Miscellaneous

Planetarium at Ambala is among country's first planetariums, established in the 1950s. The planetarium was dDesigned by Pandit Jagannath Sharma who was, a spearhead in the scientific instruments manufacturing industry. One of a kind, tThe dome structure of the planetarium grabs attention. of visitors.

Known as 'Chitra';, the highlight of the planetarium is the exhibition of sky visualsappearance across northern zone from any given latitude, and at any time of the year. with clarity. It also projectsed 12 zodiac signs, 27 constellations and 400 stars, including 20 bright stars at their exact magnitude and location. The planetarium also features gear system of steel, gun metal and aluminium alloy for keeping a check on the movement of the globe.

Air Force Base in Ambala, an inherited British airbase, is one of the oldest and largest airbases of Indian Air Force. The airbase played a vital role in 1947-48 Kashmir Operations, when Spitfires and Harvards were operated from the base.

Over the years, Air Force Base has housed various aircrafts like Vampires, B-57, Hunters and Ouragans. At the moment, the airbase houses MiG-21 Bisons and 7-Wing with squadrons of Jaguars like No. 5, No. 14 and No. 23.

The Flying Instruction School (FIS) was established at the base in 1948, but was resituated to Tambaram in Chennai in 1954 due to Pakistan warfare. War memorial was dedicated to aircrew whothat lost their lives in war and flying missions from the airfield, known as 'Jatt Di Pasand' is a major highlight of the base.

Aravali Golf Course is situated on the main Delhi-Agra Road (National Highway–2). This golf course lies on the foothills of the Aravali mountain range, in the state of Haryana. The nine-hole golf course covers an extensive area of around 67 acres.

Both Indian and foreign travellers can participate in the annual golf tournament held here. This golf course has restaurants, bars, billiards, a club house and a conference hall. Situated 30 km from New Delhi, tourists can easily reach the golf course by car or taxi.

Nahar Singh Cricket Stadium, having a seating capacity of more than 25,000 spectators, was constructed in 1981. It features 6 centre pitches, 3 practice pitches and an advanced pavilion having a suite of 200 seats.

The stadium also houses a box for media, press box, umpire room, commentator box, president box, restaurant and billiards room. Within the stadium, visitors can also find a health club, card room, an outdoor tennis court and a coffee shop. In addition, there is parking space outside the stadium on the north side, which has nine stands and an office.

Popularly known as the Ropeway, the Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car is India's oldest passenger ropeway and connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar at the bottom of the valley.

The renovated cable car terminal station is about 3 km north of the town and is situated at what is known as the North Point, near the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Floating high above the lush green valley, the cable car that is supported on a monocable covers a distance of about 2 km and takes about half an hour to reach the Takavar tea estate.

Dating back to 1915 the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre was set up to give refuge to the Tibetans who fled to India during the Tibet China war. Following the historic event of Dalai Lama’s escape, he was followed by hundreds of Tibetans. This centre was mainly set up for their rehabilitation by the Indian Government. Employment and educational institutes were created for the refugees within the centre.

The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is one of the top places in Darjeeling to pick up souvenirs and gift items. The store inside the campus has on display a wide array of handcrafted items from artifacts to woolen garments, and show pieces.

One of the nicest things to do while in Darjeeling is to pull over at one of the tiny tea shacks that dot the hillside and wrap your chill hands around a hot cup of tea as you survey the spectacular rolling hills with its beautiful tea gardens.

Connoisseurs consider Darjeeling Tea to be one of the finest in the world especially in terms of aroma and delicacy of taste. Once drunk by the tribals of the hills, tea is today India’s most popular beverage and is fast catching on as a popular refresher the world over. If you are fond of your morning ’cuppa chah’, you would love a tour of the Happy Valley tea garden.

If you are at Siliguri, you might want to make a quick trip to the majestic Sevoke Coronation Bridge.

Built in 1941 to mark the coronation of King George VI, The Bridge is considered among the best architectural wonders in the country. The Bridge spans the mighty River Teesta at the confluence with its tributary, the Rangeet and stretches from Siliguri to Kalihora.

The 20 km drive from Siliguri is well worth it as the Coronation Bridge gives you a breathtaking view of River Teesta below and the tall green mountains on both sides.

The beautiful Rajpur Tea Gardens is one of the places on the tourist's itinerary in Jalpaiguri and is an absolute must see. On a clear day, you will be able to see the snowcapped peaks of the mighty Kanchenjunga in the distance.

Flower Nurseries are in abundance in Kalimpong, as the place is famous for cultivation of horticultural plants. These flower nurseries are engaged in exporting beautiful and exotic flowers. It is the only place in entire West Bengal where a number of commercial flower nurseries are located.