Explore the land; its art, culture and history; and you will see for yourself why we call it beautiful Bengal for nothing. Leaf on through the post to realize why the diversity puts West Bengal among.
There are four entry points to India-Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, though most Western flights make a stop at either Delhi or Mumbai. One might land there, and avail of a connecting domestic flight to Kolkata. With the new international terminal however, the city has revamped its international aviation infrastructure to receive flights from abroad too.
You can plan your travel yourself as well as depute you travel agent to do the same. Hotels in Kolkata are many, as you will find out in the following few pages.
# KolkataAn electric mix of diverse tastes and preference, Kolkata is a truly cosmopolitan place. From the mansions of North Kolkata to high-rises of the South, and from the deep roots of western influence in the Central part of the City of Joy to the distinctly community-based East, the nature of diversity is spread way too deep into the veins of the city. Today, it’s quite amazing to look back some three centuries ago, where wild animals used to strut about in the three villages of Sutanuti, Govindapur and Kalikata, part of the realm of one Sabarna Roy Choudhury. What was one the temple of Chowringhee Nath, today is the busy heart of the City, Chowringhee? Myriad, isn’t it?
As we take you through Kolkata, we reveal a treasure trove for those who have an eye for great architecture. Along with this, a touch of the religio9us movement of yore. In the form of weekend detours in Air-Conditioned buses tracing the trail of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda; this includes trips to Belur Math, Dakshineswar Kali Bari and Swamiji’s ancestral home, to name but a few. The other trip introduces tourists to the architectural wonders of erstwhile Kolkata-Jorasanko Rajbari, Thakurbari, Gokul Mitra’s house, Kumartuli and its artisanville, Sovabazar Rajbari, Marble Palace and quite a few others. Embarking on these two trips, you are sure to experience the old-world charms of erstwhile Kolkata.
# DarjeelingAs you open your window, you find a view of a lifetime – her snowcapped peak reddened with the early morning rays of the Sun. behold the Kanchenjunga in her glory, a regal sight by itself. All of a sudden, you find your room engulfed in clouds and an abrupt shower sets the mood for you honeymoon. Welcome to Darjeeling, India’s best hill station, just 663km away from Kolkata at an altitude of 2134 meters above sea level. 5km away from Darjeeling, overlooking Ghoom lies the Batasia Loop, that will make you relive the golden, slow-moving but rambling life of yesteryears, as you travel through Darjeeling on the Toy Train.
# KalimpongThough Kalimpong, the city of monasteries, carries a rich heritage with her, she is equally zealous to preserve the present as well as her past glories. Heritage schools in Kalimpong are still national benchmarks in the field of education. The 12km stretch road from Ghoom station is a travelers’ delight. For instant the meeting point of the Teesta and the Rnagit. You’d miss mout on quite a lot if you din’t stop by this spot, popularly kown as “Lovers spot”. Other spots include the Morgan House, the Golf Course, the Deolo View Point, Dr. Graham’s Home, Pedong-Thongsa-Tharpa-Choling Monastery, wild orchids and animals.
# SandakphuHigh above the rest, lies Sandakphu, the highest point of West Bengal, at 11,929 ft above sea level. The Sandakphu trekking region lies in the Singalila Park in Darjeeling, off the Bengal-Sikkim border. An average temperature of -20 degrees Celsius, Mount Everest, the Kanchenjunga and the snow-capped Makalu and Lhotse. Sandakphu is home to all these and over 600 species of wild Orchids.
# KurseongSpend a day or two at Kurseong en route Darjeeling. Dip into the serenity at 1458 meters above sea level. This city, originally called Kharsang, after the wild orchids, gained prominence as a tourist destination since the 1880’s. For instance, the Saint Paul’s Church and Dow Hills School. Other attractions include Giddapahar Durgamata Mandir, Jagadish Mandir, and the Gumpha of Gautam Buddha at Down Hill, Juma Masjid at Hat bazar, Deer Park and waterfalls.
# LavaJust 21/2 hours away from Kalimpong, lies Lava at 7016 feet above sea level. Lava happens to be one of the few places in West Bengal that experience snowfall. The main attractions of Lava are the Brids. It rests amid nature, for form the madding crowd of he city. Besides the monasteries and museums, Neora Valley National Park is another crowd puller here. Rare animals like Red Pandas, Clouded Leopards, Musk Deer, Black Bears, Golden Cats, and Himalayan Flying Squirrels roam about freely here.