THE WORLD PORTAL

West Bengal is the land of picturesiqe beauty and the sceneries are such in way that the poets have been described in their articles. The antural beauty of its have made many tourists to attract over there. West Bengal is situated in the east of India and stretches in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. The capital of West Bengal is Kolkata which is popularly known as the “city of joy”. A very famous tiger sanctuary named Sunderban is also there for the attraction of all the tourists. One of the most famous Howrah bridge is also there in Kolkata. The main agriculture of this state is rice, maize, pulses, oil seeds, wheat, barley, potatoes and vegetables. Kolkatta is a major centre for information technology. There are many more beautiful places which adds more beauty to WestBengal. Thse places have been listed below.

1. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is the most beautiful place in India. Its been the major attraction of every people. This place is one of the shooting loctions for many movies in all languages. The places are familiar to all the tourists because of its advertisements and millions of postcards. This place is exactly same as we see in post card. Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. The highest point in Darjeeling is the Tiger hill and we can see the peaks of Kanchenjunga on a clear day. Darjeeling is known as the “Queen of Hill stations”. The train ride is one of the best features of this place. Unbounded scenearies and much more that we had never seen before our life is seen here in this ride. The proper time for the visit is between April and June and September and December.

How to reach there ?

Bagdogra, 96 km away is the nearest airport and is connected to Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. The distance from Bagdogra to Darjeeling can be covered in 3 hours by a bus or in a private taxi. Apart from Darjeeling Railway Station the two closest railway stations are Siliguri (80 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (88 kms) from Darjeeling

2. Digha

West bengal is also famous for its beach resort. Digha is the most popular sea resort. It is mentioned as the “Brighton of the East” in one of Warren Hasting’s letters (1780 AD) to his wife. Digha is orginally known as Beerkul. Digha is surrounded with various class hotels nearby. This is the place for all the swimmers and is out of danger and is advisable to swim at low tides. The sea is calm and shallow for a mile. One of the main f eature of this beach is that one can see the sunrise and sunset from this beach. An extension of Digha is also seen now named as New Digha.

How to get there?

Digha is easily accessible by road from Kolkata, Asansol, Bardhaman, Durgapur, Suri, Bankura and Jamshedpur and partly by rail (upto Kharagpur).

3. Sunderbans

Sunderbans which means the land of sundari trees, consists of a large flora population like Dhundal,Kankra, Genwa, Garjan and Passur. This is the homeland to spotted deer, wild pigs, monkeys, herons, kingfishers, white bellied eagles and almost 250 Bengal tigers. One of the most remarkable feature of this place is the bayonet like roots of mangrove forests that stick out above the water level. Apart from nature, if you want to feel the essence of spirituality then this is the best place to be. The best time to be in wildlife belts of the region is September-March.

How to get there?

Come to Sajnekhali by motorboat departing from Canning which is accessible by train and bus services from Kolkata. Cruise along in M.V. Chitrarekha (weekly journey from October to March) for a life time experience. One can also get private boats from Canning, Gosaba and Basanti, Raidighi, Basanti, Namkhana and Najatare are all connected by roadways from Kolkata.

4. Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan is a school in the traditional gurukul system founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1901. It is the embodiment of serenity and peace, far removed from the concrete jungle. Here imposing sculptures of Ram Kinkar greet you at every turn of the road. Paintings of Nandalal, Abanindranath and Binod Bihari captivate your senses. Uttarayan, the complex where Rabindranath lived, has a museum and art gallery. Visva Bharati University at Shantiniketan, 2 km from the nearest railway station Bolpur, is now a centre of international studies and culture. The university is also open to visitors.

How to get there?

212 north km from Kolkata, Shantiniketan is connected by road and rail. The nearest railway station is Bolpur.

