Calcutta
Calcutta, the gateway city to eastern INDIA, is three hundred
years old. Calcutta grew to be the capital of the British empire,
with grand palaces, buildings, grand hostelries, and shops that
traded in some of the finest goods of the world. Calcutta, is
in in many ways a literary city too, most easily evinced in its
people who are creative, and inclined to political and social
debate. It also manifests itself in the lively theatre of the
city and the excellent talent in writing, music and dance. Its
many museums and libraries are a storehouse of information and
archival wealth. Fine arts permeates all levels and sections of
society. Calcutta's beautiful buildings have not been eclipsed
by the high-rises. There is a hint of the past everywhere, though
visitors can never escape the present. It is a physical presence
that makes for an amazing and bustling city. Calcutta has a social
side too, a tradition of the finest clubs in the country. Leisure
hours are spent at the many golf courses, and by the turf where
races and polo are regular events. There's a lot to see in Calcutta,
but the city also opens up the floodgates to travel opportunities
in the east.
Jaldapara
124kms from Siliguri via New Teesta Bridge (Jalpaiguri), is a
wildlife sanctuary which houses Rhinos, Bisons, Barking deer and
wild elephants. With prior booking from Siliguri one can make
his/her visit to Jaldapara more comfortable. A drive of about
10kms deep into the sanctuary takes you to the log house where
you can spend a night. Fooding being provided by the people incharge
of the log house. All the charges inclusive of food and lodging
are pre-paid in Siliguri. An early morning ride on elephants deep
into the wild life sanctuary is the main attraction of the place.
The ride is about 2 hrs on elephant's back which goes deep into
the sanctuary crushing the long grass and crossing the big lakes.
The luckier tourist will be blessed by the sight of Rhinos which
is a treat to watch. Another major attraction is that a person
going to the Jaldapara can also visit Bhutan. An early discharge
from the sanctuary about 8- 8:30 am. takes approx. one and half
hours drive to Bhutan. Tourist can either spend a day in Bhutan
or just a few hours - shopping, eating traditional cuisines and
enjoying the endless beauty of Bhutan. Entering Bhutan requires
no passport (for Indians). A simple clearance at the border gets
you inside Bhutan. 4hrs from Bhutan is Siliguri. Tourist can either
come back the same day or the next day according to the convenience.
Kalimpong
Once situated on the main trade route between INDIA and TIBET
for this region, KALIMPONG, today is a medley of diverse mountain
people - the NEPALESE, the TIBETANS, the BHUTANESE and LEPCHAS.
The panoramic view of the KANCHENJUNGA range from here is one
of its significant highlights. KALIMPONG is known for its cool
weather throughout the year. It is truly a garden town with numerous
shaded walks along forest roads.
Kurseong
Somewhat lesser known destination on the tourist map of India
is Kurseong (the place of the white Orchid), on the way from Siliguri
to Darjeeling. A serene, small picture postcard pretty town. Kurseong
is 51 km from Siliguri on the main road, and is also an important
stop on the Toy Train route. The alternate route from Siliguri
to Darjeeling, via Pankhabari also joins the main road a little
short of Kurseong. It is a town of schools, with a number of over
a century old schools providing excellent education to students
from other places in West Bengal and other states in India. Kurseong
has the rather unusual spectacle of the road, the rail track and
the market all 'moving' towards Darjeeling in the most colourful
manner. Surrounded by many world famous tea gardens producing
some of the finest Darjeeling Tea in the world. It's milder, healthy
climate all the year round and tranquil atmosphere had attracted
many health-seeking people for restful holidays. Once it was considered
quite fashionable for the rich and the famous of Calcutta to have
a summer residence at Kurseong. The famous who are said to be
associated with Kurseong in the past include Gurudev Rabindra
Nath Tagore, Sister Nivedita, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and
writer Mark Twain. An ideal holiday spot for long walk in the
hills and tea gardens.
Siliguri
Siliguri was always
a place one `passed through' on one's way to somewhere else. This
`somewhere else' could have been Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik,
Kalimpong, Gangtok, destinations in Assam and other north eastern
states or the neighbouring countries of Bhutan and Nepal. With
new areas being developed for tourism around the Teesta Barrage,
the Doors and other areas of North Bengal, Siliguri merits a stay,
not only as a base for visiting other places in the region, but
also for the scenic attraction of its surrounding areas.It is
a fast commercially developing township. Popularly known as the
Gateway to Eastern India .The town renowned for its cane and jute
works, is also a fast growing market of foreign goods imported
directly from Nepal. 5kms drive from the main city takes you into
a world of dreams. Surrounded by the green hills of Darjeeling
and Sikkim, Siliguri is a precious gift of mother nature for tourists
world wide.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling has been
a very popular hill station since British era. It is surrounded
by tea plantations on all sides. It is a famous hill resort offering
a breath taking sight of the numerous peaks of the majestic Himalayas.
The views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest are particularly awe
Inspiring. The luxuriant vegetation is a plant lover’s paradise.
The finest blend of tea comes from various tea gardens of this
region. The Buddhist Monasteries and the Hindu temples found here
are of architectural and cultural importance. And the Himalayan
physiography of lofty mountainous terrain and cascading rivers,
offers adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering and river
rafting.