Places Of Interest

Eagle’s Crag

The place is located at 1 km uphill from Kurseong Railway station.An beautiful scenic of the Teesta River and the dense evergreen forest of Darjeeling valley imparts it a major attraction for the tourist.The lower summit encompasses a Tourist complex with a garden and observatory Netaji Kothi.At earlier times the place served as the home of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose but now it stand as ruined building in a dismal condition.The tourists can enjoy trekking. Khangchendzonga, Jannu and Kabru peaks also serves as an ideal spot for tourism.

St.Mary’s Hill

St. Mary Hill is located at 4 kms away from Kurseong Railway Station.The hill stand admidst the deep woods which imparts it a look of an elegant mansion. It houses the Eastern Forest Rangers’ College (EFRC). Earlier the campus serves as the sight for St. Mary’s seminary, the first such seminary of the east of Suez.The place also encompasses a statue of Jesus and Mary and the newly built Jt. John’s Church.The church has been carved out in modern architectural style.

Kettle Valley Picnic Spot

The picnic spot is located at Dilaram Tea Estate on the banks of the river Rinchengtong.It serves as an ideal place for outing purpose.It also offers a rare opportunity to play in its crystal clear waters in the backdrop of snow-clad mountains to the tourist.

Dow Hill

The Dow Hill encomasses the Deer Park, the Forest Museum, the mini amusement park and the water reservoir. The place is located amidst moss-laden conifers.It is worth a visit for the tourist looking for serenity and peacefulness.A well maintained tourist complex is located at the top of the hill at a distance of 1 km.The place is surrounded by the ubiquitous tea plantations. The Castleton Tea Estate, which produces the world’s most expensive tea, is located nearby.

Ambotia Shiva Mandir & Gidhapahar Mandir

Ambotia Shiva Mandir and Gidhapahar Mandir serves as a centre for religious and
spiritual purpose.The place is located admidst the town
 

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the place in summer is from March to mid June.In winter tourist can visit the place from mid September to December.The best time for the tourist for enjoying the mountain views is from Mid September to Mid December.

Places Of Interest

The MacFarlane Church
The church bears a testimony of the Scottish missionaries’ influence and is regarded as a monument of Kalimpong’s history, Dr. Graham’s Home.The foundation of the church was laid down by Dr. John A. Graham in the year 1880.The place also encompasses a sprawling educational institution built on Deolo Hill located at the north side of the main township.The church also has its own dairy, bakery, poultry farm and vegetable gardens.
Gompas
The Tharpa Choeling Gompa or Bhutanese Monastery, is the oldest monastery in the area which dates back to 1692.It is located down the hill.The monastery belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was built in the mid-seventies at Durpin Dara Hill and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama. The place exhibits impressive wall paintings in the prayer room.The three-dimensional mandala upstairs also adds to the beauty.

Mangal Dham Mandir
Mangal Dham Mandir has a splendid look.It covers an area of two acres.The temple was built in the year 1993.In the ground floor of the Dham lies the samadhi of their revered Guruji. The prayer hall is located on the top floor it displays the idol of Raj Shyamaji.The idol of the Revered Prannath and Shri 108 Guru Mangaldasji is located on either side. The walls of the prayer hall exhibits a vivid picturesque story of Nijanandacharya Shri Devchandraji, meeting Lord
Krishna along with Rev. Prannathji blessing the brave Bundela Chhatrasal Maharaj and other scenes from the Krishna Leela.

Nature Interpretation Centre
The Nature Interpretation centre is located on Rinkingpong road.The centre has many well-organized dioramas, which shows the effects of human activity on the environment. The tourist can visit the centre from Friday to Wednesday from 10 am to 4 PM and admission to the centre is free.

Deolo Hill
Deolo Hill is among one of those hill which is worth visiting for the tourist worldwide.The place stand as a perfect picnic spot replete with a splendid tourist lodge.The lodge is managed 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’s beauty.