5. Murshidabad

A quiet town on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, Murshidabad has stood witness to events that changed the course of Indian history. Capital during the reign of Siraj-ud-daula, the Nawab of Bengal, Murshidabad was also a flourishing trading town between inland India and the port of Kolkata.Hazarduari (Palace of a Thousand Doors) is built in classical architectural style. Now a museum, the palace houses, among other artifacts, the Nawab’s silver throne, ivory sofa and ivory palanquins.Other important landmarks are the Great Imambara, Moti Jhil (Pearl Lake) and the impressive ruins of Katra Mosque, built in 1723, and Medina Mosque.

How to get there?

Situated 221 km north of Kolkata, Murshidabad is connected by railway and road. Long distance bus services (to Kolkata, Malda and Siliguri) are available at Berhampore, 11 km south of Murshidabad. Berhampore is also linked by railway service from Kolkata.

6. Mirik

Mirik is a nest in the hills is West Bengal’s one of the hill resort at an altitude of 1767 meters with its own special charms-49 km from Darjeeling and 52 km. from Siliguri. 1.25 km. long lake is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy for ever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest of thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees makes it more beautiful and serene.The beautiful 1.25 km long lake is the most attractive spot of the Mirik Tourism Project.The other beautiful sites are Rai-Dhap, which is an ideal picnic point,orange orchards,cardamom groves etc.

How to get there?

Nearest airport Bagdogra, about 55 km from Mirik and nearest rail-heads are Ghoom-41 km, Darjeeling-49km and Siliguri-52km

7. Nicco Park

Nico Park is the Disneyland for Kolkattans with its various adventure rides. Popularly known as Jheel Meel. Opened in 1991, Nicco park is one of the biggest amusement parks in the country and has innovative entertainment for all age group. This amusement park offers wholesome fun for children as well as adults and draws crowds from suburban Kolkata especially on the weekends. It is a feast for the eyes of the nature lovers. There is an exquisite Rose Garden and a large Food Park which sells mouth-watering North Indian, Bengali, South Indian and Chinese fast food. Adjacent to the park is the Nalban Boating Complex offering a close-to-nature experience with its greenery, flowers and the cool breezes blowing across the wetlands. Opposite the Salt Lake stadium is the Subhash Sarovar (lake), which is not very well maintained but has the potential to become a nice tourist spot.

How to get there?

Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis are readily available from various parts of the city.

8. Science City

The Science City in Kolkata is one of the most spectacular Science Museum in the country. The sheer enormity of the Science City baffles the first time visitor. This 21st Century marvel of science, communication and environment is the first and only institution of it’s kind in India and has a Space Theatre. The main attraction of the Science City is the Space Flight, Dinosaurs Alive, Dynamotion, Life in Water, a world of Insects and Reptiles, walkthrough Aviary, Butterfly corner, Convention Centre, four seminar halls, Mini Auditorium, Musical fountain etc. This convention centre complex has a 2215 person capacity main auditorium, 40 capacity mini auditorium and 8 seminar halls. It is open to public every day from 9AM to 9PM (Even on public holidays).

How to get there?

The nearest railway station is Sealdah Junction. Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis are readily available from various parts of the city.

9. Marble Palace

Marble Palace is located on C R Avenue in north Calcutta at Muktaram Babu Street. This palace was constructed by Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur in 1835. Italian marble was lavishly used to complete its construction. This palace set behind a large lawn has the sculptures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Hindu Gods, the Buddha and Christopher Columbus. A large pool near the small granite bungalow has ducks, peacocks and ostriches. The rooms have hundreds of statues and oriental urns. The walls of these rooms are covered with enormous paintings and mirrors. Gigantic chandeliers hang on its ceilings. The lamps on the stair cases are detailed creations. Entry - fre (you must get a pass from the West Bengal Tourist office 24 hours in advance) Visit : on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday and Thursday are holidays.

How to get there?

Nearest railway station is at Howra. Local buses, metered taxis ply regularly from various parts of Kolkata.

10. Birla Mandir

It is located on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue. It is the latest addition to the places of visit in Calcutta. It wad Build over twenty-two years of painstaking labor; it is an all-marble structure with very high quality rajasthani engravings. It attracts huge crowds and is splendid and imposing structure in white.

How to get there?

Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis are available from various parts of the city.The adjascent railway station is at Howrah. Airport is also nearly connected.

Arunachal Pradhesh is one of the best place that is well known for its picturesque beauty. It is one of the remotest state in North east India. It is also known as ‘Land of the Dawn-lit-Mountains’ because it is the first Indian soil to greet the rising sun. It is the land of the rising sun for the entire subcontinent. It is the land of beautiful handicrafts with wide range of varieties. Arunachal Pradhesh is famous for its art and craft items. The trademark of Aruachal Pradhesh is their handicrafts and is very rare to find it elsewhere. Arunachal Pradesh is considered to be the “nature’s treasure trove”and home to orchids. There are about 25 important Bird Areas in Arunachal Pradesh. But the main economy of Arunachal Pradhesh is its Agricultural. Its untouched environment makes all the tourists attracted and makes it as one of their hot spots. Some of the beautiful places in Arunachal Pradhesh have been listed below.

1) Polo Park

One of the main attraction centre to all the tourist all around the world. Polo Park is a small botanical garden on a hillock in Naharlagun, Papum Pare District. It is famous for the cane thicknet, looks like a palm, with spines on its stems, but growing as a bush. This is the perfect place for all the trekkers and lots of adventures are filled here. There is also a small Zoo here. The interesting part here is that the working place of the Handicraft centres is located here itself where they trims the cane and forms into various shapes. Their skill should be approved and their dedication is very well applauded. It is with their skill ie their work like carved baskets,beautiful cane and bamboo work that the North-east excels.

How to reach there ?

The nearest airport is Lilabari and the nearest rail head is Silapathar.

2. Namdapha National Park

This park is the most famous wild life sanctuary in Arunachal Pradhesh. This park is dedicated to all the wildlife fans and wilderness. This will surely be a tremendous feel and one of the adventure experience for all. This is the only park in the world that the four of the great felines are seen. They are the tiger, the leopard, the snow leopard and the clouded leopard. This place is also good for Trekking and lots of adventures are hidden here. The area of this park is 200 to 4500 meters in Altitude. The best time for the visit of this place is between October to April.

How to reach there ?

Nearest airport Dibrugarh- 140 kms. and by rail the nearest railway station is Margherita which is connected with major cities of India. For the travel through road Dibrugarh is 140 kms and Tezu is 182 kms.

3. Bomdila

Bombdila is the beautiful city which is 8000 ft above sea level. It is very silent and calm. It is infested with an aura of Buddhist monastic charm. This is the place for all the mountain lovers and for all the trekkers. This will be an exciting journey for all the people and marks an adventure minded and an refreshing feel would be satisfied. The best time to visit this place is between April and October. One of the main attraction here is the Buddhist monastery. The most amazing scene of this place is to see thousands of orchids in the Orchid conservation sanctuaries.Its better to carry light woolens and a wind cheater for summer and heavy woolens and snow protection for winter.

How to reach there ?

From Kolkata, the simplest way to get to Bomdila is to first reach either Guwahati (1081 km from Kolkata) or Tezpur (1100 km) in Assam. You can fly or take a train to either city. From both Tezpur and Guwahati, there are public and private buses to Bomdila (160 km) and trains to Rangapara and Bhalukpong, 100 km from Bomdila.

4. Itanagar

Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradhesh. Itanagar is scattered with light, earthquake-proof, wooden-framed buildings balanced on the slopes of verdant hills. This place is surrounded by serene atmosphere and natural flora and fauna. This is the city that has natural beauty. One of the major drawback of this place is that there is only flight that can make yet to reach there. Tibetian culture dominates the region. The beautiful lake Ganga is only 6 kms from Itanagar. This adds up more beauty to the Intanagar.

How to reach there ?

Itanagar can be only reached through air. The nearest airport is in Lilabari, Assam, which is only 67 kms from Itanagar.

