March 19, 2007

Trekking In Darjeeling

trekking.jpg

One of the famous trekking route taken by the trekkers is that of the Darjeeling-Sandakphu / Phalut trek. This trekking route is best during the months of April, May, October and November. As during these seasons the visibility is clear and the weather is also hospitable. For trekking on this route one does not have to carry much luggage as the Gorkha Hill Council has provided trekkers hut and other facilities all along the route. But it is advisable to carry your own sleeping bags. On this route the trekker must be prepared for all kinds of weather and high altitude mountain sickness. The trek passes through low areas and very high ridges so temperature varies a lot be prepared for all types of weather. There surroundings may be very attractive but there are some areas which have long stretches without any water, so carry water with yourself. Regular meals are available. Guides and porters can also be arranged. Phalut is also called the view point of the Himalayas and is one of the most important & famous treks in the region. The trek starts with a small bus trip to Manaybhanjang. From here the trek passes through the mountains to Sandakphu. From here you can proceed further up or you can return via Rimbik then to Darjeeling by Bus. One can also take a short cut and not go to Ohalut. From Sandakphu backtrek to Bikhay Bhanjang and cut across to Rimbik. But keep in mind that this trek is a difficult one with no water or food in between.

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February 26, 2007

Kolkata is also an Entertainment Package.

Nicco Park

Nicco Park

Welcome to the Disneyland of East India. Yes, this is what Nicco Park is all about.

One can spend the entire day at this idyllic amusement park of Kolkata. If you have young ones accompanying you, so much the better for they are the ones who tend to enjoy the most at Nicco Park’s bewildering variety of rides. The Cable Car is an out and out favorite with the young ones. So are the Striking Cars and Pirate Cars. When it comes to adventure, there is the adrenalin pumping stuff viz-a-viz the Water Coaster and the one and only Flying Saucer.

Location: Salt Lake.

Time to Visit: General :10 A.M. - 8 P.M. & For Rides : 11.30 A.M. - 8 P.M.

Preferred Timings:

Any time of the day. However, in the scorching summer months, it is advisable to visit Nicco Park either in the morning or in the evening after sunset.

Admission Fee: Rs.25/- Per person.

Nalban

Nalban

Nalban is a serene watery world where the centerpiece of attraction is the giant lake. The lake water is crystal clear without any pollution. On a clear sunny day, you can even see your mirror image reflecting on the sill waters of the magnificent lake.
A wide array of boats is available, ranging from the luxurious “Shikaras” to the simple “Paddle Boats”. To make the overall boating experience a pleasure, there are fascinating floating huts at strategic locations of the turquoise lake. After a long session of boating, you might want to relax and give your body a much-needed rest. The floating huts are ideal stopovers. What is more, discreet privacy is guaranteed.

The sight of lovelorn couples sitting shoulder to shoulder and mincing sweet nothings is an everyday occurrence at the Nalban Boating Complex.

Location: Sector V, Salt Lake.

Time to Visit: 9 A.M. - 8 P.M. (weekdays) & 9 A.M. - 9 P.M. (weekends).

Preferred Timings: In the morning and late afternoon.

Admission Fee: Rs.10/- per person. Free for children below 3 years.

Aquatica Water Park

Aquatica

With the rapidly changing lifestyle in urban Kolkata and to keep abreast with the 24/7 crowd, the entertainment options in Kolkata too are evolving from the traditional to the hip. The latest entertainment craze in Kolkata is the fairy tale watery world - Aquatica. It happens to be the only water amusement Park in the whole of Eastern India.

Although it is located on the outskirts of the city at Kochpukur in the Rajarhat periphery, this wonderful amusement Park has a bewildering variety of water sports that attracts the youth brigade.

Location: Kochpukur, Rajarhat.

Time to Visit: 9.30A.M. - 8 P.M.

Preferred Timings: At any time convenient to you.

Admission Fee: Moderate but changes from time to time.

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Come And Enjoy The Shopping In Kolkata

Multiplex Mall

A.C. Market

1, Shakespeare Sarani
Kolkata - 700071

This Market is famous for Clothes, novelties, artificial plants, jewellery, electronic household gadgets, watches etc.

