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When it comes to excursions in Calcutta, the mention of Shantiniketan is like a must. Shantiniketan in Calcutta, is mainly known for Vishva-Bharati University that provides a platform for the convergence of western and eastern culture. Its foundation was laid by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The best part about this international university is that it exhibits the Indian tradition in the most modest manner, while simultaneously incorporating the best of other cultures.

The best time to visit this soothing place is between November to March. Set up in the midst of green lushy fields and forested land, it makes an excellent landscape. Initially, Shantiniketan of Kolkata, India was an ashram that was started by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore in 1863.

History

Santiniketan was previously called Bhubandanga (named after Bhuban Dakat, a local dacoit), and owned by the Tagore family. Rabindranath’s father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, found it very peaceful and renamed it Santiniketan, which means abode (niketan) of peace (shanti). It was here that Rabindranath Tagore started Patha Bhavan the school of his ideals, whose central premise was that learning in a natural environment would be more enjoyable and fruitful. After he received the Noble Prize (1913), the school was expanded into a university. Many world famous teachers have become associated with it, and Indira Gandhi was one of its more illustrious students.

Kala Bhavana, the art college of Santiniketan, is still considered one of the best art colleges in the world. Other institutions here include Vidya Bhavana; the Institute of Humanities, Shiksha Bhavana; the Institute of Science, Sangit Bhavana; Institute of Dance, Drama and Music, Vinaya Bhavana; Institute of Education, Rabindra Bhavana, Institute of Tagore Studies and Research, Palli-Samgathana Vibhaga; Institute of Rural Reconstruction, and Palli Shiksha Bhavana; Institute of Agricultural Sciences.

Tourist Attractions

Santiniketan is a University town and a centre of learning. The Uttarayan complex where the poet lived consists of several buildings such as Udayana. Konark, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi which reflect the architectural genius of the poet’s illustrious son the late Rathindranath Tagore. In addition there are Kala Bhavan (College of Fine Arts and Crafts). Sangit Bhavan (College of Music and Dance), Vidya Bhavan (College of Humanities), Siksha-Bhavan (College of Science) and Vinaya Bhavan (Teacher’s Training College), Cheena Bhavan and Hindi Bhavan. The Santiniketan campus of Viswa Bharati has grown up to be a centre for learning with a bias towards art, music and humanities. At Shriniketan, mainly a Centre for Rural Service and Studies (Palli Samgathan Bibhaga), there is a college of Agriculture (Palli Siksha Sadan) as well.

Sunderban Jungle camp is a comfortable wildlife lodge located at Bali island in the Sunderban area, opposite the Tiger reserve. The camp is run as an acclaimed wildlife and social project, and is designed for low impact, eco friendly foot print.

The camp consists of six bungalows which are grouped around an amply fishing pont. All bungalows offer a sleeping area with convenient king size beds and a shower bath with western style toilet attached.

Facilities : The camp makes use of solar water heating and for lighting as well, enhancing eco friendly practices. The fans are also operated by generator-energy on demand. The dining area, situated next to the pont, is kept open. On the “Fishermen’s Deck”, one can sit on a terrasse above the pont. A bamboo bridge connects the bungalows on the other side of the pont with the dining area.

Dining : The traditional Bengali Cuisine, as served in the Camp, is uncommon in the big cities. For many Bengali visitors the food is one reason for the return visits. Whenever possible, fresh regional ingredients are used. Mostly a meal is based on rice or chapati-breads, combined with different vegetables, fish, or meat. The Sunderbans are a paradise for those loving Seafood – fish, crab, and prawn.

Sun Temple Konark showcases how the Sun god roams about on his royal chariot. This temple I India is meant to be worshipped by the people from all the sects and from all walks of life, as the Sun God is indispensible in everyone’s life.

Designed and constructed in the form of a pyramid and stretching above like a tower, Konark Sun Temple resembles the structural formation of the temples that can be found in Kalinga. As you take an elaborate view of the Sun Temple at Konark, you get to notice the Audience Hall and some parts of the Dancing as well as the Dining hall. And what you notice while entering the temple is that the face of the temple is in the East-West direction. Adding more to the information about the temple, the area of the Sun Temple of Konark is 857 ft by 540 ft.