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Kolkata Port was commissioned on 17 Oct 1870 under Calcutta Port Act. In 1886 a separate oil wharf was setup at Budge Budge. The dock at Kidderpore (KPD) became operational in 1893. In 1925, four riverside jetties and a coaling jetty were made at Gardenreach. In 1928 the 2nd dock now known as Netaji Subhash Dock (KPD) came up there. Kolkata dock comprises KPD, NSD and Budge Budge. There are 18 & 9 operational berths at KPD & NSD. Budge Budge has 6 wharves for liquid bulk. There are 10 berths and 2 oil jetties at HDC. Haldia Sagar & Diamond Heart provide excellent loading/unloading facilities. These facilities have been developed on a stretch of over 150 Km. The Haldia Docking Complex (HDC), deep water third dock system was commissioned, 104 km downstream of Kolkata.

Kolkata Port is India’s only riverine port with two dock systems - Kolkata Dock
System at Kolkata with the oil wharves at Budge Budge, Anchorages at Diamond
Harbour, Kulpi, Sagar and Sandheads and a deep water dock system at Haldia Dock
Complex, Haldia . It has the most sophisticated port facilities with extensive
storage facility for diverse cargo.
With a modern computerised container terminal, Kolkata port offers a very
customer friendly approach.
It is also the oldest operating port in India, having originally been
constructed by the British East India Company.

In the 19th century Kolkata Port was the premier port in British India. After
independence its importance decreased because of factors including the Partition
of Bengal (1947), reduction in size of the port hinterland and economic
stagnation in eastern India. In the 21st century due to the east Indian economic
recovery and infrastructure improvements, the port grew swiftly to become the
nation’s second largest container port. It was one of India’s fastest growing
ports in 2004-05.

Even today there are ships that sail a long distance. Harshavardhana is one of
the ships that sail along the Nicobar Islands.
If you have a passion for cruises you must have a try at this one.

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The M. P. Birla Planetarium started functioning from September 29, 1962 as an
educational, scientific and research institution and was formally inaugurated on
July 2, 1963 by the first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This
was the second major Planetarium to be set up in the commonwealth countries with
London having a Planetarium a few years earlier to the one in Calcutta then.
This was the first of its kind in India and the largest in Asia. Syt. M. P.
Birla was the driving force behind this project. The Planetarium has been
established on a land (about an acre) leased by the West Bengal Government. The
Planetarium with all its assets had been transferred to the Registered Society
of “Birla Institute of Fundamental Research”.

The M. P. Birla Planetarium, since its inception, has designed and presented to
the public and students more than 350 astronomical projects dealing with many
facets of astronomy, astro-physics, Celestial Mechanics, Space Science, History
of astronomy,Centenaries of famous Astronomers as well as mythology concerning
stars and planets. The Planetarium has also been conducting a series of graded
school programmes for children of various age groups. Almost from the very
beginning of this institution, it has been conducting a Free Evening Course in
Astronomy. In the year 1993 it introduced a Post-Graduate Diploma Course in
Astronomy & Planetarium Sciences. In the year 1999 the Planetarium joined hands
with the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani and introduced a new
course called the M. Phil. Course in Astronomy & Planetarium Sciences.

The M. P. Birla Planetarium has been hosting and participating in several
National and International seminars in astronomy and connected fields and has
been regularly organizing astronomical expeditions for the studies of Solar
Eclipses and other Celestial events. The Planetarium has also been organizing
special lectures and exhibitions in connection with centenaries of astronomers
like Galileo, Kepler, Tycho Brahe and others. The Planetarium owns an
astronomical observatory equipped with a Celestron C-14 Telescope with
accessories such as ST6 CCD Camera, Solar Filter etc.

The Planetarium has been regularly bringing a scientific Journal called “The
Journal of M. P. Birla Planetarium” wherein appear contributed articles from
astronomers from India as well as from abroad. An editorial board has been
suitability set up for the assessment and sensibility of the articles received
for publication. In recent years, the Planetarium has also brought out some
astronomical publications like “Bust Stories”, “A Brief Introduction of
Astronomy”, yearly astronomical pocket-calendars and picture post-cards etc. The
M. P. Birla Planetarium was chosen as the venue for the 7th International
Planetarium Directors’ Congress in 1980. Several planetarium directors from all
over the world attended this conference and participated in deliberations.Please
also visit the website:President’s Page

The Planetarium is equipped with an Electronics Laboratory for design and
fabrication of scientific equipment. In 1993, after two years of work, this lab
set up an Automation System for excecuting the special effects and visuals
during a planetarium show. One must come and have a look to the Planeterium
begore giving their views.

