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Mayapur

State

Mayapur is located on the banks of the Ganges river, at the point of its confluence with the Jalangi, near Navadvip. It is The Head Quarters of ISKCON and is considered a holy place by a number of other traditions within Hinduism, but is of special significance to followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism as the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, regarded as a special incarnation of Krishna in the mood of Radha. It is visited by over a million pilgrims annually.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Mayapur is Kolkata International airport and is placed at a distance of about 120 km from Mayapur. Pre-paid taxi services are available from airport to Mayapur city. ISKCON Mayapur runs taxi services Prabhupada Travels for devotees. Taxi fare is about Rs 1400.. Kolkata is well connected to all major airports in India and also major cities abroad.

Rail: Nearest major railheads are at Howrah and Burdwan. From both stations taxi services are available to Mayapur. People coming from Vrindavan by train can get down at Burdwan and use taxi to reach Mayapur. Others can get down at Howrah and avail taxi services to reach Mayapur.

Road: Bus services connect Mayapur with other cities in the state. Regular bus services are available from Howrah, Kolkata and Burdwan to Mayapur.

District
Nadia
Location
130km north of Calcutta
STD Code
03472

Mirik

State

Mirik is a picturesque tourist spot nestled in the serene hills, free from hustle bustle and pollution. The name Mirik comes from the Lepcha words Mir-Yok meaning "place burnt by fire". The hill town, enveloped by flowers and forests, has plenty of orange orchards, tea estates and cardamom plantations. It is a peaceful place.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport Bagdogra, about 55 km from Mirik

Rail: Nearest rail-heads are Ghoom-41 km, Darjeeling-49km and Siliguri-52km

Road: Connected to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Kurseong by road on the following routes:

Mirik-Hilay-Bhanjang-Pashupati Fatak-Simana-Sukhiapokhri-Ghoom-Darjeeling-49 km.
Mirik-Soureni-Phuguri-T.E.-Gaya-baree T.E-Dudey Garidhura-Khaprail-Siliguri-52 km.
Mirik-Garidhura-Longview T.E.-Makaibari T.E. Kurseong-46 km (Jeepable)

Accommodation

The Swiss cottages of Mirik are also good place to stay. These are also called the Motels.
Orange Country Retreat (Deluxe)
Hotel Park (Standard)

District
Darjeeling
Location
55 km from Siliguri and around 50 km from Darjeeling

Navadwipa

State

Nabadwip,also referred to as the 'Oxford of Bengal', was earlier located on the eastern bank of Bhagirathi, along with the rest of the Nadia district. However, as Bhagirathi River changed its course, the city shifted to its western bank. It comprises of 9 islands: Antardwip (Sri Mayapur), Simantadwip, Rudradwip, Madhyadwip, Godrumdwip, Ritudwip, Jahnudwip, Modadrumdwip, and Koladwip. is visited by thousands of pilgrims belonging to Gaudiya Vaishnavism every year, on the occasion of Sri Navadvipa-mandala Parikrama. It is a famous temple town with about 185 temples in and around.

History

Nabadwip was the capital of Ballal Sen and later Lakshman Sen, the famous rulers of the Sena Empire, who ruled from 1159 to 1206.[2] In 1202, Nabadwip was captured by Bakhtiyar Khilji. This victory paved the way for Muslim rule in Bengal.[3] Nabadwip and Nadia were great centres of learning and intellectual prowess. For five centuries, it was referred to as “Oxford of Bengal”.[4] Chaitanyadeb (1486–1533) who was born at prachin mayapur (which is now under the river bhagarati),?? spent many years at Nabadwip.[5]
The Holy Birth Place of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is known as "Gour Gangar Desh" as well as " Oxford of Bengal". We are proud for Srichaitanyadeb, Krishnanda Agambagish, Basudeb Sarbobhouma etc. The religious atmosphere of Nabadwip is a combination of Baishnaba, Shakta, Buddha, Saiba due to the aforesaid leaders, Pal Monarchy, Sen Monarchy etc. The main festival of Nabadwip is "RASH UTSAV". It is also known as "Pat Purnima" or "Rash Kali Puja" or "Shakta Rash". The varieties of Baishnaba, Shakta, Saiba Pratima (Idols) attracts every one. The Rash Utsav is like national festival of the inhabitants of Nabadwip.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Navadvipa is Kolkata International airport and is placed at a distance of about 130 km from Navadvipa. Pre-paid taxi services are available from airport to Navadvipa city. Taxi fare is about Rs 1500 to 2000. Kolkata is well connected to all major airports in India and also major cities abroad.

