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Archive for the ‘West Bengal’ Category

We organize Darjeeling Tour Packages from Mumbai , Pune , Bangalore , Chennai , Hyderabad , Madurai , Coimbatore , Delhi , Ahmedabad , Kolkata , Cochin , Mysore , Chandigarh , Vadodara , Surat , Kanpur , Jaipur , Lucknow , Nagpur , Patna , Indore , Thane , Bhopal , Ludhiana , Nashik , Faridabad , Rajkot , Meerut , Varanasi , Aurangabad , Solapur , Kerala , Allahabad , Visakhapatnam , Jodhpur , Vijayawada , Gwalior , Karnataka , Bhubaneswar , Salem , Tiruchirappalli , Raipur , Gorakhpur , Warangal , Kolhapur , Guntur , Noida , Tirunelveli , Udaipur, Tirupur , Mangalore , Gandhinagar , Tirupati , Kochin , Trivandrum and many other cities in India and abroad. We also provide information about Darjeeling honeymoon package , Darjeeling tourism , Darjeeling tourism development corporation , Darjeeling tourism guide and Darjeeling tourist places. Darjeeling is a Himalayan town in the Indian state of West Bengal.

It is internationally renowned as a tourist destination, along with for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the headquarters of Darjeeling district. The town is located in the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalaya at an average elevation of 6,710 ft (2,050 m). The development of the town dates back to the mid-19th century, when the British set up a sanatorium and a military depot. Subsequently, extensive tea plantation was done in the region, and tea growers developed distinctive hybrids of black tea and created new fermenting techniques.

The resultant distinctive Darjeeling tea is internationally recognised and ranks among the most popular of the black teas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the plains and has one of the few steam locomotives still in service in India. Darjeeling also has several British-style public schools, which attract students from throughout India and neighbouring countries. The town, with its neighbouring town of Kalimpong, was a center for the demand of the Gorkhaland movement in the 1980s. Come and explore the beauty of Darjeeling through our Darjeeling tour packages with great fun.

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.

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.

Detail About The Place

Built - 1906- 1921
Cost - Rs1,050,000,000
Designed by - Sir William Emerson
Maximum height – 84 feet / 26 meters (without statue)
Maximum width – 228 feet / 69 meters
Open – Daily except Monday
Timing - 10.00 A.M. To 4.30 P.M.(March to October it close at 3.30 P.M.
Best Season - October to March