - Rs. 2300 (including food and jungle entry fee).
Booking: DFO, Wildlife Division - 2, Aranya Bhawan, Jalpaiguri. Tel: 03561-224907, 220017. Range Officer: Eco-Tourism Range, Lataguri, Jalpaiguri. Tel: 03561-266340, 9733064334.

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    Samsing

    Samsing is a small village in the area of Dooars. Located near India-Bhutan border, Samsing is around 80 km from Siliguri. It is situated at an altitude of 2500 ft. The scenic beauty of nature in Samsing is incomparable. The most popular activity here is bird watching. The green tea gardens, hills and forests of Samsing will surely make you mesmerized. You can also indulge in trekking activities. You can visit a valley named Suntalekhola, 4 km from here. Another important attraction is the Neora Valley National Park.

    Samsing

    How to Reach

    Trains and buses are running from Siliguri to Chalsa. Distance is 64 km. You can reach Chalsa by Bhutan or Alipurduar bound bus and then you can get jeep which will take you to Samsing.


    Accommodation

    WBFDC Nature Education and Wilderness Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1300-1700. Booking: WBFDC, 6A Raja Subodh Mallick Square, Kolkata - 700013, Tel: 033-22370060.
    Tempula Inn. Tariff - Rs. 1300-2800. Tel: 9674900101.
    Trishna Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 800-1000. Tel: 9830252843.

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    Mongpong

    Mongpong is a small hill village in the district of Darjeeling. The village is located on the banks of the river Teesta. Situated at a distance of 29 km from Siliguri, Mongpong offers great views of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and the Teesta basin. You can also visit Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary from here. Mongpong is surrounded by both hills and forests. On the west lies Sevoke hill whereas on the North-East of Mongpong lies dense forest. Altogether the natural beauty of Mongpong is mind blowing.

    Mongpong


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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 are 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. Mongpong is 29 km from Siliguri. Buses are running from Siliguri Mittal bus terminus to Mongpong. It takes just an hour and a half to reach Mongpong from Siliguri.

    Accommodation

    WBFDC Mongpong Cottage. Tariff - Rs. 1400-1700. Tel: 03552-245645.
    Booking: WBFDC, 6A Raja Subodh Mullick Square, 8th Floor, Kolkata - 700013. Tel: 033-22370060.

    Rishop

    Situated at an altitude of 8500 ft, Rishop is a Himalayan hamlet mostly inhabited by the Lepchas. The name Rishop came from two words - Ri means mountain peak and shop means ancient tree. From Rishop one can get delightful views of the Kanchenjunga mountain. Other peaks which can be seen from here are Mt. Kharg, Kokthang, Kabroo, Siniolchu and many more. You can trek through the jungle to get to Tifindara Viewpoint, 1.5 km from Rishop. Tifindara is the second highest point in West Bengal. You can watch sunrise and sunset from here which is much more beautiful than that seen from Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. From Rishop you can also visit Lava (11 km) or Kalimpong (25 km).

    View of mountain peaks from Rishop


    Buy Holiday Destinations Travel Guide Book and discover amazing travel destinations near Kolkata. Plus, inside the book, you will get
    - 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 are 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 Rishop from Darjeeling or Siliguri by car. Otherwise you can reach Lava by bus or shared jeep. From Lava you can hire a car to reach Rishop.

    Accommodation

    Golden Sojourn. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1200. Tel: 9830107780.
    Lovely Resort. Tariff - Rs. 1200-1600. Tel: 033-22258549.
    Rishop Tourist Centre. Tariff - Rs. 900-1200. Tel: 033-23350064.
    Paradise Villa. Tariff - Rs. 800-1200. Tel: 9932889565.
    Green Peak. Tariff - Rs. 1200-1500. Tel: 9836022344.
    Kanchanview Tourist Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1200. Tel: 9830322591.

    Lava

    Lava is a small hill town located 32 km from Kalimpong. Situated at a height of 7200 ft, Lava is surrounded by dense oak, pine, fir forests. The place is full of hills and mountains. From here one can get a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Koktang and other peaks. For those who love the serenity of nature, Lava would be an unforgettable experience. Sherpa View Point is the most prominent attraction of Lava. From here you can get a beautiful view of the majestic Kanchenjunga peak. Another famous attraction is the Neora Valley National Park. This park is just 9 km from Lava. Situated at the foothills of Neora hill, this park has everything from majestic hills to dense forests, tigers, bears, leopards, red panda, deers and innumerous species of birds. You can also watch sunrise from Tiffindara view point.

    Lava

    Things to do

    If you are looking to satiate your adventurous mind, then trekking through the mighty mountains and dense coniferous forests should be on top of your list. The forested areas around Lava is also a paradise for bird lovers. Avid birdwatchers and photographers can easily spend hours spotting different species of birds like Blue Robins, Fulvetta, Finch, Wren Babblers in the surrounding forests.

    Sightseeing

    Lava Monastery

    Built in 1987, this small yet vibrant monastery is just few kilometres away from Jhandi. Officially known as Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery, this Buddhist religious centre is an ideal place for those who wish to spend a bit of time away from the usual tourist rush. The tranquil and serene ambiance of the monastery provides a perfect setting for the spiritual travellers who wish to reflect over things in a calm and peaceful environment. The monastery houses a 1000-armed Avalokiteshwara statue along with various Buddhist scriptures and figurines.