Rail: Navadvipa terminal is well connected to other major railheads through Howrah Junction. The railway station is located well within the city limits. Many local and express trains touch Navadvipa railway station. One can reach Navadvipa from Howrah in Janasatabdi express having a running time of about 2 hours.

Road: Navadvipa is well connected by state owned transport bus services. Regular transport bus services are available from Kolkata and Howrah. Travelers can get luxury buses from Kolkata to Navadvipa regularly.

District
Nadia
STD Code
03472
Best time to visit
October to March

Sagar Island

State

Sagar Island lies on the continental shelf of Bay of Bengal is a religious spot for Hindu pilgrims. This island is the holy confluence point of river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal. The place is also famous for the Kapil Muni temple near the beach, where people worship after taking a holy dip in the river. The island is also the home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger and also rich in mangrove swamps, waterways and small rivers. The ritual of taking a dip in this water on Makar Sankranti is considered auspicious. Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair is the second largest congregation of mankind after the holy Kumbha Mela.

History

The place is primarily important for its temple of the great saint Kapil Muni who according to myth was Vishnu, had taken birth as per the wish of Kardam muni as his son. It is told that Kardam had to go through a marital life as per the direction of Vishnu but he agreed in a condition that Vishnu has to take birth as his son and as per this condition Vishnu had taken birth as his son and he was Kapil Muni-one of the great saint of Hindu religious mythology. Kapil Muni’s hermitage was present at the place of the present day Gangasagar. His mythological story is related with the bringing of Ganga – the sacred river, in this place. In the myth it is told that once during his religious austerity King Sagar’s (the King of Ikshashu Vansh of Ayodhya) 60000 sons came down to the place of his hermitage in search of their father’s sacrificial horse and found it there at that place.
In fact the horse was stolen by Devraj Indra and it was hidden by him at Patal beside Kapil’s hermitage. Sagar’s sons blamed him for the stealing of that and interrupted in his religious meditation.Then the saint became very angry and his blaze of anger came out of his eyes which burnt all the 60000 sons of the King Sagar into ashes and consigned their souls to hell until Sagar’s grandson whose name was Bhagirath brought down the Ganga- Vishnu’s wife as per the direction of the Saint-Kapil from heaven.With the touch of holy water of Ganga all 60000 sons were released from the curse and liberated their souls. Cognitive view of the local people is that
Ganga in this place is known as Sagar and the point of junction of the river and the sea at the Sagar island is the celebrated seat of Hindu pilgrims (Maity, 2001). It is told that Sagar King’s sons were liberated from curse on the day of Makar Sankranti (Saha, 1999).Due to this the day became a very auspicious day to the Hindu pilgrims. On that day pilgrims from all over India come to take bath in the Gangasagar to get rid of all the sins and simultaneously to earn virtue. They also offer puja to the great saint-Kapil in his temple which is run
by the Ramanandi saints of the Hanuman garhi of Ayodhya. Initially one of the zamindars of the then Sagardwip—Jaduram migrated from Midnapur appointed a priest from that group ofthe temple. According to them as the myth is related with Ayodhya and with the forefathers of Ram, it is their claim that they are the actual owner of the temple. During the time of holy bathing ceremony a large fair is held which is known as
Gangasagar Mela. Except this great festival it is observed that throughout the year people come to visit the place primarily during different festive and ritual occasions and sometimes even when there is no such occasion.the temple. According to them as the myth is related with Ayodhya and with the forefathers of
Ram, it is their claim that they are the actual owner of the temple. During the time of holy bathing ceremony a large fair is held which is known as Gangasagar Mela. Except this great festival it is observed that throughout the year people come to visit the place primarily during different festive and ritual occasions and sometimes even when there is no such occasion.

