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West Bengal
Land of tea gardens and natural beauty
How to go Mirik
Jul 19th
By Road : Mirik is connected by road with Siliguri, Kurseong and Darjeeling with the routes passing through stretches of great scenic beauty. Mountains of Mirik are covered by Tea Estates.
By Air :Mirik isThe nearest airport is Bagdogra, 55km away.
By Rail : Broad guage railhead is new Jalpaiguri at a distance of 60km. The toy train station nearest to Mirik are Ghoom(41km), Kurseong(46km), Darjeeling(49km).
Place to Stay-Mirik
Jul 19th
Places to Stay
The Swiss chalet Mirik also good place to stay. These are also called motels. You can also enjoy the sunrise from the point of sunrise, but not in Mirik is somehow the distance from the site. Sunrise not only from the site also can see the peaks of Kanchenjunga and enjoy the relaxing view of the Himalayas. Mirik is a major orange producing area in West Bengal and one can walk or take horses to the orange groves.
Climate
The climate of Mirik is pleasant and the temperature rarely crosses 30 degrees during the summer. However, the winters are very cold. Accommodation in Mirik is good and cheap with hotels concentrated near the Mirik lake. Mirik lake is one of the places that attract tourists in large numbers. But do not try to swim in the lake because Mirik wastewater falls into this lake. Near the lake is very large, lush green land. It is very difficult to find a plain as in mountainous areas. The Devasthan of Mirik is also very famous among the visitors. This place five or six temples that are across the lake. Devsthan is in the midst of a grove of trees and can only be reached by crossing the bridge over the lake Mirik.
Tour to Mirik-Prime attractions
Jul 19th
The main attraction of Mirik. The arch bridge across the lake is 80 feet long. Boating and fishing are two of the most popular pastimes here.
Rameetay Dara
A view from where you can get a panoramic view of the plains and mountains. Sunrise and sunset views from here are unforgettable views.
Deosi Dara
Another vantage point with panoramic views of the plains, hills and peaks.
Rai Dhap
An ideal picnic spot. The source of drinking water for the whole of Mirik.
Debi Sthan
The revered Hindu temple of Singha Devi Mandir is on the western shore of the lake.
Tour to Mirik- An Introduction
Jul 19th
Mirik is 52 km from Siliguri and 55 kms from the Bagdogra airfield beautiful. Mirik is being developed as a new hill station in the mountains. Mirik is surrounded by tea plantations, orange orchards and cardamom plantations. Mirik has all the facilities to meet the needs of a tourist, is surrounded by forests, flowers, and is a peaceful place that attracts tourists automatically. This rapid development as a tourist paradise. This place is 5800 feet above sea level and has a very thin population of 10,000 people. Mirik has not yet acquired the hustle and bustle of hill station and is a regular pollution. Thus, the short time spend here is enough to refresh.
Attractions of Kalimpong Hills
Jul 19th
Kalimpong has some of the best Gladiolis and orchid producing nurseries. The flowers grown in these nurseries are exported to other countries as well as the cities of northern India. Standard and Universal Viveros also specialize in Cactus. Sericulture Research Institute breads silkworms and silk is produced here. Through the bamboo stands reach the house of Dr. Graham is the school is spread over 193 hectares and is home to 1300 students. The school was established in 1900. The center of the Interpretation of Nature is working to conserve soil and forests of the area. It has some good illustrations and demonstrations on the effect of human activity on the environment.
Kalimpong also offers some good items to be purchased. The Kalimpong is famous for the tapestry bags and purses, copper items, film and pictures of the house of Dr. Graham. Shops selling Tibetan jewelry and art effects can be found in the streets east of Dambar Chowk.
Tour to Kalimpong Hills-An introduction
Jul 19th
A small but lively town in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal-Kalimpong is at an altitude of 1250 meters. This bazaar town was originally a part of Bhutan but later was taken by the English and eventually became part of West Bengal. Kalimpong is known for its monasteries, churches and a private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan languages, culture. This place also has the center of sericulture and orchid nurseries and of course the site also offers some beautiful views of the Himalayas. Although not all travelers visiting this place that requires some attention. The journey from Darjeeling along the Teesta River is very interesting.
