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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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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Introduction

Jaisalmer looks like a golden mirage rising from the heart of the Thar desert.the fort has been carved out of yellow sandstone. The city has a mythological significance. According to which, Lord Krishna the head of the Yadav Clan, forcasted Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom at the top of the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, conquered his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer on the Trikuta Hill. The Life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels.

Places Of Interest

Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer was founded in the 12th century by the Bhati Rajputs who shifted here from Lodurva.The bastions encompasses a palace complex, the havelis of rich Jain merchants carved with an incredibly light touch, & Hindu temples.Owing to flourishing trade the city soon became rich, the merchants, who also served as ministers in the royal courts, came to command more power than the rulers themselves. The large mansions of the merchants, built adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval desert cultures, are so well decorated that the palace, in comparison, appears to pale.

Desert National Park

Desert National Park is located at 40 km away to the south-west of Jaisalmer.The place covers over 3000 Sq. kms.The park displays a wide number of awe-inspiring Sam sand dunes. The park is a protected bio reserve which houses Indian Gazelle, Chinkara, Eagle and many such birds and animals. Foreign tourists require permission from the District Magistrate and Desert National Park Office to enter this area. Domestic tourists require permission from the Desert National Park Office.

Nathmalji Ki Haveli
The foundation of this temple is laid down by the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer in 1855.The elephants that guard this Haveli are carved out of yellow sandstone.Two brothers, Hathu and Lallu built each side of the haveli because of which a slight difference is noticed in each side on camparision.However, the atmosphere inside the whole mansion is peaceul and perfectly harmonious.

Salim Singh ki Haveli

The foundation of this temple is dated back to 300 years.The old haveli of Jaisalmer was constructed by Prime Minister of Jaisalmer and later gifted to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh - Salim Singh.The haveli has a beautiful blue cupola roof which has been carved beautifully in brackets in the form of peacocks. The mansion is built in yellow stone.It exhibits intricate carvings and an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notable of the array of havelies.

Jain Temple
The rich and influential Jain community built many temples in and around Jaisalmer. There is a group of five temples lying within the fort.The Paraswanath temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain Temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures and rising above is a tall Shikhar, which is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower.The temple was built between the 12th and 15th centuries.the tourist can visit the temple only till 12 O’ clock in the afternoon.
 

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Junnagarh

The foundation of the place was laid down by Raja Rai Singh(1571-1611 A.D.), a general in the army of emperor Akbar in 1593 A.D.The fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful places within. The place has been carved out of red sandstone (Dulmera) and marble.The fort has 986 long wall with 37 bastions and two entrances.The main entrance of the temple is Karan Poal.Junnagarh encompasses places like Anop mahal, Ganga niwas, Rang mahal, Durbar Hall, Gaj mandir, Sheesh Mahal or mirror chamber etc.Anoop Mahal is renowed for it’s gold leaf painting. Har Mandir exhibits a majestic chapel where the royal family worshiped there Gods and Goddesses. Chandra mahal or moon palace displays exquisite paintings on the lime plaster walls and Phool mahal or the Flower palace is famous for its inset mirror work. The gigantic columns , arches and graceful screen grace the palaces.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
The museum is located near the Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner.The founadation of this museum was laid down in 1937 on the eve of the Golden jubilee celebrations of Maharaja Ganga Singh. In 1954, the museum was shifted to a new building in the Civil lines.The museum exhibits one of the richest collection of Terracotta ware, weapons, maniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins.The collection can be traced back to Harappan civilisation, Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time.The museum is divided into several sections like Maharaja Ganga Singh Memorial Local Arts and Crafts History Sculpture, Terracotta and Bronzes, Armory, Miniature Paintings and Folk-Arts, Dr. L.P. Tessitori Memorial Section, Lithoprints of the British interpretation of the war of Independence 1857.The tourist can visit the museum on all days except Friday and gazetted holidays and the timings are from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Bhandaser Jain Temple

The temple is located at 5kms from Bikaner.The foundation of this temple can be traced back to 15th century.It is the oldest and distinct monument of bikaner dedicated to Sumati Nath Ji,the 5th Tirthankar of the Jain Religion.The temple displays rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf paintings.The temple was constructed near Laxminath temple in 1540A.D.The temple has been carved out of red sand stone and white marble.