Accessibility

Air:

Rail:

Road: From Calcutta to Namkhana by bus (105)kms.Namkhana to Chemaguri by launch across the river Muriganga from Chamaguri to Gangasagar by bus (10kms.) One may cross the Muriganga from Herwood Point (lot no. 8) near Kakdip to Kaachubrie also.Kakdwip is 85 kms. from lot No. ',to Kachuberia and bus service from Kechuberia to Gangasagar(30kms)

Accommodation

For accommodations, are too many places to choose from in South Sagar. Some are named below. In the time of Sagar Mela or the Fair, the number of accommodation increases drastically with temporary camps/hutments from many commercial and non commercial organizations. It is advisable to book your accommodation prior to go to Sagar Island in the time of Sagar Mela. If you bring your own mattress and sleeping bag you'll will find a shelter in any way, though.

The following organizations provide shelter for tourist and pilgrims round the year:
State Youth Hostel- Charge for a Double bed room with attached bath is Rs. 100 per day. Check in time is at 12 noon. (Booking can be done in Directorate of Youth Services, 32/1, B.B.D. Bag (South), Calcutta - 700001. Ph: +91-33 2248 0626.)
Bharat Sevashram Sangha and a couple of other ashrams: they usually offer accommodation and meals for free (they are oriented to pilgrims), but would expect a donation.
Larica Sagar (Tourist Lodge), Telephone +91 3210 240226-227.

Attractions

Gangasagar Mela
Gangasagar Mela is the largest fair celebrated in West Bengal. This fair is held where the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal form a nexus. Hence the name Gangasagar Mela.

The river Ganga which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains at Haridwar, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites such as Benares and Prayag, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. Sagar Island, at the mouth of the river Hooghly in Bengal (accessed from Diamond Harbor), where the Ganga breaks up into hundreds of streams, and drains into the sea, is honored as a pilgrimage site.

A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga drains into the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius and this town becomes home to vast fairs, drawing visitors and recluses from all over the state.

There is a common belief among the locals that the girls who take the holy dip get handsome grooms and the boys get beautiful brides. When they are done with the ritual obligations, they head towards the Kapilmuni Temple situated nearby, to worship the deity as a mark of respect.

District
South 24 Parganas
Location
lies on the continental shelf of Bay of Bengal about 150 km (80 nautical miles) south of Kolkata.

Shantiniketan

State

Shantiniketan, literally means "Abode of Peace", is a small town famous for the world renowned Vishwa Bharati University, maintaining Indian traditions while incorporating the best of other cultures. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore formed Shantiniketan as an International University and intended it to be a place where the cultures of the East and the West could meet and mingle. It was here that Rabindranath Tagore indited many of his literary classics.

History

Santiniketan was previously called Bhubandanga (named after Bhuban Dakat, a local dacoit), and owned by the Tagore family. Rabindranath's father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, found it very peaceful and renamed it Santiniketan, which means abode (niketan) of peace (shanti). It was here that Rabindranath Tagore started Patha Bhavan the school of his ideals, whose central premise was that learning in a natural environment would be more enjoyable and fruitful.

Accessibility

Air: Kolkata International airport is the nearest aerodrome to Santiniketan. Kolkata is about 210 km from Santiniketan. Taxi fare from airport to Santiniketan is about Rs 4000. Kolkata is well connected by air to all major airports in India and also connected to many major cities in India.

Rail: Bolpur is the nearest railway station to Santiniketan, which is just 2 km away. Bolpur is connected to Kolkata by express trains. All major cities in India are connected to Bolpur via Kolkata railhead.

Road: State owned buses connect nearest cities with Santiniketan. Many tourist service providers arrange package tours by A/C deluxe buses to Santiniketan from Kolkata and Guwahati. They charge about Rs 4 per km in these A/C luxury buses.

Shopping

A rural development center, Sriniketan is located at a distance of few minutes’ drive from Shantiniketan. You will find the locals creating a variety of stunning handicrafts like colorful batiks, intricate embroidery on saris, scarves, and bags, and terra-cotta items such as jewelry. A visit to this place will surely mesmerize you and leave you bewildered while choosing a few of those beautiful and exclusive crafts items.

Attractions

Briksharopan
Planting of saplings and Halakarshan, ploughing of fields on 22nd &23 Sravana (August).

