Bakkhali-Touching The Sea Shore

Bakkhali is a seaside resort, and one of the deltic islands of South Bengal. It is situated in the South 24 parganas. The 7km long sea beach of Bakkhali stretches across to Frasergunj from Bakkhali with relaxing and rolling waves and casuarina trees in the beach line. The sea beach is not crowded except the occasional holidays. In the general days, some parts of the beach remain open. The hard beach of Bakkhali is perfect for driving and cycling. One can even take a long walk here in the evening. 

A trip to Bakkhali:How to reach?

The place is achieving huge popularity in a rapid pace because of the tourist-friendly environment. Now a days, traveling to Bakkhali from Kolkata has become quite easier and less time consuming. Tourists can board a train from Sealdah to Namkhana railway station. It would take 2.30 to 3 hours to reach. Regular bus services and private cars are available from Namkhana. You can either choose the bus service or the car. The second one is more preferable as it takes less time to reach to Bakkhali. 

The drive to Bakkhali from Diamond Harbour is quite enjoyable as the road passes through small markets, sleepy villages and sometimes a creek with bridges over it. The ferry crossing is a memorable experience to the city dwellers as the ferries carry humans, cars and buses at one time.

Lothian and Jambudwip are two nearby forested islands of Bakkhali. The only way to reach at this islands iare the motorised country boats. But there are no jetties. Travelers have to jump out of the country boats and wade through the sea to reach there.

The experience sounds quite thrilling! Rickshaw is the only mode of local transport here.
Local people rely on the trekker and bus services to reach at the farther destinations.
There are plenty of hotels in Bakkhali to stay. They offer a good service within a reasonable price. You can also stay at the Henry Island or at the WBSTDC Guest House.

A trip to Bakkhali: Activities

Bakkhali is not only a mere tourist destination, it is also famous for various reasons. There are several windmills in Frasergunj,which generates power for the small localities. The hotels use the power of solar heaters to heat water. The only activity of the people of this destination is fishing. In Frasergunj, there is a fishing harbour., established by the a wing of the state government

A trip to Bakkhali: Why Bakkhali?

If you like to spend a day of leisure, far away from the hassles of the city, Bakkhali can be the perfect spot. Here, you can still hear the crow of the cock in the morning and can view ducks paddling through the muddy pools. 

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Jhilimili is a quiet and pleasant place for traveler

Jhilimili is a beautiful tourist center in Khatra subdivision of Bankura district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is also a meeting point of the three districts of Bankura, Purulia and Midnapur. In Bengali, Jhilimili means sparkle or twinkle.

Jhilimili is situated 70 Km away from Bankura Town.Jhilimili is located on the banks of Kangsabati River, is about 15 kilometers from Mukutmanipur,80 kilometres from Bankura, 36 kilometres from Khatra and 20 kilometresfrom Ranibandh.

Jhilimili is a quiet and pleasant place for traveler, if you want to go Ranibandh to Jhilimili offers a magnificent revelation to impressive forest of changeable heights on both sides on the route. The Kangsabati flows through this forest and its banks are also a perfect picnic spot.

Jhilimili hav a won cultural significant, during mid of January, “Tusu parab” is celebrated there. Goddess Tusu is worshipped. Santhals organise village fairs during Makara Sankranti.

Government buses leave from the Shahid Minar of Calcutta, bus stand at 10 p.m., reaching Jhilimili in the early hours of morning. These buses go via Mukutmanipur and Ranibandh. There are also buses plying between Jhargram (in the district of Midnapur) and Jhilimili.

Tarakeshwar - the pilgrim place - Famous Shiva Temple

Tarakeshwar is one of the perfect pilgrimage centers and most acclaimed religious destinations in West Bengal of India .Tarakeshwar is located near Serampore in the district of Hooghly near Kolkata in Bengal. This small place is famous for the holy temple of Lord Shiva. Thousands of Devotees pour in every day to offer their prayer to the Lord from all through India and also from foreign countries. This temple dates back to the 18th century. Legend has it that a devotee by name Vishnu Das emigrated with his clan from Oude (Ayodhya) and was viewed with suspicion by the locals. It is believed that he proved his innocence by holding in his hand a red hot iron bar. Later, his brother discovered a site in the nearby jungle, where cattle discharged the contents of their udders at a particular spot each day. Upon investigation, they discovered a Shivalingam. A dream is said to have revealed to them that this Shivalingam was a manifestation of Tarakeshwar - Shiva. A temple was built at this spot, and was renovated in subsequent years.