Charnock City

KB-26, Sector - III, Saltlake City,
Kolkata - 700 091
# 2335-1086 / 7722 / 9908
Email : charnockcity@netkracker.com

Forum Shopping Mall

Forum Shopping Mall
3 Elgin Rd.,
Kolkata
Phone No. 2283-6203

Forum Mall is a shopping mall in Kolkata, India. It is located in the Bhowanipore area of Kolkata. It is the twin mall of the City Centre mall situated at the other part of the city.

The Metro Plaza

3 Elgin Rd.,
Kolkata - 700 071

Over 260 shops covering textiles, apparels & accessories, footwear, perfumes, jewellery etc., sprawling amusement center, multi-escalators and 2 capsule lifts, central atrium with exotic glass roof top, centrally A.C.

Shreeram Arcade

15A, J L Nehru Road, (opposite Lighthouse Cinema)
Kolkata 700 013

Kolkata’s newest market with 275 glittering shops, modular glass capsule lifts, sparkling fountains and piped music. Offers clothes, books, household items, among others.

Shoppers Stop

10/3 Lala Lajpatrai Road (Elgin Road),
Kolkata-700020.

Treasure Island

3, Madge Lane, (opposite New Market)
Kolkata 700 016

Vardaan Shopping Complex
25A, Camac Street,
Kolkata 700 016

Air-conditioned market with an escalator. Imported cosmetics, branded & unbranded garments, designer wear, household goods, lingerie, shoes, jewellery, formal & casual western wear, electronic goods, crystal ware, cut glass items, flavoured betel nuts, imported chocolates, ready-made novelties, watches and other consumer durable.

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Come and Rock On With Kolkata’s Night Life!!!

Night Life Of Kolkata

Night Life

Nightlife in Kolkata is full of energy and excitement. The people of Kolkata are believed to have a natural bent of mind and as such very creative.The consequence reveals active participation and adoption of versatile lifestyle by the upcoming generations. The nightlife that started as a phenomenon in the state towards the last decade of 20th century has engulfed the city in deep chasm, an eternal bliss. Younger generations prefer action based participation rather being mute audience in the cinema halls. For these people it is innovation, it is discovering the beautiful side of night if not life.

Some reputed nightspots include Anticlock Dance Club, Big Ben Dance Club, British Council Dance Theatre, Incognito Dance Club, Academy of Fine Arts, Rabindra Sadan Dance Theater, Sunset Bar.

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Kolkata, Religious Places To Visit.

Kalighat Temple:

Kalighat Temple,Kolkata

The Kalighat Temple is one of the pithasthans of Hindus in India. The legend says that the little toe of Sati, wife of Lord Shiva, fell in this place. Since then it has been an important pilgrimage site. But the temple is dedicated to the destructive side of Shiva which takes the form of Kali. She requires sacrifice daily to satisfy her blood lust so every morning goats are sacrifices on the alter of the temple. The present Kali temple was built in 1809 by the Subarna Roychowdhury family on the site of an ancient temple. It is also known as the Kalighat temple.

Dakhineshwar Temple:

Dakhineshwar Temple

The famous Dakhineshwar Temple, located in Dakhineshwar was built in 1847 and completed in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni. This temple is associated with one of India’s greatest religious philososphers - Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. It is where he attained his enlightenment. The main temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is called the Navaratna Temple. Here there is a silver lotus with a thousand petals. The Kali temple is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Panchavati, a congregation of five ancient trees, is a spot for peaceful meditation.

Birla Mandir:

Birla Mandir, Kolkata In this temple messages from the Bhagavad Gita have been carved on marble. Inside this 48.7m high temple are idols of Radha, Krishna, Shiva and Durga.
It is Located adjacent to the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, not far from Gariahat market, it is one of the latest addition to the city’s list of tourist spots. It took 26 years and 180 million rupees to build. The gates were opened to the public in 1996. Sandstone has been used on the exterior of the temple, and marble for the interiors. Traditional artistry, coupled with modern technology, has lent uniqueness to the architecture. Sculptors were brought in from Agra, Mirzapur and Muzaffarpur to execute the intricate patterns on the walls. There are artefacts made of silver and Belgian glass.