Outside the Konark Sun Temple, you come across trees including rosewood, mahogany as well as eel. However, most of the part of the Konark temple came to ruins as a result of Kalaphad’s invasive attack on Odisha (Orissa). This general who had worked under the Sultan of Bengal named Sulaiman Khan Karrani, was a major cause of spoiling the numerous temples built in Odisha (Orissa). Eventually, even today, you come across distorted images as well as uprooted stones from the walls of the temple.

Places To See

The Konark Sun Temple takes the form of a huge chariot for the sun god Surya, with 12 pairs of stone-carved wheels and a team of seven galloping horses (only one of which survives intact).

The temple also symbolizes the passage of time, which is under the sun god’s control. The seven horses, which pull the sun temple eastwards towards the dawn, represent the days of the week. The 12 pairs of wheels represent the 12 months of the year and the eight spokes in each wheel symbolize the eight ideal stages of a woman’s day.The main entrance to the complex is on the eastern (sea-facing) side, in front of the Hall of Offerings (bhogamandapa). This was a later addition to the complex and was likely used for ritual dance performances, as its walls are carved with sculptures of musicians and dancers as well as erotic scenes.

The sanctuary tower was once the centerpiece of the Konark Sun Temple, but today it is no more than a jumble of sandstone slabs off the western wing. The imposing structure with the pyramidal roof that now takes center stage is actually the porch (jagamohana).The roof of the porch has three tiers covered in statues, mostly musicians and dancers sereneding the sun god during his daily passage through the heavens. Sculptures on the bottom platform include a Shiva Nataraja, performing the cosmic dance. The interior is now blocked up.

Just beyond the porch is a double staircase that leads to a shrine containing a statue of Surya, the sun god. The beautiful image is carved of high-quality green chlorite stone and is one of the masterpieces of Konarak. Surya wears tall riding boots and is accompanied by a small figure of Aruna, the charioteer, at his feet. From here you can climb down into the remains of the inner sanctum, where the deity was originally enshrined.

Vidyasagar Setu, popularly known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, was erected in1992. A manifestation of constructional excellence, Vidyasagar Setu of West Bengal acts as a vital link between the capital city– Kolkata – and Howrah. The Setu facilitates commutation of around 85, 000 transportation sources regularly. The entire structure of Vidyasagar Setu in Kolkata was transformed into an operational Bridge in a time span of 22 long years.

Comprising of nine traffic tracks, the 457 meter long Setu is a unique engineering wonder as its framework is aptly backed by 121 loops. The very base of Vidyasagar Setu goes to a depth of 100 meter in the River Hooghly. With a width of 115 meter, the Setu is believed to have incurred a considerable cost of Rs. 388/- crore.

One of the outstanding attractions of West Bengal, Vidyasagar Setu of Kolkata receives hundreds and thousands of visitors every year. In fact foreign travelers who come to explore the touristy pleasures of eastern India, make it sure that they can avail of a drive down the exotic lanes of Vidyasagar Setu.

Apart from its tourism popularity, Vidyasagar Setu in West Bengal has also become an important connective point which joins the city of Kolkata with the nearby Bengal Engineering College and Botanical Garden. Ever since Vidyasagar Setu came into existence, Howrah Bridge of Kolkata has been relieved from the ever-increasing traffic rush.

The daily commuters of West Bengal can now enjoy a hassle-free journey the credit of which goes to the one and only Vidyasagar Setu.

Fort William is one of Kolkata’s most enduring Raj era edifice. This is a fort of stupendous dimensions and is spread over an area of 532 bighas. It was built by Robert Clive in the year 1781. Fort William has the dubious distinction of being the only fort in the world from where not a single shot was fired.