The prime attraction is the Lord Shiva temple, known as Tarakeshwar temple.The temple has an 'atchala' building structure with a 'natmandir' (Place for prayers) in front. The temple premises host shrines of Kali and Lakshmi-Narayan.

Tarakeshwar is overwhelmed by the flow of pilgrims during the Sravan month (July – August). Maha Shivratri is an important festival in this town. It is celebrated with major fairs and shopping festivals. It is celebrated in a grandeur style in the month of February-March. Other festival celebrated here are the Bengali New Year or the Chaitra Sankranti

How to get there: Buses and trains are available from Kolkata, Kolkata's Dum-Dum airport is the nearest airport from Tarakeshwar and it is just 58 kms away from Tarakeshwar. You can hire a taxi from the Dum Dum airport to Tarakeshwar with a fare of about Rs 750.

Another way is the railway and the nearest station is Howrah junction which is 30 km away from Tarakeshwar. This is the cheapest way to reach Tarakeshwar as here you can hire a taxi or else you can get a bus straight to Tarakeshwar, now the choice is yours. Tarakeshwar also has a railway station which is connected with the Howrah station and you can get into a train to Tarakeshwar for reaching up faster.

Jhargram is the paradise of nature lover

Jhargram is the Sub-Divisional town, situated in the western part of Paschim Medinipur District of West Bengal and close to the Jharkhand State. It's surrounded by dense Saal, Piyal and Mohua trees and carpeted in red earth. Jhargram, is an ideal destination for travelers and paradise of nature lovers to spending a few days in fresh atmosphere with low budget. In winter season in Jhargram is very enjoyable. The Durga Temple in the forest and a Deer Park are significant tourist spots here. Jamboni situated 11km. from Jhargram it's well known for old castle known as Chilkigarh and many other visiting place are there which awaiting for travelers certificate .Jhargram directly linked with Digha and Howrah by bus and train.

Tamluk is a Historical - Religious - Academic and Cultural place

Tamluk is the headquarter of East Medinapur district in West Bengal. It is situated at100 kms from Kolkata connected by road and also communicated through Tamluk to Srirampur and Moyna, Tamluk to Mecheda, Kolaghat, and Kolkata, Tamluk to Panskura, Kharagpur and Ghatal, Tamluk to Haldia, Durgachowk, Tamluk to Digha, Contai, and Egra. The nearest railway station is Mecheda lying on Kolkata – Kharagpur route of the south eastern railway also connected by Howrah to Haldia, via Tamluk, Howrah to Digha, via Tamluk and Contai Haldia to Kharagpur via Tamluk.

Tamluk is the site of the ancient city known as Tamralipta or Tamralipti. The present town is located on the banks of the Rupnarayan river close to the Bay of Bengal. According to some scholars the city’s name derived from the Sanskrit word, Tamra Lipta, which means "Full of Copper". The name must have been originated during the Copper age, when Tamralipti was exported the ore and the metal to the peninsular India.
According to local folklore the name Tamralipta came from the King Tamradhwaja (which means The King with Copper Flag/symbol) of the Mayura-Dhwaja (Peacock) dynasty. During Fa-Hien's visit to Bengal, Fa-hien is said to have travelled eastward along the course of the Ganges river, and during his journey, he came across Buddhist stupas and monks at several places. In Tamluk/Tamralipti Fa-hien had spent two years, and visited twenty-two monasteries, inhabited by monks in Tamluk.

This ancient port city and kingdom was bounded by the Bay of Bengal in the south, river Rupnarayana in the east and Subarnarekha in the west. The Rupnarayana is the joint flow of the river Dwarkeshwar and the river Shilai. The Bay of Bengal and these great rivers and their numerous branches created a prosperous and easy water navigational system fostering commerce, culture and early contacts with the people outside the region. At the same time, these rivers helped to develop the agriculture in this region.
History tells us that the rivers have been central to urban settlement and development in the subcontinent from the ancient period. The Indus and the Ganges were cradles of ancient civilization. Tamluk was a civilization based on Bay of Bengal and river Rupnarayana. And the most important natural resource of this area was water from the rivers and sea.