Pareshnath Jain Temple:

Pareshnath Jain Temple

The Pareshnath Jain Temple is a beautiful temple in Kolkata built in 1867,the temple is laid out amidst a very beautiful and attractive garden.

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Kolkata , One of the four Metro Politan City

Genral Information

Metro Rail, Kolkata

Kolkata represents one of the four metropolitan cities of India. The city makes up the capital of the eastern state of India, West Bengal. The city, formerly designated as Calcutta, sway’s rich cultural and demographic resources. The popularity of Kolkata, as one of the premier cities in India, reached its heights in the pre independence era. The city in a short span, about 400 years, has evolved into one of the major commercial areas and a great learning centre in the sub continent.

Best time to visit:

Best time to visit the city is during winter season that is from October to March.

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February 9, 2007

Want to Have Fun On Beach? Then Visit Konark Beach

Konark Beach

Konark beach, PuriKonark is the world famous site of the most exquisite Sun temple one can ever come across. The sqrawling beach at Konark is rated as one of the finest in the world. With a long stretch of clean sands and cool blue sea making rapids in rolling waves, the beach has its own lovely serenity.

Konark beach is calmer than the Puri beach, which tends to get very rough. However, the waters tend to be trickier - even strong swimmers need to be wary. The immense backdrop of the Sun Temple looks breathtaking when illuminated in the evening. Three kilometres away from the temple, you can either walk down or hire a bicycle or cycle-rickshaw to reach the beach. A walk along the beach is a pleasant exp

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February 5, 2007

Climate In Darjeeling

Climate

The best season to visit Darjeeling is between April and June. The weather during this period is generally clear and the chilling biting cold gets subsided. But one can also go to Darjeeling between September and November. During these months the mountains are clearly visible and one can enjoy the golden sunrise over the Himalayan peaks. Being a mountain city Darjeeling experiences rains throughout the year. Often heavy down pours wash away the roads and the place is totally cut off from rest of the country. The temperature range is not very large here with the maximum in summers being 15 degrees and 1.5 degrees in winters. This place requires warm cloths any time of the year and do not forget to carry a umbrella to this place.

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Shopping Malls In Darjeeling

Shopping Mall

Mall is the place where the visitors can give the finishing touch “shopping” to there visit. This is basically a comercial center of this valley.Here one can find hand knitted sweaters,hand painted wall hangings,fancy bags, himalayan and tibetian antique , and specially tibetian theme based oil paintings of black&white in colour.Here the local people also appear with some traditional food like momos etc.

Mall leads to Chowrasta which is also popular and crowdy like mall for shopping purpose. Here hotels, restaurants and shops are plentily availabale in wide and different range.Woollen garments, tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries, brass statuettes and Gorkha daggers arewidely available here.Some shols offers foriegn goods.But the two places, Mall and Chowrasta deserves shopping after huge bargaining.

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Prime Attractions of Darjeeling

Prime Attractions of Darjeeling

Tiger Hill is the highest point in Darjeeling. From here one can see the peaks of the Kanchenjunga and on a clear day the Everest looms into view. Close by, at a height of 2448 m is the Senchal Lake, which is a popular picnic spot. The Observatory Hill is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists for there is a Kali temple here and a multitude of prayer flags.