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Marble Palace is located at the busy 46, Muktaram Babu Street of Kolkata
which is famous as Chorbagan. The structure and the designs will mesmerize
anyone. The palace was built by one of Bengal’s richest landlord - Raja Rajendra
Mullick Bahadur in 1830.
It is obviously not required to mention that how much of  planning and master
mind of architectures were used to build the palace.

Since the palace was built at a time when Kolkata was the capital of British
India, it is but natural that the aristocratic Mullick family who built this
awesome palace had the tacit support of the local British administration. In
fact, the name "Marble Palace" was given by Lord Minto, may be because of the
fact that the entire palace was built using an astounding 126 varieties of
marble procured from various parts of India. Many renowned architects, both
Indian as well as Europeans were involved in designing this masterpiece.

On the frontal side of the palace is a beautifully landscaped garden where you
will find exquisite sculptures and statues of Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ,
Christopher Columbus and Lord Buddha. The sculptures of lions are amazing and
speak volumes about the quality of craftsmanship.

As you walk upstairs, you will come across fully mirrored rooms, which showcases
rare works of Reynolds, Rubens and Murillo. The painting of Rubens depicting
Catherine’s wedding is absolutely stunning and is a top draw with visitors. The
palace has art and historical relics of 90 countries across the world, which
literally makes it a virtual treat for art connoisseurs. Apart from this, an
amazing 82 varieties of exquisitely decorated antique clocks are on display at
this palace.

The sheer grandeur and opulence of this palace makes it a perfect site for
shooting films. A number of Tollywood films have been shot at this magnificent
palace.
A Mela is also formed at the lawn of the palace to mark the festival of
Rathyatra. Various swings are installed and various kind of games alonwith the
toys made of muds are available in the mela.
By the advent of Metro Railway in Kolkata visiting places has become much more
easier. If opted a Metro ride, one should get down to Mahatma Gandhi Road
Station or else metered taxis and buses are available all over Kolkata. The
admission fees is nil but a prior permission is required from West Bengal
Tourism Department. One must visit this masterpiece to know the class of old
era.
 

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Eden Garden is the oldest and the largest cricket stadium of India situated in Kolkata established in 1864. It has an exclusiveness of its own It is also one of the finest cricket stadium in the world. Eden Garden is exactly, the name of a park beside the stadium, but the park itself was so famous that the stadium was also named after it.

The first ever first-class match to be played here was in 1917-18, while the first Test match was against Douglas Jardine’s MCC in January 1934. Since then the ground has hosted the maximum number of Test matches at any venue in India.

As part of the renovation drive of the stadium during the 1987 World Cup, where the final match was held, covered stands were built all around, with a modern Club House and pavilion. The Club House now houses the offices of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), which is also the owner of Eden Garden. Floodlights were installed in the stadium on the eve of the five-nation tournament held to celebrate the CAB Diamond Jubilee. Another very much important fact is that Eden has a capacity of 1,00,000 spectators which is highest in India.

Eden Gardens holds the distinction of being the largest cricketing facility in the world. On the flip side, crowd violence has marred some of the key matches played in this ground. It is aso mentionable that the people of Kolkata cannot see thier team loosing at the Eden Garden. People here are specially attached and linked to the game. The Mexican Wave is very famous about the stadium that the fans create during the matches.

Factfile :

India holds the record for the highest Test score on the ground so far when they made 657-7 against Australia during the Series in 2000-01.

Indian also has the ignominy of scoring the lowest total at the ground when the West Indies restricted them to just 90. Harbhajan Singh became the first Indian to take a Test hat trick when he achieved the feat against Australia in 2000-01.
VVS Laxman’s historic 281 against the Australians in 2000/01 is the highest score at the ground.