It was known as Tramralipti or Tamralipta in Mahabharata or Tamalitti in foreigners` descriptions or Tamoluk in the British Raj. It was a seaport, now buried under river silt. For this reason, Tamluk has many ponds and lakes remaining today. According to Jain sources, Tamralipti was the capital of the kingdom of Venga and was long known as a port.
Tamluk is mainly an agricultural area. About 60% of the land is under cultivation. Tamluk is one of the largest producer and exporter of the Pan Leaf. Once Fishing was an important occupation of the local residents. Hilsa ( Ilish Mach ) of the River Rupnarayan is very famous for its taste.

Sanatan Shakti Peeth It is an important pilgrim place of the Hindus and one of the 51 sacred places of Shakti Peeth where left ankle of Sati/Parvati fell. The temple's presiding deity is known as Shri Barghobhima Devi.

Vaisnav/Vaishnav Thirtha In the vaishnava/vaisnava dharma Tamluk is also an important Vaishnav/vaisnava Tirtha. According to Kashidas Mahabharat and Jaimini's Mahabharat Supreme Lord Sri Krishna and Arjun came here to release the Devine Horse of Ashwamedh Yagna from King Tramradhwaja. The land of Tamluk is always devine and sacred because it was touched by the lotus feet of Sri Krishna.

In various Vaisnava religious writing Tamluk is mentioned as the next "Vrindavan" where on the next Kalp ( Next Creation of the universe) Sri Krishna will play his Rass Leela.

Places to see

Rupnarayan - The Rupnarayan river bank is famous for picnic.
Devi Barghobhima - There are near about 1150 year old Temple of Kali known here as Devi Barghobhima. This temple is a part of 51 Shakti Peethas. Puranas say that the small finger of left feet of devi Parvati fell here, when Lord Vishnu cut the sacred Body of Goddess Parvati into several pieces to make Lord Shiva quite.
Tamluk Rajbari - Tamluk Rajbari is on the outskirts of town. The literal translation for "rajbari" is king's house, once housing one of the many kings in West Bengal. The Mayura-dhwaja ( Peackok ) Dynasty had been named in Mahabharata, Bhagvat, Bramhabaibarto Puran etc as a very rich and wealthiest one of that region.
Archeological Museum - There are an Archeological Museum in Tamluk; it is a most visiting place of the town. Mr Kamal Kundu is the one of the prominent person who did his best to run this museum. The Tamralipta Museum at Tamluk contains artifacts of tamra or copper. Inscribed copper templates comprise the documents of this museum. The museum has preserved a tamralipta of Greek inscriptions. The Tamralipta Museum preserves the historical heritage of Bengal.
Rakhit bati - Rakhit bati is the another place to visit in Tamluk. In the beginning of 19th century it was famous as a secrete center of the then revolutionary party ‘Anusilan Samiti' & ‘Gupta samiti'. Famous historian late Shri Tailakyanath Rakhit rebuilt this building.
Matangani Sahid Smarak - Near  about 7Km from Tamluk station and on the way to Tamluk college,  Matangani Hazara Sahid Smarak at the side of pond called Banpukur at Abasbari Para near Tamluk Court is one of the most important place of tourist. During the ‘Ahimsa' movement of 1942, while a crowd trying to capture Tamluk administrative building, British police opened fire in which Smt Matangini Hazara became ‘Sahid'. Later on Mahatma Gandhi appreciated her bravery and titled her as ‘Birangana'. This monument is a homage to her by Ex- prime-minister, Smt Indira Ghandhi. 
Tamluk irrigation Bungalow - Tamluk irrigation Bungalow and its near by areas also famous for its semi-non urban atmospheres. The River Rupnarayana is just 1 km from the bungalow.
Green fields near the rail station - Another very popular picnic destination in Tamluk is green fields near the rail station.

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SHANTINIKETAN - A HISTORICAL ,TEACHING AND FESTIVE PLACE

Shantiniketan is a famous town near Birbhum district of West Bengal, approximately 180 kilometers north of Kolkata. Santiniketan was previously called Bhubandanga (named after Bhuban Dakat), and owned by the Tagore family. Rabindranath's father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, found it very peaceful and renamed it Santiniketan, which means abode of peace .It has become a tourist spot because of it’s association with Rabindronath Tagore, one of Bengal’s greatest poet. Shantiniketan was founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1921.Santiniketan is also a tourist attraction because Rabindranath wrote many of his literary classics here, and his house is a place of historical importance. His aim was to establish an institution that would follow the traditional Indian gurukul 
system of instruction. In this system guru would teach his/her disciples, while sitting on the grass under shady trees. 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. After he received the Noble Prize (1913), the school was expanded into a university. He established Visva Bharati University that followed the same idea of open air lessons. The Vishwa Bharati University is the meeting place for the east & western culture. Students from various part of the world come to learn Indian music & dance & also about the Indian culture. Shantiniketan is one of the most famous places in the world. Visva Bharati is an

international institution famous for its conventional way teaching. The traditions such as open air lessons, gurukul system of instruction still persist in the curricula of various programs. It is still a hallowed ground for admirers of Tagore.