Batasia LoopThis railway loop is an interesting example of engineering. At this loop the toy train takes a very unique turn. This loop is just five kilometer from the main town of Darjeeling. This place also has a very good market where you can buy the purses, bags and other decorative items made by the local women at very reasonable price. Bhutia Busty Gompa With the back drop of the Kanchenjunga range stands a monastery called the Bhutia Busty Gompa. This monastery was shifted from the observatory hills to the present place. The Gompa is a branch of the Nyingmapa sect’s Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is not far from the chowrasta and is very tastefully decorated. It also has a library which has a copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Botanical Gardens This place is worth a visit for its exotic and exclusive collection of a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers and orchids. This place is near the taxi stand. The gardens also has a green house.ChowrastaThis one of the important shopping places in Darjeeling . Here the Nehru Road and the Mall Road Intersect each other. The snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga are visible from this place. Near Chowrata are several Hindu and Buddhists temples. This place is over flowing with foreign tourists. You can also enjoy a pony ride form this place. Dhoom Gompa It is about 8 kms from Darjeeling. Here a very beautiful statue of the Maitrayie Buddha ( prospective Buddha) is established. The Monastery has also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts. Happy Valley Estate The tea from the gardens is processed out here. One can spent a few hours here. Entry is only allowed to persons who have permission from any officer of the estate.Kanchenjunga View From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga peak. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is on the West Jawahar road. The institute runs courses for training mountaineers as well as has the very good collection of mountaineering equipments which have been used in various mountaineering expeditions and other wise. Specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna are also kept here. The record of attempts made to conquer Mt. Everest has been kept in the Mt.Everest Museum. The institute also screens short films on mountaineering. You can also view the Himalayan peaks through the Zeiss Telescope given to the Nepalese Maharaja by Hitler. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the Director of this institute for many years and he was cremated near the institute after his death in 1986. Near the institute is Srabri which gives a very good view of the Single valley and the Kanchenjunga range. One can sit at Srabri and feel the cool breeze from the valley. Passenger RopewayAnother tourist attraction in Darjeeling has been the ropeway. This was the first ropeway in India. It connects the North point (7000 ft) to the Singla Bazaar (800 ft). The rope covers a distance of 8 kms in 45 minutes. The seats in the rope way is limited and it is better to get the tickets in advance. The ropeway is exciting and unique for any one visiting Darjeeling. Zoological Gardens The zoo is situated two kms form the main town. This zoological garden houses some of the rare species of animals and birds. This is only zoo in India having the Siberian Tigers. Apart from these the rare Red Panda is also there. The Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds, Snow Yaks are some the animals which are attracting tourist in great numbers. The entry in the zoo is by tickets which are also valid for the natural history museum and the mountaineering institute & museum.

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February 3, 2007

Resorts In Darjeeling

Resorts In Darjeeling

Windamere Hotel, DarjeelingWindamere Hotel ( 4 Star Hotel )
Address: Observatory Hill, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Heritage Hotel
The Hotel is located in a commanding position in the heart of Darjeeling, Windmere was originally a 19th century boarding house, built for bachelors and British & Scottish Tea Planters. It was converted into a hotel in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War second. The hotel consists of two sections, the first is ” The Windamere” which is furnished in traditional colonial style. This wing includes a honeymoon cottage. “Little Windamere” on the other hand has all modern facililties and decor.
Accessibility: Airport: 90KM., Railway Station: 0.5KM., Bus Station: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $90 - $150 (Rs. 4500 - 7500)

Fortune Hotels ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: Robertson Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Heritage Hotel
Set against the majestic backdrop of the mighty mountains, Darjeeling is called the “Queen of the Hills”. Darjeeling is well connected to most cities and towns in India, through Bagdogra airport and New Jalpaiguri railway station. Beginning with an experience of India”s heritage, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and the sight of the snowcapped range of Kanchanjunga. There is no better place for a holiday than this unique “Blend of grandeur and beauty”.
Accessibility: Airport Domestic: 86KM., Airport International: 650KM., Railway Station: 80KM., Bus Stand: 0.5KM., Shopping Centre: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $40 - $100 (Rs. 2000 - 5000)

Hotel Mohit Private Limited. ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: 31, H.D. Lama Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Hotel Mohit is located on the main promende near the shopping area and the Mall overlooking the panoramic view of the Himalayas. It is the latest enterprise providing the finest standards of luxury elegance and comfort.
Accessibility: Airport (Dom.): 80KM., Railway Station: 0.5KM., Bus Stand: 0.1KM., Shopping Centre: 0.1KM.
Approx. Price Range: $75 - $150 (Rs. 3750 - 7500)

Hotel Sinclairs ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: 18 / 1, Gandhi Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Situated near the main mall, the point of convergence, Hotel Sinclairs Darjeeling is a fine hotel in Darjeeling offering comfort, service and cuisine of the highest standards along with the fascinating view of the Himalayas.
Accessibility: Air (Dom.): 100KM., Railway station: 100KM., Bus stand: 2KM., City center: 0.5KM., Shopping center: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $46 - $95 (Rs. 2300 - 4750)

