WEST BENGAL 
West Bengal was created as a constituent state of the Indian union on 15th August 1947 as the result of partition of the undivided British Indian province of Bengal into West Bengal. West Bengal covers the bottleneck of India in the east, stretching from Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. It is bounded on the north by Sikkim and Bhutan , on the east by Assam and Bangladesh . On the south by the Bay of Bengal and on the west by Orissa, Bihar and Nepal . It has therefore, three international frontiers-to the north, east and west. The state lies between 27 o 13'15" and 21 o 25'24" north latitudes and 85 o 48'20" and 89 o 53'04" east longitudes.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area |
88,752 sq km |
Capital |
Kolkata |
Districts |
19 |
Language |
Bengali, Hindi, English |
Population |
68,077,965 |
Urban Population |
27.48% |
Literacy |
57.7% |
FLORA AND FONA
West Bengal is rich in flora and fauna and has a diverse ecosystem because of its varying terrain from the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected forests cover 4% of the state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger Reserves. The Sunderban, in south Bengal , is home to the famous Tiger Project - a conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It is an UNESCO world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in north Bengal . Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others. The state is also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter months.
NORTH BENGAL
DARJEELING
Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas .
Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.
Darjeeling - the name is derived from the Tibetian word 'Dorje' which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical sceptre, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and 'ling' - a place, hence the land of the thunderbolt. The sceptre of Indra is believed to have fallen at a place where now stands the Observatory Hill.
Darjeeling beckons thousands today for a leisurely respite from the bustle of the madding crowd. The traveller - whether a tourist or a trekker, an ornithologist or a photographer, a botanist or an artist - will find in Darjeeling an experience which will remain etched in ones memory - forever.
DOOARS
The forested areas of Northern West Bengal present a plethora of Wildlife. A stretch of land 130 km. long by 48 km. wide where nature has lavished all her bounties is better known as Dooars. The river Teesta and her innumerable tributaries crisscross an unending stretch of virgin forests here. Beautiful motorable roads cut through deep forests, rich with wildlife. Mauve hills stand at the end of velvet green plains. The forests echo with the melody of birds. In between, there are fabulous wildlife sanctuaries with picture-postcard, log cabin lodges and valleys carpeted with tea gardens.
Access
The most convenient entry point to Dooars is through Siliguri by road. Regular bus connections between Siliguri and most important spots in the Dooars. Also broadgauge rail connection between New Jalpaiguri and Mal, Madarihat, Nilpara, Jainti, Mainaguri, Dhupguri and Falakata. Metregauge rail connection between Siliguri and most spots.
Places of Interest
The ruins of forts at Nalrajar Garh and Buxa Duar, Jalpesh temple and Totopara, the habitat of the rare Toto tribes. Dooars are the real treasures of Wildlife.
JALDAPARA
Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary situated in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District in West Bengal is about 124 km from Siliguri. This sanctuary was constituted in the year 1941 for the protection of Wild Life, particularly one-horned rhinos, an animal threatened with extinction.
River Toorsa runs through the Sanctuary. The forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grasses. The wild life, in addition to one-horned rhinos, consists of Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, deers, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer and hog deer, wild pig, bisons and a number of birds, peafowls. Elephant ride is arranged for viewing of wild life preferably at dawn.
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Dooars, is the habitat of the rare one-horned rhinoceros, the mighty bison, the spotted deer, the barking deer, huge tuskers, fearsome wild boars and a variety of birds and animals. Elephant safaris can be enjoyed at the Sanctuary.
Excursions
Local excursions may be arranged to visit tea gardens to see the manufacturing of tea in the nearby tea gardens by prior arrangement with the authority.
Totopara
30 kms from Madarihat, a small village on the banks of the Toorsa near Bhutan border is the only habitation now of the Dooars aboriginals - the Totos. Their number has dwindled to less than a hundred now. A tea garden near Banarhat also bears the name Totopara, probably a survival from days when Toto settlements were more numerous.
Buxa Duar
A Fort at an altitude of 867 metres on the Sinchula Range guarding the most important of the eleven routes into Bhutan , the Buxa Duar. Only 60 kilometres from Madarihat, the Fort used as a detention camp for freedom fighters during British rule.