Khoai Mela: It is a fair conducted on every saturday in Santhiniketan. It starts in the very early morning 4'o clock. All types of household items, handicrafts, artifacts, clothes and other tradable items are sold here. Locals throng this mela to have a valued purchase. This is a worth place to visit.

Poush Mela
Just in case you are visiting Shantiniketan in December, do not forget to miss out the Poush Mela that lasts for three days from December 22 to 25. The town’s biggest festival, you can indulge yourself into a variety of traditional Bengali handicrafts and bric-a-brac like jewelry, leather goods and batik prints. Watch out for live performances by singers, dancers and bauls (wandering minstrels) singing their unique folk songs.

Rabindra Janmotsab
Though the birthdate of Rabindranath falls on May 8/9, the anniversary as well as the Bengali New Year is celebrated on the first day of the Bengali New Year (mid April).

District
Birbhum
Location
180 kilometres north of Kolkata
STD Code
03463
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
University town and a centre of learning

Siliguri

State

Siliguri is located in the Siliguri Corridor or Chicken's Neck — a very narrow strip of land linking mainland India to its north eastern states. It lies at the foot of Eastern Himalayas providing some exceptional views of the snow clad mountains. It is the commercial nerve center of North Bengal. It is also the transit point for air, road and rail traffic to the neighboring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

History

Siliguri is not a very old city. At the time of Indian Independence in 1947, it was a small village. But the partition of the country and creation of Pakistan increased the importance of the place. A large number of migrants from Bangladesh settled in this hamlet at the time of partition. Over the next half a century the town has grown by leaps and bounds to become the second most important town in West Bengal after Calcutta.

Accessibility

Air: Siliguri domestic airport is located at Bagdogra at a distance of 12 km from the heart of the city. Siliguri is air linked to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Siliguri is connected to Gangtok by helicopter services. Taxi fare from airport to city is about Rs 250. International travels get connection flights from Kolkata which is nearly 600 km away. Kolkata is connected to all major cities in India by air and is connected to many cities abroad.

Rail: New Jalpaiguri railhead is the nearest railway station to Siliguri, which is 16 km away. Jalpaiguri Station is connected to all major stations in India including Delhi and Mumbai.

Road: Public road transport buses offer services from many cities in West Bengal to Siliguri. There are regular daily bus services to Kolkata. Private tourist buses also connect many cities in North East to Siliguri.

Shopping

Siliguri also offers great shopping opportunities: genuine and fake-labelled garments can be bought here. The local speciality is cane ware – letter racks, sofas et al. Some of the good places to go shopping in Siliguri are- the Hong Kong Market, Bidhan Market, Seth Srilal Market, Hill Cart Road and Sunflower Shopping Mall. All the places offer wide array of inexpensive Chinese and imported products at competitive prices.

The best buy in Siliguri is loose tea, available almost everywhere. With the Nepal and Bhutan borders being near, a certain amount of smuggled goods are also available. All the better markets/shops are located on either Hill Cart Road or Sevoke Road. Excellent cane furniture is available.
With rising demand from locals and visitors, all the upmarket goods with international labels are now available in Siliguri.

District
Darjeeling
STD Code
0353
Best time to visit
April-June and September-December

Sunderbans

State

Sunderbans, one of the most unique ecosystems is the stretch of the largest mangrove mangrove forests in the world, is located in the southern tip of West Bengal. It is declared as a forest reserve by UNESCO, and in the year 1989 Sundarbans area was declared as Biosphere Reserve. It is the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger and also habitat to some of India’s most amazing wildlife species. The region has got its name from Sundari trees, once found in abundance here. It is also the world’s largest delta formed by the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna.

History

Sunderbans was one of the first wilderness areas in India to receive preferred / protected status. The East India Company gained proprietary rights to the region from the Mughal Emperor, Alamgir II, in 1757. As early as 1764, Surveyor General of the East India Company mapped out the Sunderbans. When the Forest Management Division was created in 1869, the Sunderbans was the very earliest forests to come under their jurisdiction. It was formally declared a reserved forest in 1875.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is Netaji Subhash International Airport in Kolkata (112 Kms).

