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Archive for the ‘States of East India’ Category

Figures

Area : 36,021 sq. km
Language : Bengali, Nepali, Hindi and English
Best time to visit : April-June
STD Code : 03552

Introduction

Kalimpong is a scenic town located in Darjeeling of the state of West Bengal in the eastern part of India. Kalimpong is a hill station in the Lesser Himalayas also called the Mahabharata Range. The town is located at an average elevation of 1,250 meters (4,101 ft) above sea level.

The town was initially known as Kaleebung and later on the name got converted to Kalimpong. There are quite a few theories behind the naming of the town. Some people believe that it is derived from a fibrous plant Kaulim found in this region. However according to K.P. Tamsang, the author of ‘The Untold and Unknown Reality about the Lepchas’, the name Kalenpung is the root word for the Kalimpong, which is the fibrous plant found here. This in Lepcha means “Hillock of Assemblage’’. Other theories suggest that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan. Moreover it is also said that Kalimpong means a place where tribesmen gather and organize traditional tribal games.

History

The etymology of Kalimpong has several interpretations. According to one view, Kalimpong means a place where tribesmen gather and organize traditional tribal games. The second view suggests that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan. A third interpretation is that Kalimpong is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.

Places To Visit

The MacFarlane Church : a testimony of the Scottish missionaries’ influence and a monument of Kalimpong’s diverse history, Dr. Graham’s Home, which was founded in 1880 by Dr. John A. Graham, is a sprawling educational institution built on Deolo Hill north of the main township. It stands testimony to Kalimpong’s European influence. It has its own dairy, bakery, poultry farm and vegetable gardens. It is a fitting example of community life, an enthralling experience indeed.

Durpin Dara : an observatory point from where a truly spectacular view of the Himalaya can be enjoyed. This along with the panoramic view of the Teesta and Relli rivers, and the plains far below, provide visitors with a memorable sight. The many flowers nurseries in Kalimpong are known for the diversity of Himalayan flora they house, most of which are exported. For those with an interest in floriculture, a trip to a few of these nurseries is worthwhile.

Deolo Hill : one of the numerous hill destinations that warrant a visit. A perfect picnic spot replete with a splendid tourist lodge, run by the Department of Tourism, DGHC. A stay here is definitely recommended as the early morning view of the sun lighting up the Khangchendzonga massif is a marvelous example of nature at her best, a heart stopping sight indeed.

Mangal Dham Mandir : Sprawling over an area of two acres and built in 1993, Mangal Dham is considered to be one of the most splendid temples in India. It is the ground floor of the Dham, where lies the “samadhi” of their revered Guruji. The prayer hall is on the top floor, where the idol of Raj Shyamaji is found, flanked on either side by the Revered Prannath and Shri 108 Guru Mangaldasji. Both the sides of the prayer hall has a vivid picturesque story of Nijanandacharya Shri Devchandraji, meeting Lord Krishna, Rev.

Location: Bank of the Ganges, north of Belur Math in Kolkata
Dedicated to: Goddess Kali
Founded by: Queen Rasmani of Janbazar
Year of establishment: 1847 – 1855

The construction of the temple started in 1847. Queen Rasmani the renowned queen of Janbazar, had founded this temple. It is believed that she was instructed by Goddess Kali in her dream to construct this temple.

The construction work was completed in 1855. It cost an estimated Rs. 9 lakhs of which, Rs. 2 lakhs was spent on the day of inauguration. The temple and its adjoining areas stand on 25 acres of land. Queen Rasmani purchased the required land from some Mr. Hasti.

Dakshineswar temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. The temple, in conventional Nava-ratna style, measures 46 feet square and rises over 100 feet high. It is one of the largest temples of Kolkata.

The main attraction of the temple is that the Ganga (Hooghly river) flows beside the temple. The 12- spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a world famous place of pilgrimage and it was here that the famous religious thinker Rama Krishna Paramahamsa achieved his spiritual vision and preached the unity of all religions. He was an worshipper at this temple and he used to live in the temple premises. His room is open to the visitor.

Ramakrishna served as temple’s head priest. From the first days of his service in the shrine of the goddess Kali, he was filled with a rare form of love for the Goddess known in Hinduism as maha-bhava. Worshiping in front of the statue of Kali, Ramakrishna would be overcome with such ecstatic love for the deity that he would fall to the ground and immersed in spiritual trance, lose all consciousness of the external world. Ramakrishna fully realized the infinite and all-inclusive nature of the divine.