The thongs Gompa or Bhutanese Monastery was established in 1892. The Tharpa Gompa was established in 1922 and belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa is five kilometers from the city and was established in 1970. This has Gompa impressive wall paintings in the prayer hall and a rare floor three-dimensional mandala. Good mountain views can be taken from the hill Durpin Dara.
General Information – Darjeeling
Jul 15th
General Information – Darjeeling
Population
there are one lakh people live in this area.
Languages
Hindi, Bengali, Assamese ,Gorkhai,Bhutani, and English.
Useful Information – Darjeeling
Tourist Information Centres
West Bengal Tourist Office – Bellevue Hotel, Chowrasta, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India . Tel. – +(91)-0354-54050.
Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Office – Silver Fir Building, Opposite Hotel Alice Villa, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Tel. – +(91)-0354-54214
Indian Tourism Office – 88, Janpath, New Delhi – 110 001 India Tel. – +(91)-011-3320342, 3320005, 3320109, 3320008, 3320266; Fax. – +(91)-011-3320342
Indian Tourism Office – ‘Embassy’, 4 Shakespeare Sarani, Calcutta, West Bengal, India Tel. – +(91)-033-2421402, 2421475, 2425813; Fax – +(91)-033-2423521
Caution
For all tourist – beware of dealers, whether new to the location.
How To Get There – Darjeeling
Jul 15th
Sources to go Darjeeling
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is the Bagdogra airport. Bagdogra is 10 km from Siliguri and is an important military installation. From Bagdogra one can take a bus or taxi to Darjeeling. Darjeeling has a railway station, but only the toy train from Jalpaiguri and New Jalpaiguri comes here. The most important trains connect the site with all the important places in India come to Jalpaiguri or New Jalpaiguri. From here you also have to take the toy train or a bus or taxi to Darjeeling. The place is well connected by roads. The running state transport buses from Calcutta and other places nearby. Private operators have their buses and the fair does not vary much in the state or private buses.
Leisure – Darjeeling
Shopping
Besides tea, there are many elements that Darjeeling offers in its shopping centers. Tourists love taking home the curios and carpets from here. The curio shops and carpet are in Chowrasta and Nehru Road. These stores also sell thangkas, bronze statues, religious objects, jewelry, wood carvings, textiles and many other articles of the Himalayan region. The bronze items and wooden carvings give you good value for money. Thangkas are impressive at first glance, but require a closer look if you want to buy. The West Bengal’s Manjusha Emporium has a good collection of Himalayan handicrafts, silk and handloom products. Wool garments can be bought at markets on the hill of highway. The bamboo items are collectors delight from the region. Hayden Hall is a place to find the unique Tibetan rugs. The women’s cooperative is also a place worth visiting.
Climate – Darjeeling
The best season to visit Darjeeling is between April and June. The climate during this period is generally clear and calm cold biting cold. But one can also go to Darjeeling between September and November. During these months, the mountains are clearly visible and can enjoy the golden sunrise of the Himalayas. Being a mountain town of Darjeeling experiences rains throughout the year. Often heavy down pours wash the roads and the place is completely isolated from the rest of the country. The temperature range is not very big here with the maximum in summer is 15 degrees and 1.5 degrees in winter. This place requires warm cloths any time of year and do not forget to bring an umbrella to this place.
Prime Attractions of Darjeeling
Jul 15th
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is on the West Jawahar road. The Institute offers training courses for mountaineers, and has a very good collection of mountain equipment that have been used in various mountaineering expeditions and other wise. The specimens of flora and fauna of the Himalayas are also stored here. The record of attempts to conquer Mt. Everest has been kept in the Museum Mt.Everest. The institute also screens short films on mountaineering. You can also see the Himalayan peaks through the Zeiss Telescope given to the Nepalese Maharaja by Hitler. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the director of this institute for many years and was cremated near the institute after his death in 1986. About Srabri Institute is giving a good view of the interior valley and the Kanchenjunga range. One can sit in Srabri and feeling the cool breeze of the valley.