Anil Kumble’s 12/6 vs. the West Indies in the finals of the Hero Cup is the best bowling figures in one dayers by an Indian.

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The Victoria Memorial is located in Kolkata, India. It is a memorial of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom who was also given the title of Empress of India. It currently serves as a museum and a tourist attraction. The memorial was designed by Sir William Emerson in an architectural style similar to Belfast City Hall. The work of construction was entrusted to Messers Martin & Co. of
Calcutta.

In January 1901 after the death of Queen Victoria, Lord Curzon, who was then Viceroy of India, placed before the public the question of setting up a fitting memorial to the Queen. He suggested that the most suitable memorial would be a “stately”, spacious, monumental and grand building surrounded by a wide beautiful garden.The princes and people of India responded generously to his appeal for funds and the total cost of construction of this monument which
amounted to one crore, five lakhs of rupees, was entirely derived from their voluntary subscriptions

Built between 1906 and 1921, it is a majestic and attractive white marble building at the southern end of the Maidan and surrounded by a sprawling garden. A black statue of Angel of Victory, holding a bugle in her hand was placed at the apex of the dome above the Memorial. It is fixed to its pedestal with ball bearings and acts as a weathercock when the wind is too strong enough.

The Victoria Memorial Hall was opened in 1921 for the normal public. People from the local place and also outsiders could see before them pictures and statues of men who played a prominent part in the history of India and develop a pride in their past especially in relation to the history of Calcutta. Lord Curzon conceived it. Presently it is the finest and most prominent building and art museum of Calcutta, India, under the Department of Culture, Government of India.

The monument has become so famous that the city of Kolkata is identified by the name of Victoria Memorial. A great number of films also have been shot here. In the night the lightings of the building gives an impression of golden heaven. There are also a number of people who come into the garden for their morning and evening walks. Children also come on their holidays and have a good time.

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Kalimpong is a hill station located at the junction of Siliguri and Gangtok.The place is covered with dense forests consisting of golden oak along with rich undergrowth of moss and lichen which serves as cushions of russet-brown leaves.The name, Kalimpong, has been derived from three different origins.Firstly ,it stands for the place where tribals gathered to organize field sports, secondly, it got its name from the Bhutanese king’s minister’s stronghold and thirdly, it is named after Kaulim which is a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.

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Here are few of the interesting places to see in Sunderbans..

Project Tiger : The Tiger Reserve covers an area of about 2585 sq. kms.It has one of the largest tiger population compare to any other Indian parks.The place harbours 269 Royal Bengal Tigers which serves a great attraction to the tourist worldwide.

Ganga Sagar (Kapil Muni Ashram) : This place serves as an important destination culturally and spiritually.The place also has a beach which adds to the beauty of the placet.It is located on an island in the Sunderbans. The tourist can reach the place directly from Kolkata by taking road journey and then by vessel, or by chartered luxury vessels taken from Kolkata itself.The place is a lovely destination which combines pilgrimage and fun altogether.

Canning : Canning serves as one of the entry points to Sunderbans.It is located at 54 kms southeast of Kolkata. ‘Canning’ was built in 1858 as an alternate port.The place encompasses a small fishing fleet.The private boats are available on hire.Tourist can enjoy boating and fishing in the place.

Frazerganj : Frazerganj includes white sand beach which is entirely different from the other beaches.The importance of the beach lies in its pristine purity and charm.Tourist can reach the place from Kolkata by three hours road journey. The place is also renowed for displaying the migratory birds and pisciculture.

Close encounter with the Wild : The tourist can enjoy while cruising through the brackish kharris flanked by dense mangrove forests all around.The luxury launch M.V. Chitrarekha and M.V. Madhukar is available for the purpose.Tourist can enjoy the two-day river cruise with one night on board with your family and friends. The tourist can view the forest vibrant from the wide open upper deck.Tourist can enjoy sumptuous Bengali lunch consisting of delicacies like fish & prawns.The place also organise foot-tapping dance session in evening party and retire. A general river cruise requires no approval. But to visit places outside the core area permission should be taken from the authorities.