Hotel Swiss ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: Situated at Gandhi Road, , Darjeeling
Location: Suburban
Property Type: Resort
Hotel Swiss is situated at Gandhi Road. The resort offers every modern comfort to make your stay pleasant and memorable.
Accessibility: Air (Dom.): 100KM., Railway station: 100KM., Bus stand: 2KM., City center: 0.5KM., Shopping center: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $30 - $100 (Rs. 1500 - 5000)

Mayfair Hill Resort, DarjeelingMayfair Hill Resort ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address:The Mall Opp. Governor House, DarjeelingLocation: City Center
Property Type: Resort
The Mayfair Hill resort located opposite the governor’s house, just 30 yards away from the Main Gate, about 88 Kms away from Badgogra airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and about one and half km from Darjeeling Railway Station and just half a Km from Chowrasta-The main shopping Mall.
Accessibility: Badgogra Airport: 88KM., New Jalpaiguri Railway Station: 87KM., Darjeeling Railway Station: 1.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $40 - $80 (Rs. 2000 - 4000)

Cedar Inn ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: Jalpahar Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
High above the main township, nestling amidst groves of evergreen trees is serene environs, is Darjeeling’’s landmark of luxury - Cedar Inn. The hotel’’s location is arguably its greatest asset, setting it above and apart from the hustle and jostling tourists downtown and offering a visual treat of spectacular mountain vistas, with the ridge that defines Darjeeling stretching away below. The view is without doubt one of the most memorable in the world.
Accessibility: Bagdogra Airport: 85KM., Siliguri Rail Station: 80KM., City Centre: 1KM.
Approx. Price Range: $35 - $50 (Rs. 1750 - 2500)

New Elgin Hotel ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: 18, H.D. Lama Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Heritage Hotel
The Elgin is a Elgin Heritage Group of Hotels at Darjeeling in the Himalayas. As you enter, the heritage - The Elgin, warmth greets you. A silken Khada is drapped around your neck as a traditional Himalayan welcome, as sparkling cherry liquor spreads a Warm glow within. The phrase ‘old world charm’ is a palpable feeling of being snug and cozy in this quaint and charming 120 year old residence reminiscent of the heydays of the Raj.
Accessibility: Airport: 105KM., Railway Station: 0.5KM., Bus Station: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $60 - $100 (Rs. 3000 - 5000)

Hotel North Star ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: 11-H.D., Lama Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Hotel North Star is a five storied magnificent building having 21 rooms 51 beds in total. 15 rooms are on the Kanchenjungha View Side and 6 rooms on the Darjeeling Town View Side. It is situated in the heart of Darjeeling and just five minutes walk from the Mall Road.
Accessibility: Airport: 90KM., Railway Station: 102KM., Bus Station: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $30 - $35 (Rs. 1500 - 1750)

Hotel Lunar ( 3 Star Equivalent Hotel )
Address: 51, Gandhi Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Set against the majestic backdrop of the mighty mountains, Darjeeling is called the “Queen of the Hills”. It glorifies the rich Indian heritage and the beauty this vast country offers. A perfect hill station to spend your summers.
Accessibility: Airport-Domestic: 90KM., Railway-Station: 90KM., Bus-Stand: 1KM.
Approx. Price Range: $25 - $35 (Rs. 1250 - 1750)

Hotel Shambhu ( 3 Star Equivalent Hotel )
Address: 73, Gandhi Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Accessibility: Airport: 90KM., Railway Station: 0.2KM., Bus Station: 0.1KM.
Approx. Price Range: $20 - $34 (Rs. 1000 - 1700)

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Darjeeling, A Perfect Picture

General Information

Darjeeling - The queen of all hillstations,famous for its natural beauty, clean fresh air,year round plesent weather and above all, the ever smiling and welcoming local people.The 3rd highest pick in the world,mount Kanchenjunga is very close to this lpece and also gives the clearest view.Darjeeling is widely known as visitors paradise because every day it offers something new to everyone ,may be the first time visitoe and may be the regular one.The morning bell comes to the vewers when the firts ray of sun touchesthe mountaina pick.This is tiger hill,a steep ride of five kilometers from Ghoom, is the place where one can witness this hevenly feelings.Here the air is chilly ,but unique to get an experience.Here the new day starts with the world famous blend of tea,foggy and smokky weather,mountain view and smiling face of local Gorkhi people. Darjeeling is also a place to know Tibetan culture,Himalayan Tribal Life, and to see the Tibetian Monasteries, Pine Trees,Tea garden etc.very closely.