Lakshminath Temple

It is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner. The temple was built by Rao Bikaji in the year 1488 A.D. Being a historical monument the temple holds special identity. This temple was constructed during the reign of Rao Lunkaran.It displays superb archeological skills of artists and artisans of that period .It was later develpoed by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji. The countless devotees of God
Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi visit the temple for offering prayers and ceremonies.

Lalgarh Palace & Sadul Museum
The foundation of this palace was laid down by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942 A.D.) in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singhji in 1902 AD.The palace was carved out of red sand stone with beautiful latticework and filigree work.The palace displays prawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks.
The exotic palace exhibits magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles , Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom, past vintage etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits.The visitings hours of the palace is from 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM.The museum remain close on Sundays.
 

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Ajmer is located at 130 kms south-west of Jaipur. The foundation of the city was laid down by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri.The City was subsequently conquered by the Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British,the place came under the direct control of the British rule. Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as Muslims.

Best Time To Visit

In summer season the temperature rises upto 38 degree C and in winter it falls down to 0 degree C.The best time to visit the place is from July to March when the temperature is not very hot.

Places Of Interest

Dargah Sharif
Dargah Sharif is one of India’s most important places for Muslim pilgrims. The Dargah is the Sufi saint, Khawaja Muin-uddin Chishti, who came to Ajmer from Persia in 1192.The shrine has been constructed by Humayun and the gate was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad.Akbar used to make the pilgrimage to the Dargah from
Agra once a year.He also constructed a mosque in the right side.The inner court displays another mosque constructed by Shah Jahan.The mosque has been carved out of white marble.It has 11 arches.The saint’s tomb is located in the centre of the second court.It has also been carved out of marble and the actual tomb inside is encompassed in a silver platform. The horseshoes nailed to the shrine doors are offerings from successful horse dealers.On the anniversary of the saint’s death, the Urs, in the seventh month of the lunar calendar thousand
visitors visit the place.The tourist have to cover their head with scarf to visit the place.

Adhai-din-ka-jhoupra
 
The building is located on the outskirts, of the city, just beyond the Dargah.It is a remarkable structure displaying the elegance of Indo-Islamic architecture.Formerly it was a sanskrit college within a temple.In 1193 A.D. Mohhamed Ghauri conquered Ajmer and converted the building into a mosque by building a sevenarched wall in front of the pillared hall in two-and-half days(adhai-din) and the building was then named accordingly.

Ana Sagar & Foy Sagar

The construction of this artificial lake can be dated back to 12th century.It was constructed by damming the River Luni.The Daulat Bagh is a park located on the bank of the lake.It displays a series of marble pavilions erected in 1637 by Shah Jahan.Another reservoir Foy Sagar was built in 1891-1892 A.D. by the Ajmer Municipal Committee. Foy was the Executive Engineer in-charge of the project and hence the lake was named Foy sagar.

Taragarh Fort

The fort is a located beyond the Adhai-din-ka-jhopra.It takes thirty minutes climb from there.Tourist can enjoy the excellent view of the city from the place. The fort was constructed during the Mughal period.Formerly it was used as the site of the military activity later the British used the place as sanatorium.

Todgarh

Todgarh is located in the Aravallis, the oldest mountain range of the world which is about 70 kms from Beawar. Its original name is Boraswara. The place is of excellence beauty.Todgarh is 3281 feet above sea level and has the potential of attaining the status of a hill resort, next only to Mount Abu. Captain Tod built the fort of Todgarh . It is 120 kms. South of Ajmer, and only 13 kms. from Bhim on National Highway No. 8.In early times, nomadic tribes like the Banjaras
and Gurjars inhabited this area. Todgarh formed a part of Merwara.
 

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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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