glimpses

Holiday Destinations :: North Bengal

Corronation BridgeThe snow capped mountain peaks, the dense foothill, the luxuriant forests, the frothing rivers, the lush paddy fields makes north Bengal Kalimpong, Mirik, Kurseong, Darjeeling and Dooars a hotbed of bio - diversity. North Bengal consist of the town of Malda the land of history, Siliguri a trading center, Jalpaiguri the headquarter of Dooars, Cooch Behar the land of King. We are based in Siliguri in the district of Darjeeling. Siliguri is the gateway to the whole of north east India. Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Tibet and China have their International trading route through Siliguri. Ideally located and well connected by (Bagdogra International Airport (IXB), Railways with New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) and Siliguri Town Station and by Roadways Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus. National Highway No. 31 passes through this town and it is further branched to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Dooars, Guwahati, Cooch Behar, etc. National Highway is also the part of the road connecting Bhutan to Nepal. The major destinations of the region are internationally famous rather Siliguri developed due to the development of these destinations. This region is subjected to further development due to the improvement of infrastructure and the commercial growth of the area. The main reason for its growth is its strategic location.

 

Darjeeling

Internationally famous for its Orthodox tea estates and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town of Darjeeling is the headquarters of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India it used to be the summer capital during the British period in India. Darjeeling is bordered by Sikkim in the north, Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. Darjeeling town, Kalimpong and Kurseong are the major tourist as well as activity centers. It is situated in the Shiwalik Hills on the lower range of the Himalaya at an average elevation of 6,982 feet / 2,128 meters. Lloyd's Botanical Garden has rare species of flora, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park conserve and breed endangered Himalayan species are worth visiting. Snow fall is added attraction during winters. Though visited during summer yet the rush nowadays are throughout the year. Some of the major places of Interests are

  • Tiger hill
  • Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
  • Sunrise at Ghoom
  • Darjeeling Mall
  • Ghoom Monastery
  • Batasia Loop
  • Dhirdham
  • Bhutia Busty monastery
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
  • Lloyd's Botanical Garden
  • Japanese Peace Pagoda
  • Rocky Island
  • Padmaja Naidu Zoological park
  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
  • Ava Art Gallery

Its beauty can be seen in many of the Hindi movies shot here. Nearby places of Interest are Kurseong, Kalimpong, Sandakphu, Mirik, Tinchuley, Sukhipokhari, Chitrey, Peshok etc.

Kalimpong

Is a sleepy heritage town situated at an altitude of nearly 1200 meters some 55 kilometers east of Darjeeling and nearly 90 kilometers north of Siliguri. In historical times this was the hub for silk route trade India, China and Tibet via the Jelep La pass on the Sikkim China / Tibet border. Some places of Interests are

  • Kalimpong Arts and Craft Center
  • Nurseries
  • Grahams Home
  • Tharpa Choling Monastery
  • Thongsa (Bhutan) Monastery
  • Dharmodaya Vihar
  • Parnami Mandir
  • Mangal Dham
  • Durpin Dara
  • Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang
  • Delo View Point

Nearby places of interest are many like Lava, Ghanti Dara and Tiffin Dara, Lava Monastery, Nature Interpretation Centre, Lolaygaon, Heritage forest with canopy walk, Rishyap, Raliekhola, Samthar valley, Neora Valley reserve are all places with scenic beauty and offers its traveler the view of the mighty Himalayan range on a clear day. Kali Mandir and Chitra Bhavan are also places of interest in Kalimpong.

Kurseong

Literally means the land of white orchids is half way to Darjeeling from Siliguri and is 45 kilometers from either Darjeeling or Siliguri. The major places to visit are Eagle's Crag which has a park from where the magnificent views of Khangchendzonga on one side and the southern plains on the other can be seen and enjoyed. Dow Hill has a forest museum, Deer Park a water reservoir, all set among the forest of moss laden conifers and Chimney, a beautiful spot. Places to visit in and around Kurseong are Deer Park, Forest Museum, Giddhapahar Mandir, Shiv Mandir, Makaibari Tea Estate, Saint Mary’s Hill, Dowhill, Baggaura, Netaji Kothi, Kunsamnamdoling Monastery and chimney. One can also enjoy the new sector of Tea tourism in Makaibari Tea estate and in Cochrane palace. Few hours trek can be organized and one can also enjoy the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways from here.

Mirik

This is a small hamlet nearly an hours drive from Siliguri. Situated at an elevation of nearly 1767 meters. A small hill resort easily accessible from Siliguri, Kurseong or Darjeeling and is centered on the Sumendu Lake. Boating under the shadow of mount Khangchendzonga makes for a most leisurely holiday. Rameetay Dara, Deosi Dara view points nearby. Tea gardens are trip to Pashupati market in Nepal are two of the favourite past times of all tourist. The famous trek of Sandakphu originates from Maneybhanjan the base camp for trekking close to Mirik. Places of interest are Sandakphu, Falut, Tonglu, Gauribas, Palmazua and Kalopokhori which are all assessable from Maneybhanjan. Jorepokhori, Lepchajagat and Sukhiapokhri are also nearby and can be assessed from Mirik as well as Darjeeling. The road to Darjeeling via Mirik is picturesque and is traversed by many.