Jayanti
75 kms from Madarihat a beautiful picnic spot on the bank of Jayanti river.
Bhutan Ghat
85 kms from Madarihat, the road passes through beautiful forest and tea gardens.
KALIMPONG
This is a beautiful hill town in North Bengal , which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling . KALIMPONG - means king's ministers strong hold - a Bhutanese word. It is also called Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black spur". As per Lepchas Kalimpong means 'ridge where we play'. It is said that these local tribesmen used to organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit - hence the name.
Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres, it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday, against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga .
The journey from Darjeeling to Kalimpong is a beautiful experience. The road drops from Ghoom 7407ft. to Teesta Bazar 700 ft in 12 km and passes through lush green forests and tea gardens. A place called the Viewpoint or 'Lovers Meet', offers excellent view of the confluence of the Rangeet and the Teesta rivers, as also of the Himalayan mountain range from Durbindara summit. Kalimpong's attractions include three Buddhist monastries, orchid nurseries, a sericulture centre and Dr. Graham's Home, a large sprawling school set up in 1900 for educating the children of tea workers.
Places of Interest
Dr.Graham's Homes
A unique educational institution, started in 1900 by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Missionary, with six orphans, the school, situated in a 500 acre estate on the slopes of Kalimpong's highest hill, Dealo, has today a strength of well over 700 boys and girls who are accommodated in small cottages in a picturesque set-up. It has its own diary, poultry and bakery and every year in the month of May the school organises " MAYFAIR ". A day's visit there can be enthralling.
Durpin Dara
It is the highest point in Kalimpong accessible by car. It offers a breath-taking view of the plains and the mighty Teesta.
Gauripur House (Now Co-operative Training Institute)
Situated about 2 km from the town centre on the way to Durpin Dara, Gauripur House was one of the favourite haunts of Poet Rabindranath Tagore. He stayed there on his many visits to Kalimpong.
Kalimpong Market
Your visit to Kalimpong won't be complete unless you spend several hours or better still, several days at the two Kalimpong bazars, one on the Main Road , the other near the 10th mile. It is a unique experience to see villagers turning up in their local costume at the bazars on weekly market days to sell their farm products.
Kalibiri
Kalibari is about 2 km from town Huge statue of Goddess Kali, the main deity of this temple.
7th Mile View Point
3 km from the town on the way to Teesta Bazar. A panoramic view of Teesta Rangeet Valley can be seen from here.
Flower Nurseries
Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotic flowers like Amaryllis LiLies, Anthuriums, Roses, Gerbera, dahlias, gladiolas as well as Orchids and Cacti. Some important nurseries are : Brindaban Garden Nursery, Ganesh Mani Pradhan Nursery, L.B. Pradhan Nursery, Pinewood Nursery, Standard Nursery, Shangrila Garden Nursery, Twin Brothers Nursery, Universal Nursery and others.
Thongsha Ghumpa
1 km from town. Situated at 10th mile this monastery of Bhutanese origin is built in the year 1630 and it is the oldest monastery in this region.
Tharpa Choling Monastry
It is situated at Tirpai Hill and built around 1937 belongs to Gelupka Sect to which the present Dalai Lama belongs.
Mangaldham
This recently constructed place of worship is a marvellous piece of architecture.
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastry
This is a fairly new monastery located in Durpin Dara. One can get a panoramic view of the town and surrounding from this monastery.
Pedong Monastry
26 Km from Kalimpong and was established in 1837.
EXCURSION & PICNIC SPOTS
Rissisum
20 Km form Kalimpong enroute Lava and situated at an altitude of 6410 ft. glorious view of the mountains can be obtained from this point and a beautiful picnic spot.
Lava
32 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 7200 ft. commands panoramic view of Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Short drives through dense forests from Kalimpong are tourist spots with unspoiled idyllic surroundings. Lava is the gateway to the Neora National Park .
Lolay Gaon / KAFER
56 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. Panoramic view of Kanchenjunga can be obtained from this point. Fabulous view of Sunrise over Kanchenjunga can be seen from Jhandi Dara.