Many world famous teachers have become associated with it, and Indira Gandhi was one of its more illustrious students. Kala Bhavana, the art college of Santiniketan, is still considered one of the best art colleges in the world. Other institutions here include Vidya Bhavana; the Institute of Humanities, Shiksha Bhavana; the Institute of Science, Sangit Bhavana; Institute of Dance, Drama and Music, Vinaya Bhavana; Institute of Education, Rabindra Bhavana, Institute of Tagore Studies and Research, Palli-Samgathana Vibhaga; Institute of Rural Reconstruction, and Palli Shiksha Bhavana; Institute of Agricultural Sciences. There are also other centres, affiliated to major institutions such as Nippon Bhavana, the Indira Gandhi Centre for National Integration, Rural Extension Centre, Silpa Sadana; Centre for Rural Craft, Technology and Design, Palli-Charcha Kendra; Centre for Social Studies and Rural Development, Centre for Biotechnology, Centre for Mathematics Education, Centre for Environmental Studies, Computer Centre and Indira Gandhi Centre for National Integration. As well as Patha-Bhavana, there are two schools for kindergarten level education; Mrinalini Ananda Pathsala, Santosh Pathsala; a school for primary and secondary education known as Shiksha Satra, and a school of higher secondary education known as Uttar-Shiksha Sadana.

The weather in Santiniketan is usually a pleasant one although you will come across the normal weather changes during summer, winter and Monsoon. Nonetheless Spring has its own charm in Santiniketan not only because of its natural beauty blooming to its fullest amidst the lush greenery but also due to the famous Vasanta Utsav held to mark the festival of Holi with the onset of Spring.

The weather in Santiniketan is usually a pleasant one although you will come across the normal weather changes during summer, winter and Monsoon. Nonetheless Spring has its own charm in Santiniketan not only because of its natural beauty blooming to its fullest amidst the lush greenery but also due to the famous Vasanta Utsav held to mark the festival of Holi with the onset of Spring.The Vichitra Museum, inside the university has memorabilia from the poet’s life including his paintings, developed from the sketches he made in the margins of the paper while writing. Excellent performances of Rabindra sangeet can be heard in the campus every evening.

About 30 kms from Shantiniketan is a small village Kenduli, the birth place of great Sanskrit poet Jaydev. Jaydev composed the famous Geeta Govinda. There are several temples here. Kenduli is famous for its folk song festival held during Makar Sankranti (Mid January). This festival is the largest of its kind in the state. Bauls, a sect of wandering minstrels, gather here during this festival.

Poush mela is a big festival in Shantiniketan in West Bengal. It happens in end of December. This festival is full of folk songs, baul songs, theatres and group dance. During this time the air in Shantiniketan is filled with colors, soft music. People from all over India and outside India come here to rediscover India On the first day the festival begins with community prayer orBrahmopasana written by Maharshi and Rabindranath. This followed by Tagore songs. Next comes the famous folk songs of West Bengal along with boul songs.On the second day the university arrange a award ceremony for students who have completed graduation. At the fair, the centre stage never quietens – more bauls and kirtan singers perform

; jatras and folk theatres are held.On the second evening, there is a celebration of fireworks, thoroughly enjoyed by everyoneBy the third day the number of tourist reach to near about ten thousand ; at night some areas are flooded with neon lights, while at other corners, you cannot even discern your own big toe. Irrespective of their urban or rural roots, children happily pick up brightly coloured wooden toys while their mothers select palm-leaf trinketsUsually, the three days include Christmas Day and everyone joins in the Krishtotsav, observed by the ashramites. Besides, there are cultural events and memorial lecture. Although real estate is booming, still the place is comfortably swathed in green and with not much auto mobile traffic (walking or  cycling is the common mode of commuting), Shantiniketan offers a welcome weekend getaway, any time throughout the year and specially during its festive days.