Kanchenjunga View
From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides one of the fascinating views of these snow-capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives a good view of the Kanchenjunga peak.
Kurseong
Kurseong is halfway between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The road from Darjeeling to Kurseong is generally open year round. Thus, the toy train is not coming to Siliguri then you can come up to Kurseong. This place is equally beautiful and full of natural splendor.
Natural History Museum
The museum has a collection of over 4300 samples. Established in 1903, this package Natural History Museum in its folds a rich collection of fauna found in the Himalayas and in Bengal. Other attractions include saltwater crocodiles. This unique museum also has a good collection of butterflies. The mineral forms of various stones are displayed in an engaging way at the museum.
Observatory Hills
This item is one of the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga peaks. This place is also very sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, as there are temples and monasteries here. The Kali temple is decorated with colored flags. Be aware of groups of monkeys that some of these are very aggressive.
Passenger Ropeway
Another tourist attraction in Darjeeling has been the ropeway. This was the first ropeway in India. It connects the North point (7000 feet) to the Singla Bazaar (800 feet). The rope covers a distance of eight miles in 45 minutes. The seats in the rope way is limited and it is better to buy tickets in advance. The cable car is exciting and unique to any one visiting Darjeeling.
Rungli Runglio
When the road from Gangtok to Darjeeling takes its great bend on the Teesta river, directly opposite Kanchenjunga, a Buddhist monk many years ago is believed to have proclaimed “Rungli Rungliot” This pious benediction which, literally translated, means “to time and no further “is alive and well today as one of the most famous tea gardens in the hills of Darjeeling. The village is full of legends.
Senchal Lake
A picturesque place near the tiger hills. This place has popularly come as a picnic spot among tourists. The lake supplies drinking water to the city of Darjeeling.
Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri
The twin towns of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the departure point to Darjeeling, Sikkim and North Eastern States. Being the nodal point this place has become very busy and crowded. This area has the largest population of 2.5 lakh people. Siliguri also acts as a transit point for Nepal. This place is not very pleasant to stay as there are always long lines of buses and trucks. These trucks and vehicles might be good for business but they provide very ugly sight. Tourists come to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to change bus or catch trains. If you have time, then visit the sanctuary almost forgotten Jaldhapara wildlife. The best time to visit this park is between October and May. This time, when the new grass has come up and animals are out there. The sanctuary has elephants, deer, tigers and other animals, but the main attraction is the rhinos are threatened by poachers. Elephant Safari can be taken Hollong.
Snow Leopard Breeding Programme
Nowadays the zoologists and the environmental scientists are trying to protect endangered species by captive breeding. Following this trend is Kiran Moktan who has devoted his life in breeding programs of snow leopards. The snow leopards are not known to have been bred in captivity but in this center thanks to the efforts of Kiran Maktan these animals have given birth in captivity. Snow leopards are animals that have to be kept in large enclosures. Visitors are allowed in the center, but have to see the animals in utter silence.
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
In 1959 he established a center for the refuges who had fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama after the Chinese invasion. This self-help center has been developed as workshop for the manufacture of handicrafts. The fine and superb carpets, wool, wood carvings and leather work form this center has been very popular among tourists. The money raised from the sale of products going to the Tibetans who work here. The variety Tibetan Curios on sale are also attracting visitors in a big way. This center has established me in the international arena as a place for hard work, self and truth.
Zoological Gardens
The zoo is situated two kms from the main town. The zoo houses some rare species of animals and birds. This is only zoo in India with the Siberian Tigers. Apart from these rare Red Panda is also there. Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds, Snow Yaks are some of the animals which are attracting tourists in large numbers. Entry to the zoo is by tickets which are valid also for the Natural History Museum and the Mountaineering Institute and Museum.