KURSEONG
A quiet township between Siliguri and Darjeeling at an altitude of 1458m (4860 ft.), is noted for its secluded charm and Eagle's Crag which offers a commanding view of the undulating plains below. The word Kurseong means - the place of White Orchid. Because of its lower elevation, Kurseong enjoys a milder and very healthy climate throughout the year.
It is the peace, serenity and the healthy climate that attracted many a great person to this place. Some of the famous poems and songs of Guru Rabindranath Tagore were composed in Kurseong. The magic painter Abanindranath Tagore and great composer Atul Prasad Sen got inspiration for some of their famous works around Kurseong. Sister Nivedita, the great disciple of Swami Vivekananda made kurseong her home. It is learnt that Mark Twain spent some time in Kurseong in 1885, Fazlul Haque the Prime Minister of undivided Bengal also stayed here. Netaji Subhash Bose was interned by the colonial government for a couple of months in 1936 in a house at Giddapahar near Kurseong.
MIRIK
Mirik is a nest in the hills is West Bengal's one of the hill resort at an altitude of 1767 meters with its own special charms-49 km from Darjeeling and 52 km. from Siliguri. 1.25 km. long lake is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy for ever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest of thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees clothe the slopes on the west. A 3.5 km zig-zag footwalk takes you along the lake - a sleek footbridge connects the garden on the east with the woods on the west. Alone or in company, you are sure to enjoy a boat-ride in the lake.
Places of interest
The Lake
The beautiful 1.25 km long lake is the most attractive spot of the Mirik Tourism Project. The depth of lake water varies from a minimum of 3 ft. to maximum of 26 ft. The walks on the 3.5 km. long promenade around the lake is a fascinating one. The 80ft. long arch-type overbridge across the lake is a wonderful engineering skill of the project. Arrangements of fishing in the lake is being implemented soon. Boating is available @ Rs. 20.00 to 40.00 per half'n hour per boat.
Kawlay Dara
For fabulous view of the plains as well as mountains beautiful view of sunrise and sunset can also be seen.
Deosi Dara
Another observatory point for stupendous landscape view.
Rai-dhap
An ideal picnic spot.
Tea Estates
There are eight tea gardens in Mirik area. thurbo T.E., one of the best tea-estates, is only 2 kms from the lake. The factory may be visited with the permission of the manager.
Orange orchards
About 2 kms from Mirik, situated on the spur, one can see beautiful orange orchards. Mirik is the largest supplier of oranges in West Bengal . One can also have glimpse of the village life of hill areas.
Cardamom grove
Cardamom groves can be any where near the marshy land.
Devi-stan
The famous Hindu-temple "Singha Devvi mandir" on the western bank of the lake.
KOLKATA
Kolkata (Formerly known as Kolkata - the founding name of the city)
Kolkata, on the Hooghly , retains the aura of days long gone, weaving the past and the present, the intense and the funloving into a charming fabric. Home to four Nobel laureates - Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen, Kolkata is the nerve centre of intellect and human values, where many modern movements began in art, cinema and theatre, science and industry. India 's quest for freedom began here.
Kolkata is the gateway to Eastern India . A city with a rich heritage, bustling streets and bewildering variety of facets. From October to March, Kolkata wears a radiant look. Sunshine, mild winter, lights, colours, fairs, festivals, galas and excursions, the mood is infectious and spirit sweeping.
Although the name Kalikata had been mentioned in the rent-roll of the Great Mughal emperor Akbar and also in Manasa-Mangal, to explore the history of Kolkata, we have to go back to the 17th century. It was in 1690 that Job Charnock of the East India Company came to the bank of the river Hooghly and took the lease of the three villages- Sutanuti, Govindapur and Kolikata (Kolkata) as a trading post of British East India Company. The city became famous in 1756, when Siraj-Ud-Dawlah, the last independent nawab of Bengal , captured the city. But the British regained their power in 1757 and the city was recaptured under Robert Clive. Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India, made it the seat of the supreme courts of justice and the supreme revenue administration, and Kolkata became the capital of British India in 1772. By 1800 Kolkata had become a busy and flourishing town, the center of the cultural as well as the political and economic life of Bengal .
