Sea resort, 132 km from Calcutta. It is an Ideal place for holiday and weekend trips. Accommodation: Bakkhali Tourist Lodge.

The city of Calcutta dates back to 1690, when an English merchant named Job Charnock established here the trade headquarters of the East India Company. In 1858, when Queen Victoria took over the administration of India from the East India Company Calcutta became the capital of the British India and remained to until 1912, when the capital was shifted to Delhi. Calcutta is the largest city of India.

Places of Interest:

1. Indian Museum: Situated on the corner of Sudder street and Chowringhee, the Indian museum was built in 1875. Its collection includes meteorites, fossils, stuffed animals Skeletons and arts collections. Open from 10.00 to 17.00 hrs. Monday closed.

2. Maidan & Octherlony Monuments: Devid Octherlony monuments renamed as Shahid Minar, is 48 meters high column tower over northern end of the maidan. Maidan is 3 km by 1 km. Minar was erected in 1828 and named after Sir David Octherlony, who was credited with winning the Nepal was (1814-16). Permission to ascend is issued by the Police Head Quarters, Lal Bazaar.

3. Fort William: Built between 1758 to 1781. It is permanent Army base.

4. Rabindra Sarobar: Park and picnic spot with a central lake. It has rowing club, a public swimming pool and Rabindra Sport Stadium.

5. Victoria Memorial Hall & Museum: Victoria memorial is a huge white marble-faced museum, opened in 1921. It contains portraits, statues and busts of almost all the main participants in British Indian history, superb water colour of Indian landscapes and buildings made by traveling Victorian artists.

6. Birla Planetarium: One of the largest planetariums in the world. Astronomical shows from 11.30 to 8.00 P.M. closed on Monday.

7. Kali Temple: Built in 1809, the Kali temple is an ancient center of Hindu pilgrimage. Open from Sunrise to 20.00 hrs. Foreigners are not allowed inside the temple.

8. Zoo: Situated at Alipore, opposite to National Library. It was opened from the public in 1876. Aquarium, in the front of zoo. Zoo is open from 8.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs.

9. National Library: Situated at Alipore, opposite to zoo. It is the largest library in India with a collection of more than one million books. Open to scholars 8.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

10. Marble Palace: The marble palaces is situated on Muktaram Babu street, off. Chittaranjan Avenue. It has the collection of Curios statues and paintings. Open from 10.00 to 16.00 hrs. Monday and Thursday closed. Entry permits are issued from State Tourist Office.

11. Nehru Children's Museum: Located at the crossing of Jawaharlal Nehra Road and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road. Collections include puppets depicting the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, toys and dolls, as well as an elementary science gallery. Open form 12.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs. Closed on Mondays. Entry fee Rs.00.25/- for children and Rs.00.50/- for elders above 12 years.

12. Shavetambar Jain Temple: Built in 1857 and dedicated to Sheetalnathaji, 10^th Jain Tirthankar. The temple is decorated with mirrors, colour stones and glass mosaics. Open from 6.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 15.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs.

13. Howrah Bridge: (Rabindra Setu): A miracle of engineering skill, the Howrah Bridge is a huge cantilever bridge supported by two piers 270 ft high from the road level. The span of the bridge between the piers is 1500 ft, while the total distance between the two sheet anchors is 2115 ft. There are eight vehicular ways and two footpaths on the 71 feet wide bridge.

14. Balur Math: 10 km from Calcutta and 3 km from Dakshineswar Temple across the river Ganga, is the headquarters of the Ramkrishana Mission, Belur Math had founded by Swami Vivekanand, follower of Ramkrishna, and philosopher, who preached the unity of all religions. The main temple dedicated to Ramakrishna Paramhansa is a magnificent temple with remarkable architectural specialties. The Vivekanand temple has been built in memory of Swami Vivekanand, his great disciple. Open from 6.30 to 11.00 and 16.00 hrs to 19.30 hrs.

15. Dakshineswar Temple: 3 km from Belur Math, 12 km from city center, this temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. There are also 12 Shiva temples and temple of Radhakrishna at Dakshineswar.

Excursion:

1. Diamond Harbor: 48 km south of Calcutta, Diamond Harbor is a place of scenic beauty and an ideal picnic spot by the side of the river Ganga.

2. Bakkhali: Sea resort, 132 km from Calcutta. It is an Ideal place for holiday and weekend trips. Accommodation: Bakkhali Tourist Lodge.

It is the exotic and enchanting Himalayan hill resort, accessible by air, road and rail. It is situated at an altitude of 2134 km. (7,000 ft) above the sea level. The town lies on the spur projecting northwards from the Ghoom - Senchal Ridge. Its commanding position enables one to get an unparalleled view of the majestic Himalayan panorama with the snowy peak of Kanchenjungha towering above it.