Today this magnificent fort located in the periphery of the lush green Maidan is the property of Indian Army. The headquarters of Eastern Command is based at Fort William and it has provisions for accommodating 10,000 army personnel. A trip inside this impregnable fort has history written all over. From the time you enter Fort William till the time you are inside, you will be transported to an altogether different era. An era when the British ruled supreme in India. An era when the East India Company was a mega rich corporation with military and trading posts around the globe. Today, a visit to Fort William will enable you to rekindle that unmistakable Raj era charm. A charm which still lingers on in Kolkata even after five decades of independence from colonial rule.
Much of Fort William is unchanged except for the fact that the St.Peter’s Church which used to serve as a chaplaincy center for the British citizens of Kolkata no longer exists.

Inside the Fort as you walk through the main boulevard, you will come across disciplined and impeccably dressed Indian Army personnel carrying out their military duties in the true spirit of patriotism. The tall and sturdy jawans manning the fort are always very courteous to visitors and tourists alike.

The Structure of Fort William

The Fort is a brick-and-mortar structure built in the shape of an irregular octagon surrounding 5 square km of which five sides look landward and three on the river, surrounded by a fosse 9 meter deep and 15 meter broad which can be flooded in times of emergency. There are six gates Chowringhee, Plassey Calcutta, Water gate St Georges and Treasury Gate. A telephone office, recreation club, canteen, cinema hall, restaurant, swimming pool and wide moat surround it. For the tourist, there is a museum housing arms and armours, swords, muskets and machine guns. Another section has photographs of the Burma campaign and of the Bangladesh Liberation War. The Arsenal inside is worth visiting with a prior permission required from the Commanding Officer.

Withing the Fort

Inside the Fort is the St. Peter’s Church which was constructed in 1928. Swimming pool, Boxing stadium, Firing Range and other necessary arrangements are present within the Fort. There is also a provision for ten thousand interns of the Fort. The Fort has huge archways, one of which is known as ‘Plassey Gate’. It is said that this is the only Fort in the world from where not a single bullet or cannon-ball has ever been shot.

Introduction

Situated at an altitude of 1,458 Mts.(4,864 ft), 51 km from Siliguri and 30 km from Darjeeling, Kurseong’s natural advantages make it a very attractive tourist destination. Located at a lower elevation, Kurseong enjoys a milder and a very healthy climate throughout the year. It is the peace, serenity and the healthy climate of Kurseong, that attracted many a great person to this place. Guru Rabindra Nath Tagore got inspiration for some of their famous works around Kurseong. Sister Nivedita, the great disciple of Swami Vivekananda made Kurseong her home.

The rich flora of Kurseong town and surroundings is fascinating, and it has aptly been described as a ‘Botanists’ Paradise’. Apart from the charm and beauty that nature has bestowed upon Kurseong, the people of this place are joyous and fun loving and welcome visitors with warmth and hospitality.

Places To Visit

St. Mary’s Hill

The St Mary’s Hill is located around 4 km from the Kurseong Railway Station. It is a scenic natural area covered with lush green forests all around and the way leading to it is equally enthralling. Amidst the greenery is the Eastern Forest Rangers’ College (EFRC) which was the erstwhile site of St. Mary’s seminary. There is a statue of Jesus and Mary here and tourists come here to view this. St. Mary’s Hill also has a beautiful church of St. John and this has been recently built. The church is appreciated for its architectural beauty as much as it is liked is for its scenic locate.

Kettle Valley Picnic Spot

The Kettle Valley Picnic Spot is a popular picnic stop in the town of Kurseong and is visited by locals as well as tourists. This scenic location is enjoyed on a picnic or a day outing with family and friends. It is a beautiful spot on the banks of the river Rinchengtong and one can spot the Dilaram Tea Estate, which is also located close by. The landscape of the place is breathtaking as one can view the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the backdrop. The surrounding area is lush green with the clear water of the river flowing along side.