    Lava Monastery

    Nature Interpretation Centre

    The Nature Interpretation Centre of the Neora Valley National Park, located in Lava will help you know about the landscape, flora and fauna of the park. At a distance of 1 km from the Lava Jeep Stand, Nature Interpretation Centre is a museum situated on Rishi Road. Maintained by the forest department, the Nature Interpretation Center is a beautiful place for nature lovers where you can get comprehensive information about the rich flora and fauna of Neora Valley and Lava region. The museum exhibits life-like dioramas that are displayed in the form of models, photographs, stuffed birds and animals. It also has a good display of orchids and other flowers. The centre remains open on all days of week except Thursdays. Timings are 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm.

    Tiffin Dara

    Tiffin Dara Viewpoint is around 10 km from Samabeong Tea Estate. You can watch sunrise and sunset from Tiffin Dara which is much more beautiful than that seen from Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. The place is one of the best spots to view the beautiful sunrise with the rays of sun kissing the magnificent snowy peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga. On a clear day, the vantage point offers 360-degree panoramic views of Kanchenjunga range, the blue mountains of Sikkim and the Nathu La and Jelep La pass. To reach Tiffin Dara, you can reach the nearby town of Lava by car. A 4 km trek on a meandering route along the mountainside, across a waterfall, through the forests and the sleepy hamlet of Rishyap will take you to Tiffin Dara. If walking from Lava to Tiffin Dara is too much for you, then you can reach Rishyap by car and walk the last 40 minutes upward trail. The 40 minutes trek from Rishyap through a narrow forest trail flanked by dense woods on both sides is a one-of-a-kind experience for adventure lovers.

    Changey Waterfalls

    The scintillating Changey waterfalls with its lavish green surroundings is one of the best relaxation spots near Jhandi. From the point where the car drops you, a 900 m walking trail through the green wilderness takes you to the front of the mesmerizing waterfalls. The awe-inspiring sight of the white, foamy water tumbling down from a height of 400 ft will leave you transfixed. The waterfall looks absolutely stunning amidst the mighty mountains and emerald thickets. The continuous singing of Himalayan birds like White Capped Water Redstart, Verditer Flycatcher, Blue Fronted Redstart, Grey Treepie, Indian Robin and Blue Whistling Thrush in the background will make you feel as if you are on heaven.

    Changey Falls

    Neora Valley National Park

    One of the richest biological zones in the entire eastern Himalayas, Neora Valley National Park is the land of the cute Red Pandas and the mighty Himalayan Black Bear. The pristine, undisturbed natural habitat with rugged inaccessible hilly terrain and rich diverse flora and fauna together make the park an important wilderness zone. The full bloom of colourful rhododendrons during spring and summer turn the jungle into a magnificent fiesta. The wild orchids form a canopy in the forest. The Neora Valley National Park is also home to the barking deer, goral deer, leopard, leopard cat, Himalayan thar, flying squirrel, wild cats and even the Royal Bengal Tiger. The entrance to the park is at Kolakham, a village which is about 10kms from Lava. Due to bad road condition, it takes around 1 hour to reach the entrance of Neora Valley National Park from Lava. You need to obtain a permit to enter the park from the forest range office at Lava. To experience Neora Valley at its best, you should definitely hire a guide and trek through the various jungle trails in the forest.



    How to Reach

    Trains are 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. Buses, cars and shared jeeps are available from Siliguri to reach Lava.

    Accommodation

    WBFDC Nature Resort. Tariff: Rs. 1100-1500. Tel: 8972000278.
    Yankee Resort. Tariff: Rs. 1000-2800. Tel: 9932869205.
    Cerulean Hotels. Tariff: Rs. 1000-1850. Tel: 7044218708.
    Hotel Lava Viewpoint. Tariff: Rs. 1500-1850. Tel: 9163624818.
    Hotel Paradise. Tariff: Rs. 900-1500. Tel: 9932889565.
    Hotel Dreamland. Tariff: Rs. 800-1000. Tel: 9163596075.
    Hotel Orchid. Tariff: Rs. 1500-1800. Tel: 9830252843.

    Kalimpong

    Kalimpong is a hill station located at the foothills of the Shivalik range in the lower Himalayas. It is just 50 km east of the famous hill station, Darjeeling. Situated at an altitude of 1250 m, Kalimpong is a paradise for nature lovers. Kalimpong was earlier known as Dalingkot. The name Kalimpong was given by the British. The dense forests, lush green tea gardens and marvelous peaks make Kalimpong awe-inspiring and unforgettable. One of the main attractions of Kalimpong is Durpin Dara Hill. This hill offers magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga. It is an observatory point from where one can get a panoramic view of the Teesta river and its valley. Apart from these there are orchids and flower gardens which are worth seeing. Other attractions include Deolo Hill, Gouripur House, Catholic Church and Neora National Park.

    Kalimpong


    Buy Holiday Destinations Travel Guide Book and discover amazing travel destinations near Kolkata. Plus, inside the book, you will get
    - 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 are 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. Kalimpong is located 72 km from Siliguri. Buses and cars are available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri to reach Kalimpong.

    Accommodation

    WBTDC Morgan House. Tariff - Rs. 1800-3500. Tel: 03552-255384, 9733008776.
    WBTDC Morgan House (Annex Building). Tariff - Rs. 1200-2800. Tel: 03552-255384.
    WBTDC Hilltop Tourist Lodge. Tariff - Rs. 2000-3000. Tel: 03552-255654.
    Hotel Mountain View. Tariff - Rs. 1500-2400. Tel: 03552-255123.
    Hotel Garden Reach. Tariff - Rs. 2500-3000. Tel: 03552-255091.
    Hotel Kalimpong Park. Tariff - Rs. 2400-4100. Tel: 03552-255304.