Thrilling Rail journey in the 'Toy Train' from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, often crisis - crossing the car road and passing through bazaars and along wayside shops and restaurants. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station near Siliguri, is 8 km away from Bagdogra Airport. The Batasia Loop near Darjeeling town is claimed to be a marvelous feat of engineering.

Darjeeling is famous for its colourful people. There are the Gorkhas of Eastern Nepal settled here. The Tibetan - Lamas in yellow robes and women in striped aprons, ornaments and brocades, Gurungs from Western Nepal tending goats and cattle; fair skinned Sikkimese, Bhutias and Lepchas and Dukpas of Bhutan, and people from the plains doing trade and business in a friendly atmosphere.

Among the artistic crafts, ornaments, trinkets and handlooms are worth mentioning.

Darjeeling is a plant lovers' paradise. Four thousand species of flowering plants, three hundred varieties of ferns including the rare tree fern and countless types of flowerless plants; Mosses Algae, Fungi, Lichens and above all prized orchids wild and cultivated.

Places of Interest:

1. Lloyd Botanic Gardens: This gardens opened in 1865 have a representative collection of the flora of Sikkim Himalayas. The gardens have a spacious Orchid House, where more than 2,000 species of orchids are kept.

2. Natural History Museum: The Museum is within walking distance from Darjeeling mall or Chowrasta. This interesting museum, founded in 1915 contains a comprehensive collection of mammals, birds, fish, butterflies and reptiles of this region as well as of other parts of India.

3. Art Gallery: About 2 km from Darjeeling on way to Ghoom, Ava Art Gallery contains a fine collection of art and embroidery work. In saint's Himalayan Art Gallery there is a good collection of colourful portraits of hill people and excellent landscape paintings.

4. Observatory Hill: The Observatory hill near the Mall commands a magnificent view of Kanchenjungha range. Hindus and Buddhists alike attach great religious importance to this place.

5. Dhirdham Temple: Situated just below the Darjeeling Railway Station. This temple was built in 1930, on the style of the famous Pashupatinath Temple at Katmandu in Nepal. It is the only shrine of its kind in India and is unique for the beauty of its architecture in the Nepali style.

6. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: About 3 km from the Mall is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The Institute promotes the science and art of mountaineering and has a precious museum containing interesting collection of mountaineering equipment and specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna along with a relief model of the Himalayas.

7. Zoological: Adjacent to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, this park has a collection of high altitude fauna including the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Deer, Panda and a bird collection.

8. Botanical Gardens: Located near market, these gardens contain Himalayan plants, flowers and orchids. (Open from 6.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs.)

9. Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Rope - way: This is India's first passenger rope way situated 3 km from the Mall, at North point. This 8-km long ropeway links Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar, a beautiful picnic and fishing spot.

10. Lebang Race Course: About 8 from the Mall, this one of the smallest and the highest race courses in the world. Races are held during spring and autumn seasons.

11. Tiger Hill: This hilltop is just 11 km from Darjeeling town. From this one point one can see the mighty peaks of Mount Everest and Kanchenjungha, hidden in the obscurity of the early dawn slowly emerge into view as they catch the crimson rays of the rising sun. It is an unforgettable spectacle.

    The nine-hole Golf Course at Senchal is one of the highest in the world. The tiger Hill Tourist Lodge is also situated near the Golf Course.

12. Handicraft center: Tibetan Refugee Self-help center was established in 1959 to help rehabilitate Tibetan refugees, who fled here with the Dalai Lama, following the Chinese invasion. The center produces superb carpets, woolens, wood - carvings and leather works. It has various Tibetan curious for sale. One can watch the work in progress in the workshops.

13. Curia Shops: The majority of these shops are located on Chowrasta and along Nehru Road. They sales tankas, brass statues religious objects, jewelry, woven fabrics, carpets etc.

Excursion:

1. Sandakphu: (58 km) this place offers unique opportunity for a glorious view of the towering Himalayan peaks. Sandakphu is a green tableland on the spurs of the Singhaleela Range at an altitude of 3,657 meters (12,000 ft) the highest point in the Darjeeling District. In April-May, this green plateau is covered with flowers of vivid hues.

2. Ghoom: 6 km away from Darjeeling, Ghoom is at an altitude of 2,438 meters (7,407 ft). The renowned Buddhist Monastery situated here enshrines an enormous gilded 4.57 meters (15 ft) high statue of seated Maitreya Buddha. Palm-lead and paper manuscripts in the Tibetan language are preserved in dark interior of the sanctum sanctorum. In this monastery worship is conducted by the yellow sect of Lamaism.