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January 31, 2007

Puri Beach Tour

The long expansive coastline of Orissa houses the lively Puri beach with scintillating surf and rustic sands. Puri is an important pilgrimage centre, where thousands of devotees of Lord Jagannath gather every year for a sacred dip in the waters of the Bay of Bengal. However, the beauty of the beach invites many tourists and beach lovers to enjoy the pulsating sea and the golden sands.

The wide sprawling sands of the coast make the Puri beach ideal for beach sports. Swimming and water sports in the blue waters is recommended only if accompanied by a life guard, as the sea can be rough at times. The crowd at the beach consists of an amalgam of tourists, pilgrims and local fishermen. Fishermen with their catamarans and wide brimmed hats may offer curious tourists a ride on their boats.

An important event on the beach is the Puri Beach Festival, which is a celebration of Orissa’s arts and crafts and is a fun-lover’s fest. Held on the picturesque beach the festival stages events ranging from rock shows to fashion shows and different classical and folk dances of India along with a display of handicrafts, handlooms, cuisines and sand art. The festival never fails to delight locals and visitors alike, who overwhelmed by its charm can’t wait for the event to occur again the next year.

Other than the beach the important tourist attractions near it include the Lord Jagannath Temple and the chariot shaped Sun Temple at Konark, which stands around 35 kms. from Puri.

The Puri beach is located in the south-eastern state of Orissa facing the Bay of Bengal. It lies around 60 kms. from the capital of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar.

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January 29, 2007

All about Eastern India

Calcutta is a good starting point for your travels in eastern India.

The capital of the state of West Bengal, Calcutta has a charm all its own. Imperial edifices, teeming bazaars, clubs and golf courses, museums and elegant hotels and the River Hooghly winding through the city are all part of its fascination. A good time to visit Calcutta is during the Durga Puja in October/ November when Calcutta is decked and decorated and is alive with good cheer and celebration.

Many of Calcutta’s imperial buildings are located around the maidan, a large expanse of lawns that forms the heart of the city. They include the Victoria Memorial, an imposing structure in white marble that has a collection of paintings, manuscripts and memorabilia, the Fort William, the Raj Bhawan, the St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Town Hall built in the Doric style. Calcutta has a lively cultural life and fine clubs. So see an art exhibition or two or go to the theatre.
Take a toy train to the magnificent hill station of Darjeeling for an unusual travel experience. Admire a panorama of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayan ranges. Go onwards to Gangtok, the attractive capital of Sikkim.

Travel further north to the lush Brahmaputra Valley to Assam. Explore the verdant unspoilt beauty of the hill states of the north east Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur. There are exciting trekking trails and colourful cultures to encounter and enjoy. Guwahati, set along the banks of the Brahmaputra, Shillong, a pretty hill station in Meghalaya with its grassy downs and lakes are special destinations.

From Calcutta you can wander off in the south eastern direction for a fantastic break to the spectacular Andaman Islands - 300 odd islands in the Bay of Bengal with their lush rain forests and sparkling beaches. You could go by air or take a slow boat to the islands!

Along the coastline, south of Calcutta is the magical state of Orissa. Splendid temples in the Nagara style with tall shikaras or temple towers embellished with exquisite carving are the main attractions of this state. The temple towns of Bhubaneswar and Puri with Konark noted for its unusual Sun Temple, make a marvellous circuit close to Calcutta.

Go west to the state of Bihar for a gentle trail in the path of the Buddha. Ancient settlements- Bodhgaya, the remains of the university town of Nalanda, Rajgir, Vaishali and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh evoke the life of the Enlightened One.

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