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Sunderbans is located at the lower end of the Gangetic West Bengal.It is world’s largest delta covered by mangrove forest and vast saline mud flats. The land consists of 54 tiny islands crisscrossed by innumerable tributaries of Ganga.Sunderbans, the place that got its name from
Sundari trees, consist of a large flora population like Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan and Kankra.The place is inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers. It also harbours jungle cats, fishing cats, Axis deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkeys, mongooses and the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the place is from September to March.The luxury tours to the place are carried on all over the year but the monsoon season holds its own importance over tourists .From September to March the chances of tiger-sighting is more than any other time.

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The Central district of West-Bengal is situated on south of Ganga River. Murshidabad got its name from Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the Dewan of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa under Emperor Aurangzeb. The Nawab shifted the capital of Bengal to Murshidabad in 1705. The place has historical significance.Near Murshidabad, at Palsy the historic battle between Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula and Lord Clive was fought.

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Shantiniketan stand as a place of cultural pride of Bengal.The foundation of this place has been laid in the memory of Rabindranath Tagore,It is a land of art & literature. This place forms a part of Birbhum District of West Bengal .Shantiniketan displays the work of famous poet Rabindranath Tagore.One will be enthralled to see the various collections of Rabindranath’s used items in the Museum.Shantiniketan was earlier called Bhubandanga (named after Bhuban Dakat, a local dacoit), and was owned by the Tagore family.

Best Time To visit

Weather in Santiniketan is usually a pleasant one. Spring season has its own charm in Santiniketan not only because of its natural beauty blooming to its fullest amidst the lush greenery but also due to the famous Vasanta Utsav held to mark the festival of Holi with the onset of Spring.

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Here is the brief introduction of the few places to seen in Shantiniketan.

Chatimtola

Chatimtola is the place where Rabindranath Tagore’s father perform meditation.The Leaves of the Saptaparni trees serves a great importance. They are given to graduating students at the annual convocation. The Prime Minister of India is the Chancellor of the University. Some of the famous students of Visva-Bharati include India’s former Prime Mister the Ms Indira Gandhi (1917-1984), world famous film director Mr.Satyajit Ray (1921-1992) and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen.

Kenduli

Kenduli is located at 30 kms away from Shantiniketan. Kenduli is the place where Jaydev was born.Jaydev is the first famous Bengal poet.He composed the famous Geeta Govinda.Several temples are located near Kenduli.the place is renowed for its folk song festival.the festival held during Makar Sankranti (Mid January). Bauls, a sect of wandering ministrels, gather here during this festival.This festival is the largest of its kind in the state.

Nonoor

Noonor is located 18kms away from Shantiniketan.It is the birth place of famous poet kabi, Chandidas.He was renowed for his Vaishnava Padavalis.The place serves as a major attraction for the tourist worldwide.

Uttarayan Complex

Uttarayan complex is the place where poet lived and worked.The Northern Complex consists of several buildings such as Udayana, Konarka, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi. The Bichitra commonly known as Rabindra Bhavan was designed by the poet’s son Rathindranath Tagore.

Tarapith

Tarapith is located at 80 kms away from Shantiniketan.The tourist can avail various conveyance facilities. One can reach Tarapith firstly from Bolpur to Rampurhat by train or bus and then 5 kms by bus or cycle rickshaw. Ramkanai Dharamshala a number of hotels are there.

Bichitra

The place is also known as Rabindra Bhavan.It encompasses a Research Centre and Museum.The museum displays poet’s personal belongings, paintings & various editions of his works.

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Kurseong is located at an altitude of 2458 Mts.(4864 ft), 51 kms away from Siliguri and 30 kms away from Darjeeling.The peace, serenity and the healthy climate of Kurseong attracts the tourist to this place.Guru Rabindra Nath Tagore and the great composer Atul Prasad Sen has been inspired by the beauty of the place. Sister Nivedita, the great disciple of Swami Vivekananda also resided here.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the place in during summers commence from mid April to June.As the maximum temperature etends to 29 degree celsius.In winter it last from mid September to December.

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