Ambotia Shiva Mandir

Kurseong has quite a few well known temples in and around the town and the Ambotia Shiva Mandir is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Kurseong. The Ambotia Shiva Mandir is at a distance of about 5 km from Kurseong town and is located in the Ambotia Tea Estate. Apart from its religious importance, the temple is known for its scenic location. There is a beautiful orange orchard nearby. While visiting the temple, tourists can also see the Ambodia Landslide, which is about a kilometre downhill, dropping down about thousand metres to Balasan.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum

The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum is a popular museum dedicated to the famous freedom fighter of India, Subhash Chandra Bose. The museum is located at Giddhapahar which is about 4 km from the main town of Kurseong. This was earlier the house of Netaji’s older brother, and later came to be converted to a museum. The museum houses many documents, artefacts and articles which are connected to the freedom fighter. Articles like old letters, photographs and personal memorabilia tell the story of the great man and this is a place worth visiting, especially for those interested in the country’s freedom history.

Details

Altitude: 53 metres
Temperature (Max./Min.) Deg C: Summer – 40/21 Winter – Max. 20/6.
Rainfall:120 cms
Best Season: October to March
Clothing: Summer – Cottons Winter – Heavy Woollens

History

Patna once called Pataliputra the capital of Bihar,is among the world’s oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis. A very fertile arched stretch of land along the bank of the Ganga. The history and heritage of modern day Patna go back well over two millennia. Like Delhi, Patna too had been the regal seat of governance for successive kingdoms since ancient times. And to this day, it is the capital city of the state. As each ruler ascended in power and established dynastic glory, he gave his capital a new name. Thus, the ancient Kusumpura metamorphosed through Pushpapura, Pataliputra, Azeemabad and now into Patna, a continuous history ranging from 6th century BC to present times – a record claimed by few cities in the world. It was Ajatshatru the Magadha king who first built a small fort in Pataligram on the bank of the Ganga in 6th century BC, which later blossomed into the ancient glory still to be seen in the neighboring archaeological sites at Kumrahar. Bhiknapahari, Agamkuan, Bulandi Bagh and Kankar Bagh. Pataliputra dominated the political fortunes of the whole of north India between 6th century BC and 5th century AD, a fact established by archaeological excavations. After a temporary eclipse, in 16th century, Sher Shah Suri returned the city to its former glory and established the present Patna. After the decline of the Mughals, the British too found Patna a convenient regional capital and built a modern extension to this ancient city and called it Bankipore. It was in Gandhi Maidan in this area, that Mahatma Gandhi held his prayer meetings.

Tourist Attractions

Vaishali

A place regarded holy by Buddhists and Jains, Vaishali is located around 55 kms from Patna. The place derives its name from King Visala from the epic work, Ramayana. It has the distinction of having been the capital of one of the first republics of the world which was run by the Lichchavi clan. It is at the same place where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon and declared his approaching Nirvana. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, was also born here in Kundligrama (Vaishali) in 599 B.C. Some of the main attractions here are the newly built Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the Ashokan pillars and a host of other structures related to both Buddhism and Jainism.

Golghar

In the year of 1786, a huge granary Golghar or Round House was built by Captain John Garstin , After the devastating famine of 1770 which occurred in Bihar and killed millions of people, then the Governor-General of India ordered to construct this architecture for the purpose of storing grains for the British army. For lifting the grain bags, twisted stairs were made for the potters to load the grain through the hole which is on the top of the Golghar.

Khuda Baksh Oriental Library

Founded in 1900, a magnificent one man collection of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts, Rajput and Mughal paintings, oddities like the Koran inscribed in a book only 25mm wide and an assortment of old and new books from the University of Cordoba, Spain. It is one of the national libraries in India. The library also contains the only books to survive the sacking of the Moorish University of Cordoba in Spain.

Nalanda

Situated approximately 90 kms away from Patna, Nalanda was one of the greatest seats of Buddhist learning in ancient times. Though it is a small village today, archaeological excavations made from here have unearthed a large part of the most important centre of Buddhist learning all over the world. Important attractions are some retrieved ruins of the Nalanda University, the Surya Mandir, the Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, the Nalanda museum and the Nav Nalanda Vihar.

