Paradise on earth...Kashmir

Gulmarg in winter

Gulmarg

Pahalgam

Sonmarg

Sun set at Dal lake 

Panoromic view if Srinagar

Dal Lake

Kashmir is the northwestern region of  India. Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range.A jewel of a destination in the country is Kashmir.You can start off the tour with your stay in the capital , Srinagar which is known for its vast Dal lake , shikara rides and exquisite gardens.You can obviously stay in an exquisite houseboat on Dal lake which makes this stay highly romantic.The markets of Srinagar offer a variety of refined crafts – from pashmina shawls, as light and soft as the breeze that blows across the Dal, to handwoven carpets, delicately carved woodwork. Srinagar is within comfortable driving distance from several popular sites. Horse-riding in Gulmarg, angling in the cold waters of the Lidder river at Pahalgam, the speldid beauty of Sonamarg are some of them.

1.Gulmarg- Gulmarg's legendary beauty makes it one of Asia's premier hill resort.It is not merely a mountain resort , but also a ski resort in winter when it is covered with snow.Skiing season starts basically around Christmas. Taking a Gondola(cable car) you can reach Khilanmarg from where you can see the Indo-Pak border.

2.Pahalgam-Known as valley of shepherds is mainly situated at the confluence of Sheshnag river and Lidder river.It is also known to be the last Indian village that is why you may also see some Pakistani flags around.Pahalgam is also associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year.

3.Sonmarg- The picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonmarg. Sonmarg is a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes.It is the gateway to Ladakh.Sonmarg is also known for trekking and hiking.

Modes of transport

Srinagar has an international airport and all major airlines operates here.Srinagar airport is 14 km from city.

By train you need to go to Jammu and then rent a car to Srinagar which is a real hectic 300 km journey.

Accomodation

Srinagar beaing a major tourist centre in the country has lots of hotel.Some of them are :- 

1. Hotel Sadaf. 

    PH. 0194 2457490

    Rs 900

2.Hotel Pine Grove

   PH. 0194 2472405

   Rs. 1500

3.Hotel Duke.

   PH. +91 9419011938 

   Rs. 2500

4.Heritage Houseboats

   PH. 0194 2421001

   Rs. 7000 

5.Privilege Houseboats

   PH. +91 9906710008  

   Rs. 3100,3500,4100

   945 2421001

Tigers rule here...Jayanti

Jayanti hills

Entrance to core forest

Jayanti is a small forest village within Buxa tiger reserve in West Bengal,India. It is located along the Jayanti river, forming a natural border with the Bhutan hills.River , hills and forest mixes together to beautify the place.It is also known for its century old forest bunglow .It is popular among trekkers for its beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and wild fountains.The 13 km trek from Buxaduar to Jayanti is especially popular, passing through the dense forest of the Buxa Tiger Reserve.

Jayanti also features a stalactite cave known as the Mahakal cave which is a 5 km trekking route from Jayanti.

Modes of transport

The nearest railway station is Rajabhatkhawa on the Alipurduar-NJP line.As well as there are several bus services.

Accomodation

1.Nature Hut. 

   PH.03561 286569,97341698849

   Rs 800,900

2.Green view.

    PH.03561 286710,9733454677

    Rs. 600,700

3.Banalata.

   PH.9434607393,9474416013

   Rs. 900,1400

4.Buxa valley resort

   PH.9051019831,9434043463

   Rs. 1200,2000

5.Rovers inn

   PH.03564 256567,9434754349

   Rs. 1000,1250,1500

Queen of hills

Toy train

Tiger hill

Darjeeling  is a popular hill station of West Bengal.It is renowned for the world famous Himalayan Railway.This famous toy train, the sunrise from the Tiger hill, fantastic open mall and obviously Tenzing Norgay mountaineering institute are the sights that attract bunch of tourists every season.Tourists can enjoy horse ride on the mall road.Zoological garden, Rock garden,Gangamaiya park, Batasia loop are also very attractive destination around there. Ghoom monastery,Rajbhaban,Lalkuthi and Ava art gallery are known to amaze every traveller.

Mode of Transportation  

The nearest rail station is New Jalpaiguri.From there rent a car or a bus or toy train to Darjeeling.From Sealdah you can travel by Darjeeling mail , Kanchunjengha express, Tista Torsa express towards New Jalpaiguri .Bagdogra is the nearest airport and similarly you can rent a car to Darjeeling.