The Panchavati, a congregation of five ancient trees, is a spot for peaceful meditation. Here Sri Ramakrishna used to meditate and performed severe penances sitting on the ‘Panchamundi (5 skulls) Ashana’ – a custome which is mandatory for the ‘Tantrika’ form of worship.

Puri beach, 60 km from Bhubaneswar, is one of the most sought after beaches in India and is an indispensable part of the city. The abode of Lord Jagannath attracts millions of tourists round the year who come here to take a holy bath, which they believe is a golden path to Moksha or Eternal salvation. Stretching on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, this beach is crowded with vendors, acrobats, food stalls and merry-go-rounds round the year. The major attraction is obviously the sea. As compared to the western ghats, Puri enjoys a relatively higher amplitude of bustling waves eager to rush and blot out the city. It is true that you cannot resist a leisure walk on the shore on the first day of your visit.

Puri situated on the eastern sea-bed of India, is the only most popular sea-side resort where the beauty of the sky in radiant colours, the roaring waves and the golden beach can be experienced. The long sandy beach draws large numbers of western travellers and Indians. According to Hindu belief, there are five great holy spots(Pancha Tirthas) at Puri out of which sea is the greatest and holiest for tourists and travellers.

Puri sea beach is the best in India. In Mumbai, Goa, Cochin and Chennai as well as other sea beaches, taking bath in sea is a risk due to tides, under current and deepness. But in Puri to take sea bath is a pleasure and enjoyable experience. The beach is very wide and exposed and there’s not a scrap of shade to be found.

Sand Art

If you are lucky, you can even spot a professional artist indulged in making the best sculpture of his lifetime. Although not historically proved, an interesting story regarding the origin of sand sculptures, in the Oriya myth goes as… “Poet Balaram Das, renowned for his famous work Dandi Ramayana, was a great devotee of Lord Jagannath. Once during the Chariot Festival, he was insulted and was not allowed to climb the chariot. Tormented, he went to the beach and carved the statues of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra with the golden sand. Thanks to his devotion, the original deities from the chariot vanished and appeared at that place where Balaram Das was worshipping.” Although the legend does not have a strong historical backup, but it is evident that sand art isn’t a new episode, but dates back to 13th century B.C., at the time of Balaram Das and people of Puri are well acquainted with sand sculpture since then.

Numerous people try their hands in this activity while sitting on the shore, enjoying “Jhaalmoori”, burgers and ice candies. One can also find dancing monkeys, fortune tellers and mobile vendors selling fragrance sticks, toys and items made up of sea shells.

Located in the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, the Sunderbans National Park is the largest estuarine sanctuary in the world. Part of the world’s largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges and the lower Brahmaputra, Sunderbans is famous worldwide as home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. The park is blessed with great scenic beauty and a rare wealth of wildlife, including many endangered species. The tourist Attractions in Sunderbans are excitingly diverse and the park offers the perfect setting to experience the magic and mystery of wilderness.

Spotting wild animals in their natural habitat is almost always a matter of luck. But the wildlife in Sunderbans is so rich and varied that the odds will remain tilted in your favor when you visit the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal. Most popular among the tourist attractions in Sunderbans is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Sunderbans is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India, but also in the world except in Bangladesh. The Tiger Reserve has the largest concentration of wild tigers in the world. It is home to about 270 Royal Bengal Tigers which have adapted remarkably well to the swampy habitat.

A part of the world’s largest delta formed by the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, the Sunderbans is a vast tract of forest and saltwater swamp stretching for about 160 miles along the Bay of Bengal from the Hooghly River Estuary in West Bengal to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh. Sprawled over an area of 4262 sq. kms in India, Sunderbans is the largest estuarine sanctuary in the world, and habitat to some of India’s most amazing wildlife species.

The Sunderban Tiger Project was formed in 1974 and covers an area of 2585 sq. kms, of which the core area covers 1330 sq. kms and is a national forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the largest concentration of wild tigers in the world, the Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal received National Park status on May 4, 1984. The park comprises a network of estuaries, tidal rivers, and creeks intersected by many channels, with flat, marshy islands covered with thick forests in between. The littoral forest at the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India, but also worldwide except in Bangladesh.

Some other tourist attractions in Sunderbans include:

Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project
Also among the tourist attractions in Sunderbans is the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, a hatchery and a sanctuary, which is also home to the biggest estuarine crocodiles.