As the last festival in Bengali calendar, Basanta Utsav (spring festival), which is held on the day of Dol yatra, has great importance in Bengali life and culture. Every year, the festival is celebrated with great fanfare in Shantiniketan that sees the arrival of thousands of enthusiasts from all corners of the world.

Rabindranath Tagore, the famous saint-poet and the Indian Noble laureate, revived the spirit of Holi in India as the Spring festival or

Vasant Utsav at Shanti Niketan. The students of Bishwabharati University here dress in yellow-colored dresses on this day and celebrate Holi by performing special cultural programmes such as group choreography, songs and dances. They welcome the Spring by staging various aspects of this joyous festival in an artistic manner. Later, all the students and teachers play Holi with 'abeer' and 'gulal', the colored powders and smear each other's faces with red, yellows and greens.

In Shantiniketan, Basant Utsav is celebrated with immense fervor and zeal. Boys and girls, dressed in yellow (basanti) color, welcome spring - the season of hope, in a very elegant manner. They greet spring not only with colors, but also with songs, music and interesting rhymes. The cultural fest organized here, on this day, offers some spectacular performances of arts and crafts, by the students of Vishwabharti University. They sing beautiful songs and also dance to the tune of pleasurable music in groups. Later in the day, on Vasanta Utsav, the students as well as the teachers apply colored powders on each other. This powder is popularly called abeer (abhor). Following the coloring tradition, the entire premises of the university gets filled with the colors of abeer. A warm welcome is given to all the visitors and each of them is welcomed to join in this merry making festival. The air is filled not only with a number of vivacious colors, but also with the feeling of joy and hope, making the entire atmosphere delightful.

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Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is a paradise of earth

Sightseeing in Darjeeling remains incomplete without the visit to the Tiger Hill. The vibrant spectacle that sunrise is over the Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, makes the place a paradise on earth. Tiger Hill is about 12km from Darjeeling and at an altitude of 2555 meters above the sea level  is a Mecca for tourists visiting the mountains. 

You have to get up at 4am to make it there in time for sunrise, over the Mount Kanchanjangha range.  As the sun appears, the mountain changes color in what is a pretty darn amazing sight.  It is the third highest mountain in the world and Everest is viewable in the distance. 

On a clear day, Mount Everest, which is around 225 km from Tiger Hills, can also be seen; however, this is a rare sight. One must get up at 4 am to be able to be there to watch the sunrise. 

As the sun rises, the color of the mountain changes, which is an amazing sight.  The way to Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is covered by the ancient forests of oak and green fern leaves. The view of the Hill becomes more spectacular with the road towards Senchel running down through Ghoom.

The first rays of the sun brush the peaks of the Tiger Hill at Darjeeling swathing it in a warm pinkish hue. As the sun climbs up the horizon, gradually the colors change into a pulsating orange.The Tiger Hill in Darjeelingis located 11kilometrs away from Darjeeling and at around 8500 feet high . 

The visit to the Kanchenjunga peaks is a great experience. The tourists should try and visit the place around 4 am in the dawn to experience the stunning beauty of the Tiger Hill in Darjeeling .The Mount Everest is

 225kilometresaway from the hill and peaks make for

 a beautiful sight, as they peep out of the mist and the clouds.While on a visit to the Tiger Hill at Darjeeling the visitors can have a look into the Senchel Sanctuary and the  Senchel Lake. The Tiger Hill of Darjeeling, India is a UNESCO Heritage site and known to the entire world for its glorious sunrises.The panoramic view of the sunrise is a grand occasion for any visitor. While on a trip to Darjeeling one should never miss the opportunity to have a look at the world's best scene.

A trip to the Tiger Hill at Darjeeling adds more value on a very clear and sunny day.The beautiful and the enchanting Teesta River and Mechi River are also visible from the Tiger Hill in Darjeeling.The mount Kanchenjunga is a mysterious mountain. Its hiding all the day behind the cloud and its only comes out early in the morning. So tiger hill is the best place to see Kanchenjunga as well.If you decide to visit that place then just fallow this 2point You need give 20 rupees ( Indian currency ) as entry fees. There are many taxi in Darjeeling town which will take the tourist to the tiger hill. But another important thing is that some time the taxi driver don't come timely or some time they even don't come. So it will be better to give booking for the car from the hotel desk then there will be no chance to miss the sunrise.