About The Places

Sikkim is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India due to its natural beauty, culture, and biodiversity. Your trip to the Himalayas will be complete when you come to this beautiful and geographically diverse state. One of the smallest states of India Sikkim is the perfect destination for tourists to rest and recreate in the midst of Himalayas. Sikkim, the land of beautiful scenic views has unlimited reasons to attract tourists from all over the world. Lovely Monasteries, temples, stupas and lush greenery catch everybody’s attention. Tour to Sikkim mesmerize the tourists with its spectacular natural beauty like dense forests and bald tablelands, flower-bedecked meadows, shrubs and grasslands, mountain peaks, lush valleys, deep gorges and snow-clad peaks, emerald green wooden slopes and glistering glaciers, mountainous terrains, torrential streams and meandering rivers.

Situated at the foot of Mount Kanchendzonga, Sikkim is a small stretch of land sandwiched between the Kingdom of Nepal in the West and the Kingdom of Bhutan in the East. Sikkim also shares its border with West Bengal. The word Sikkim is derived from the two words Limbu “Su” which means “new” and “Khyim” means “place” or “house”, so the word combinedly means new place or house. Sikkim is an adorable place replete with lofty snow-capped mountains, green-colored rolling slopes, the gushing hills streams, scenic landscape, sparkling orchids, placid lakes and picturesque glaciers. The natural beauty of tiny Sikkim attracts tourists in large numbers. The snow clad Himalayan mountain ranges and virgin forests gives the landscape a mesmerizing look.

Tourist Attractions

Gangtok

It is the capital and principal town of Sikkim, tucked away in the clouds, spread out on the ridge, 5000 feet above sea level. It is a big urban area. Picturesque monasteries and charming pagoda-roofed homes are attractive features of this city. Gangatok is a destination that would lure anyone who has a taste for natural beauty and an inclination or interest in the Buddhist religion and culture. The state secretariat and all the important government offices are located in Gangtok. The Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) is located at the centre of the town and most tourist activity is centered around MG Road. Most of the important hotels are also located around MG Road and its adjacent Tibet Road. This area also has several shops and travel offices including the office of the Sikkim Tourism. The bus and taxi stand is located nearby. It’s a beautiful town with broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, fast food outlets, discotheques and all other modern amenities that one can ask for.

Tsomgo Lake

The lake is about 40 km from Gangtok and situated at an altitude of 12210 ft. It takes about 2 hours drive to reach the lake from Gangtok. It is regarded extremely holy by the locals. The lake is at its scenic best between May and August for an array of rare flowers including the rhododendrons, primulas, iris and blue and yellow poppies bloom here during this period. An ideal habitat of the Red Panda, the lake also shelters a number of other birds and aquatic species. The Tsomgo lake side is also characterized by a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple serves as a famous pilgrimage centre for Shaivites vsisting Sikkim. The lake remains frozen during the winter. Every day a large number of tourist vehicles ferry tourists to the lake on a half day sight seeing tour.

International Flower Festival

A flower show of different varieties of flowers, orchids and other rare plants in Sikkim is very popular among tourist which held every summer during the peak flowering season. This spectacular event attracts people from all over the country. The beautiful state of Sikkim, famous for its flora which is in full bloom during March-May offers around 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees, 150 varieties of gladioli, 46 types of rhododendrons along with a variety of magnolias and many other foliage plants. Orchids, Gladioli, Roses, Cacti, Alpine Plants, Creepers, Climbers, Ferns and Herbs are the main flowers which displays in the flower show. Seminars and lectures organized by experts also can be attained in the show.

Nathula Pass

Around 56 Km east of Gangtok, Nathula Pass in Himalayas is located on Indo – China border and connects Indian state Sikkim to Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The best part of traveling to Nathula pass is the travel itself. Once you start your journey from Gangtok, it is virtually a journey through heaven. The mist shrouded peaks, the zig zag roads, roaring waterfalls, all become your partners for the entire trip. The Indo-Chinese boarder here was used for trade between Tibet and India till the war of 1965. Since then the boarder remained heavily guarded and closed. During 2006 the boarder has been reopened and trade between the two countries has restarted. Since then, it sees a huge number of tourist visiting the pass every day.