Acomodation

There are lots of hotels ,lodges and holiday homes out there in Darjeeling.
1.Darjeeling Tourist Lodge, Ph. 2254412 (D)1080/- to3000/-
2. The Park Lane Ph. 2256902 (D) 1200/- to 1500/-
3.Roma Holiday Inn Ph. 2254354 (D) 1300/-, Suite 2300/-
4.Mount Meridian Ph. 2253591 (D) 950/- to 1500 

The Royal Bengal Tiger roars here...

The Royal Bengal Tiger

                                      Dense forest

  Sundarban is situated in the southern part of Bengal.This largest delta is a mixture of river, dense  forest and the great royal bengal tiger. The area of this forest in West Bengal is 9630 square km.There are 102 islands but people live in only 54 islands.The ideal travelling season is December and January.Tourists obviously visit Sudhanyakhali, Netidhopani, and Haliday island by launch. Kalas island is last island which is situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal.This tigers kingdom is a mixture of expedition and thrill .The natural beauty of Sundarban is dangerous.Though there are man eater royal bengal tigers but every tourists remain  impressed to see the the beauty of this heritage sight.

Mode of Transportation

1.Train- Caning local from Sealdah station.From Caning take launch and go to dockghat and then take rickshaw or auto or bus and go to Sonakhali.

2.Bus- From Babughat in Kolkata take a bus for Sonakhali .From Sonakhali go to Gosaba by motor boat.
 The West Bengal Tourism Department arranges the package tour for one night two days and two night three days.contact-Tourism Center, 3/2,B.B. D.Bag (East),Kol -1, Ph:22485168/8271.

Accomodation

1.Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge Pakhiralaya, Ph:(03218)214960 
2.Sunderban Tiger Camp 1N/2D 3300/- to 5500/- Kolkata Booking 32935749
3.Royal Sundarban Wild Resorts-Jharkhali,Ph. 9430075603  1N/2D-2700/- to3800/-

Next weekend you can be at Pedong

View of Pedong from Damsong fort

Pedong

Pedong is exactly situated on the old silk route that connected India and Tibet through Jelep La. This beautiful little hill station is one of the few in north Bengal which an avalanche of tourists has not managed to spoil.Exactly between the road connecting Kalimpong and Lava, there is a small locality called Algara from where a road breaks towards Sikkim.Around 7 km on this road is Pedong.You may also travel around Pedong in the nearby villages , and experience their lifestyles.Around 4 km from Pedong is a small amazing village Silerigaon about 6000 ft above sea level from where you can enjoy the magnificient view of Kanchenjunga.Tin Chuley is another hilltop around Pedong. It also provides a grand view of the forest-covered valley, the Kanchenjungha range, the towns of Sikkim, Jelep La and Nathu La.

Modes of transport

Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri and nearest airport is Bagdogra.From NJP you can hire a car to Pedong which is 97 km from there.

Accomodation

1.Silk Route Retreat. PH.9932828753,9547486509
D-Rs.880,Cottage-Rs1650

2.Pedong Holiday Resort.PH. 03552281535,281218,9932758187
Rs.600

3.Neel Pahari Resort.PH. 9635005365
D-Rs.950,T-Rs.950,F-Rs.1100

4.Rishi Eco Resort.PH. 9932744407,9932680170
D-Rs.1000,F-Rs.1200

Raw beauty of nature at Tajpur

Water sport

The sunset at Tajpur

TAJPUR  is a newly  discovered sea-beach in the southern part of Bengal near Digha.This beach is very clear clean and lonely now.The scene of sunrise and sunset are very beautiful from this beach.There are many crabs on the beach.Travellers can enjoy some water-sports there.This beach is really vergin still now because many travellers had not received news of this romantic spot so the natural beauty is still in place.
Mode of transportation

1.Railways- The nearest railway station is Ramnagar, also from Digha and Kanthi rail satation you can reach this spot.From three rail station you get rent a car.

2.Bus- Take bus from esplanade then reach alampur fishary stapage.From there you get rent a car.


Accomodation

1. Hotel Swapnapuri  Ph. 9932696841, AC 1500/-,  NAC 1000/-
2.Blue Lagoon , Ph. 9836251950,  AC 1800/- ,  NAC 1200/-, 1500/-
3.Tajpur Beach Resort , Ph. 9830818855 ,Tent 650/- , NAC 1050/-, AC 1750/-
4.Tajpur Retreat  NAC 1000/-, AC 1500/-  kolkata booking  9830271064, 9830253584