5. Pasighat

This is the oldest town of Arunachal Pradhesh. It is established in 1911. This is the headquarter of the East Siang district. This place is known as the “Gateway of the state of Arunachal Pradhesh”. Pashighat derives its name from the ‘Pasis’, a tribe of the area. The climate of Pashighat Arunachal Pradesh is hot and humid in summers and temperate during winters. The heart of Arunachal Pradhesh is the other representation for Pasighat. It is one of the central location int the state. This is the photographers paradise where they can take many number of beautiful shots. The sceneries are awesome and need no words to describe it.

How to reach there ?

The nearest airports are to Dibrugarh (Mohanbari), and Guwahati in Assam, helicopter (Pawan Hans) flights are available from Dibrugarh and Itanagar. And the nearest railway station is Murkong Selek, at a distance of 35 km, from Pasighat and buses or taxis are available there for the town.

6. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

Dibang is one of the few nature preserves around the world which are untouched from the modern civilization. 45 species of insects including moths and butterflies were documented between January to March 2000 during the period of tour. This place is located in the headquarters of the Upper Dibang Valley district in Arunachal Pradesh. Idu Mishmi tribes are inhabiting the surrounding area of this sanctuary. The main animals seen here in this sanctuary are musk deer, serow, takin, goral, black bear, red panda, leopard, monal tragopan, kalij and other pheasants, rare birds.

How to reach there ?

The nearest Airport is Dibrugarh which has regular flight connection to New Delhi and Kolkata by Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Sahara Airways. Pawan Hans Helicopter Service connects Anini to Itanagar. The nearest railway station is Tinsukia, from where you can pick a bus to the sanctuary. The roads are also well connected connected to Roing, the gate way to Dibang valley by regular bus and taxi service.

7.Namdapha

Namdapha is famous for its wild life sanctury, which has been declared as a national park. It is a few kilometers away from Miao. The park largely inaccessible, has diverse habitats and flora and fauna that are typical of this area. The main feature is that we can see red panda only here in India. The predators include the tiger, leopard, the rare snow leopard and clouded leopard in the higher reaches of the hills. The white winged wood duck a rare and endagered species, has been shelter in the park.

How to reach there ?

By Jeep and Gypsy from Miao.The nearest airport is Mohanbari (Dibrugarh, Assam). The bus stand is in Margherita( Tinsukia, Assam). The rails are also well connected that the nearest railway station is Margherita( Tinsukia, Assam).

8. The Buddhist Temple

This place is the pilgrim attraction centre and is well visited by all the tourists other than devotees. Its a new and yellow-roofed shrine. it rises in well-maintained grounds behind a stupa bearing the portrait of a monk. . At one side is a tree planted by his Holiness the Dalai Lama. The grounds of the temple afford a good view of Itanagar town.

How to get there?

The nearest Airport is Lilabari in Assam, 57 km from Nahariagun and 67 km from Itanagar. Nearest Railway station is Harrmoty in Assam. 23 km from Naharlagun and 33 km from ltanagar. The station is served by Arunachal Express.

9. Parashuram Kund

Parashuram Kund of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the major pilgrimage sites of the state. The tourism of Arunachal Pradhesh have been giving more importance to this state for all the pilgrims from various part of India and outside India. This place is visited mainly between November and February. The places like Tezu city, Glow lake, etc. attract many casual tourist and the place is good to see. It is a holy bathing place for all the Hindu Devotees.

How to reach there ?

It is accessible by air from Mohanbari, and rail and road from Tinsukia. Only foreign tourists with valid Protected Area Permit are permitted to enter.

10. Mayudia

This is located at a height of 2655m amidst lofty hills. The area is covered with dense green forest and the breathtaking landscapes add more beautiful to this place. The snow timings is from December to March. The white snow covered places is the trademark of this place and makes this place attractive to many tourists. Accommodation’s are to their best with the guest house overlooking the picturesque valley. We can see sprawling bears, fast running wild goats, flying squirrels, variety of birds and above all the famous Mishmi Takin. This will also be a wonderful experience for trekkers and lots of adventures are hidden here.

How to get there?

It is located at a distance of approximately 56 kms. from the District Headquarters, Roing in the Himalayas.