Netidhopani:
The picturesque beauty of Netidhopani is enhanced manifolds by its mangrove forests and teeming wildlife populace. Furthermore, the ruins of a 400-year-old temple here is also among the major draws for tourists.

Halliday Island:
Lying to the south of the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, are the Halliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary — the last retreat of the Barking Deer, and the Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary — a haven for bird viewers.

Kanak:
The shallow waters and beaches at Kanak is one of the well known resting places of the Olive Ridley Turtles in Sunderban. During their breeding season, these turtles migrate from a long distance to the shallow coastal waters. It is believed, that the turtles travel upriver a distance of about 100 km from the sea mouth into the Sunderban.

General Information

Area – 5.05 sq. km

Altitude – 1458 Metres (4864 ft)

Population – 35000 (app)

Rainfall – 160 inches (Annual)
Best Season September to mid June

Clothing Summer - Light Woollens Winter : Heavy Woollens

Languages – Nepali, Hindi, Tibetan, English and Bengali

Kurseong is a hill town that is situated in the state of West Bengal in the Darjeeling district. The quiet town is an up and coming tourist destination and this is an ideal place to relax and unwind from the hectic pace of urban life. Tourist places in Kurseong are some of the well-known tourist destinations close to Darjeeling town. Kurseong is a hill station and also a sub-divisional town situated in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. The local name of Kurseong is called “Kharsang” which in the Lepcha language depicts “Land of the White Orchids”. Besides being a great tourist spot, Kurseong is also a hub for quality educational institutions.

Kurseong in West Bengal is located at an altitude of 1458 metres and is just 30 km from the tourist hub Darjeeling. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year and the winters are not as severe as Darjeeling. The best times to visit Kurseong are between March end and May and between the end of August and October.

As you leave the small town you can find acres of verdant slopes covered with tea bushes – one of the finest varieties of Darjeeling Tea is found in the tea gardens surrounding Kurseong. The finest teas are produced by Castleton, Makaibari and Ambootia Tea Estate. Visitor can have a first hand experience of how tea leaves are processed and prepared for production by visiting the nearby tea factories.

Even though Kurseong has lagged behind in the race to become a preferred tourist destination compared to its glamorous counterpart Darjeeling, there is tranquility and peace about the place that does not fail to affect a visitor – and that quest for peace and tranquility brings him back again.

Kurseong is connected to Siliguri by two alternative routes; one is the Pankhabari route which is faster but very steep. The other road traverses through Rongtong, Ghayabari, Mahanadi and Gidda Pahar which provides a breathtaking view of the natural surroundings. If you travel through this road in monsoon you can enjoy the magnificent sight of waterfalls cascading from the hills.

Places To Visit :

Forest Museum – The forest museum is also located in Dow Hill and is overseen by the forest department. You will get to know the types of animals that inhabited the forest area here in the past when you visit the museum.

Giddapahar view point – Giddapahar view point in Giddapahar, a few kilometers from Kurseong, provides a great view of the mountains and is a great place for clicking photographs.

Giddapahar Seti Mata Temple – This temple is carved out of an ancient rock and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. A sacred place of the Hindus.

Ambootia Temple – This temple is located within the Ambootia Tea Estate area. It has an old temple thronged by many devotees.

Dowhill’s Girls School – Provides a glimpse of the British era with its architecture and elegance. This school is well known for its beautiful location surrounded by pine trees and the quality of education it provides.

Victoria Boy’s School – This school was also created by the British and still maintains its Victorian looks and fame.

Grotto – The grotto houses the statue of Virgin Mary and is located in a beautiful surrounding that takes you to another place and time. It is a peaceful place and peace is what you feel when you’re there. Devotees light candles and pray to God here; it is also frequented by young couples because it offers seclusion.

Bhangzang Salamander Lake – It is located 14 km from Kurseong. In the past, it used to be a favorite place for the British and people from the neighboring towns used to hang out here frequently. A relatively unknown getaway among the tourist destinations in Darjeeling brought to you by naturebeyond. It is a beautiful green-tinged lake that shelters the rarest and most endangered species of salamanders – a species under threat of extinction.

Bagora – Bagora is also called zero point because it is the place with the highest elevation in Kurseong. It has also has a base camp of the Indian Air Force with a helipad.

Digha is located about 185 kms away from the city on the south east of Calcutta. In the list of must visit Kolkata excursions, Digha beach is on the top. It is a splendid beach resort consisting of a 6 km long beach. Shankarpur is the twin beach of Digha, Calcutta that is about 10 kms away. Digha, India is very well connected with Kolkata by road. Infact, its about five hours drive from there. Digha beach is worth visiting, as its shallow water will help in rejuvenating you. The whole atmosphere over there is very soothing and serene.