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Canning Port (44 kms)

By Road:
Regular buses are available from Raidighi (76 km), Najat (92 km), Sonakhali (100 km) and Namkhana (105 km) from where motorboats will take you to Sundarban.

The interiors of Sunderbans Tiger Reserve are accessible only through waterways. Regular motorboat services are available to reach Sunderbans from the embarkation points at Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat.

Things to do

Bird Watching
If you are a birdwatcher, you would be delighted to explore Sunderbans, because here, you can hear the chirping of birds almost every where throughout the dense mangrove forest. So, if you are keen at bird watching, all you need to do is take a binocular, travel bag and set your journey towards the interiors of the forest, where you will witness wide variety of birds thriving in peace.

Boating
Boating is the next best thing to do in Sunderbans, since the entire territory of the forest floats on water. A ride through the sparkling waters can be a fun experience, at the same time, tranquilizing. So, in order to spend a memorable vacation in Sunderbans, take a ride in the motor boats available here. Boating in Sunderbans will also be a safe experience for you, because most of the boats are equipped with safety features, such as life jackets.

Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is the most preferred thing to do in Sunderbans. You will come across a wide variety of species of animals, within the dense mangrove forest of Sunderbans. Apart from the Royal Bengal Tigers, which are the main attractions of the Tiger Reserve of Sunderbans, you can also catch a glimpse of other animals, including chital, monkeys, estuarine crocodiles, marine turtle and even dolphins.

District
South 24 Parganas
Location
Lying towards the southeast of Kolkata
STD Code
03218
Termperature
Summer 37-42°C, Winter 9-29°C
Best time to visit
September to March
Famous For
Largest concentration of Royal Bengal Tigers in India

Tarakeshwar

State

Tarakeshwar is one of the most acclaimed religious destinations in West Bengal, famous for Tarakeshwar temple, devoted to Lord Shiva and is a major shivaite pilgrim under the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. This temple town hosts millions of pilgrims from all through India and also from foreign countries. Maha Shivratri is an important festival in this town.

Accessibility

By Air: Kolkata is the nearest airport to Tarakeshwar, located at a distance of 58 km.

By Rail: Tarkeshwar has a main railway station, well connected to Howrah and other cities by rail.

By Road: State road transport corporation buses connect Tarakeshwar with all neighboring cities. Special private buses operate from Kamarpukur (48 km), Kolkata and Howrah to Tarakeshwar.

District
Hooghly
Location
Located 58 km away from Kolkata, near Serampore
STD Code
03212
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-32°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Famous for Tarakeshwar Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva

Tarapith

State

Tarapith, situated near the Dwaraka River, is a small temple town near Rampurhat. It is known for its Tantric temple and its adjoining cremation grounds where Tantric rites are performed. The Tantric Hindu temple is dedicated to goddess Tara, a fearsome Tantric aspect of the Hindu Divine Mother and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Tarapith derives its name from its association as the most important centre of Tara worship and her cult.

History

There are several legends narrated on the origin and importance of this place, all related to the goddess Tara deified in the Tarapith temple. A well-known legend relates to the Shakti Piths. It is one such place where the eye ball of Sati had fallen and hence Sakthi is worshipped.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Tarapith is Kolkata, 225 km.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Rampurhat, which is connected to major stations like Howrah and Sealdah.

By Road: It can be accessed by buses from neighboring cities. It well connected to Esplanade/Dharamtalla bus stand, Kolkata.

Accommodation

Hotel Sonar Bangla
Yashoda International
Amantran Hotel

District
Birbhum
Location
Situated on the banks of the north flowing Dwarka River
STD Code
03461
Termperature
Summer 22-45°C, Winter 10-32°C
Best time to visit
October and March
Famous For
Known as one of the Shakti Peethas

Udaipur (Tripura)

State

Udaipur, earlier known as Rangamati and Radha Kishorepur, is known to possess some of the famous temples. It is a sacred spot dotted with the famous temples of Tripura and hence is known as the 'temple town of Tripura'.

Accessibility

By Air: The Airport is 12 km to the north and leads on to Agartala via the Ujjyanta Palace. Agartala is well connected with Udaipur.

By Rail
: Kumarghat is the nearest railway station.

District
South Tripura
Location
55 Km away from Agartala
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