SUNDERBANS
Situated on the lower end of the Gangetic West Bengal, 22.00° N - 89.00° E, is this world's largest delta covered by mangrove forest and vast saline mud flats. A land of 54 tiny islands, crisscrossed by innumerable tributaries of Ganga , that was once infested by Arakanese and Portuguese pirates is now the abode of varied flora & fauna population. An area of 9630 sq. km., where 70 percent is under saline water makes the life of commoners, mostly honey-catchers, prawn-catchers and fishermen, very difficult. This is Sunderbans, the world's largest estuarine forest.
Sunderbans, the place that owes its name to Sundari trees, consist of a large flora population like Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan and Kankra. Apart from these trees, impenetrable Goran trees between 1.8 mtr. & 3.6 mtr. high covers almost the entire region. One of the most remarkable feature of this place is the bayonet like roots of mangrove forests that stick out above the water level.
Nature apart, if you want to feel the essence of spirituality then this is the place to be. A place of Ma Bonobibi (the goddess of the forest) to Shiber Kumir (Lord Shiva's Crocodile) or from Dakshinaroy (an ogre, the ancestor of all tigers) to Kapil Muni (an incarnation of Vishnu).
The land that is inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers is not far from Kolkata. You can explore unknown wildlife of Sunderbans that harbour jungle cats, fishing cats, Axis deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkeys, mongooses and the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Sunderbans is the breeding ground of immense variety of birds like Heron, Egret, Cormorant, Fishing Eagle, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Seagul, Tern, Kingfisher as well as migratory birds like Whimprel, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Eastern Knot, Curlew, Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Pintail, White-eyed Pochard and also Whistling teal. Come and discover wide variety of aquatic and reptile life forms that include Olive Ridley sea turtle, hardshelled Batgur Terrapin, Pythons, King cobra, Chequered killback, Monitor and lizards including the Salvator lizards.
Best Season
The best time to be in wildlife belts of the region is September-March. Although the luxury tours to the Sunderbans carry on the year round, and the monsoon holds its own magic over tourists on the expanse of the Sunderbans, September-March is the most likely time for tiger-sighting.
The land that is inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers is not far from Kolkata. You can explore unknown wildlife of Sunderbans that harbour jungle cats, fishing cats, Axis deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkeys, mongooses and the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.
Access
Come to Sajnekhali by motorboat departing from Canning which is accessible by train and bus services from Kolkata. Cruise along in M.V. Chitrarekha (weekly journey from October to March) for a life time experience. One can also get private boats from Canning, Gosaba and Basanti, Raidighi, Basanti, Namkhana and Najatare are all connected by roadways from Kolkata.
Places of Interest
Project Tiger
The Tiger Reserve covering an area of 2585 sq. km. has one of the largest tiger population of any of the Indian parks, 269 Royal Bengal Tigers.
Lothian Island Bird Sanctuary
You can hire a country boat to reach the place famous for its White-Bellied Sea-Eagle, Black-capped kingfisher, Whimbrell, Tern and Curlew
Bakkhali
A well known beach resort, close to Frazerganj overlooking the Bay of Bengal . It's a bird-watchers' paradise, where you are greeted by casuarinas and Red Fiddle Carbs.
Ganga Sagar (Kapil Muni Ashram)
The culturally and religiously important destination, also has an exceptionally good beach for the tourists. Situated on an island in the Sunderbans, it holds the charms of a completely unspoilt beach on the estuary of the mighty Ganga . It can be approached from Kolkata either by road and then by vessel, or by chartered luxury vessels taken from Kolkata itself. A lovely destination combining pilgrimage and fun.
Frazerganj
The white sand beach, is entirely different from the other beaches. It is pristine pure and holds the charms of a beach unspoilt. It can be accessed from Kolkata, and is a three hours drive. The destination is also famous for the migratory birds and pisciculture.
Piyali
Gateway to the Sunderbans situated on the banks of river Piyali. A beautiful resting place.
Mayadwip
The nesting place of the Olive Ridley Turtles.
Kalasdwip
As Matla river empties on the Bay of Bengal , lies Kalasdwip, a densely wooded island.
Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary
A home ground of the Herons, Egrets and other species of birds, situated on the confluence of Matla and Gumdi.
Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
A hatchery cum sanctuary. Home of the biggest estuarine crocodiles.