   The Bhutia Basti Monastery, situated below Chowrasta, is belongs to Red sect of Lamaism.

   Tamang Gompa is a monastery for the Nepali Buddhists, built in 1926. It is situated at the Tamang Buddhist monastery Road about 5 minutes walk from the Chowk Bazaar.

3. Kurseong: (32 km). Picturesque Kurseong is situated at and altitude of 1,458 meters (4,869 ft) above the sea level. On a clear day, there is a sweeping view of the plains, of Bengal. Kurseong is a charming health resort. Dow Hill, with its garden, only 5 km from Kurseong, is a place of unforgettable charm.

4. Kalimpong: Kalimpong is a quiet hill resort, situated at an altitude of 1,250 meters (4,100 ft). It is 51 km from Darjeeling.

   The view of the Himalayan ranges from the summit of Durbindara is excellent. A visit to Kalimpong Market, held every Wednesday and Saturday, is interesting for the souvenir hunters. The arts and crafts center has superb collection of exquisite and artistic local handicrafts.

5. Mirik: (49 km from Darjeeling, 52 km from Siliguri and 55 km form Bagdogra). This hill resort is at an altitude of 1767 meters, as a 1.25-km long lake, which is fed by perennial streams. There is a floating fountain in the middle of the lake; one can enjoy a boat-ride in the lake. The new One-day Center overlooks a lake with boating facilities.

6. Takdah: (26 km). Situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters (6,000 ft). Takdah is a quite little settlement on the road from Ghoom to Tista Bazaar. Six km from Takdah, is the Lopchu Garden (altitude 1.706 meters or 5,500 ft) which grows the best-flavored tea in the world.

Several nurseries of Takdah's, which culture and hybridize Himalayan orchids, and find buyers in many countries.

Air: Nearest Airport is at Bagdogra (85 km)

Bus: Regular buses to Siliguri, Sandakphu, Ghoom, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik, and Takdah.

48 km south of Calcutta, Diamond Harbor is a place of scenic beauty and an ideal picnic spot by the side of the river Ganga.

Digha is a beach resort with a 6-km long flat hard beach. It's sea is clam and shallow for about a 1.6 km (1 mile) from the beach, making it quite safer for swimming.

Accommodation:

1. Digha Tourist Lodge.

2. Saikatabas

3. Tourist cottages

4. Anandam

5. Rest House of Digha Welfare Society

6. Other Private Hotels Bela Niwas, Nilachal, Champa Saudha, Cafeteria, Sea View Lodge, Sea Hawk.

Air: Nearest Airport is at Calcutta (187 km)

Rail: nearest Railway Station is the Khadagpur (123 km).

Bus: Regular buses to Calcutta, Khadagpur, Burdwan, Durgapur, Asansol, Suri, and Bankura.

Gour City situated at the junction of the Ganga and Mahananda rivers and few km from Malda Town was once completely fortified. During the region of Sen dynasty, in the 12^th century A. D. Gour became known all over India as a seat of learning of art and culture. Most of the monuments in Gour today are the remains of Muslim period and a number of them are constructed with material taken from Hindu Temples.

Places of Interest:

1. Baroduari (Bara - Sona Masjid): Sultan Nasrat Shah in 1526 A. D erected this massive rectangular building of bricks.

2. Dakhil Darwajah: This main gate way to the fort was probably built in early 15^th century. Its four corner are topped with 5 storied high towers.

3. Chika Mosque: This single domed edifice with Hindu idols featured on the stonework of doors and lintels, is in an obliterated condition.

4. Eklakhi Mausoleum: This is the most elegant monuments in Pandua, built in 1412-15 A. D. It contains a Hindu idol carved on the front door lintel.

5. Malda Museum: It has a collection of stone images and coins and inscriptions retrieved from the ruins of Gour and Pandua.

Air: Nearest Airports are at Calcutta (338 km) and Bagdogra (186 km)

Rail: nearest Railway Station is the Malda.

Bus: Regular buses to Malda.

This sanctuary is one of the last refuges in the world of the one-horned rhino, an animal threatened with extinction. At Jaldapara the forest is mainly Savannah. The viewing is from the back of an elephant. Experienced scouts lead the visitors to the exact spots in the wilderness, where a rhino, a tiger or a herd of deer may be sheltering on the day and at that hour. The deer are varies Sumbar, Barking Deer, and spotted Deer and of course hog deer.

Accommodation: Travelers' Haven, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Madarihat, and Jalpaiguri.

Tourist Center, Mallbazaar, Mal Jalpaiguri.

Air: Nearest Airports are Bagdogra (130 km) and Gauhati (356 km)

Rail: Nearest Railway Station is the Hasimara (16 km).