Digha Beach Travel – The casuarinas plantations along the coast are so captivating! The calm sea is so charming! The dream destination of Digha on the eastern coast of India is renowned the world over for its flat and hard beaches.The beauty of the Digha beach has attracted tourists since the days of Warren Hastings! Then it was referred to as Beercool! Indeed Digha is seven long kilometers of fun and frolic! While at the Digha beach unwind yourself in the sun, sea, surf and the sand. The sea is safe for swimming so you may take a plunge!

Digha Beach Travel, Close to Digha are the other tourist attractions too. Digha is a perfect getaway in the lap of nature.Digha Beach in West Bengal, There is Chandaneswar at a distance of 8 kms were you pray to Lord Shiva in the renowned ancient temple.While shopping at Digha you just cannot skip the so very famous cashew nuts.Digha Beach in Bengal India, Accommodation is easily available at Digha there are tourist lodges, deluxe hotels, budget hotels et al where is advisable to book before the holiday season.

Howrah Bridge, located over the Hoogli River in West Bengal, India, is said to be the busiest bridge of the world. It got its name owing to the fact that it connects the city of Howrah to Calcutta. Hawrah Bridge in Kolkata, India, also known by the name ‘Rabindra Setu’, was set up in 1874. It stands on two 270 feet high pillars. Calcutta Howrah Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that was constructed without using any nuts and bolts. Though, earlier it had a tram route, but presently, it is serving mainly as a Road Bridge. Howrah bridge has got two sister bridges also, namely, Vidyasagar Setu and the Vivekananda Setu that are situated at different points over the hoogly river. This bridge acts as an important symbol of Kolkata.

How about visiting a vintage bridge which has no nuts & bolts in its construction but still standing tall for the last 66 years? Hard to believe? The Bridge in concern – one of the busiest in the world – is located at Howrah in West Bengal. The Howrah bridge, the sixth longest of its type, has been an emblem of the city of Kolkata from its inception. So much so that the world knows Kolkata by its trams, the Victoria Memorial, and of course the Howrah Bridge. Opened to traffic in 1943, the construction of the bridge was started in 1937. The bridge has remained one of the most renowned landmarks of Kolkata. More than 150,000 vehicles and 4,000,000 pedestrians cross over the bridge every day. Technically speaking, Howrah Bridge is a “Cantilever Truss” bridge, constructed entirely by riveting, without nuts or bolts!

Notable features of the Howrah Bridge:

1. 705 meters in length, 97 feet in width, 82 meters in height

2. 26,500 plus mega tonne of high-tensile steel was used

3. Suspension type Balanced Cantilever

4. 325 ft, length of each anchor arm

5. 468 ft, length of each Cantilever arm

6. 564 ft, suspended span

7. Deck width 71 ft, footpath 15 feet on either side

8. No nuts & bolts

9. Total 8 articulation joints, 3 at each of the cantilever arms, and 2 in the suspended portions

10. Carriageway Minimum headroom is 5.8 m

11. River traffic freeboard is 8.8 m

12. Ranks sixth in World’s top 10 longest Cantilever bridges

With the sea water receding approximately 5 kms during low tide and advancing to the shore during high tide everyday, the Chandipur Beach at Orissa offers a truly unique and captivating sight.

Easily accessible via train, the beach is merely 16 kms from the Balasore Railway Station on Howrah-Madras line of South Eastern Railways.

Watching the sea vanish right in front of your eyes and then observing its return is a very rare site. And to add more to this hide and seek of water, the Casuarina trees and creeper sand dunes seem to be swaying on a melodious musical note. The bbeach is also in close proximity to certain other places of tourist interest namely Remuna, Panchalingeswar, Aradi and Chandaneswar.

The seaside resort of Chandipur, 16 km east of Balasore, is one of Orissa’s finest beaches. The musical sway of the casuarinas trees and creepered white sand dunes add to its seductive beauty. Chandipur is one of the few beaches of the world where the sea recedes up to 5 km daily at low tide and chasing the waves in a jeep, when the sea retreats is unforgettable. When the tide is in, locals trawl for small fish along the coast. The serene and peaceful landscape of Chandipur captivates the visitor.

Easily reachable by auto rickshaw or taxi from Balasore, the accommodation at Chandipur is plentiful. Enjoy your stay at Chandipur Beach, Orissa.