Gosaba
Remembered as Sir David Hamilton's settlement.
Canning
One of the entry points to Sunderbans - 54 kms southeast of Kolkata. 'Canning' was built in 1858 as an alternate port. It has a small fishing fleet and private boats are available on hire.
DIGHA
The Southern West Bengal is endowed with the most famous beach on the eastern coast of India - Digha. The beach town of Digha is famous all over for flat, hard beaches. The beauty of this place was discovered as early as the days of Warren Hastings. Digha was known as Beercool at that time. Digha beach is girdled with casuarina plantations along the coast. The sea is calm and shallow for about a mile from the beach making it quite safe for swimming.
Access
Digha is easily accessible by road from Kolkata, Asansol, Bardhaman, Durgapur , Suri, Bankura and Jamshedpur and partly by rail (upto Kharagpur). The last part of the trip - between Kharagpur and Digha (123 km.) has to be done by bus and taxi. Frequent bus service, available from morning to evening. Digha is 187 km. by road from Kolkata.
Excursions
Chandaneswar
An old Siva Temple , 8 km. from Digha. Also Lankeswari (14 km.) and Kapal Kundala Temple (45 km.) near Contai may be visited.
Shankarpur
Shankarpur, a virgin beach as yet, is a recent discovery. It is a twin beach of Digha, around 10 km. from it. It offers nearly all the pleasures of a private beach. This beach too is cupped with casuarina plantations. Shankarpur is only 14 km. east of Digha, along the Digha-Contai Road . It is also a regular fishing harbour. Shankarpur is now developed as a sea resort with hotels, tourist lodges and other facilities.
Junput
Junput is 40 km. from Digha by bus, with a change at Contai. The place offers beautiful sea-view and lines of casuarina trees. The beach is unspoilt. Brackish water fish cultivation and research are done here by the State Government Fisheries Department. For accommodation, there is an Inspection Bungalow under the Superintendent of Fisheries, Junput.
Other Beaches
Frazerganj
The white sand beach, is entirely different from the other beaches. It is pristine pure and holds the charms of a beach unspoilt. It can be accessed from Kolkata, and is a three hours drive on very good roads. The destination is also all too famous for the migratory birds that can be sighted over there.
Sagardwip
A lovely destination combining pilgrimage and fun, situated on an island in the Sunderban, holds the charms of a completely unspoilt beach on the estuary of the mighty Ganga . Sagardwip presents a quiet, silvery expanse of beach and the calm sea provides the perfect setting for a quiet weekend. On Makar Sankranti day in winter (mid-January), pilgrims from all over India congregate at Sagardwip to take a holy dip at the confluence of the river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal . After the holy dip, they offer 'Puja' at the nearby ashram associated with the legendary sage Kapil Muni. This has been a famous pilgrim centre from the ancient times. Gangasagar Mela, held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti is the largest fair in West Bengal . The lighthouse at Sagardwip provides a panoramic view of the surroundings. There are tourist lodges at Sagardwip and a Youth Hostel. Also dormitory accommodation in a dharamshala run by Bharat Sevasram Sangha.
Access
From Diamond Harbour one has to travel to Kakdwip (30 km. past Diamond Harbour), then to Herwood Point (Lot No. 8), cross the ferry to the other side of the river Muriganga. The other side is Kachuberia. From Kachuberia, a journey by bus, minibus or trekker to Sagar Island . West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation runs direct buses between Esplanade and Lot No. 8 and ferry vessels across the river.
BAKKHALI
It is so near Kolkata and yet so very different from the bustling metropolis that is Kolkata. Bakkhali is only 132 km from Kolkata. From Kolkata to Namkhana by bus (105 km.), then a short diversion by the ferry across the Hatania Doania river, and then another hour and a half bus journey to Bakkhali. En rout, there is Diamond Harbour (48 km from Kolkata) where there is a comfortable Tourist Lodge for accommodation. At Bakkhali, the beach is long and sandy, the waves twinkling in the sunlight. Dense casuarina groves drape the beach. Red fiddler crabs march in line on the beach. For accommodation, there is a Tourist Lodge offering both double-bedded rooms and dormitorie
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